Good thread. I love doing <24hr stopovers, especially when traveling solo.
HKG is always fun, can do so much depends on the length of stay. I've done CityGate outlets and the big Buddha on short transits up to 6 hours. For overnight Macau is good option if landing in HKG before last ferry leaves (I took the ferry from HK station once and it was too much waste of time). Unlike the OP, I thought Macau worth an overnight trip. Enjoy the lights at night, do some historic tours during the day, enjoy a good meal and back to airport. I've stayed a few times in HK island and Kowloon during overnight stopovers to catch up with friends who live there. On my most recent 8 hours transit I just stayed at airport, did lounge crawl and took a nap in the cabana but I guess that doesn't count
HND was nice overnight stopover. Stayed at Shinjuku, good nightlife scene there and the the next day spent a few hours walking around exploring the gardens and enjoying some Japanese food before taking the shuttle to NRT.
BKK recent stopover was similar to what Smit0847 described: wasted a lot of time in traffic on the way to Conrad. Had some drinks in the lounge (probably not the best idea after coming from day flight in F
) then went to party at Khao San Road. The next morning we spent our remaining half day relaxing by the pool and going out just to have massage.
Had some other less memorable stopovers but by far the BEST ones were in CDG. My first transit there was daytime, I had about 12 hours total between flights (7am to 7pm) so went to explore Paris. Had some good luck with weather and managed to see and do so much that when I showed people all the photos I took everyone thought I've stayed there at least 2 days!
Being so happy with my daytime experience I've planned an overnight stopover next time in CDG (6pm to 1pm). This time I was less lucky with weather, it was constantly drizzling but nevertheless had good time exploring Paris at night and even got to sample all kinds of local dishes and wines at a busy night market along the Champs Élysées.
Later this year I'll probably have 10 hour transit in NRT (9am to 7pm) and thought to contact this tour company:
http://naritatours.jp/
Anyone had positive experience with them? Does it worth taking guided tour around Narita or can just explore solo? Any advice appreciated.