Is this the world’s most expensive tram ride? Circus Tram rolls into Hong Kong
- Private members’ club on rails is available to guests enrolled in The Peninsula Academy – at a price
- Stay two nights at the luxury hotel and you can book a US$6,000 ride for up to five people; the same journey for five on a regular tram would cost US$1.65
Circus Tram offers a ride through Hong Kong like no other, for those who can afford it. While a handful of trams have been retrofitted with air conditioning, this one has a bar, lounge seating, a sound system and even a toilet.
The tram is divided into three sections: behind the bar on the lower deck, Chatham House has a clubby, tufted-leather ambience; The Freudians, at the front of the top deck, has an open-air balcony; and Darwin’s Garden, at the rear of the top deck, is “an urban greenhouse”, complete with plants.
During the two-hour round trip from Western Market to Happy Valley or North Point, two to five hotel guests get a taste of Hong Kong culture. On a recent media outing, harmonica player Kelvin Leung Shing-hei performed Canto-pop songs, such as Below the Lion Rock, and even a burst of Flight of the Bumblebe e, explaining that during the 1950s and 60s, cash-strapped locals often entertained themselves by playing the mouth organ; a fortune-teller gave Chinese tarot card readings; and Circus Tram co-founder Alvin Yip Cheung-on talked about the history of trams in Hong Kong, where they are nicknamed ding-dings.
“In the beginning, trams were imported from England, but […] in the 1950s and 60s, Hong Kong started to make its own,” said the architect. “They are practically the only large-scale vehicles made in the city.”
Jenny Choi Hoi-ki, design manager at Circus, says the company’s tram promotes the local designers who had a hand in outfitting the vehicle, which features furniture by Hong Kong-born and raised Billy Potts, of Handsome, and vases by BeCandle.
For Peninsula Academy guests, the hotel will arrange transport to and from the tram, on-board drinks – from sparkling water to champagne – and canapés.
As well as collaborations with The Peninsula and local craft beer brand Yau, Circus Tram operates as a members’ club, with individual memberships at HK$25,500 and corporate at HK$73,500. (The annual fee takes up 10 per cent. The balance can be used towards subsequent annual fees or to rent the tram for up to 25 people.)
Guests who stay at The Peninsula for at least two nights can book the “Tale of a City: Bespoke Circus Tram Academy” for HK$46,888 on weekdays, and HK$50,888 on weekends, from 12.15pm to 2.15pm or 7.15pm to 9.15pm, for a maximum of five people.
For details, contact [email protected]. For more information, visit circustram.com.
