The best places to do karaoke in Hong Kong
Sing it like you mean it
Ever since it gained popularity in the 90s, Hongkongers have been obsessed with karaoke. From the rotten to the resplendent, we embrace anyone willing to grab the mic and have a crack. And while the city's largest purveyors of karaoke, Neway and Red Mr, certainly dominate the scene, there are a few other choices out there worth checking out if you're looking for a break from the norm.
RECOMMENDED: If you prefer listening than singing, pay a visit to some of the best vinyl stores in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s best karaoke spots
Boo Bar
This popular gay bar (supposedly a bear haven, though from what we hear, that's an exaggerated reputation) is another great spot for some convivial public karaoke. It's also one of the more reasonably priced bars around, so you can sit back and enjoy a drink without emptying your bank account. Once you've built up sufficient liquid courage, you can try out Boo Bar's state-of-the-art karaoke system, which has a diverse selection of tunes for you to choose from.
Cosmos@RedMr
Cosmos@RedMr is Hong Kong's first-ever karaoke lounge that combines the casual vibes of a cafe with full-on karaoke. Going to karaoke – or 'sing k' as Hongkongers would call it – usually entails a night of loud music and even louder singing, but here, things work a little differently. Rather than staying inside a dark-coloured room (like most karaoke rooms in Hong Kong), each room is beautifully designed with colourful interiors and plenty of natural light seeping through. And instead of giving your eardrums a hard time, every customer gets a pair of headphones so as you sing to your heart's content. You'll be able to hear your vocals through them, no matter good or bad.
Neway
One significant advantage Neway has over its rivals is its exclusive licensing contract with some of the biggest record labels in the region. That means they almost always have official videos and backing tracks for the latest Korean, Taiwanese, and Cantopop tunes. Prices range from $83 to $229 depending on the time of day you arrive and the branch you visit.
Red Mr
Red Mr is one of the biggest players in town. Depending on what you're after, you can either opt for a traditional karaoke experience or get a room replete with beer pong, dart board, Xbox, and a host of other goodies that serve as ample distraction. Red Mr's rooms can typically accommodate any number and as many as 30 people. The prices vary depending on when you visit, so be sure to call ahead and check.
Sonder
Sonder is a cracking all-in-one bar that has wall-to-wall darts and beer pong as well as some decent drinks. More importantly, it has numerous private rooms where karaoke kings and queens can let the singing games begin. Party packages start at $188 per person on weekdays and $250 on the weekends.