Day Trips From Hong Kong in 2026

This guide covers the day trips I take on weekends and days off: island loops, ridge hikes, fishing villages, cross-border food runs, and cultural towns that still feel lived-in. Some cost less than a coffee. Some require a passport. All of them get you past the selfie spots and into places that feel less like tourist destinations and more like neighborhoods where people go about their lives.

When friends visit and want to see Hong Kong experiences beyond the skyline, I'll sometimes take them on one of the private hikes I host a few times each month. Otherwise, I just hand them this list and tell them to catch the early ferry.

Lamma Island: Where Hong Kong Moves Slower

Time from Central: 30–40 minutes by ferry

Best for: Families, solo travelers, anyone allergic to crowds

Cost: HK$30–40 ferry round-trip, HK$150–300 for seafood lunch, HK$20–40 for café meals

Lamma is where expats, artists, and people who gave up on the MTR moved decades ago. No cars, no Starbucks, just two ferry piers connected by a walking trail that hugs the coast.

I come here on weekday afternoons when I need to reset. The hiking's easy, the villages are quiet, and the seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan don't bother with menus tourists can't read. I usually order whatever's seasonal from the tank, a plate of stir-fried greens, and a beer, then sit watching boats come in.

What to Do:

1. Walk the Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan trail (90 minutes, mostly flat)
2. Swim at Hung Shing Yeh Beach if it's warm
3. Eat at one of the waterfront seafood spots in Sok Kwu Wan
4. Stop at a vegetarian café in Yung Shue Wan. The tofu's better than it should be

Logistics: Ferries leave from Central Pier 4 every 30–60 minutes. Round-trip is around HK$30–40. The island has steps in the villages, but the coastal trail is manageable for most fitness levels. Ferry seats fill fast on sunny weekends. Show up 20 minutes early or accept you'll stand the whole ride.

Accessibility: The main trail has some steps and uneven paths. Not wheelchair-accessible, but fine for moderate mobility. Public toilets at both ferry piers.

QUICK PICK: Best for first-timers who want an easy island intro

Cheung Chau: The Snack Island

Time from Central: 35 minutes by fast ferry

Best for: Foodies, families, solo explorers, beach days

Cost: HK$25–40 ferry round-trip, HK$50–80 bike rental, HK$50–100 for snacks and lunch

If Lamma is the quiet island, Cheung Chau is the lively one. This is where locals go to eat fish balls, rent bikes, and spend a full day without spending much money.

The beaches aren't pristine, but Tung Wan Beach is clean enough for a few hours. The island loop by bike takes about two hours if you stop for photos, and the Pak Tai Temple sits on a hill with views that remind you why people live on islands.

What to Do:

1. Walk the snack lanes near the ferry pier. Try the giant fish balls
2. Rent a bike and loop the island (about 2 hours, easy terrain)
3. Swim at Tung Wan Beach or explore the quieter Kwun Yam Beach
4. Visit Pak Tai Temple for the hilltop view
5. Grab mango mochi or egg waffles before the ferry back

Logistics: Fast ferries from Central Pier 5 take 35 minutes (HK$25–40). Slow ferries take an hour but cost less. Bike rentals are around HK$50–80 for the day. The island gets crowded on Sundays, so weekdays or Saturday mornings are better. Most snack stalls open by 9 AM, some close by 6 PM.

Accessibility: Flat terrain makes biking accessible for most. The main village has steps in places, but bike paths are smooth. Public toilets near the ferry pier and beaches.

QUICK PICK: Best for food lovers and relaxed beach days

Ngong Ping and Tai O Without the Crowds

Time from Tung Chung: 25 minutes by cable car, 50 minutes by bus

Best for: First-time visitors, hikers, culture seekers

Cost: HK$235 cable car round-trip OR HK$35 bus round-trip, HK$40–80 monastery lunch, HK$6–8 bus to Tai O, HK$30–60 for village snacks

This is the Hong Kong day trip tourists do, and honestly, they're not wrong. It's just better when you tweak the timing.

Most people take the cable car to Ngong Ping, see the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha), eat overpriced noodles, then leave. I do it differently. I hike up to Lantau Peak before sunrise, walk down to Ngong Ping by 10 AM, eat vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery before the tour groups arrive, then catch a bus to Tai O for the afternoon.

What to Do:

1. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car for the views (skip if you hate queues)
2. Visit Tian Tan Buddha and climb the 268 steps for the full effect
3. Eat vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery (cheap, filling, better than expected)
4. Bus to Tai O village (20 minutes, HK$6–8)
5. Walk the stilt house lanes and try dried seafood snacks
6. Take a sampan boat ride through the channels if you want (HK$20–30)

Logistics: MTR to Tung Chung Station, then Ngong Ping 360 cable car (25 minutes, HK$235 round-trip) or Bus 23 (50 minutes, HK$16). The cable car queue can hit 60–90 minutes on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or skip to the bus. From Ngong Ping to Tai O, take Bus 21 (20 minutes, HK$6–8). Ferries return to Central from Mui Wo if you want an alternative exit.

Accessibility: The cable car is wheelchair-accessible. Ngong Ping has paved paths but the Buddha requires climbing steps (elevator available). Tai O village has narrow lanes and steps. Not ideal for wheelchairs but manageable with assistance.

QUICK PICK: Best for mixing nature, culture, and Big Buddha photos

Sai Kung: The Outdoor Capital

Time from Central: 75 minutes by MTR and bus

Best for: Hikers, beach lovers, seafood addicts

Cost: HK$10 minibus, HK$10–20 trail buses, HK$30–50 kaito ferries, HK$300–600 seafood meals

Sai Kung is where serious hikers go. The town sits at the edge of Sai Kung East Country Park, which has some of the best coastal trails, clearest water, and emptiest beaches in Hong Kong. My usual order here is steamed fish, salt and pepper squid, and whatever clams are in season, shared with whoever I dragged out there.

What to Do:

1. Hike to Tai Long Wan beaches (3–4 hours round-trip from Sai Wan Pavilion)
2. Visit Sharp Island or Kiu Tsui Beach by kaito (small ferry, HK$30–50 round-trip)
3. Walk the MacLehose Trail Section 1 or 2 for coastal views
4. Eat seafood at the Sai Kung waterfront. Pick your fish, pay by weight
5. Rent a kayak or SUP if you're into that

Logistics: MTR to Choi Hung or Diamond Hill, then Green Minibus 1A (30–40 minutes, HK$10). For hiking, take Bus 94 or 96R (weekends only) to trail access points. Sai Kung has ATMs, grocery stores, and gear shops if you need supplies. Beaches fill up fast in summer. Arrive before 10 AM or hike on weekdays.

Accessibility: Sai Kung Town is flat and walkable. Trails are steep and remote with limited facilities. Not wheelchair-accessible. Bring plenty of water as refill points are scarce on coastal routes.

QUICK PICK: Best for serious hiking and pristine beaches

Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak: The Best High-View Day Hikes

Time from Tung Chung: Varies by route (2–6 hours hiking)

Best for: Experienced hikers, sunrise chasers, solitude seekers

Cost: HK$5–8 bus to trailhead, free hiking, HK$40–80 for post-hike meal

Lantau has the city's two highest peaks, which makes it perfect for day trips from Hong Kong. Lantau Peak (Phoenix Mountain) and Sunset Peak. Both offer the kind of views that make you pull out your phone, realize photos can't capture it, then try anyway.

I really enjoy hiking Lantau Peak for sunrise a few times a year. You start in the dark, climb 900+ meters, and reach the summit as the sky shifts from black to purple to gold. The South China Sea stretches out below, and on clear days you can see Macau.

What to Do:

1. Hike Lantau Peak from Pak Kung Au (3–4 hours round-trip, steep)
2. Hike Sunset Peak from Pak Kung Au or Mui Wo (2.5–3.5 hours round-trip)
3. Connect both peaks via Lantau Trail Sections 2–3 (8–10 hours, for serious hikers)
4. Descend to Ngong Ping for food and transport

Logistics: MTR to Tung Chung, then Bus 3M to Pak Kung Au (20 minutes, HK$5–8). For sunrise hikes, catch the first bus around 5:30 AM. Trails are well-marked but steep. Bring water, snacks, and a headlamp for early starts. No facilities on the peaks. Descent to Ngong Ping takes 60–90 minutes.

Accessibility: These trails are steep, exposed, and remote. Not suitable for beginners or anyone with mobility issues. No wheelchair access. Bathrooms only at bus stops and Ngong Ping.

QUICK PICK: Best for sunrise hikes and Hong Kong's highest views

The Best Waterfalls and Trails in the New Territories

Time from Central: 60–120 minutes depending on location

Best for: Waterfall chasers, ridge hikers, off-season explorers

Cost: HK$8–20 bus fares, free hiking, HK$50–100 for meals in nearby towns

The New Territories (NT) is where Hong Kong's hiking goes deep. Pat Sin Leng ridge, Tai Mo Shan (Hong Kong's tallest mountain), and Bride's Pool waterfall are all here, tucked into valleys and ridgelines that feel remote even though you're still technically in the city.

I like to visit Bride's Pool in spring when the waterfalls are running strong, and Pat Sin Leng in autumn when the ridge visibility is perfect. It's part of the reason why I love Hong Kong.

What to Do:

1. Hike to Bride's Pool waterfall from Tai Mei Tuk (1.5 hours one-way, easy-moderate)
2. Tackle Pat Sin Leng ridge (6–8 hours, difficult, for experienced hikers only)
3. Summit Tai Mo Shan via Twisk or Route Twisk (3–4 hours round-trip)
4. Explore Kadoorie Farm for a gentler nature day

Logistics: Access varies by trail. For Bride's Pool, take Bus 75K from Tai Po Market MTR (40 minutes, HK$8–10). For Pat Sin Leng, start from Tai Mei Tuk (bus or taxi from Tai Po). For Tai Mo Shan, take Bus 51 from Tsuen Wan. Bring full hiking gear for your excursions. These trails are remote, and phone signal can be weak. Check weather before going.

Accessibility: Bride's Pool has some paved sections but still requires moderate fitness to enjoy all the sights. Pat Sin Leng and Tai Mo Shan are advanced trails with no wheelchair access. Bathrooms only at trailhead parking areas.

QUICK PICK: Best for advanced hikers seeking remote trails

Time from Central: 60–90 minutes by MTR + bus

Best for: Seafood lovers, group meals, lazy Sundays

Cost: HK$300–600 per person for a full seafood meal

Sai Kung's waterfront restaurants are where locals go when someone's visiting from abroad and they want to impress.

You pick your fish, prawns, clams, and crab from tanks, then the kitchen steams, grills, or stir-fries them while you drink beer and watch boats come in.

It's not cheap, but it's fresh, and the portion sizes are built for sharing. I usually go with a group. Order too much, eat until we can't move, then walk it off along the pier.

Families arrive around 1 PM for Sunday lunch. Couples and small groups prefer early dinners around 6 PM. Weekday afternoons are quietest but some restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. If you're curious about exploring more of what to eat in Hong Kong, the Sai Kung waterfront gives you a good benchmark for how seafood pricing and freshness work across the city.

What to Eat:

1. Steamed fish (pick from the tank, go for seasonal catch)
2. Salt and pepper squid
3. Ginger scallion crab
4. Clams in black bean sauce
5. Mantis shrimp if it's in season

Logistics: MTR to Choi Hung or Diamond Hill, then Green Minibus 1A (30–40 minutes, HK$10). Restaurants line the waterfront. Walk around and compare tank prices before committing. Expect to pay HK$300–600 per person for a full meal depending on what you order. Most places open from lunch through dinner.

Accessibility: The waterfront promenade is flat and wheelchair-accessible. Most restaurants have step-free entry or minimal steps. Public toilets near the bus terminal.

QUICK PICK: Best for fresh seafood and waterfront dining

Time from Tung Chung: 50 minutes by bus

Best for: Market wanderers, snack grazers, cultural explorers

Cost: HK$12–16 bus round-trip, HK$50–100 for snacks and treats

Tai O isn't just stilt houses. It's also one of Hong Kong's last working dried seafood markets.

The shops along the main lane sell shrimp paste, dried fish, scallops, and things I still can't identify. The smell is intense, but that's part of it. Worth seeing if you want to understand how fishing villages functioned before the tourism cycle kicked in.

What to Try:

1. Egg waffles from the shops near the bus stop
2. Dried squid (grilled fresh, not the vacuum-packed kind)
3. Shrimp paste products if you're brave
4. Herbal tea from the old tea houses

Logistics: MTR to Tung Chung, then Bus 11 to Tai O (50 minutes, HK$12–16). The market lanes are near the bus stop. Follow the crowds and your nose. Cash only at most stalls. Go mid-morning to early afternoon when shops are open but tour groups haven't peaked.

Accessibility: Tai O's lanes are narrow with uneven surfaces and steps. Not wheelchair-friendly. Public toilets near the bus stop and ferry pier.

QUICK PICK: Best for market snacks and village culture

Macau Day Trip for Food: Taipa Village

Time from Hong Kong: 60 minutes by ferry + 20 minutes by bus/taxi

Best for: Foodies, culture lovers, weekend escapers

Cost: HK$160–300 ferry round-trip, MOP$6–50 local transport, MOP$150–300 for meals

Macau is a separate administrative region from Hong Kong, but it's an easy cross-border day trip. Most people go for casinos. I go for Taipa Village, a maze of Portuguese-influenced streets where old ladies sell pork chop buns, bakeries make egg tarts the way they did in the 1950s, and the buildings still have tile facades. These are some of my favorite things to do in Hong Kong.

It's a full-day trip, but the food alone makes it worth it.

What to Eat:

1. Egg tarts from Lord Stow's Bakery (the original location)
2. Pork chop buns from Taipa Village Food Street
3. Portuguese chicken rice at one of the old-school cafés
4. Serradura (sawdust pudding) for dessert

Logistics: TurboJet or Cotai Water Jet ferries from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal or China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui (60 minutes, HK$160–300 round-trip). You'll need your passport. From Macau ferry terminals, take a free casino shuttle to central Macau, then bus or taxi to Taipa Village (20 minutes, MOP$6–50). Macau uses Macanese patacas, but HKD is accepted almost everywhere.

Accessibility: Taipa Village has narrow lanes with some steps, but main streets are flat. Not fully wheelchair-accessible. Public toilets in central plaza areas.

QUICK PICK: Best for Portuguese-Macanese food and heritage streets

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Time from Central: 45–60 minutes by MTR

Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers, half-day trips

Cost: HK$5–8 light rail, free trail entry and building access

The Ping Shan Heritage Trail connects walled villages, ancestral halls, and pagodas in the western New Territories. It's a 1 mile (1.6 km) loop that takes about two hours if you stop to read plaques and peek into courtyards.

Not thrilling, but grounding.

I come here when I want to walk without sweating, see something old, and remember that Hong Kong existed long before the MTR. The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda is the only surviving ancient pagoda in Hong Kong. Almost 43 feet (13 meters), built in the 1400s, still standing.

For more context on how these villages fit into the broader story of best neighborhoods in Hong Kong, the heritage trails show you the pre-urban roots that shaped the city's development patterns.

What to See:

1. Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (built 1486)
2. Tang Clan Ancestral Hall
3. Sheung Cheung Wai walled village
4. Kun Ting Study Hall

Logistics: MTR to Tin Shui Wai, then Light Rail to Ping Shan (10 minutes, HK$5–8). The trail is well-marked with English signage. Most buildings are free to enter during open hours (9 AM to 5 PM, closed Tuesdays). Bring water as there aren't many shops on the route.

Accessibility: The trail is mostly flat with some steps at building entrances. Wheelchairs can navigate most of the outdoor route, though interior access varies by building. Public toilets at the heritage center near Ping Shan Station.

QUICK PICK: Best for accessible heritage without the hiking

Lots To See at Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail

Time from Central: 60 minutes by MTR + bus

Best for: Hakka culture enthusiasts, quiet explorers

Cost: HK$6–10 bus fare, free trail and building entry

Lung Yeuk Tau is similar to Ping Shan but less visited and more rural. The trail connects five walled villages built by the Tang clan, all Hakka architecture, all centuries old.

Some villages are still inhabited, so tread respectfully.

What to See:

1. Lo Wai walled village (fortified with gun towers)
2. Ma Wat Wai and Wing Ning Wai villages
3. Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall

Logistics: MTR to Fanling, then Bus 54K or Green Minibus 52K to Lung Yeuk Tau (20 minutes, HK$6–10). The trail is marked but less tourist-friendly than Ping Shan. Bring a map or download offline directions. Open daylight hours, free entry.

Accessibility: Rural paths with some uneven terrain and steps. Not wheelchair-accessible. Limited facilities, so plan bathroom stops before starting the trail.

QUICK PICK: Best for deeper Hakka heritage exploration

Explore Macau's Historic Center

Time from Hong Kong: 60 minutes by ferry

Best for: UNESCO architecture, temple hopping, European-meets-Cantonese vibes

Cost: HK$160–300 ferry round-trip, free entry to most sites, MOP$100–300 for meals

Macau's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cluster of churches, temples, squares, and colonial buildings compressed into walkable blocks.

The Ruins of St. Paul's is the postcard shot, but the real joy is wandering the back alleys where Cantonese incense shops sit next to Portuguese tile houses.

What to See:

1. Ruins of St. Paul's (the façade of a 1600s Jesuit church)
2. A-Ma Temple (dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu)
3. Senado Square (Portuguese-style plaza)
4. Monte Fort for city views
5. Lou Kau Mansion (restored merchant house)

Logistics: Ferries from Hong Kong reach Macau in 60 minutes (HK$160–300 round-trip). From the ferry terminal, take free casino shuttles to central areas like Senado Square. The historic center is compact and best explored on foot. Passport required. Entry to most sites is free.

Accessibility: Senado Square and main streets are flat and paved. The Ruins of St. Paul's require climbing steps (no elevator). Many side streets have cobblestones and slopes. Partially wheelchair-accessible with planning. Public toilets at major sites.

QUICK PICK: Best for UNESCO heritage and Macanese culture

Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees (Lunar New Year, January or February)

During the first few days of Lunar New Year, locals head to Lam Tsuen in the New Territories to throw wishes written on paper tied to oranges into the branches of two ancient banyan trees.

It's a centuries-old tradition that still draws crowds, especially on the second and third days of the New Year when families make the trip together. The village sets up food stalls, incense burns constantly, and there's a genuine communal energy that's hard to find in the city.

Tai Po Dragon Boat Races (June, Tuen Ng Festival)

The Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng) happens in June, and while races run across Hong Kong, the Tai Po races along Tolo Harbor feel less commercial and more neighborhood.

Teams train for months, families set up picnic tents along the water, and the whole event has a summer sports day vibe without the tourist buses. Locals go for the races, the rice dumplings (zongzi) sold by vendors, and because it's tradition.

Final Thoughts: What Makes a Good Hong Kong Day Trip?

The best day trips in Hong Kong aren't about ticking off landmarks. They're about finding rhythms that match how you want to spend a day.

Some people want to sweat up a ridge and eat cold noodles at a summit. Some want to ferry to an island, eat fish, and read a book on a pier. Both are valid.

What I've learned after years of doing this: the trips that stick with you are the ones where you're not rushing. Where you catch the early ferry, spend an hour watching boats come in, eat something cheap and good, then realize you've been sitting there for two hours and don't care.

That's the version of Hong Kong that exists past Victoria Peak. The one where the transport logic actually works in your favor.

For those interested in exploring things to do in Hong Kong beyond the borders, there are plenty of China experiences that connect naturally with these day trips, especially if you're already making the journey across to Shenzhen or Guangzhou.