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Hong Kong is celebrated for its breathtaking skyline, iconic Victoria Harbour and verdant mountains. This vibrant metropolis effortlessly blends modernity with rich traditions, offering a plethora of activities for travel enthusiasts. Exploring its world-class shopping districts, savouring the diverse cuisine, and uncovering historical sites such as temples and colonial-era buildings are all things you can do on the island. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking an escape from the city's hustle and bustle, these five beautiful day trips from Hong Kong offer something for everyone.
Located southwest of Hong Kong Island, Lantau offers a refreshing change from the busy and crowded cityscape. The island boasts tranquil landscapes, floating villages and more, making it a wonder for travellers. For those interested in heritage, the Po Lin Monastery is a must-visit. The star attraction in Lantau is the 85-foot-high bronze Tian Tan Buddha, known as the Big Buddha, which rests high up on a hilltop in the Ngong Ping plateau.
If you walk ahead from the bottom of the Big Buddha steps, you will arrive at Wisdom Path. This path showcases 38 wooden steles—upright monuments containing verses from the ancient Heart Sutra prayer. The Heart Sutra is highly regarded by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists. The steles feature the Chinese version of the prayer, based on the calligraphy of the renowned contemporary scholar, Professor Jao Tsung-I. They are arranged in an infinity pattern (∞).
Be sure to visit the historic Tung Chung Fort, a remarkable structure dating back to 1832. This fort was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II, after which it was converted into a police station and, later, a college. The fort boasts six ancient muzzle-loading cannons and elegant Chinese archways.
Discovery Bay, also known as "DB," is a fantastic place to relax. You can enjoy watching the regattas at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club, shop at the indie craft and traders' market held every second Sunday in DB Plaza, or dine at D Deck, which offers 180-degree views of the water and is the largest al-fresco dining space in Hong Kong. Additionally, you can visit Hemingway’s by the Bay, which is vegetarian-friendly and a popular hangout spot among the DB crowd.
Another gem is Tai O, hidden away at the far end of Lantau Island. Explore the historic Tai O Fishing Village, scenic hiking trails and street food. Tai O is home to the Tanka people, a community of fisherfolk who have built their houses on stilts above the tidal flats of Lantau Island for generations, forming a tightly knit community that lives on the water.
Explore the vibrant Lamma Island, also known as Y Island and Pok Liu Chau, by taking a 20- to 30-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong Island. With its thriving multicultural community, this natural wonderland offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Visit the charming fishing village of Yung Shue Wan, the focal point of Lamma Island's diverse and thriving community, which includes a significant expatriate population. Its captivating fusion of East-meets-West is evident as you stroll along the main shopping street, adorned with a variety of stores and restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe.
Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront village streets of Sok Kwu Wan, where you'll find shops selling fisherfolk arts and crafts, as well as restaurants serving fresh seafood and a variety of East-meets-West delights. The area is known for its fresh Cantonese seafood cuisine, and you can also explore stores offering locally produced dried seafood. A walk along the seafront will lead you to a river estuary. Hike along the island's trails to experience breathtaking sea views, and don't miss the opportunity to wander the Lamma Island Family Trail which connects the waterfront villages of Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan.
Just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong Island's bustling central business district is Peng Chau, also known as "Flat Island." It is a haven for those seeking a break from the crowds. Despite its small size, Peng Chau is brimming with picturesque spots, including the remnants of an old factory, serene beaches, ancient temples and vibrant street art that adds a splash of colour to the serene community.
There's no shortage of activities to indulge in on this captivating island. Embark on a leisurely ascent to Ngan Chau Tsai Pavilion, perched 96 metres above sea level, for breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch from Lamma Island to Hong Kong Disneyland. Discover fascinating temples like the Lung Mo Temple, adorned with an opulent gold interior dedicated to the Chinese goddess of water. It is traditionally revered by local seafaring villagers.
And let’s not forget the culinary delights awaiting you at the traditional Hong Kong cafés and charming restaurants lining Wing On Street near the pier. Indulge in local delicacies such as deep-fried shrimp toast, ice cream pineapple bun and steamed shrimp with glutinous rice before returning to the city on the ferry.
Discover the expansive Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark that covers an impressive 191 square miles (500 square kilometres). As a member of the Global Geoparks Network since 2011, it was rebranded as the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. These geoparks are dedicated to the preservation, education, and sustainable development of internationally significant geological sites and landscapes.
Explore the 150-square-kilometre expanse that showcases some of Hong Kong's most extraordinary geological wonders. Discover two distinct regions: the sedimentary rock area in the northeast New Territories and the volcanic rock region in Sai Kung. The nique honeycomb-shaped acidic volcanic rock columns are a testament to volcanic eruptions dating back 140 million years. The region also has many beaches, islands, sea caves and tombolos that await your exploration.
Discover the charm of Cheung Chau, a small paradise that boasts sandy beaches and picturesque, family-friendly hiking trails. Explore sandy beaches, hike the scenic "Mini Great Wall Hike," and delve into the island's rich history through the Cheung Chau Heritage Trail. Immerse yourself in the rich history at Pak Tai Temple, a revered 18th-century Taoist site built by fisherfolk to honour the "God of the Sea." Embark on a hike from Kwun Yam Beach, the starting point of the Mini Great Wall. This is an 850-metre-long paved trail meandering behind Kwun Yam Beach and the Chi Ma Hang headland along the southeastern coastline.
Delight in exploring charming craft shops showcasing handmade treasures by local artisans. The area has been revitalised by trendy new cafés offering Instagram-worthy delights at San Hing Street and Pak She Street. Don't miss the chance to savour the red-stamped "lucky buns" filled with sweet pastes like sesame, red bean or lotus seed—these iconic snacks are enjoyed during the island’s annual bun festival and are available year-round.
