Dubbed ‘Hong Kong’s back garden’, Sai Kung town is home to anime-like landscapes, fishing villages, and an unending seafood market. Here’s our guide to what to do in Sai Kung.
The queen of Hong Kong’s natural beauty, the town of Sai Kung oozes scenic charm and offers a peaceful retreat with fishing villages, coastal trails, and Michelin-starred food. Despite being just 30 minutes away, the Sai Kung District, one of the 18 in Hong Kong, feels like an oasis in a metropolitan desert. Though modest in size, the range of activities and attractions in the ‘back garden of Hong Kong’ goes well beyond strolls along the waterfront and vibrant seafood restaurants, often beginning with the iconic Hong Kong experience — a junk trip.
Stay more than a couple of days to truly experience this popular coastal hub’s laid-back, nature-filled lifestyle. Planning is the key to getting the most out of your visit to Sai Kung — book ahead on a sunset boat ride, a delicious seafood feast, a tour of the High Island Reservoir, or a relaxing hike to the towering Sharp Peak. Here’s everything you need on your ‘things to do’ list for a smooth sailing trip to Sai Kung.
The best time to visit Sai Kung, Hong Kong
The best time to visit Sai Kung town is from October to April when the weather is warmer and drier. While the region is notoriously unpredictable with rain (and even typhoons), if you can bear the summer heat and want to make the most of water sports and sunshine, you can push ahead into May, even though it is the busiest season. There will be longer queues at all the tourist sites, but hiking through winding trails and island hopping on Hong Kong’s iconic ‘junk boats’ can make it worth your visit.
Things to do in Sai Kung Town, Hong Kong
Visit Sharp Island’s Hap Mun Bay Beach
Hap Mun Bay Beach, also known as Half Moon Bay, is tucked away on the southern shore of Sharp Island, accessible via a 15-minute boat ride from Sai Kung Pier. Situated within the UNESCO Hong Kong Global Geopark, this 99-metre crescent-shaped beach is where you can walk along the coastline’s fine silvery sand, swim, and relax, or explore the nearby Kiu Tsui Beach, where visitors can observe the distinctive ‘pineapple bun rocks’, which hold the island’s volcanic history.
Address: Kiu Tsui Country Park
Hike the 100-kilometre MacLehose Trail
The first two sections of the MacLehose Trail cover 16 km in about 6 hours, with challenging terrain. Starting at High Island Reservoir East Dam, walk along the High Island Geo Trail, which features hexagonal rock columns formed over 140 million years ago. A detour to Biu Tsim Kok offers the pristine Long Ke Wan beach views. Continue to Long Ke Wan, a secluded bay, followed by a tough climb to Sai Wan, rewarded with sweeping views of the country park. The trail then leads to Ham Tin Wan Beach, one of Hong Kong’s most scenic. The section ends at Pak Tam Au.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Ticket: Entry free
Explore Sai Kung Town’s Tin Hau Temple complex
Located off Po Tung Road, this Grade II listed temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea retains its original early 20th-century facade — an intricate design worth photographing. One of the most significant temples in Hong Kong, it draws numerous worshippers during the annual Tin Hau Festival, celebrating the sea goddess’s birthday on the 23rd day of the third lunar month.
Address: Po Tung Rd, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Take a boat ride to Yim Tin Tsai
Yim Tin Tsai, Hong Kong’s ‘Little Salt Pan’, is a small island near Sai Kung Peninsula. It has a history spanning nearly 300 years as a former Hakka Catholic village. Home to award-winning salt pans and the century-old St Joseph’s Chapel, the island has hosted the Yim Tin Tsai Arts Festival since 2019 and features various artworks and installations. Take a tour of the Grade II listed St Joseph’s Chapel, built in a Romanesque style and a winner of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2005. The island’s highlight, the natural salt pans, earned a UNESCO Award of Distinction in 2015.
How to reach: Avail public transport to Sai Kung town centre, then board the Kaito Ferry at Sai Kung Pier for a 15-minute ride to Yim Tin Tsai.
Tour the attractions at UNESCO Global Geopark
Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is a literal version of ‘nature’s playground’, spanning 150 square kilometres and featuring geological formations across two regions: the sedimentary rock region in the northeast New Territories and the volcanic rock region in Sai Kung. When taking in this sight for the first time, it resembles a scene from a sci-fi fiction book. The volcanic rock region is notable for honeycomb-shaped acidic volcanic rock columns formed 140 million years ago. Key sites include the Ung Kong Group, consisting of Bluff Island, Wang Chau, and Basalt Island, and the Ninepin Group. The site joined the Global Geoparks Network in 2011 and was renamed Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. If you are still deciding between Hong Kong vs Singapore, this place can help move the needle.
Get more information on their official website, geopark.gov.hk.
Brush your knowledge at Sai Kung Waterfront Park
A public space in Hong Kong, Sai Kung Waterfront Park was once a fishing village that now thrives on its reputation for seafood and outdoor activities. The park is a perfect base to take in views of Sai Kung Hoi, learn more about the area at Volcano Discovery Centre, and enjoy well-maintained walking and jogging paths, a children’s play area, picnic spots, and barbecue pits. We recommend seafood hopping at the Sai Kung Promenade because the preparations are delicious. Exploring this place is one of the best free things to do in Hong Kong.
Timing: 6 am to 11 pm
Ticket: Entry is free, though some activities, like water sports equipment rental, may incur additional costs.
How to reach: Take the MTR to Hang Hau Station and transfer by bus or minibus to Sai Kung. Taxis and private cars are also available.
Climb up the High Island Geo Trail
The High Island Geo Trail, beside the High Island Reservoir within Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, is one of those if-you-only-have-1-day experiences. Beginning at the East Dam, you will pass by hexagonal rock columns, sea caves, and scenes from Biu Tsim Kok. Visitors can also observe the Fault Breccia Belt, a fracture zone amid towering cliffs and distorted S-shaped rock columns shaped by tectonic activity. A wooden walkway near East Dam leads to a sea cave — maybe the best place to stop and capture one of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong.
How to reach: From MTR Diamond Hill (Exit C2), take bus 92 or minibus 101M from Hang Hau (Exit B1) to Sai Kung Town, then a taxi to East Dam.
Learn about Hakka settlements at the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum
Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, originally a late 19th-century Hakka village, was declared a monument in 1981 and, after restoration, opened as a museum in 1984. The site teleports visitors to a traditional Hakka dwelling with a cattle shed, a drying terrace, a six-metre-high watchtower, ancillary structures like a kitchen, and pigsties. Exhibits of farm tools and daily objects depict the rural lifestyle of Sheung Yiu Village in its peak era.
Address: Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail, Sai Kung, New Territories
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm from October to February; 10 am to 6 pm from March to September. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year.
Ticket: Entry free
Best restaurants in Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Hong Kong and Sai Kung’s waterfront flavours
Located along the waterfront, Seafood Street is where you can wander for hours, gobbling up local and international dishes at the many seafood restaurants and diners that call the area home. From live fish and shellfish to Michelin-recommended oysters, you can order custom meals or let the chefs surprise you with their favourites. Thai or your mind? Fuk Man Road is where authentic Thai eateries serve the best cuisine in a casual setting. Best for an unpretentious, affordable, and ‘it made my day’ kind of experience.
Michelin-star dining
In Sai Kung, One-Thirtyone is a Hong Kong Tourism’s ‘directory recommended’ spot serving French and Mediterranean cuisine with a changing four or six-course set menu, using fresh produce sourced from its garden. Sai Kung Cafe & Bakery, located by the waterfront, is where you can start the day, biting into something sweet with local snacks like Portuguese egg tarts and pineapple buns. Sit down at Loaf On, a 1-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, and order its mantis shrimp and crispy fried squid. Warm yourself up as the sun settles with Bakso’s Indonesian bakso meatball soup or Miss Hui Homemade Steamed Buns at one of the area’s oldest shops.
Coffee and cocktail stops
While Little Cove Espresso is the best pit-stop for Australian-style brew, a sip of bulletproof coffee with Mediterranean fare will keep you active the rest of the day. Cosy Coffee, located near the town centre, is worth stopping by for its two-story layout with a library-themed second floor. It is popular for coffee and small bites. The sun is setting down, and you need a cider or cocktail to toast to the night? The Bottle Shop is a popular store with a giant selection of craft beers and ciders from five continents. Sai Kung’s Casa Tapas resto-bar rebranded to 2084 is where you can visit (especially if you are vegan or vegetarian) for a plant-based menu, Asian-inspired tapas, Italian wines, and Bavarian lagers. The beach bar scene in Hong Kong is intense, and this peninsula pulls its weight with its establishments.
Where to shop in Sai Kung, Hong Kong
From artisanal-everything stores and timeless handcrafted clothing to Chinese essential oils — Sai Kung’s got all the sweet spots covered. Supporting local businesses, particularly, is a sport taken very seriously here — and there’s no dearth of options. Need a thoughtful gift or memorable souvenir? Head to Oelili for handmade goods such as ceramics and bamboo steamers. Goods Of Desire is another local find, an artsy gift shop with unique home décor and accessories. Shopping for an outfit to survive the hot and humid weather? Visit Final Fragments, which specialises in Japanese-inspired clothing made from natural materials or Sai Kung Basecamp, which provides sporty, outdoor clothing and gear. BeCandle is another handcraft-first spot with candles and workshops that’ll draw you into learning more about the art of fragrance, while if you need a one-stop shop here, there’s no better place than Lilidays.
How to reach Sai Kung, Hong Kong
- While there is no direct MTR connection, the nearest MTR station is Hang Hau, which is 15 minutes away from North Point MTR in Hong Kong.
- You can also take minibus 101M from Hang Hau or 1A from Choi Hung to reach Sai Kung.
- Alternatively, hop on the 92 bus from MTR Diamond Hill Station, which will take you to the Sai Kung Public Transport Interchange, a short walk from the Sai Kung Public Pier.
- Green and red taxis provide direct access to Sai Kung Town. The cost, which can average between HKD 1,500 (INR 263) and HKD 3,000 (INR 33,299), does not include tunnel fees (if required).
Insider tips while visiting Sai Kung in Hong Kong
Sai Kung’s popularity and scenic coastline draw global visitors enough to rival other top destinations in Hong Kong. But that intense pressure to see and do everything can also bring overwhelm and confusion — especially if you are a first-time visitor. Here are some tips you must know before you visit Sai Kung:
- Invest in an Octopus Card for convenient travel on MTR, buses, and more, simplifying trips to Sai Kung Town.
- Wear hiking shoes when navigating trails like the High Island Geo Trail, which has rugged patches and routes.
- Given the ‘secluded community’ appeal of the destination, local businesses take centre stage with quality retail goods and services when it comes to shopping.
- For fresh seafood, visit Sai Kung’s floating seafood market, where you can pick your meal and have it cooked on the spot.
- Bring cash, as some smaller eateries and shops may not accept cards.
- While hiking, always carry water and snacks, as some trails are pretty remote.
- Be prepared for crowds on weekends; weekdays offer a more peaceful experience.
- No matter when you visit, it’s a good idea to pack some sunscreen and an umbrella in your rucksack.
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
This article originally appeared on Travel + Leisure Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for those visiting Hong Kong with not many days freed up on their itinerary, a detour to Sai Kung for a couple of hours to take in the natural landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and try one or two water-based activities is worthwhile.
Nearby attractions include the Hong Kong Global Geopark, Sharp Island for snorkelling, Yim Tin Tsai, and the Sai Kung Town waterfront.
Take minibus 101M, 1A, or bus 92 to Sai Kung. Taxis cost HKD 1,500–3,000, excluding tunnel fees.
Green taxis and public minibuses provide convenient transport. Ferries and water taxis are available from the Sai Kung pier. When walking, using the Citymapper app is a popular recommendation.
Popular activities include kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and boat trips to explore beaches and islands.
Yes, the MacLehose Trail Stage 2 and the Tai Long Wan trail are two must-experience hikes when you are in Sai Kung Town.
Yes, beaches such as Hap Mun Bay and Clearwater Bay are well-maintained and provide lifeguard services during designated hours.
Tai Long Wan and Ham Tin Beach are popular for camping, which also includes spots like Sai Wan, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan.
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Written by
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, and identity. Her reporting has appeared in National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue India, and Hindustan Times, where she spent two years on staff as a correspondent covering travel and culture. She is an alumna of the University of Westminster`s Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design. Currently based in Delhi, she grew up in various cities across India and has lived in Amsterdam, and London.
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