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Are you wondering what day trip options you have during your trip to Hong Kong?
You’ve come to the right place.
This blog post will go through the possible day trip choices you have from Hong Kong’s city centre. If you need a change of scenery or have extra time in Hong Kong, here are 11 ideas to keep you busy.
Let’s get started!
Day Trips From Hong Kong – Other Cities
1) Macau
Going to Macau from Hong Kong is a popular day trip.
Macau is Asia’s version of Las Vegas. The city is known for its casinos but they have beautiful hotels like The Venetian and tourist spots such as Ruins of St Pauls and Senado Square.
The vibe is also completely different than Hong Kong. Since this is a smaller city, 1 day is an ample amount of time to see all the signature tourist spots.
There’s also lots to eat like Portuguese tarts (Lord Stowe’s is the best!) and pork chop buns. The Portuguese food in Macau is unique because it’s a blend of Western and Asian cuisine. It’s definitely worth trying!
This is one of the most recommended day trips because the travel time from HK to Macau is quick. It’s also extremely easy to get there. The most common way to get to Macau from Hong Kong is to take a ferry. This journey takes around 60 minutes. You can also take a bus if you get seasick easily.
One important thing to note is that you do need to check if your country’s passport requires a visa to get to Macau because it is a different city from Hong Kong.
2) Shenzhen
When you’re in Shenzhen, you can visibly see how much China has grown in the past few decades. It’s an absolute sight for sore eyes.
Shenzhen is one of the best cities in China. There’s so much to do and even though it’s Hong Kong’s neighbour, the vibe is completely different.
Shenzhen has all the elements of what a big city should look like – spacious, dazzling, busy, and with plenty to eat and see. It’s a place we can all keep going back to.
It’s common for Hong Kongers to go across the border for a weekend trip to enjoy affordable massages and shopping.
Shenzhen is still an expensive city in China but compared to Hong Kong, it’s cheaper. Some people even have properties there and commute back and forth to save on living expenses.
How do you get to Shenzhen?
The best way is to either take the highway speed railway or take the MTR to Lo Wu station. Pass immigration and you’re there already!
It’s beyond quick.
Don’t forget to download AliPay and/or WeChat Pay to pay for things when you’re there. Hong Kong accepts cash everywhere but this neighbouring city isn’t the same. Most places in Mainland China still accept cash but it’s rare now. It’s all about contactless payment now.
3) Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of China’s largest cities but it’s not talked about enough. People tend to focus on Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Although those three cities are great, Guangzhou is more underrated.
Guangzhou and Shenzhen are both in the Guangdong province but there are clear differences between the two.
Guangzhou has more of a traditional feel than Shenzhen. Going there will let you see what the real China experience is like. Beijing is THE city for the authentic Chinese experience but it’s too far for a day trip from Hong Kong. It is a 3.5-hour flight to get there. Guangzhou is a decent substitute.
It’s a bonus that things in Guangzhou are even cheaper than in Shenzhen.
Going to Guangzhou from Hong Kong is a bit further compared to the others on this list. It’s about a 2 hr train ride but it is doable.
The high-speed railway from West Kowloon station is faster though. The journey is around 50-60 minutes so that’s the best and fastest way to get to Guangzhou from Hong Kong.
Day Trips From Hong Kong – Within Hong Kong
So far, this list has been about travelling to different cities.
What if you don’t want to leave Hong Kong?
This part of the blog post focuses on all the fun day trips that are within the city.
4) Disneyland
Those who are a kid at heart should go to Hong Kong Disneyland.
This Disney park is often overlooked because it’s smaller than other countries. However, this amusement park has its own charm and feels cozier than some of the other Disney parks worldwide.
There are enough attractions here to keep you busy for a full day but not so much that it’s overwhelming.
Depending on when you go to HK Disney, it is also possible to avoid large crowds. No need to be packed like sardines and stand in ridiculously long lines for a ride.
The best time to go to Disney is during the winter season. First of all, it’s not as hot. Second, HK Disney goes all out for Chinese New Year and Christmas. The red decorations for both festivals are breathtaking and will get you in the mood to celebrate and have a good time.
You can take public transportation by taking the subway to Disneyland station. Visitors can also get to the park by car but it might be hard to find parking spots, especially during crowded days.
5) Ocean Park
Amusement park lovers have to visit Ocean Park.
It’s Hong Kong’s local amusement park that has a conservation theme. Disney’s feel is more thrilling and exciting while Ocean Park is more relaxing.
Although Ocean Park is bigger and older than HK Disney Park, it’s not as well-known because it doesn’t have international recognition.
It’s underrated but that’s exactly the reason why you have to go.
This would be a good day trip especially if you’re travelling with young kids. Ocean Park is a family-friendly place where your kids will have fun. They’ll be so tired by the end of the day that they’ll flop onto their beds and fall asleep right away.
Also, Ocean Park is extremely accessible. Similar to HK Disneyland, there is an MTR station dedicated to the theme park. Get off at Ocean Park station and it only takes a few steps before you’re right at the entrance.
6) Tai O Fishing Village
Originally, I wanted to put Tai O Fishing Village together with Big Buddha but it seemed a little ambitious, especially since nearby is also Tung Chung Outlet Mall. For efficient travellers, you might be able to squeeze all 3 in one day but if you prefer to take it slow, then just pick two of the three.
You can probably fit Tung Chung Outlet and Tai O Fishing Village or Big Buddha with Tung Chung Outlet Mall.
At Tai O Fishing Village, see pink dolphins, appreciate street art, and explore Tai O Market Street for street food and little snacks to bring back with you as souvenirs.
7) Big Buddha
Big Buddha is one of the most well-known Hong Kong tourist attractions.
It’s a must-visit for all first-time visitors.
From Tung Chung, take a cable car to Ngong Ping village and walk up hundreds of steps to see Big Buddha up close.
The cable car is about a 30-minute ride. It can be quite scary for those who are scared of heights but it’s also beautiful. As you get closer to the Big Buddha, you can spot it far away and it’s such a pretty sight.
I would highly recommend eating before going to Ngong Ping Village/Big Buddha. Although there are restaurants there, they are smaller in size. Some restaurants might barely have any tables. If you go on a weekend or a holiday, you can imagine how chaotic it would be. The food options are also only mediocre.
Lantau Island
Most people only focus on the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island district side but there’s also Lantau Island. To further break it down, here are the places within Lantau Island you should visit for a day trip.
8) Sai Kung
Sai Kung town is known to be a relaxing place with beaches and hiking trails. It’s a neighbourhood that feels like a seaside town. It’s for nature lovers and the perfect place to wind down.
Sai Kung also has some delicious fresh seafood spots that are a must-try.
9) Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau Island is a great day trip. It’s perfect for beaches, cycling, and water activities. Take leisure walks around this little gem and check out local vendors. You’ll find cute little things here that you won’t find in the city.
There are quite a few street foods you have to try out like their famous curry fishballs. You’ll be full just from the street food. But if you want a sit-down restaurant, there are also many seafood options around the area.
10) Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay is a place where you can relax and be surrounded by nature. When you’re there, it won’t even feel like you’re in Hong Kong. It’s a picturesque community and with Hong Kong being warm most of the year, it’s often a place to get away from the bustling city.
11) The Peak
This can be a day trip depending on how long you spend time at The Peak. Those who are fast might only spend half a day here but otherwise, it can be a day trip.
The best way to get here is to take the peak tram from Central. During your ride, you can take in the beautiful city of Hong Kong from a bird eye’s view.
Once you’re up there, some shops and restaurants will keep you occupied. One of my favourite things here is to visit the candy shop. The candy store is pricey but spacious with many brands and flavours of sweets. The place gets pretty packed because people are eager to pick up some candy or chocolate there.
There is also a hiking trail and a Madam Tussauds museum.
For an extra fee, you can see an unobstructed view of Hong Kong. Sky Terrace 428 is where you can see the highest view of Hong Kong. For most people, this isn’t necessary because walking around the Peak is more than enough for Instagram pictures.
Final Thoughts – Day Trips from Hong Kong
Since there’s so much to do in Hong Kong, you might be tempted to stay only in the city. If you only have 24 hours in the city, then you don’t have much of a choice but to explore the city center.
For tourists who plan to stay longer, expand your horizons and discover other spots to explore on your trip here. Get the full Hong Kong experience by taking at least one day trip!
Now to You – Day Trips from Hong Kong
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Xoxo,
Nicole