Last updated on June 5th, 2026 at 11:51 pm
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Are you wondering about the day trip options available 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 Hong Kong day trip ideas to keep you busy.
Let’s get started!
Hong Kong Day Trips – 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 renowned for its casinos, but it also boasts beautiful hotels, such as The Venetian, and popular tourist attractions like the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square.
The vibe is also completely different than Hong Kong. Since this is a smaller city, 1 day is ample time to see all the signature tourist spots.
The city offers delicious foods, such as Portuguese tarts (Lord Stowe’s is the best!) and pork chop buns. Many food vendors sell snacks like beef jerky and almond cookies. Tourists are often seen around the city with bags of food souvenirs to bring home.
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 travel from Hong Kong to Macau is by ferry. This journey takes around 60 minutes. You can also take a bus if you get seasick easily.
2) Shenzhen
When you’re in Shenzhen, you can visibly see how much China has grown in the past few decades. It’s a 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 entirely different.
Shenzhen has all the elements of a big city – spacious, dazzling, and busy, with plenty to eat and see.
It’s a place we can all keep going back to. In fact, most Hong Kongers do. It’s common for locals to go across the border for a weekend trip to enjoy affordable massages, shopping, and try new restaurants.
Shenzhen is still an expensive city in China, but it’s cheaper compared to Hong Kong. Some people even have properties there and commute to save on living expenses.
How do you get to Shenzhen?
The best way is to either take the high-speed railway or the MTR to Lo Wu station. Pass immigration, and you’re there already!
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 doesn’t. Mainland China still takes money, but it’s becoming increasingly rare to pay with it. It’s all about contactless payment now.
3) Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of China’s largest cities, yet it’s not discussed enough. People tend to focus on Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Although those three cities are great, Guangzhou is underrated.
Guangzhou and Shenzhen are both in Guangdong Province, but there are clear differences between the two.
Guangzhou has a more traditional feel than Shenzhen. Going there will give you a glimpse into what the real Chinese experience is like.
(Beijing is the city for the most authentic Chinese experience, but it’s too far for a day trip from Hong Kong. It takes 3.5 hours to get there by plane. Guangzhou is a decent substitute.)
The overall cost of living is also lower in Guangzhou.
Travelling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou takes about 50-60 minutes by high-speed rail, making it the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities.
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 section of the blog post highlights enjoyable day trips in Hong Kong.
4) Disneyland
Those who are kids at heart should visit Hong Kong Disneyland.
This Disney park is often overlooked because it’s smaller than others. However, this amusement park has its charm and feels cozier than some of the other Disney parks worldwide.
There are enough Disneyland rides and attractions here to keep you busy for a full day, but not so many that it’s overwhelming.
Depending on when you go to HK Disney, it is 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 in the winter. 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 to Disneyland Station by taking the subway. Visitors can also access the park by car, but finding parking spots may be challenging, especially on busy days.
5) Ocean Park
Amusement park enthusiasts must 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 larger and older than HK Disney Park, it’s less well-known because it lacks international recognition.
It’s underrated, but that’s precisely the reason why you have to go.
This would make for a great day trip in Hong Kong, especially if you’re travelling with young kids. Ocean Park is a family-friendly destination where your kids can have a great time. 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 highly 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
Initially, I wanted to combine a visit to Tai O Fishing Village with a visit to Big Buddha. Still, it seemed a little ambitious, especially since the Tung Chung Outlet Mall is nearby. For efficient travellers, you might be able to squeeze all 3 in one day, but if you prefer to take it slow, then pick two of the three.
At Tai O Fishing Village, take a boat ride to possibly spot the pink dolphins, admire the stilt houses, appreciate the street art, and explore Tai O Market Street for street food and small snacks to bring back as souvenirs.
7) Big Buddha
Big Buddha is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Hong Kong.
It’s a must-visit for first-timers.
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 ride is approximately 30 minutes. It can be pretty scary for those who are afraid 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 highly recommend eating before visiting Ngong Ping Village and Big Buddha. The food options are mediocre. Additionally, although there are restaurants in the area, most are smaller.
Some restaurants barely have any tables. If you go on a weekend or a holiday, you can imagine how chaotic it would be.
Hong Kong Day Trips – 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 renowned for its relaxing atmosphere, featuring scenic beaches and hiking trails. It’s a neighbourhood that feels like a seaside town. It’s perfect for nature lovers and ideal for unwinding.
Sai Kung also boasts delicious, fresh seafood spots that are a must-try, such as Sing Kee Seafood, Loaf On, and Chuen Kee.
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 several street foods you should try, such as their famous curry fish balls. They are also renowned for mango mochi. Most shops will offer this. With all the street food options, you’ll be full just from eating as you continue to walk around. But if you want a sit-down restaurant, there are also many seafood options around the area.
10) Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay is a serene location where you can unwind 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 for most of the year, it’s often a welcome escape from the bustling city.
11) The Peak
This can be a day trip depending on how long you spend at The Peak. Those who are fast travellers might spend only 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 the ride, take in the beautiful city of Hong Kong from a bird’s-eye view.
Once you’re up there, the 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.
There is also a hiking trail and a Madame Tussauds museum.
For an extra fee, you can see an unobstructed view of Hong Kong. Sky Terrace 428 offers 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 planning to stay longer — such as 3+ days — consider expanding your horizons and discovering other spots to explore during your trip here. Get the whole Hong Kong experience by taking at least one day trip!
Now to You – Day Trips from Hong Kong
Grab my FREE daily planner to plan your perfect day trip!
Xoxo,
Nicole
