If you are looking for a day trip from Hong Kong that is the perfect blend of nature, culture, food, and heritage, then Tai O fishing village is the place to go.
Every district in Hong Kong, from Sheung Wan to Cheung Chau, has its own unique atmosphere. Life is different in the quaint fishing village of Tai O. Located on the far northwestern tip of Lantau Island, it remains a paradise because of its unique culture, delicious street food, heritage, and scenery. The village may technically be part of fast-paced, skyscraper-laden Hong Kong, but it’s genuinely another world, and it’s an easy day trip from Central.
Enjoy the heritage of a Hong Kong fishing village in Tai O with this day trip guide
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How to get to Tai O
Tai O is a fishing village located along the west coast of Lantau Island. Home to the Tanka boat people, this is one of the few places in Hong Kong that seems to have escaped the fate of rapid urbanisation. A small and intimate community remains in Tai O today, together with historical architecture that offers a glimpse into the lives of fishermen in old Hong Kong. Particularly, the houses on stilts over water and the winding streams that flow through Tai O have earned it the moniker, the “Venice of Hong Kong”.
Catch a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take Bus 1 to Tai O. Alternatively, take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, then take Bus 11 from Tung Chung Town Centre. There is also a ferry from Tung Chung New Development Pier to Tai O.
Things to do in Tai O
1. Take in the scenery while on a sampan tour
One of the best ways to experience the magic of Tai O is with a sampan tour. There’s no need to book it in advance; operators have set up shop right next to the bus terminus. The journey begins with an up close and personal ride along the river through the stilted city, where daily life goes on as normal. On balconies, women water flowers, men tend to their bonsai trees, children fish, and the townspeople’s boats are stored safely away on the tidal flats below their homes. At the point where the river opens to the South China Sea, you’ll see the stately Yeung Hau Temple overlooking the water. This slice of the sea is home to beautiful Chinese white dolphins. On any given day, the lucky few can spot the few remaining dolphins from the boats!
2. Visit Tai O Market
In addition to Tai O’s fishing industry, the area was also once known for its salt production. It played a crucial part in creating the local specialty: dried salted seafood. Despite the salt ponds being abandoned and overtaken by mangrove forests today, this preservation method is still widely practised. If you want to take home some local souvenirs for your foodie friends, then wander into town and visit Tai O Market! Here, you’ll find many stalls selling dried and salted seafood and homemade shrimp paste.
Tai O Market, Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Hong Kong
3. Visit Kwan Tai Temple
Situated on the western bank of the village, this temple honours Kwan Tai, the God of War and Righteousness. This temple is one of the oldest structures in Tai O and was built during the reign of Hong Zhi (1488-1505 AD). Aside from symbolising righteousness and a fighting spirit, Kwan Tai Temple also unites the different seafaring communities in Tai O. What’s more, every colourful detail of the beautiful temple calls for attention – even the villagers say they spot something new each time they look at it!
Tai O Kwan Tai Temple, 29 Kat Hing Back Street, Tai O, Hong Kong
4. Check in at the Tai O Heritage Hotel
Tired out from a day of exploring the fishing village? Why not stay a night at the Tai O Heritage Hotel? Situated in the former Tai O Police Station, the boutique hotel was created in conjunction with a heritage foundation to revitalise historic buildings in Hong Kong. The facade and interiors of the police station have been carefully preserved to keep the original features intact. It’s really no surprise that Tai O Heritage Hotel makes it onto our list of the best places for staycations in Hong Kong!
Tai O Heritage Hotel, 14 Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Hong Kong, p. 2985 8383
Best restaurants, cafes, and street food in Tai O
1. Solo
What better way to experience the stilted houses of Tai O than by dining in one? Solo is a quaint cafe located in one of such houses on the water. The menu features your usual coffee and tea options, alongside sweet and savoury items. We hear that the bruschetta is a light and refreshing choice, while the tiramisu is a must-try.
Solo, G/F, 86-88 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Hong Kong, p. 9153 7453
2. Tai O Bakery
Tai O Bakery is one of the most popular places for street food in Tai O. The signature item is sa yung (沙翁). This giant, Chinese-style doughnut makes for the perfect treat to snack on as you wander through the streets of Tai O. Other Cantonese baked goods and seasonal mochi flavours are also available from time to time from Tai O Bakery.
Tai O Bakery, G/F, 66 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Hong Kong, p. 2985 8621
3. Cha Gwo Choi (茶果財)
Another must-have street food are Cantonese-style mochi and cha gwo from Cha Gwo Choi. While you might be familiar with mochi, cha gwo is a similar Cantonese-Hakka speciality where savoury or sweet fillings are wrapped in a glutinous rice flour dough and steamed. Made fresh daily by the owner, these authentic glutinous treats make for a perfect companion on your day trip to Tai O.
Cha Gwo Choi (茶果財), G/F, 106 Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Hong Kong
4. Tai O Snack Shop
While the choices at Tai O Snack Shop are limited, its singular offering has attracted visitors from far and wide. Inspired by the meat pies (xian bing) he tried while travelling through Shanxi Province in China, the owner adapted this hearty treat to create the snack shop’s signature Heung Fei wraps. Filled with minced pork, scallions, and marinated dried carrots, these pies are made to order, so be prepared to queue!
Tai O Snack Shop, G/F, 70 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Hong Kong
5. Ha Chu Beng (蝦豬餅)
If you’re Canto-savvy, you’d know what the speciality of this street food stall is just by reading its name. Ha Chu Beng serves Chinese scallion pancakes (sau jao beng) with minced meat stir-fried in Tai O’s signature shrimp paste. This delectable item is perfect for those trying shrimp paste for the first time!
Ha Chu Beng (蝦豬餅), G/F, 41 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Hong Kong, p. 2985 7428
6. Nak Kafe
Often overshadowed by the glorious street food stalls along Kat Hing Street, Nak Kafe is a hidden gem in Tai O. Located right next to the drawbridge, the coffee shop serves a diverse range of cafe food, snacks, and drinks. For something savoury, the signature Truffle Prawn Toast is a good choice. On the other hand, sweet items such as the classic Tiramisu and Panna Cotta with Campari Jelly are refreshing options. Pair your meal with an iced coffee and enjoy the views of Tai O’s winding river from Nak Kafe’s balcony.
Nak Kafe, G/F, 20 Tai O Wing On Street, Tai O, Hong Kong, p. 2368 8030
[This article was originally published in June 2017 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
