Things to do and see around Hong Kong: Best activities & Day trips

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By Tina

May 21, 2026

Hong Kong is famous for its skyscrapers and fast-paced lifestyle, but just a stone's throw from the centre, tranquil islands, trails with sea views, beaches and lush green mountains are waiting for you.

In this Trip.com article, you’ll discover the best excursions from Hong Kong, ideal for day trips or weekend getaways and perfect for switching off without leaving the urban buzz behind.

Top Activities Around Hong Kong 🎫

  • 🏞️ Lantau Island (Big Buddha + Tai O + Ngong Ping 360) – Perfect for a full day | The plan: culture, views and the sea
  • 🏖️ Lamma Island (bohemian vibes + seafood + coastal walks) – Ideal for: a half-day or a relaxed day out | The plan: local life + food + the sea
  • 🥾 Dragon’s Back (famous trail with stunning views) – Best time: morning / sunset | Plan: hiking + panoramic views
  • 🥾 Lantau Trail (longest route) – Ideal for: a full day | Plan: mountains + nature
  • 🏝️ Sai Kung (beaches + kayaking + geopark) – Ideal for: a full day / weekend | Your plan: sea + adventure + nature

What to Do Around Hong Kong by Time Available 🧭

Hong Kong can really surprise you (in a good way!) when you venture a little further from the city centre. Suddenly, lush green islands, coastal paths with sea views, and unexpectedly peaceful beaches appear.

It’s a bit like how you can whisk yourself away from Barcelona to the Costa Brava in no time. And the best part is, it’s a perfect fit whether you’ve only got a few hours to spare or a full weekend to explore.

⏱️ Time available

Recommended spots

Type of experience

Perfect for

Half-day

Lamma Island, Dragon’s Back, a short stroll through Tai O

Tranquil island + hiking

Long layovers, making every day count.

1 day

The Complete Lantau Island: Big Buddha, Ngong Ping 360 & Tai O

Culture + views + sea

First time in HK: the perfect plan

2 days

Take your time exploring Sai Kung and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, or wander along stretches of the Lantau Trail.

Nature + adventure

Slow Travel

Weekend

Sai Kung with its beaches and islands, or a combo of Tai Mo Shan and a nearby island.

Unplug and Unwind

A real change of scenery

Top 5 Activities and Places Around Hong Kong 🗺️

🏞️ Lantau Island: the classic that deserves a full day

If there’s one day trip that feels like a natural fit near Hong Kong, it’s Lantau Island.

It’s the largest island, home to some of the most famous spots and, what’s more, it blends nature and culture quite naturally. Plus, dedicating a full day to it is usually the best decision.

💡 Fun fact: although many people think of Hong Kong as just a city, the territory actually boasts more than 260 islands. Most of these are uninhabited or covered in lush greenery, which explains why getaways like Lantau work so well without completely leaving the urban buzz behind.

Tian Tan Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island at sunset, surrounded by hills under a sky of golden and purple hues.

The Tian Tan Buddha is a truly striking sight from afar. It’s one of the largest Buddha statues in the world (standing at a total height of 34 metres!) and the setting really adds to the experience: the silence of the mountains and a wonderfully serene atmosphere.

The thing is, it’s not just about getting the perfect shot. Climbing the steps, wandering along the platform, and peering out from the viewpoints gives you a completely different perspective of the landscape.

  • Getting there: MTR to Tung Chung + Ngong Ping 360 cable car
  • Estimated time: 1.5–2 hours
  • Best time to visit: the morning, for fewer crowds and beautifully clear light.

📌 Trip.com Tip: If the sky is clear, the views are spectacular and you can really appreciate the natural side of Hong Kong.

Ngong Ping 360

Ngong Ping cable car cabins gliding over the lush green hills of Lantau Island on a clear day

Introducing the Ngong Ping 360. Far more than just a way to get around, it’s a key part of the adventure. With glass cabins, mountains below, and the sea shimmering in the distance, the journey itself is well worth the trip.

Mind you, keep an eye out for foggy days, as it loses quite a bit of its charm then.

  • Journey time: around 25 minutes
  • Best time: first thing in the morning or mid-afternoon
  • Top tip: a standard cabin is usually more than enough, unless you're looking for the full experience.

Tai O

Tai O coastal village with stilt houses and a traditional street with local shops on Lantau Island.

After all those picture-perfect views, you might fancy something a bit more down-to-earth, and Tai O fits the bill perfectly. With its stilt houses, relaxed pace of life, and the scent of seafood in the air, this is where you’ll discover the authentic, local side of Hong Kong—a world away from the skyscrapers.

  • How to get there: bus from Ngong Ping or Tung Chung
  • Recommended time: 2 hours
  • What to do: take a stroll, enjoy some fresh fish and sit back without keeping an eye on the clock.

🏖️ Lamma Island: Seafood, coastal trails and zero cars

A panoramic view of Lantau's bay and lush green coastline, featuring charming fishing villages, tranquil waters, and verdant hills.

Lamma Island is one of those places where you instantly shift down a gear the moment you arrive. There are no cars, the vibe is laid-back, and everything invites you to take it slow. Not only that, it’s one of the easiest islands in Hong Kong for a spontaneous day trip.

A stroll + seafood: the simple plan that never fails

The walk between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan is short, sweet, and easy-going. Essentially, you enjoy a gentle stroll and end up sitting by the sea with a plate of seafood right in front of you. To be honest, it’s hard to say no to a plan like that!

  • Getting there: ferry from Central
  • Trail duration: 1–1.5 hours
  • Ideal for: leisurely day trips from Hong Kong

Coastal paths and peaceful viewpoints

Besides the main trail, there are little paths along the seafront that are perfect for photos and for stretching out the afternoon. You can really feel the bohemian vibe here—it's unmistakable!

  • Best time: a mild afternoon
  • The perfect plan: stroll + coffee + sunset

🥾 Hiking in Hong Kong: Dragon’s Back and the Lantau Trail

Lantau mountain trails with stunning sea views, lush green hills and popular trekking routes in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is surprisingly green! One minute you're on the bustling MTR, the next you're stepping onto a serene hiking trail – it's a delightful disorientation at first! But here's the golden rule... it's all about picking the perfect path to match your time and energy levels.

Dragon’s Back

Dragon’s Back is short, rewarding, and boasts constant sea views. It’s the perfect choice if you want a straightforward walk that ends right by the beach.

  • Duration: 2–3 hours
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate
  • The grand finale: a breathtaking descent into Shek O!

Lantau Trail

Now we’re talking about something a bit more serious! The Lantau Trail can be tackled in sections, blending traditional villages, mountain peaks, and lush greenery on a grand scale.

  • Duration: by section
  • Ideal for those looking for something a bit more powerful
  • Top tip: get an early start and bring some water

🏝️ Sai Kung: Beaches, kayaking and the wild side of Hong Kong

Lantau's beach and coastline, featuring fishing boats, lush green hills and residential areas by the sea.

Sai Kung is the city’s natural backyard. Here, the landscape truly transforms, offering the ultimate sense of escape. And when the weather is fine, it’s hard not to stay a little longer than planned.

Beaches and small islands

Pristine beaches, little boats and crystal-clear water. It’s the perfect plan for summer or a bright, sunny day.

  • Getting there: bus from Diamond Hill
  • The classic combo: beach + boat
  • Minimum time: Half a day

Geopark

The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark will amaze you with its stunning rock formations and easy trails. It’s the perfect spot if you love snapping photos and enjoy a leisurely stroll.

  • Duration: 2–3 hours
  • Ideal for: nature without the crowds

🚆Check train times and book tickets from Hong Kong on Trip.com

✈️ Explore flights to and from Hong Kong on Trip.com

🌄 Tai Mo Shan: Hong Kong's Highest Peak

Panoramic sunset view from a Lantau mountain, with layered hills and city lights in the distance

Tai Mo Shan is the perfect choice if you fancy heading for the heights and escaping the noise. You won't find any skyscrapers or typical urban viewpoints here; nature is firmly in charge. Being up there, surrounded by fresh air and silence, really changes the perspective many people have of Hong Kong.

Tai Mo Shan stands at 957 metres tall. It’s the highest point in Hong Kong, and you’ll certainly feel the difference as you head up; it’s cooler, breezier, and a real breath of fresh air from the city.

A rewarding climb and stunning views when the weather is on your side

To start with, Tai Mo Shan treats you to stunning, wide-open views when the skies are clear.

You’ll see rolling hills, lush greenery and, in the distance, even a glimpse of the skyline. Mind you, there’s one thing to note: the mist often makes an appearance. It might hide everything from view, but that’s all part of the atmosphere. It feels almost like something out of a film, with low clouds racing by and a vibe that’s worlds away from the city below.

  • Getting there: Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan, then hop on a bus or grab a taxi.
  • Total time: a relaxed half day
  • Perfect for: natural viewpoints near Hong Kong and day trips from Hong Kong

Gentle paths and that wonderful feeling of switching off

Then there’s the walk itself. You don’t need to be a pro hiker by any means. There are paved paths and gentle routes that allow you to wander at your own pace, stop to take photos, and simply soak up the surroundings. The thing is, even if you don’t walk very far, you’ll feel completely 'away from it all'.

  • What to pack: some warm layers, even in the dry season, as it gets a bit chilly at night.
  • Best time: early morning or late afternoon

Easy to combine

And that’s where Tai Mo Shan fits perfectly into your itinerary. You can head up in the morning and then head back to more urban areas for lunch or to keep on exploring.

This brilliant plan doesn't require a full day, but it certainly leaves you feeling like you've seen a different side of Hong Kong—one that's greener and more peaceful.

Top Hotels in Hong Kong

5 star

8.6/10Very Good6438 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from city centre
The hotel opened in 1969 and was renovated in 2011. To be honest, it is indeed a bit dated, but considering how space is at a premium in Hong Kong, the room is actually quite spacious. Facing the main road, the room was surprisingly quiet at night with virtually no noise. Despite its age, the service really deserves a special shoutout! We arrived quite late, and the young lady from Hunan at the front desk who checked us in was extremely warm and welcoming, speaking standard Mandarin the entire time. After checking in, when the housekeeping lady saw the bottled water we bought, she kindly told us that buying water outside is expensive and that if we needed more, just to let her know and she would bring it to the room (and sure enough, from the second day onwards, we had two extra bottles of water in our room [Shy][Shy]). We booked the breakfast this time. The selection isn't huge, but based on Hong Kong standards, I'd still recommend getting the breakfast included. All in all, the hotel is definitely a bit old, but the location is truly great. If you prioritize location, price, and room size, it's worth a try~ One more tip: Since it's an older hotel, make sure to bring a plug adapter, otherwise your phone might end up as a brick [Smile]
FromUS$197
9.3/10Great5604 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from city centre
I was extremely satisfied with this hotel. First of all, the breakfast was truly abundant and delicious. Secondly, although it's not a brand-new hotel, the cleanliness and maintenance are handled with great care—it was spotless. The service was also very attentive. The location is right opposite Mong Kok Station, making it convenient to take a taxi anywhere. It is connected to Langham Place, so after shopping in the evening, you can go straight back to the hotel through the mall. Also, the hotel's desserts are amazing (especially the Napoleon). The rooftop swimming pool offers stunning views. Additionally, the hotel offers yoga and Tai Chi classes, and the Black Pearl-rated Ming Court is also located inside the hotel. I didn't have time to try these out this time, but I will definitely stay here again on my next trip to Hong Kong.
FromUS$229
9.3/10Great8680 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from city centre
Easily the best value-for-money hotel in Hong Kong. I was thrilled to stay in such a comfortable place at this price point. Mandarin is spoken here with zero communication barriers. Free luggage storage is available, and disposable toothbrushes are provided. Bottled water is not supplied, but you can buy it very cheaply at the Best Mart 360 in the mall upstairs.
FromUS$189
9/10Great5011 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.46km from city centre
Excellent location in Tsim Sha Tsui East—very convenient for getting around and just a short walk to K11 MUSEA. I paid for an upgrade to a Premier Room at check-in, which had a partial sea view. The room was clean, spacious, and well-soundproofed. The staff were warm and attentive, making for a truly comfortable and pleasant stay.
FromUS$177
9/10Great8491 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|8.21km from city centre
Spacious and Modern Rooms: In the notoriously compact Hong Kong, this hotel's rooms are frequently praised for being ”spacious,” ”new,” and ”clean.” Many guests mention being able to get out of bed from three sides and fully open their suitcases, ensuring a comfortable and unconfined stay. Views and Soundproofing: Most rooms feature 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, offering excellent mountain or river views. The hotel also boasts excellent soundproofing; even during typhoons, guests report barely hearing any wind, guaranteeing a quiet and restful environment. Comprehensive Facilities: Rooms typically come equipped with a mini-fridge, electric kettle, and coffee capsule machine. The hotel also provides a communal kitchen, a 24-hour study room, a gym, a heated swimming pool, and a self-service laundry room, catering to guests' various needs.
FromUS$113

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Family friendly

9.1/10Great17488 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from city centre
Great Location, Excellent Views and Friendly Service I had a very enjoyable stay at the Empire Hotel on Kimberley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. The location is excellent, making it easy to explore the surrounding area, with plenty of shops, restaurants and transport options nearby. The room was comfortable and nicely presented, and the view was a real highlight. Service was also good, with staff providing a pleasant and professional experience throughout my stay. Overall, a great option for anyone looking for a well-located hotel in TST. I would happily stay here again and recommend it to other travellers visiting Hong Kong.
FromUS$121
8.5/10Very Good6818 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from city centre
Great location, right by the A21 airport bus stop for Tsim Sha Tsui. There is a large shopping mall right across the street, and with Best Mart 360 nearby, shopping is extremely convenient. For dining, Wah Kee Kong Si (Wah Lam Restaurant) is close by, and there's also an AEON supermarket.
FromUS$183
9/10Great11965 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.45km from city centre
The hotel has a fantastic location, very close to the Tin Hau MTR station. Trams are just a few steps away, and there is an abundance of food options all around. For Hong Kong, it's rare to find a room this spacious. The bed and pillows were very comfortable, and the room was clean and hygienic, with complimentary bottled water provided. The breakfast was rich and varied, and the afternoon tea was also great with plenty of snacks. The sightseeing lounge on the 30th floor is great for taking amazing photos, offering a wide selection of teas and beverages, plus a kids' play area. All in all, choosing Empire Hotels was a spot-on decision for our two-night stay. I will definitely choose this hotel again given the chance.
FromUS$107
8.2/10Very Good4786 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|7.01km from city centre
The hotel is exactly as shown in the photos. The location is good, especially if you use DiDi or taxis to get around. The buffet breakfast is definitely a plus, as it offers different options for different tastes. The room may feel a little small for three people, but it works perfectly well if you mainly use it to rest and sleep. They also provide different types of power outlets and connectors, which is very convenient for international travelers. Overall, everything was clean, smelled fresh, and was well maintained. We had a good experience and would consider it a comfortable option for staying in Hong Kong.
FromUS$98
8.5/10Very Good6294 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|10.89km from city centre
⭐ Royal View Hotel Tsuen Wan — Beautiful Facilities & Great Beach, but Shockingly Poor Front‑Desk Service My wife and I stayed at Royal View Hotel in Tsuen Wan, and the hotel itself is genuinely beautiful. The property is clean, well‑maintained, and located near a gorgeous beach, which adds a lot to the overall atmosphere. We also really enjoyed the pool and sauna, and the pool attendants were polite, friendly, and professional — a real highlight of our stay. Unfortunately, the front‑desk service was consistently unpleasant, and it stood in stark contrast to the quality of the hotel’s facilities. We arrived around 12 p.m. and were told check‑in wasn’t until after 3 p.m., which was completely fine. But without me saying anything, the woman at the desk responded with “those are the rules, too bad,” in a rude, dismissive tone. I hadn’t questioned the policy at all, so her attitude was genuinely surprising and uncalled for. Later, when it was after 3 p.m., I went back to the front desk and asked, “Can I check in now?” A different woman looked at me with clear disdain and replied, “What?” in a harsh, unfriendly way. I repeated myself, and she continued to stare at me until another staff member stepped in and offered to help. The attitude from almost every person at the front desk was strangely hostile, as if guests were inconveniences rather than customers. The same pattern continued when we asked about late check‑out. We were told, in another harsh tone, “There’s no late check‑out here. You need to leave before 12.” Again, the issue wasn’t the policy — it was the rude, unprofessional way it was delivered. At one point, I asked a staff member if they had a razor available. The response was, “We don’t have razors, it’s Hong Kong law,” said in a very unpleasant manner. My 9‑year‑old son later told me that razors were available for purchase in the vending machine — something the staff member failed to mention. It would have taken only a few seconds to say, “You can buy one downstairs,” but instead I was met with unnecessary rudeness. The contrast between this experience and our recent stay at Crown Hotel in Shenzhen, where the staff were warm, polite, and welcoming, was dramatic. At Royal View, the front‑desk staff behaved as if they were doing us a favor, and their attitude felt completely untrained and unprofessional. It’s genuinely sad, because we loved the hotel itself — the facilities, the cleanliness, the pool, the sauna, and the beautiful beach nearby were all excellent. But the poor customer service at the front desk seriously affected our stay. With proper training and a more respectful approach to guests, this hotel could easily offer an outstanding experience.
FromUS$115

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Swimming pool

9.3/10Great8328 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from city centre
The hotel's convenient location makes it my top choice every time I visit Hong Kong, and the Horizon Club experience is a huge bonus. During this stay, I met TONY at the Horizon Club; his greeting of ”welcome back” made me feel right at home. His professionalism and service attitude are truly outstanding—thoughtful, attentive, smooth in communication, and quick to respond. It left an overwhelmingly positive impression. The Horizon Club staff strike the perfect balance, offering proactive greetings without ever being intrusive, allowing me to genuinely experience Shangri-La's signature thoughtful hospitality. Highly recommended!
FromUS$325
8.2/10Very Good11330 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|7.52km from city centre
My stay at Regal Hotel was fantastic, completely exceeding expectations! - Attentive service: The hotel staff were exceptionally warm and helpful. From check-in to promptly fulfilling every request, their service was efficient and welcoming, making me feel right at home. - Convenient transportation: There are direct buses right outside the hotel offering easy access to bustling commercial districts like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, making getting around extremely convenient. - Cleanliness and hygiene: The room was spotless, the bedding was comfortable, and it provided great peace of mind. - Complete amenities: The hotel features a variety of restaurants catering to different culinary preferences. Convenience stores, Mannings, and all kinds of eateries are just a short walk away, making daily needs easily accessible. Whether for getting around, dining, or shopping, everything was just perfect. It offers great value for money and I highly recommend it!
FromUS$102
8.5/10Very Good12435 Reviews
Airport Hong Kong|24.16km from city centre
Everything was great, very convenient. The environment was better than I expected. Come and stay here! Free shuttle bus service between Regal Airport Hotel, Regala Skycity Hotel, and Tung Chung MTR Station Exit A (seats are first-come, first-served): It was all very good. It's spacious and convenient for getting to and from the airport. The lobby is beautiful, and the hotel is very large.
FromUS$106
9/10Great3583 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from city centre
The hotel environment is clean and elegant, with a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. The room is spacious and bright, the king-sized bed is very large, and the bedding is comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The service throughout our stay was attentive and polite, with professional and friendly staff who paid great attention to details. The location is truly a big plus, with convenient transportation that saves time and effort getting anywhere. There are many dining options downstairs, making eating and shopping very convenient – the living facilities are top-notch. Our entire stay was a great experience, exceeding expectations in all aspects. Highly recommended.
FromUS$211
8.6/10Very Good7007 Reviews
Hung Hom and Kowloon City Hong Kong|3km from city centre
I always book this hotel and know what their service is like, but every time they manage to amaze me. The first time, the front desk staff had a bad attitude at check-in; this time, the check-in staff were actually very great. However, while we were waiting in the lobby after checking out because of our high-speed train, the security guard was quite ridiculous. He kept pacing back and forth in front of us, probably because we had so many bags and he found us an eyesore. Later, I was holding some soy milk and a pastry without any intention of eating them right then, and he rushed over to tell me that eating isn't allowed here, using a very commanding tone. That made me feel like he had been pacing in front of us just waiting for an excuse to have a go at me. My first reaction to his poor attitude was: is it because I had to stay in the lobby after checking out to wait for a later departure? Your hotel didn't offer a complimentary late checkout to match my taxi time, so is sitting here for a little while subject to a fee? It wasn't until after we left that I noticed there was a café-style dining area nearby where we could have gone completely unnoticed. Had I known, I would have sat over there instead of enduring the security guard's attitude. We later mentioned this to the front desk, and shortly after, the security guard seemed to have changed shifts. That said, I must commend the doorman at the entrance who actively helped us load our luggage—his physical labor was miles better than the service of the security guard who was just strolling around and keeping an eye on us inside the lobby. While we are very satisfied with the hotel's location, the service really needs improvement. If eating isn't allowed, there should be a clear reminder sign, or when the security guard noticed us, he could have politely suggested that I go to the nearby café instead of staring us down and barking orders in such a dry, rude manner. Anyone would feel uncomfortable with that; at the very least, he should understand that he works in the hospitality industry.
FromUS$217

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Best Time to Visit Around Hong Kong 🌦️

The weather here really shapes the experience, especially if you’re planning to head out to the islands, go hiking, or hit the beach. There’s no need to obsess over the forecast, but picking the right time makes a world of difference to how you’ll enjoy everything around Hong Kong.

Station

Weather

Top sights to see

Experience

The driest and most pleasant season (October–March)

Mild temperatures, lower humidity, and clearer skies (18–25 °C)

Hiking trails like Dragon’s Back or Tai Mo Shan, natural viewpoints, Lantau

Clearer views, comfortable hikes, and stress-free outdoor plans

Wettest and hottest season (April–September)

Hot and humid with frequent showers (26–33 °C)

Islands with flexible plans like Lamma, villages like Tai O, and short routes

Lush, green landscapes; it's worth being flexible and having a plan B ready in case of rain.

Dreaming of exploring Hong Kong's incredible surroundings? The sweet spot for your visit is usually autumn and winter. You'll find it's so much more comfortable for strolling around, and the views? Oh, they're absolutely breathtaking!

That said, summer has its own special charm too. Even though the heat can be quite intense, the sea looks spectacular and you’ll get to experience the islands in a completely different way.

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