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

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🌄 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

8.7/106420 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from city centre
Marco Polo Hotel: A good choice Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Canton Road (there are several hotels named Marco Polo in that area, make sure you don't get the wrong one). Upon our arrival, the front desk suggested we upgrade to a sea-view room, which we did, paying a bit extra. However, there was a misunderstanding regarding the complimentary laundry service for three items. When I tried to use it, the hotel staff said it was only available for executive rooms. We definitely didn't hear that during check-in. After speaking with the front desk manager, the hotel ultimately honored the free service, and we appreciate that. The hotel's dining options are also decent, and the room cleaning staff were very accommodating with our schedule, which was great. Overall, the hotel staff are very friendly, and the location is excellent. It's very close to the Star Ferry Terminal and even closer to several luxury retail stores. If you walk further down Beijing Road, you'll find many shops selling health supplements, cosmetics, and traditional Chinese medicine. There are also many restaurants in the side streets, offering plenty of choices. Don't complain about the prices, because nothing in Tsim Sha Tsui is cheap.
FromTRY 6,145
9.3/10Very Good5537 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from city centre
The hotel is in an excellent location, directly connected to Langham Place, making shopping and dining very convenient. The overall service was outstanding, with friendly and attentive staff throughout my stay. The hotel was exceptionally clean and offered true five-star amenities. The pool and other facilities were excellent, and even walking past the spa area felt relaxing due to its peaceful atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and hope to return on my next visit.
FromTRY 6,386
9.3/10Very Good8471 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from city centre
Extremely satisfied with this stay! Although I didn't get to use the pool, I was upgraded to a suite, so I didn't experience the typical 'small Hong Kong room' feeling at this Mong Kok location. It was also incredibly clean and comfortable, with no strange smells whatsoever. The bathtub was absolutely heavenly.
FromTRY 5,414
9/10Good4826 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.46km from city centre
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and the location is absolutely unbeatable. The room was also spacious and the bed was very comfortable. My only minor complaint is that the room I was assigned this time didn't have much of a view – all I could see when I opened the curtains was the building opposite. Other than that, everything was perfect!
FromTRY 4,586
9/10Good9277 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|8.21km from city centre
The environment here is fantastic! This was my first time staying in Hong Kong, and it was a superb experience. I met a lot of Koreans here. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit Sha Tin Racecourse, and MacLehose Trail is also very close by. The hotel's floor-to-ceiling window view was amazing, and since we arrived early, they gave us a free room upgrade. I'd definitely want to stay here again next time I visit Hong Kong! Plus, there's a 7-Eleven right downstairs, which is super convenient. Thumbs up!
FromTRY 3,441

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Family friendly

9.1/10Good15790 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from city centre
Our stay at The Imperial Hotel Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong was truly exceptional, with professional and incredibly warm service! We didn't have an umbrella when it started raining, and the front desk staff proactively offered us a hotel umbrella, which was a huge lifesaver. When checking out, the front desk auntie was so thoughtful and professional; she even gave us Ferrero Rocher chocolates, considering that tourists might experience low blood sugar. That attention to detail was so touching. The hotel's location is superb, just a few minutes' walk to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, making shopping and dining incredibly convenient. Overall, our stay was fantastic, and I highly recommend it. We'll definitely choose this hotel again next time we visit Hong Kong!
FromTRY 3,793
8.5/106793 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from city centre
Very convenient location to TST station where nearest exit N5 (stairs access only) to hotel. If you have big luggage, you can via iSquare mall, take escalator to ground level and cross the road to hotel. The renovated room is spacious with 2 double beds. But there is only 1 seater in the room and no bottled water or laundry bag provided. Toiletries are provided via dispensers. Counter staff at check in can be more polite. I will choose this hotel for it's location and room size. Many food options like Red Tea, Bakehouse, dim sum, wanton mee, chagee around. K11 mall just behind hotel. Self check in and out counter is available.
FromTRY 4,779
9/10Good10450 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.45km from city centre
Last year, we have stayed here several times and back again this summer. The hotel is in a very nice location with lots of restaurants nearby, good food and not very expensive relative to other tourist districts like TST. Two blocks to the MTR station and bus terminal with easy access to every part of Hongkong. Close to the Victoria Park and walking distance through the park to the Causeway Bay shopping district. The new East Harbour-front broadwalk offering great view of the entire Victoria harbour and great for a morning jog or sunset walk. Also easy access up to the Hong Kong Island Coastal Trails. Staffs were very friendly with super fast checkin and checkout. Seems like the hotel has also done some minor improvements like better wifi connections and placing filter units in the hallways to clean the air due to people smoking in their rooms or in the hallway, even though the hotel is supposed to be totally smoking free environment! Will definitely be back again in the next few months.
FromTRY 2,448
8.2/104688 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|7.01km from city centre
This is an older, reputable four-star hotel chain in Hong Kong, and this Tsuen Wan location is the most affordable. I chose it for my island-hopping trip to Hong Kong, finally fulfilling my wish to swim and hike at Half Moon Bay in Sai Kung. I booked a room with either a king or twin beds. On the first night, being a Saturday, there were more tourists, so the hotel didn't have any king rooms left and just pushed two twin beds together, which was a bit tight. On Sunday, I asked to switch rooms, and they accommodated me immediately, but there was no complimentary upgrade; upgrades cost extra. The room was quite small, barely enough space to open two carry-on suitcases. Some of the garden view rooms faced an old, dilapidated gray factory building, which wasn't very appealing. The rooms have been newly renovated, and each comes with an air purifier. If you don't have a converter, there are USB ports by the bed for charging. There's a TV with movie channels, which was a nice bonus. Unfortunately, the bathroom in the king room had a minor leak, but it dried up after the room was cleaned. The cleaning was thorough, and they replenished tissues and toilet paper. They'll change the sheets upon request. The hotel doesn't provide toothbrushes or toothpaste, but you can buy them at Mannings, about a 10-minute walk away. They also don't provide bottled water, but there's a water dispenser in the hallway. Theoretically, tap water in Hong Kong is drinkable, but some buildings have old pipes, so filtering is a good idea. From 11 AM to 5 PM daily, the hotel offers self-serve complimentary drinks at the entrance; the Roselle tea and longan ginger tea were both delicious. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from Tai Wo Hau MTR station and about a 20-minute walk from Kwai Hing MTR station, but there are plenty of buses nearby, and the double-decker bus offers great views. In April, the hotel's swimming pool wasn't open yet. The gym is open 24 hours and has some cardio equipment, 1-10kg dumbbells, a weight bench, and yoga mats, along with sweat towels. The hotel has a restaurant and a cafe. The front desk service was a bit average, but the concierge and restaurant staff were very good. There's also a shuttle bus to nearby shopping malls. The 7-Eleven at the entrance is open from 7 AM to 11 PM, which is convenient for buying things. However, the hotel doesn't have a microwave, so you can't heat food when the 7-Eleven is closed. There are many restaurants in the residential area, about a 10-minute walk away, offering choices like cha chaan tengs, beef noodles, and char siu rice, and most stay open late. Check-out is quite early at 11 AM. I called the front desk to request a 12 PM check-out, and they said it would cost an extra HKD 130. After check-out, luggage can be stored for free until midnight that day; after midnight, it's HKD 10 per piece per day. When I went to pick up my luggage, I saw a tour group from mainland China, which gives you an idea of the number of tourists the hotel hosts on weekends. Overall, I would still highly recommend it; it offers excellent value for money in Hong Kong!
FromTRY 3,193
8.5/106272 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|10.89km from city centre
My stay here was excellent. The room was spotlessly clean, well-arranged, and the bedding was soft. The soundproofing was great, ensuring a high-quality rest. The front desk staff were very friendly and check-in was quick. The location is superb, making it easy to get around and find places to eat. Overall, the environment was quiet and comfortable, offering good value for money. I'd definitely choose to stay here again on my next trip.
FromTRY 2,531

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Swimming pool

9.3/10Very Good8380 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from city centre
This hotel has some age to it, with a charming old Hong Kong vibe. The location is excellent, right by Victoria Harbour, and it's quite close to both K11 and Harbour City. The room itself is spacious, with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering fantastic sea views. It was very comfortable to sit by the window. I'm not sure what bedding the hotel uses, but it was incredibly comfortable; I'm usually not a great sleeper, but I slept wonderfully both nights I stayed. The staff were all very good and professional. There's also a restaurant downstairs called Shang Palace, and the food there is delicious.
FromTRY 10,145
8.2/1011614 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|7.52km from city centre
The transportation is incredibly convenient, with a bus stop right downstairs that's just one stop away from Sha Tin town center. The view is excellent, but because there are many buses, the river-view rooms can get noisy from the buses moving around. The hygiene is standard, meeting typical 4-star hotel expectations. It includes breakfast, the rooms are spacious, and it offers great value for money.
FromTRY 2,379
8.5/1010803 Reviews
Airport Hong Kong|24.16km from city centre
A truly excellent experience! My child had an early morning flight from Hong Kong Airport, and choosing the Regal Airport Hotel was definitely the right decision. The location is incredibly convenient, as you can walk directly to the terminal building. The hotel's environment and facilities were very comfortable and clean. We had a great night's sleep, which made catching the early flight very easy.
FromTRY 4,007
9/10Good3450 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from city centre
This time, I didn't plan ahead. My return trip was suddenly delayed, and I needed to switch hotels last minute, so I just booked one nearby. I was genuinely amazed by this place! For around 1100, the room was incredibly spacious, completely unlike the 'every inch of land is precious' small rooms I always hear about. It had two bathrooms, a huge bed, two TVs, and a large bathtub with a separate shower. The amenities were also super comprehensive, including a universal adapter and complimentary bottled water in the room. I truly recommend room 1042! They also have all the disposable items for children, which you can ask for at the front desk. Highly recommended! It's also quite close to the MTR station. Just across the road is Kowloon Park, which is definitely worth a visit. Miramar Place is diagonally opposite, as well as Muji, and there's a Don Quijote import supermarket downstairs. Highly, highly recommend!
FromTRY 6,359
8.7/106756 Reviews
Hung Hom and Kowloon City Hong Kong|3km from city centre
This is the best hotel room I've ever stayed in in Hong Kong! I got incredibly lucky that day and was upgraded to a tower suite. Not only did it have a sea view, but the room itself exceeded all expectations – super spacious and felt really fresh. The lobby staff were excellent, and the location is fantastic. It's only about 3 km from the West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station. In the evenings, you can take a stroll along the waterfront, which is right downstairs. You can also walk to K11, Victoria Harbour, and there are tons of other fun places and great food spots just downstairs.
FromTRY 4,386

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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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