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

8.6/106439 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from city centre
A returning guest here! I'm not sure if it's because of the summer holiday, but it seems like all departments are so busy that some of the hygiene details aren't as good as before. As soon as I entered the room, before I even touched the bed, I found a short hair on the bedsheet (I have long hair, so it couldn't have been mine). Also, later that night, I wanted a drink and ordered some glasses, but they were incredibly dirty, as if they hadn't been washed at all (luckily, I hadn't had a drink yet). I hope these details can be followed up and improved.
FromSAR 431
9.3/10Very Good5621 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from city centre
A few years ago, I visited Hong Kong and stayed at Cordis for the first time, absolutely loving it. This time around, there was no question, I chose Cordis again. It's in a prime Mong Kok location, super convenient for transportation and shopping. The hotel lobby connects directly to Langham Place, and just outside, you'll find SaSa, Mannings, DONKI, and Matsukiyo. Famous local eateries like Fei Jie and 18 Seats Doggy Noodles are also within a 10-minute walk. Langham Place's basement connects to the MTR Tsuen Wan Line, offering direct access to Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central without any transfers. The hotel has been open for about ten years or so, and it's generally well-maintained, though of course, it can't compare to a brand new hotel – that's a matter of personal preference. A pleasant surprise this time was finding ice machines in the hallway on our floor. The room facilities are quite comprehensive, though having to stand in the bathtub for a shower is a minor drawback. The bedding is very comfortable, especially the pillows; I slept incredibly well. The front desk staff are all very nice, communicating in Mandarin, offering cold towels, and proactively greeting guests. However, the ground floor staff didn't offer to help with luggage proactively, which was a slight oversight. All in all, if you're looking for ultimate convenience, choosing Cordis is definitely the right decision.
FromSAR 503
9.3/10Very Good8655 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from city centre
The accessibility and value for money here are truly outstanding. It's directly connected to Mong Kok East MTR station and MOKO mall, so you can go from the subway to the hotel entirely indoors, which is perfect for the rainy season – no worries about getting wet while eating, drinking, or having fun. The overall environment and cleanliness are also commendable. The room was spacious by Hong Kong standards, and I got upgraded to the executive floor, which offered a great view.
FromSAR 465
9/10Good4904 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.46km from city centre
The location is excellent, right outside the subway exit. It's just one stop from West Kowloon, and you can walk to Tsim Sha Tsui. Although it's an older hotel, the room facilities are a bit dated, but it's clean and hygienic with an 'old money' vibe. The front desk lady, Polly, upgraded our room for free, which made our stay very comfortable. Later, another front desk staff member in the evening helped us get a late check-out, which was incredibly thoughtful! Plus, I discovered that the nearby parking lot offers overnight parking for only 98! For drivers coming from Guangdong, this hotel is a great option. I'm already planning to drive here next time.
FromSAR 402
9/10Good8837 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|8.21km from city centre
This is my second stay here this year, and it's still great. The hotel's shuttle bus goes to the subway station and nearby malls, which is super convenient. There's a phone, notepad, and a ready-to-watch TV by the bed – I love that traditional hotel feel. Most importantly, no one asked me for a good review! I gave it a good review because I genuinely liked it.
FromSAR 323

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Family friendly

9.1/10Good16654 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from city centre
Amenities: They provide complimentary bottled water, tea bags, and even a universal adapter, which was very convenient. Cleanliness: The room was clean and hygienic, very satisfying. Environment: Clean and comfortable. Service: A big shout-out to the front desk lady! She was so nice and upgraded our room when she saw I was with two small children. Other staff members also greeted us whenever they saw us.
FromSAR 260
8.5/106820 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from city centre
The breakfast was plentiful and catered well to the tastes of travelers from various regions. The staff members were all very friendly, and the hotel's location is excellent, being a mere ten-minute walk to Victoria Harbour and situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. The bathtub is relatively low, making it easy for seniors to enter, and it's equipped with a non-slip mat and a grab bar on the wall to assist with standing up. The deposit is one thousand Hong Kong dollars, payable by cash or credit card. If paid in cash, you receive the refund upon check-out; I paid by credit card, and the front desk said it would take 2-4 weeks to process. Nowadays, travelers rarely carry so much cash, and waiting almost a month for a deposit refund is truly inconvenient. I hope this can be improved. Also, I've seen many reviews stating that no deposit was charged, so I'm unsure what the standard policy is regarding deposit collection.
FromSAR 368
9/10Good11267 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.45km from city centre
The location is fantastic, right next to Tin Hau, in a very local neighborhood. It's quiet but not isolated, and if my booking hadn't been non-refundable, I would have definitely extended my stay. There are great food options nearby, like Wah So's Clear Broth Beef Brisket and the Black Sesame Ice Cream from Warm Heart Cheese. The service attitude, from the lobby to the doorman, was very kind and friendly. The room was small but had everything you needed. The bed was a bit short though, my 170cm kid's feet were hanging off the end! But overall, it was a good stay.
FromSAR 233
8.2/104713 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|7.01km from city centre
The transportation is inconvenient. The hotel's earliest shuttle bus is at 7:30 AM, which isn't that early. It leaves promptly, and for mainland tourists who don't understand Cantonese, the service in Hong Kong can be impatient. They just blurt everything out in Cantonese, and you can't understand or react in time. Later, I learned my lesson. Without them even prompting me, I'd just stand by the door and hop on any bus I saw. The first time, the bus left right in front of me, and I had to take a taxi, which made me very angry. Getting an invoice at the end was also a hassle. Initially, they told me I could get one, but when I was leaving, they refused. They told me to contact the Ctrip platform, but I had already paid the full amount in cash upon check-in, so the platform definitely wouldn't issue it. We argued for quite a while before they finally gave it to me, wasting my morning. This hotel's transportation is extremely inconvenient. I wouldn't recommend it for individual travelers unless you're driving yourself or part of a tour group.
FromSAR 194
8.5/106263 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|10.89km from city centre
This has to be the best value-for-money hotel I've stayed at in Hong Kong so far. I especially loved the beach downstairs, just sitting there quietly watching the young guys playing beach volleyball so seriously. It felt like that's exactly how young people should spend their summer holidays! The hotel room had a sea view, which was fantastic and very quiet. While the room facilities aren't the most modern, they met all our needs. The shuttle bus was also very convenient; you just go down the stairs from MTR Exit C, and that's where the shuttle bus waits. I chose to stay in Tsuen Wan this time because it's close to Disneyland, and I found it to be very lively and great for exploring. All in all, I'll definitely come back and stay again, and next time I'll bring my swimsuit!
FromSAR 160

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Swimming pool

9.3/10Very Good8331 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from city centre
Honestly, this stay was a huge disappointment. I booked a high-end sea-view room at a steep price, but the service felt very perfunctory (was it because I'm a mainland Chinese tourist?). In hindsight, I shouldn't have passed on the Sheraton just because the room was too small, or the Grand Hyatt because of its less-than-ideal location. Even paying double the price for the Peninsula would have been a much happier experience. As someone who travels frequently for business and leisure, I often stay at similarly-ranked Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton, and Westin hotels. In the past 10 years, whenever I've arrived early and the hotel had an available room, they've always allowed early check-in, and this applies to hotels both in mainland China and abroad. I understand that the 3 PM check-in time is standard contractual practice, but I also believe whether a hotel accommodates early check-in reflects its attitude, especially since with limited transportation options and times, who can guarantee they'll never arrive early? On the day of my arrival, at 1 PM, the weather in Hong Kong was bad with heavy rain expected in the afternoon. I was with my child, and under those circumstances, I had to go out and kill two hours. Despite clearly indicating that children would be staying, no children's toiletries were prepared in advance, something I've never encountered at any high-end hotel before. Then, the room key card wouldn't open the door after multiple attempts. I also requested a high-floor room when booking, but was still assigned a low floor. This trip made me realize that being a Ctrip Gold Diamond member carries little weight at this hotel. If that's the case, why does the platform bother recommending it to people? In short, I won't be returning. I don't love those who don't love me; why spend money where you're not valued? Perhaps some might say I didn't ask for early check-in? My decade-plus of hotel experience has taught me one thing: I won't ask for anything. If they don't proactively offer it, it reflects the hotel's attitude. And this is the Shangri-La, once lauded as the pinnacle of service! To be fair, though I'm not a fan of their decor style, the sea view from the room was indeed excellent, and the room itself was quite spacious.
FromSAR 805
8.2/1011464 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|7.52km from city centre
Opted for the Regal Riverside Hotel in Hong Kong again, it's a great value-for-money hotel in the city. **Location:** Situated right next to Sha Tin town center, with direct airport bus access, making transportation incredibly convenient. There are plenty of beauty stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants nearby, offering a wide array of dining options. My room had a stunning view of Shing Mun River, with mountains and water – a picturesque landscape that was absolutely beautiful. **Facilities:** This time I stayed in a single king-sized bed room. It's much smaller than the twin-bed room I had before, but for a solo traveler staying one night, it was just right. The facilities were quite complete. **Service:** They offer luggage storage both before check-in and after check-out, which is very helpful. However, check-in is strictly after 3 PM, and early check-in is not permitted, so you need to time your arrival accordingly. The front desk staff speaks Mandarin and English, which is very convenient. **Cleanliness:** It was very clean, as always.
FromSAR 287
8.5/1011586 Reviews
Airport Hong Kong|24.16km from city centre
The room's decor and facilities are basically from the 1990s. There's no drinking water provided in the room; you have to get it yourself from a dispenser in the hallway. On the day I stayed, there was also a pipe repair at the airport. When I checked in, I was told the toilet in my room couldn't flush and would be fixed by 6 PM. However, from the time I got back to my room that evening until I checked out the next morning, the toilet was only flushing with sewage. I was truly disgusted! I didn't get much sleep that night either. The bed was too soft, and I was itching, I'm not sure if it was from dust mites or bed bugs. The biggest and only advantage is its location, making it suitable for layovers, early morning flights, or aviation enthusiasts.
FromSAR 392
9/10Good3517 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from city centre
This is the most convenient hotel I've ever stayed at! Right downstairs from The Mira Hong Kong is a 24-hour Don Quijote, which is super convenient for grabbing snacks and drinks. There are also various supermarkets and pharmacies nearby, and the MTR station is right outside. It's close to Mong Kok and Disneyland, making it the top choice for families with kids or serious shoppers!
FromSAR 511
8.6/106911 Reviews
Hung Hom and Kowloon City Hong Kong|3km from city centre
The hotel's location and room views were both very satisfying. The staff at the second-floor restaurant were enthusiastic with their recommendations, and the food was delicious. I would definitely choose this hotel again if I come back. Just be aware that the hotel does not provide disposable toothbrushes or slippers, so you'll need to bring your own. Also, there's a significant price difference for the hotel during off-peak seasons, so it's worth planning ahead.
FromSAR 441

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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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