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

8.6/106414 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from city centre
The location is absolutely unbeatable, right inside Harbour City, on Canton Road. The lobby connects directly to Lane Crawford, and the hotel's second floor has direct access to Harbour City, which is incredibly convenient. It's about a 5-minute walk to the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Terminal. The Tsim Sha Tsui/Austin MTR stations are roughly a 10-minute walk away. This is a well-established, older 5-star hotel. The standard rooms are very spacious for Hong Kong, the bedding is comfortable, and the soundproofing is good. The facilities are more traditional, but they don't feel old or run down; it has the timeless quality of a classic hotel that has stood the test of time. The hotel also boasts a top-tier Italian restaurant with stunning harbor views. Not only can you enjoy authentic cuisine, but you can also take in the spectacular Victoria Harbour night scenery. I often visit the area, and this hotel offers excellent value for money. I booked two rooms for three nights each this time and was very satisfied.
From£108
9.3/10Very Good5620 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from city centre
The hotel was exceptionally clean. I mentioned to the front desk staff upon check-in that it was my birthday, and they were kind enough to upgrade my room. On my birthday, when I returned to the hotel, I was pleasantly surprised to find a thoughtful birthday cake waiting for me—a truly wonderful experience. The hotel is also very quiet; you can't hear any noise from outside or from other rooms. It was cleaned meticulously every day, which I really appreciated. Plus, having 'Wolf Howl Square' right downstairs was incredibly convenient, especially for families with elderly members and children. If you're tired from sightseeing, you can easily shop and dine right within the hotel complex.
From£109
9.3/10Very Good8652 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from city centre
We chose the family room at Royal Plaza Hotel in Hong Kong for our trip, and the experience was a pleasant surprise! The room was much more spacious than a standard room, with two large beds and plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped. It was spotlessly clean, the bedding was soft, and the bathroom had a separate shower and toilet. All the facilities were well-maintained. The hotel is connected to Mong Kok East Station, making it super convenient for getting around and exploring. There's a shopping mall downstairs, and it's very close to Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. The room was quiet, so we had an undisturbed night's rest. There was ample space for our luggage without feeling cluttered. The hotel service was thoughtful, and check-in was efficient. Overall, the quality was excellent. If couples visiting Hong Kong want a more spacious stay, I highly recommend this room. I'd definitely consider staying here again next time!
From£99
9/10Good4957 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.46km from city centre
In a prime location like Tsim Sha Tsui, this hotel is definitely the king of value for money. I brought my child here for the IELTS exam and chose this hotel near the test center, and it truly surprised me. For just over 900, the room was spacious enough, and the hotel even gave us a free upgrade. There's a restaurant right downstairs with live singers, so we didn't even need to go out for meals. The room also offered a view of Victoria Harbour. I'll definitely choose to stay here again next time.
From£100
9/10Good8630 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.
From£65

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Family friendly

9.1/10Good17174 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from city centre
Facilities: Excellent Hygiene: Clean and tidy Environment: Very good Service: Excellent The hotel is very close to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, just a few minutes' walk away. The location is superb, with many restaurants and supermarkets downstairs. It's also very close to Victoria Harbour, which you can see from the room through the window. I've stayed here many times already and look forward to my next visit.
From£65
8.5/106839 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from city centre
The room didn't quite live up to expectations, so don't set your hopes too high. For a room that costs around HKD 1200 a night, there wasn't even a bottle of mineral water. The toiletries were extremely basic, just a toothbrush and toothpaste – no shower cap or amenity kit whatsoever. It felt really stingy. I can understand that major hardware changes can't happen overnight, but the lack of basic amenities and services is hard to grasp. I wonder if this is a standard for hotels in Hong Kong or for this particular InterContinental brand? However, I must commend the gentlemen at the luggage storage – they were very nice! Full marks for their service.
From£94
9/10Good11790 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.45km from city centre
The hotel was renovated in 2017, but the room, including every corner of the bathroom, was spotless. The entire hotel is exceptionally well-maintained and thoughtfully run. **Service** Upon arriving at the lobby in the afternoon, there were many stored suitcases filling the corners. The lobby staff were very welcoming and enthusiastic, opening the doors for guests. Lobby suggestion: Adding fresh flowers would make it feel more vibrant. **Environment** The hotel is located near Tin Hau Station Exit A2 (the subway sign says A1, which is a bit roundabout). Walk straight across a small street for about 3-5 minutes, and you'll reach it easily. Even with a large 26-inch suitcase, it was no trouble. Along the street, there are various dessert shops and restaurants. **Facilities** Although the hotel was renovated in 2017, the facilities are very well-maintained. There are night lights by the bedside in the room. The bath towels are new, and the toiletries have a pleasant botanical scent. The room has two direct USB charging ports, so you don't even need to bring a UK adapter – it's more than enough. There are two types of pillows (soft and firm) available by the bed, which shows excellent attention to detail. 💯
From£52
8.2/104743 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|7.01km from city centre
I really think this place offers great value for money. It wasn't much more expensive than hotels near the Shenzhen border, and the room was much bigger than I expected and looked quite proper. Before coming here, I had actually lowered my expectations, wondering what kind of hotel you could get for just over 300 (excluding tax) during the summer holiday. After all, the night before, I paid over 200 near the Shenzhen border for a room with a tiny window, no soundproofing, and even mold. So, I was genuinely surprised when I arrived! It's a standalone hotel building with a spacious lobby on the ground floor. The staff were also very friendly. I'm from a remote part of Chongqing and only speak Mandarin, not Cantonese, but I didn't feel discriminated against at all. They have a free shuttle service, which I didn't know about at first. You can take the shuttle from Tsuen Wan MTR station (exit E) – the pickup point is next to Metroplaza on the opposite side. You don't need anything to board the shuttle to the hotel, but you do need to book in advance with the front desk for the return trip. One minor drawback is that check-in isn't until 3 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM the next day, which is different from mainland China, so you'll need to plan your time accordingly.
From£50
8.5/106297 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|10.89km from city centre
The room is quite spacious, and the front desk service was excellent. The shuttle bus was also very convenient. I would definitely stay here again next time I visit Hong Kong. There's a beach right next to the hotel, perfect for a quiet stroll. The sea view is beautiful.
From£54

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Swimming pool

9.3/10Very Good8320 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from city centre
Revisiting an old favorite. This time, I came back to relive memories from ten years ago when I stayed at this hotel for New Year's. Back then, I didn't book a sea view room, but I was captivated by a woman's singing in the lobby on the ground floor. That singing and the warm atmosphere of the lobby, I felt, was truly authentic Hong Kong. This time, I specifically booked a deluxe sea view room for two nights, and I'm grateful to the hotel for providing a beautiful room. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the room faced Victoria Harbour directly, allowing me to watch the sunrise and sunset paint the water in different colors. Getting around by MTR is convenient from here, and you can stroll along the skywalk to Harbour City without rushing any itinerary. The breakfast selection was rich, and the familiar tastes settling into my stomach felt like encountering my ten-year-old self. I believe that a good trip isn't about how many new sights you see; it's about returning to an old place and earnestly experiencing all the tenderness you didn't quite get to appreciate back then.
From£210
8.2/1011361 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|7.52km from city centre
The room was a bit old-fashioned, and there were only two power outlets. Luckily, I brought a couple of multi-port adapters, otherwise charging my phone and camera would have been a hassle. No bottled water was provided in the room, only tap water. While it's eco-friendly, it's not very convenient and detracted from the experience. The hotel's surroundings are excellent. There are many bars and restaurants downstairs, and a Wellcome Supermarket and 7-Eleven nearby. The bus stop is right in front of the hotel, making it very convenient to get to Central and the West Kowloon Cultural Corridor. Just a heads-up, the MTR station is quite a distance, so it might not be convenient if you have a lot of luggage. I'd like to praise the front desk service. On my first night, I was on the 4th floor, and the 3rd floor was the swimming pool. The room was incredibly damp. When I woke up in the morning, I had two bites, probably from some insect. After I reported it to the front desk, they immediately moved me to a room on the 16th floor for the remaining two days! Oh, and the hotel breakfast was decent. It wasn't very diverse, but it was definitely not bad and filling.
From£56
8.5/1012015 Reviews
Airport Hong Kong|24.16km from city centre
Every time I have a layover in the US, I always take my mom to stay at the Regal Hotel for a night. It's right inside the airport, which is super convenient for my elderly mother to get around. The mattress is very comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep to feel refreshed. The breakfast is also plentiful and delicious. Their pastries are especially good! Sweet tooths should definitely give them a try.
From£85
9/10Good3531 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from city centre
I stayed at this hotel over 10 years ago. Although it has been renovated, the service is noticeably worse than before. Here are a few points: 1. At 3 PM check-in, no rooms were available. We only got our room key at 4:30 PM. 2. Upon entering the room, we found a used band-aid from the previous guests still on the floor (which was quite unpleasant) and not cleaned up. 3. Loud music from a club downstairs went on until past midnight, making it impossible for us and our child to get any rest. Even though it was a weekend and there might have been events, it was simply unacceptable. 4. There's also something that made us very angry, and although it's not directly related to the hotel, I want to share it so future guests can be aware. The taxis outside the hotel – we might have encountered an extreme driver, not necessarily representative of most, but I'm just sharing my personal experience. We took a taxi from the hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui to Sogo in Causeway Bay. Without informing us, the driver took a detour over the cross-harbor bridge. I only found this out later when the price seemed wrong. He didn't take the usual tunnel, and as a result, the fare was HKD 193. Taking the tunnel usually costs around HKD 65, which we had paid before. So, I want to remind future guests to be careful when taking taxis. However, there was one thing we were satisfied with: the housekeeping staff on our floor had surprisingly good service. They always smiled, greeted us, and said hello.
From£120
8.6/106972 Reviews
Hung Hom and Kowloon City Hong Kong|3km from city centre
The hotel was beautiful with a stunning view of Hong Kong Island. The room was well kitted out. My only complaint was that there were no water bottles in the room and the tap water wasn't filtered drinking water unlike other hotels I stayed in in HK which left our bottled water plus had drinking taps.
From£111

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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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