Things to do and see around Hong Kong: Best activities & Day trips
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 |
Best places to visit near Hong Kong
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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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
6426 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from city centre
This was my first hotel in Hong Kong, and I experienced Typhoon Signal No. 9 during my stay. The next day, I had to board a cruise, so I was quite worried about the transportation arrangements. The concierge team was outstanding—they proactively checked the latest travel information, kept me updated, and even escorted me to the cruise check-in point. Their professionalism, kindness, and exceptional service made me feel well taken care of during a stressful situation. I truly appreciate their support, and it was one of the most memorable parts of my stay. Highly recommended!FromSAR 646
Very Good5602 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from city centre
I booked a corner king room, and it was incredibly spacious. The hotel's direct access to the mall was super convenient. But the best part was definitely the swimming pool – the indoor area was spotless and well-managed. Spending the summer lounging at this hotel was just perfect.FromSAR 694
Very Good8597 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from city centre
Mong Kok's travel ceiling! Royal Plaza Hotel made my entire Hong Kong trip comfortable and healing.
I stayed at the Royal Plaza Hotel throughout my self-guided trip to Hong Kong, and the overall experience far exceeded my expectations. I simply must write a detailed review.
The room was cleaned daily by dedicated staff, with impeccable hygiene control. The entire room was spotless, clean, and comfortable. The butler service was highly responsive and efficient; when I needed cutlery, it was delivered to the room instantly, which was very thoughtful. Every evening, I like to relax with a bath. The bathtub was clean and odorless. After a tiring day of travel, a hot bath washed away all the fatigue. Downstairs, there's direct access to Mui Wah Bing Tang, offering authentic Hong Kong-style food readily available and delicious, making dining out extremely convenient.
What surprised me most was the location: the hotel is seamlessly connected to Grand Century Place, and Mong Kok East Station is right outside. Taking the MTR to major popular spots like Ocean Park, Disneyland, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay was a breeze, with no need to worry about transportation. In Hong Kong, where space is at a premium, the rooms are spacious and wide, providing maximum comfort, suitable for both family trips and solo travelers.
Two small, heartwarming suggestions for the hotel's improvement:
Currently, the cutlery and bowls provided are a bit small. It was slightly inconvenient when I occasionally cooked Samyang Buldak noodles at night. If larger instant noodle bowls could be added, it would better cater to the needs of young guests. Also, if a stainless steel caddy could be installed on the bathtub, allowing for a glass of wine, aromatherapy, or a book while bathing, the ambiance and experience would be even better.
Overall, it's impeccable. Hardware, service, and location are all top-notch. I will prioritize choosing this hotel again for my next trip to Hong Kong. I sincerely recommend it to all visitors to Hong Kong!FromSAR 604
Good4886 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.46km from city centre
The location is super convenient! It's just one stop from West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station to Tsim Sha Tsui East, and the hotel is a short walk from the exit. The staff were really welcoming and polite. Plus, there are tons of great places to eat, drink, and have fun nearby. On Fridays and Saturdays, if you cross the road to the waterfront, you can even catch a drone show!FromSAR 476
Good8977 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|8.21km from city centre
Whenever I'm in Sha Tin, I stay at ALVA HOTEL BY AKOYA. This time, I had a long-term stay, about a month.
**Facilities:** Relatively new, not as old as other hotels in the same price range.
**Environment:** For Hong Kong, the room is quite spacious, and the layout is comfortable.
**Hygiene:** Daily cleaning is prompt and thorough, and amenities are replaced frequently.
**Service:** The hotel management is strict, and overall it's pretty good. The female staff at the front desk are gentle and friendly, but some male staff can be arrogant and overbearing, speaking unpleasantly and giving off an 'if you don't like it, don't stay' vibe, which is off-putting.FromSAR 344
Family friendly
Good16328 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 382
6828 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from city centre
Excellent experience. We arrived early and there were a lot of people checking in, but the front desk quickly arranged a room for us. Although we didn't get a twin room, the front desk attendant found a room with a 2-meter king-size bed for us, so kudos to her! 👍 We stayed on the 16th floor for four nights, and our housekeeper, Sister Ling, was incredibly friendly. She always greeted us with a smile, making us feel right at home. Thumbs up for Sister Ling! 👍FromSAR 512
Good10954 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 346
4728 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|7.01km from city centre
This hotel is a top pick on Ctrip for its excellent value! The hotel itself is beautifully decorated with a touch of light luxury. The rooms and restaurant are well-planned and efficiently managed. Our room was spotless, making for a very comfortable and convenient stay. The food selection is thoughtfully put together, offering a rich variety that caters to guests from different countries and with diverse dietary needs. The hotel boasts a prime location with a delightful atmosphere, surrounded by lush green mountains, beautiful scenery, and fresh air. The nearby residential areas are neatly arranged, offering convenient shopping and a vibrant local vibe. Plus, it's less than a 10-minute walk to the subway station and various supermarkets, making getting around incredibly easy! Highly recommend! 💐🌷🌹👍👍👍FromSAR 280
6253 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|10.89km from city centre
I asked the front desk staff to arrange a room with a sea view for us, and the lady at the front desk did an excellent job. The hotel has a beautiful environment, and it was a very comfortable stay. We had a wonderful time and felt great. Thumbs up! 👍 There's a beach nearby, which is perfect for family trips. The hotel also offers a free shuttle bus service to and from the subway station, which is great service.FromSAR 264
Swimming pool
Very Good8376 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from city centre
Beyond, beyond, beyond my expectations! Don't hesitate, just book it! I experienced the most premium and thoughtful service here. Check-in didn't even require a deposit. The front desk staff were incredibly polite, spoke softly, and were elegant and efficient in their actions. When we entered our room, an extra bed had already been added, making it comfortable for our family of three to sleep. This hotel truly provided the energy boost we needed for our Hong Kong trip! The location is superb; you can take the elevator directly from the left side of the hotel lobby straight to Victoria Harbour. In the evening, we saw the dreamy, romantic Victoria Harbour that I'd always longed for! For any travel questions we had, the concierge answered them one by one. They even pulled out a map of Hong Kong, meticulously circled points of interest with a pen, and wrote down transportation details and routes! Superb Hong Kong, and a superb hotel.FromSAR 1,101
11501 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|7.52km from city centre
I forgot to take pictures of the room... It's a bit of a walk from Sha Tin Wai MTR station, about ten minutes, but the hotel itself is surrounded by many restaurants, making it easy to find food.
The hotel seems quite old, and some facilities show their age. The air conditioning is very noisy. Although I booked a double bed, it was actually just two soft single mattresses pushed together. The pillows were also very flat and soft, making it difficult to sleep. Adjusting the water temperature in the shower was a bit tricky.
Even without putting up the 'please clean' sign, towels were exchanged daily.
For environmental reasons, the hotel doesn't provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, or power adapters for free. There was also no complimentary bottled water in the room upon check-in (though there is a tap with drinking water, so you can fill your own bottle). I recommend bringing your own.FromSAR 261
11301 Reviews
Airport Hong Kong|24.16km from city centre
Having grown up near an airport, I enjoy the view from the window but the location is also great for resting during long stopovers, and also for when (like I have tomorrow) an early morning flight. Hong Kong has more flashy hotels but this one more than meets my needs. Before I arrived, I'd messed up my booking but Gary at reception fixed it and allowed me to check in much earlier than 3pm. This was a godsend after an overnight flight in. In the evening, I ate at the China Coast Bar and Grill downstairs. It was one of those occasions where I chose well. Helpful and pleasant waiter Aaron looked after me and kept me supplied with a lovely St. Emillon. Thanks Gary and Aaron!FromSAR 342
Good3487 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from city centre
This has been my go-to hotel in Hong Kong for years. It's located inside The Mira Place shopping mall on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, less than a 10-minute walk to Harbour City, making it super convenient for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The hotel entrance is a bit hidden, but as soon as you approach, someone will open the door for you. Even at 3 PM, you might not get a clean room right away, which shows how popular it is. The only thing missing is a bit of warmth in the service. The rooms come with complimentary bottled water, though they're a bit stingy with tissues. Aside from the pillows being just okay, everything else is quite comfortable.
If you're an early riser, you can head down to B3 for the gym and pool. The facilities are very well-maintained.FromSAR 637
6887 Reviews
Hung Hom and Kowloon City Hong Kong|3km from city centre
I had a great stay at Harbour Grand Kowloon. The hotel was spotlessly clean throughout, and it really stood out how well everything was maintained. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and they made the whole experience feel comfortable from check-in to check-out.
The location was another major highlight—it's right next to the harbour, so the night and morning walks were genuinely special. It was a relaxing way to start and end the day, with great views and an enjoyable atmosphere.
I also appreciated the room size, which felt spacious and added to the overall comfort of the stay.
Overall, I’d highly recommend Harbour Grand Kowloon for anyone looking for a clean, well-located hotel with genuinely helpful staff and a comfortable room.FromSAR 591
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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FAQ – Things to Do Around Hong Kong ❓
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