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

8.6/106433 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from city centre
This hotel, with its excellent location, was actually the one I least looked forward to on this trip, but it turned out to be a wonderful surprise and offered great value for money. Staff members were always there to help with luggage when we entered or left. A special shout-out to Yang Li for being so helpful, answering all our questions, assisting with directions, and calling taxis for us.
From€134
9.3/10Very Good5624 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from city centre
The service was great! We arrived early, and the front desk on the first floor immediately guided us to inquire if a room was available. We were very happy with the size and layout of the room. The location is also excellent, right across from Langham Place. The only downside is the lack of blackout curtains, only sheer ones! The morning light was incredibly glaring... definitely bring an eye mask!
From€170
9.3/10Very Good8645 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from city centre
The hotel environment and room facilities were actually quite satisfying. However, when we first checked in and stored our luggage, there was only one staff member who seemed a bit impatient. The next day, the person who handled our luggage storage was much more pleasant. I had read reviews beforehand and knew this hotel didn't have a shower, so I specifically prepared disposable bathtub liners for soaking. Since I stayed in Macau the day before, I felt there was a difference in the service attitude of the staff between Hong Kong and Macau hotels. The staff at Grand Emperor Hotel in Macau were particularly warm and polite. Overall, for a hotel stay in Hong Kong, considering the room size, cleanliness of the facilities, and other aspects, the value for money is quite good and it's worth recommending!
From€137
9/10Good4959 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.46km from city centre
What more could you ask for at this price and location? The hotel is just across the road from Victoria Harbour, and the Sky Pool is a must-visit – it's worth the entire room rate! Swimming while admiring Victoria Harbour is truly chill. Although the room is a bit old, the space is considered large for Hong Kong standards, and the bedding and hygiene are okay. The staff are all very friendly. There are many delicious and affordable restaurants within a two to three hundred-meter walk around the hotel. I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Hong Kong.
From€138
9/10Good8602 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€90

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Family friendly

9.1/10Good17224 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from city centre
Space is at a premium in Hong Kong, so hotel rooms are generally on the smaller side. I didn't have high expectations this time, but thanks to the front desk, we got a complimentary upgrade from the standard room. The room was clean, and the bed was very comfortable. The hotel is in a great location on Kimberley Road, with plenty of restaurants and convenience stores right downstairs, and getting around was super easy.
From€82
8.5/106859 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from city centre
The hotel's location is impeccable, right above the MTR station, with the Tsuen Wan Line just a minute's walk away, making it convenient to go anywhere. As for dining, there's no need to mention, all sorts of snacks, full meals, and trending restaurants are available within a few hundred meters. For shopping, K11 is right opposite, and Harbour City is just a few hundred meters' walk. The hotel facilities are decent, a bit simple, but it's the normal standard for a Holiday Inn. For Tsim Sha Tsui, where every inch of land is precious, the room size is quite good. The bedding is comfortable, and the toiletries are also acceptable. If I had to give some suggestions, the dispenser for the shower gel in the bathroom is a bit inconvenient to press. I'd recommend replacing the toilets with smart ones. Also, the variety and quality of the breakfast don't quite match the hotel's price.
From€121
9/10Good11832 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.45km from city centre
I chose The Empire Hotel Causeway Bay primarily for its location. It's incredibly convenient for shopping, dining, and the MTR, making it easy to get around even with luggage. The front desk service was decent; communication was smooth, and they even offered a free late check-out, which was a lifesaver for catching a late flight. Breakfast was standard fare – filling but nothing to write home about. The hotel's drawbacks were also quite apparent – typical for Hong Kong hotels, the rooms are on the small side. With two people and suitcases, it felt a bit cramped. Waiting for elevators during peak hours could be a bit tedious. Most of the guests were mainland tourists, making it lively but not exactly quiet.
From€69
8.2/104753 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€58
8.5/106302 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|10.89km from city centre
⭐ Royal View Hotel Tsuen Wan — Beautiful Facilities & Great Beach, but Shockingly Poor Front‑Desk Service My wife and I stayed at Royal View Hotel in Tsuen Wan, and the hotel itself is genuinely beautiful. The property is clean, well‑maintained, and located near a gorgeous beach, which adds a lot to the overall atmosphere. We also really enjoyed the pool and sauna, and the pool attendants were polite, friendly, and professional — a real highlight of our stay. Unfortunately, the front‑desk service was consistently unpleasant, and it stood in stark contrast to the quality of the hotel’s facilities. We arrived around 12 p.m. and were told check‑in wasn’t until after 3 p.m., which was completely fine. But without me saying anything, the woman at the desk responded with “those are the rules, too bad,” in a rude, dismissive tone. I hadn’t questioned the policy at all, so her attitude was genuinely surprising and uncalled for. Later, when it was after 3 p.m., I went back to the front desk and asked, “Can I check in now?” A different woman looked at me with clear disdain and replied, “What?” in a harsh, unfriendly way. I repeated myself, and she continued to stare at me until another staff member stepped in and offered to help. The attitude from almost every person at the front desk was strangely hostile, as if guests were inconveniences rather than customers. The same pattern continued when we asked about late check‑out. We were told, in another harsh tone, “There’s no late check‑out here. You need to leave before 12.” Again, the issue wasn’t the policy — it was the rude, unprofessional way it was delivered. At one point, I asked a staff member if they had a razor available. The response was, “We don’t have razors, it’s Hong Kong law,” said in a very unpleasant manner. My 9‑year‑old son later told me that razors were available for purchase in the vending machine — something the staff member failed to mention. It would have taken only a few seconds to say, “You can buy one downstairs,” but instead I was met with unnecessary rudeness. The contrast between this experience and our recent stay at Crown Hotel in Shenzhen, where the staff were warm, polite, and welcoming, was dramatic. At Royal View, the front‑desk staff behaved as if they were doing us a favor, and their attitude felt completely untrained and unprofessional. It’s genuinely sad, because we loved the hotel itself — the facilities, the cleanliness, the pool, the sauna, and the beautiful beach nearby were all excellent. But the poor customer service at the front desk seriously affected our stay. With proper training and a more respectful approach to guests, this hotel could easily offer an outstanding experience.
From€67

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Swimming pool

9.3/10Very Good8309 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from city centre
During the National Day holiday, I accompanied my mother to Hong Kong for a friend's daughter's wedding. After the successful wedding, we decided to extend our stay for two more days and chose to check into the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel. It's a well-established five-star brand with an excellent location, directly facing Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars. Although the hotel is a bit old, it's well-maintained and clean. The rooms have an old-fashioned style, exuding a classic, retro charm. The room size is quite spacious for Hong Kong standards, comfortable and cozy. We booked a partial sea view room, but couldn't fully see the sea view. The breakfast was very busy with many diners, but it was quite rich and delicious. Overall, we had a good experience! ❤️💙🩷
From€215
8.2/1011364 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|7.52km from city centre
The facilities are a bit old, but the service was decent. However, the cleanliness was not good. When I first checked in, there were hairs on the bed and balcony, and the bathtub was rusty. After talking to the front desk, they changed my room, but the new room had a strange smell. Luckily, the front desk changed it again, and I finally settled for that one. On the positive side, the breakfast selection was rich and the housekeeping staff were friendly. I hope the hotel updates its facilities, otherwise, at this price point, if it weren't for the breakfast, it really wouldn't be as good as other hotels nearby.
From€70
8.5/1012063 Reviews
Airport Hong Kong|24.16km from city centre
Everything was great, very convenient. The environment was better than I expected. Come and stay here! Free shuttle bus service between Regal Airport Hotel, Regala Skycity Hotel, and Tung Chung MTR Station Exit A (seats are first-come, first-served): It was all very good. It's spacious and convenient for getting to and from the airport. The lobby is beautiful, and the hotel is very large.
From€81
9/10Good3533 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€141
8.6/106988 Reviews
Hung Hom and Kowloon City Hong Kong|3km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent! I've also stayed at Kerry next door for comparison. Although this hotel was recently renovated a few years ago, the renovation seems a bit simple. There are very few counters for check-in at the front desk, so you might encounter long queues. The food leans towards Western cuisine, which children might not be used to. The pier is right downstairs, making it very convenient to take a ferry to North Point. It's also close to the MTR, so transportation is quite convenient. The service is good, especially at the entrance where staff proactively help with luggage without being asked. Their Mandarin is also very good.
From€105

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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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