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
6427 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.67km from city centre
The service and attitude were excellent. The doorman was very responsible, helping with luggage as soon as we arrived. The concierge service was spot-on; water was brought up very quickly whenever we needed it. They even sent a cake for a birthday! The two corner rooms were very spacious, and the other room had a great view. This was a wonderful surprise during our Hong Kong trip, much respect!FromJPY 18,785
Very Good5610 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.18km from city centre
The service was excellent. The day before check-in, I called the hotel to mention I was traveling with elderly family members, and they proactively provided anti-slip mats. Fresh disposable slippers and toothbrushes were provided daily, and the slippers were very thick and sturdy. It's also very convenient for dining and sightseeing. This is a hotel worth staying at again.FromJPY 21,990
Very Good8661 Reviews
Mong Kok Hong Kong|0.73km from city centre
★★★★☆ Great Location & Spacious Rooms, but Some Amenities Need an Upgrade
The location is definitely the biggest strength of Royal Plaza Hotel Hong Kong. I would give it 5 stars for convenience—it is directly connected to MOKO, which makes it extremely convenient for last-minute shopping, dining and picking up anything you may need. It is also just a short walk from Mong Kok East MTR Station, making it easy to get around Hong Kong.
The room was surprisingly spacious by Hong Kong standards, which was a definite plus for our family. I had accidentally selected the wrong room type when making the booking, but the hotel staff were prompt and helpful when I requested to change from the upgraded King Bed room to a room with two double beds. As the family rooms were already fully booked, they arranged a handicap-accessible room for us instead. It was actually more spacious, so while it wasn't the room type I had originally intended to book, we appreciated the effort to accommodate our needs.
That said, some of the in-room amenities could use an upgrade. In particular, the hairdryer really needs replacing. It became extremely hot very quickly and was uncomfortable to use—I was concerned it might damage or burn my hair.
Overall, I found the hotel comfortable, convenient and well located, with good service and generous room space for Hong Kong. However, having stayed five nights at Intercity Hotel Shenzhen immediately before this, I found Royal Plaza to be a step down in terms of the overall room experience and amenities. This is not to say that Royal Plaza is a poor choice—it is still a solid option, particularly if location, shopping convenience and room size are your priorities.
Best for: Families, shoppers and travellers who value convenience and easy MTR access.FromJPY 18,551
Good4939 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.46km from city centre
As a solo traveler, I chose this hotel and was very impressed with its cleanliness. The room was spotless and odor-free. The environment was quiet and peaceful, and the service was excellent. The facilities were well-maintained. My stay exceeded my expectations; it's conveniently located and offers great value for money. I would definitely consider staying here again.FromJPY 15,487
Good8723 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|8.21km from city centre
My solo stay at the Alva Hotel by Royal in Hong Kong was fantastic! The hotel's overall design is modern and stylish, and the room was clean, tidy, and incredibly bright, making for a very comfortable and relaxing stay. The staff were enthusiastic and attentive, and both check-in and check-out were very efficient. The hotel facilities are excellent, and the surrounding area is also very pleasant.FromJPY 13,872
Family friendly
Good16934 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.11km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic! It's within walking distance of Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, and very close to Harbour City, Avenue of Stars, and Victoria Harbour. There are tons of cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong-style cafes) and convenience stores nearby, making dining and shopping super convenient. The room was clean and tidy, the bedding was comfortable, and the bathroom had a separate wet and dry area. The WiFi was stable, and for Hong Kong, the room size was surprisingly good. Check-in and check-out at the front desk were efficient, and the staff were polite and attentive. Despite being in a bustling area, it was surprisingly quiet, with good soundproofing. This is definitely my top choice for future trips to Hong Kong, and it offers great value for money!FromJPY 9,264
6833 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.53km from city centre
Pretty good, convenient for shopping nearby, especially since Jenny Bakery is just downstairs. I only waited 20 minutes to get the cookies. Wing Lung Bank is also close by, and it's only a ten-minute walk to Harbour City. In the morning, it was great to take the MTR two stops to Central and hike up Victoria Peak. It's also super close to the MTR station.FromJPY 15,650
Good11543 Reviews
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay Hong Kong|4.45km from city centre
1. **Great Location**
- Just a 5-minute brisk walk from Tin Hau MTR station.
- Surrounded by plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, and snack shops, giving it a lively, local feel – very convenient.
- You can easily walk to Victoria Park, and a stroll along the waterfront is incredibly relaxing. I recommend grabbing a few beers to enjoy there.
2. The room was more spacious than expected; two people didn't feel cramped, which was good. However, the bed was quite short. At 1.58m, I had no issues, but my brother, at 1.73m, found his feet hanging off the end.
3. The cleanliness was good.
4. There was no complimentary water in the room. On the first night, Ctrip provided two bottles, but there were none after that.FromJPY 8,843
4736 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.FromJPY 7,158
6297 Reviews
Tsuen Wan Hong Kong|10.89km from city centre
I took the A38 bus directly from the airport to the hotel, which took about an hour. The A38 route has infrequent buses, only one an hour, so I recommend checking the map beforehand to avoid waiting aimlessly. The bus announced the hotel stop, but after getting off, you still have to walk a bit. The hotel is opposite the bus stop. Hong Kong's roads are quite peculiar, with no sidewalks, but fortunately, there aren't many cars. Since the hotel is by the sea, there's a chance of getting a sea view room. The hotel seems a bit old; the carpet was indeed a bit dirty, but other facilities in the room were fine. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus to Tsuen Wan (downtown), apparently every fifteen minutes. From Tsuen Wan, you can take the MTR to other places, which is quite convenient [Clap]. A taxi from the hotel to the airport costs around 250-300 HKD, just for your reference. Overall, it's good value for money. It's a great choice for a layover if you're only staying one night. P.S. My room was upgraded for free!FromJPY 8,866
Swimming pool
Very Good8325 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.59km from city centre
This is an old, established hotel in Hong Kong, and while it's been around for a while, its location and room size are definite strong points. The breakfast and evening cocktails at the Horizon Club offer exceptional value and quality, especially for Hong Kong.
Tony, who handled our check-in on the 20th floor of the Horizon Club, left a particularly deep and positive impression. His professionalism and service attitude were outstanding, perfectly showcasing the expertise and high standards expected of a five-star hotel employee. His gentle smile and warm demeanor truly enhanced our trip to Hong Kong.
However, there were also some negative experiences. On September 7th, a young female usher at the breakfast restaurant on the second floor had a very cold attitude. After we told her our room number in Chinese, she acted as if she didn't understand. Only after we repeated it in English did she acknowledge us, leading us to our table expressionlessly. Ironically, when she asked what we wanted to drink, she spoke fluent Chinese.
I lived in London for two years, and even British service staff wouldn't have an attitude like hers. Furthermore, Hong Kong has been reunited with China for 20 years; if she can't even understand a room number, it suggests she's not suited for service work in a hotel. I don't understand why the Shangri-La Hong Kong would employ such staff. I will also be sending an email to Shangri-La headquarters to complain.
Aside from this one flaw, everything else was excellent.FromJPY 30,225
11450 Reviews
Sha Tin Hong Kong|7.52km from city centre
The hotel's riverside location is great for walks or morning runs. The rooms are clean, and the staff provides excellent service. The Italian restaurant serves delicious food. There's an airport shuttle and a mini-bus stop right outside the hotel, making it super convenient to get to the subway station and nearby malls. Thumbs up! 👍FromJPY 12,984
11820 Reviews
Airport Hong Kong|24.16km from city centre
The hotel's location is super convenient! It's right next to the airport, and you can get there by walking through a covered walkway. As soon as you arrive, there are clear signs throughout the airport terminal. The room itself is spacious and comfortable. While the soundproofing isn't perfect, the bedding, environment, and provided toiletries make for a very comfortable stay! If you need a hotel for a layover or easy transport, this is definitely one to consider!FromJPY 14,972
Good3543 Reviews
Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon West Hong Kong|2.13km from city centre
Due to a typhoon, my child was stranded in Hong Kong while transiting from the US to Shanghai. We booked a room at The Mira Hong Kong for him on short notice. We had stayed there before during a previous trip to Hong Kong and were impressed with the overall management, environment, and convenient location. That's why we booked it again for him, even though he was traveling alone. Because of the flight schedule, he arrived at the hotel around 9:00 AM. He asked the front desk if a room could be arranged, and they were incredibly accommodating, immediately providing him with a room. This act alone deserves high praise. As everyone knows, Hong Kong hotels typically have a 2:00 PM check-in time, but due to the special circumstances, the front desk staff made an exception for him, giving him a room early so he could shower and rest. This humane management made a guest feel warm and cared for, even when far from home.FromJPY 19,417
6928 Reviews
Hung Hom and Kowloon City Hong Kong|3km from city centre
Wow, I think it's fantastic! The view, location, and value for money are all top-notch. It's beachfront, close to the MTR station and supermarket, and conveniently located between Tsim Sha Tsui and Kai Tak. Just don't expect too much from the Hong Kong service.FromJPY 17,382
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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