The most rewarding day trips from Hong Kong are Macau (by ferry or across the sea bridge), Lantau Island with the Big Buddha, the car-free island of Cheung Chau, Lamma Island for seafood and hiking, and the countryside around Sai Kung. Most destinations are less than an hour away.
Hong Kong is more than its skyline: barely an hour’s travel will take you to colonial old towns, monasteries, fishing villages and lonely bays. These excursions round out any city stay and slot neatly into a longer itinerary. Ferries and the MTR make getting there straightforward – you will find the basics under trip planning.
Which day trips from Hong Kong are worth it?
For a day trip it is best to choose according to your interests: history and casinos (Macau), culture and nature (Lantau), island atmosphere (Cheung Chau, Lamma) or hiking and beaches (Sai Kung).
| Destination | Getting there (approx.) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Macau | Ferry approx. 1 hr or bus across the bridge | Colonial old town, casinos, egg tarts |
| Lantau | MTR + cable car/bus | Big Buddha, monastery, beaches |
| Cheung Chau | Ferry approx. 35–60 min. | car-free fishing village, seafood |
| Lamma Island | Ferry approx. 30 min. | Hiking, seafood, relaxed |
| Sai Kung | MTR + bus/taxi | Geopark, beaches, boat trips |
How do I make a day trip to Macau?
Macau, like Hong Kong, is a Special Administrative Region and a fascinating contrast: Portuguese colonial heritage around the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square on one side, the glittering casino resorts of the Cotai Strip on the other. You can reach Macau by ferry in about an hour, or by bus across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. Important: Macau has its own border control – do not forget your passport. German travellers can also normally enter Macau without a visa; check the current rules in advance. Be sure to try the famous Portuguese egg tarts.
Separate entry formalities apply to Macau (and all the more so to Shenzhen on the Chinese mainland). Carry your passport and allow time for border control. Please check ferry and bus times on the day.
Can I see Lantau and the Big Buddha in one day?
Yes, Lantau is a classic day trip. From Tung Chung the Ngong Ping 360 cable car glides over mountains and sea to the Tian Tan Buddha and to Po Lin Monastery with its vegetarian kitchen. Afterwards there is still time for the fishing village of Tai O with its stilt houses, or for a beach. Anyone travelling with children can combine Lantau with Hong Kong Disneyland. Read more about the Big Buddha under Sights.
What makes Cheung Chau special?
Cheung Chau is a car-free island with the charm of an old fishing village: colourful boats, small temples, seafood restaurants along the promenade and quiet beaches. Around 35 to 60 minutes by ferry from Central puts you in a completely different world. The island is famous for the colourful Bun Festival in spring. Half a day to a full day is enough to stroll, eat and explore the viewpoints.
Is Lamma Island worth it?
Lamma Island is the relaxed counterpoint to the metropolis: no cars, an easy hiking trail (the Family Trail) between the ferry villages of Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, beaches and excellent seafood restaurants on the water. Reachable in around 30 minutes by ferry, Lamma is perfect for a quiet half day of walking and a long lunch. You will find culinary tips under Food.
Why is Sai Kung considered Hong Kong’s natural paradise?
Sai Kung in the New Territories is regarded as the city’s “green lung”: a lively coastal town with seafood restaurants, and beyond it the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark with spectacular rock formations and some of the finest beaches in the region (for instance on MacLehose stage 2). You reach Sai Kung by MTR and a connecting bus; boat trips take you out to secluded bays. For hikers it is one of the most rewarding excursions – more on this under Experiences.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Hong Kong
Do I need a visa for Macau?
Macau is a Special Administrative Region in its own right, with its own border control; German travellers generally do not need a visa, but they do need their passport. Check the current rules before you travel.
How do I get to Macau?
By ferry in about an hour, or by bus across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. Ferry and bus times and fares change – please check on the day.
Which trip is suitable for families?
Lantau combines well with the cable car, the Big Buddha and, optionally, Disneyland. Car-free islands such as Cheung Chau and Lamma are relaxed and child-friendly because there is no traffic.
Can I make a trip to the Chinese mainland?
A side trip to Shenzhen is possible, but it requires a separate China visa and a border crossing. Allow enough time for the journey and the formalities.
More in the travel guide
Build an excursion into your itinerary, go deeper into the Big Buddha under Sights, and try the island seafood along the lines of the ideas under Food in Hong Kong.
Last updated: September 2026 · hong-kong.info editorial team