Photo: Sergeant Paul Shaw LBIPP / OGL v1.0
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong Island, Lamma Island feels like a world apart. With no cars, a bohemian vibe, and excellent seafood restaurants, this is where Hong Kongers come to breathe. Trails link tiny fishing villages, hidden beaches, and hillside art studios, making it a perfect day trip for anyone craving a slower pace and a taste of old Hong Kong.
Highlights & What to See
- Hike from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan – The 1-hour family-friendly trail passes beaches, a quirky tin-mining cave, and panoramic views of the South China Sea.
- Seafood feasts at Sok Kwu Wan – Pick a waterfront restaurant and choose your live catch from tanks; the garlic steamed prawns and fried squid are legendary.
- Hung Shing Yeh Beach – A clean, golden-sand beach with calm waters, perfect for a swim after your hike. Showers and changing rooms available.
- Kamikaze Cave – A World War II Japanese naval shelter tucked into the cliffs near Sok Kwu Wan; atmospheric and photogenic.
- Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village – A small cultural museum showcasing the island’s fishing heritage, with boat trips and traditional sampans.
- Yung Shue Wan village – Wander past organic grocery stores, art galleries, and laid-back bars; stop for a beer at the famous Bookworm Café.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors explore Lamma in half a day to a full day. Arrive by 10am from Central Pier 4, hike from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan (allow 1.5 hours with stops), enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch, and catch the ferry back by late afternoon. If you want to swim or visit the Fisherfolk’s Village, plan for a full day. The last ferries leave around 11:30pm, so you can also stay for sunset drinks.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Cheung Chau Island – Another car-free island famous for its bun-snatching festival and windsurfing beaches, easily combined in a two-island day trip.
- Peng Chau – Tiny and ultra-quiet, with a lovely waterfront and a short hike to Finger Hill; ideal for a half-day add-on.
- Hong Kong’s Southern District – After returning to Hong Kong Island, explore Stanley Market, Repulse Bay, or the fishing village of Aberdeen for a full day of island-hopping.
- Shek O & Big Wave Bay – On the southeastern side of Hong Kong Island, these offer great surf and hiking trails; pair with Lamma for a nature-focused itinerary.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Cheung Chau Island — Sergeant Paul Shaw LBIPP / OGL v1.0
- Peng Chau — Sergeant Paul Shaw LBIPP / OGL v1.0
- Hong Kong Southern District — Ceeseven / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Stanley — 太皮 / CC BY-SA 2.0