Sai Kung

Sai Kung is a laid-back coastal town on the eastern side of Hong Kong's New Territories, known for its seafood restaurants, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches. It's a popular escape from the city's hustle, offering a glimpse into local fishing village culture and easy access to the Sai Kung Peninsula's natural wonders.

Highlights & What to See

• Seafood Street: Wander along the waterfront promenade lined with restaurants displaying tanks of live fish, crabs, and lobsters. Pick your catch and have it cooked to order.
• Sai Kung Pier: Watch fishing boats bob in the harbour and join a sampan tour to nearby islands like Sharp Island or Kau Sai Chau.
• Hiking in Sai Kung East Country Park: Tackle the MacLehose Trail's Stage 2, a stunning coastal hike with views of Long Ke Wan beach and the hexagonal rock columns of High Island Geoarea.
• Beaches: Relax at Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay), a quartet of golden-sand beaches backed by lush hills, or take a ferry to the quieter Shek O.
• Sai Kung Town Market: Browse stalls selling dried seafood, local snacks, and handicrafts in the narrow lanes off the main square.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a day in Sai Kung, combining a seafood lunch with a short hike or beach time. For a deeper experience, stay overnight at a local guesthouse to explore the peninsula's hiking trails and remote beaches at a relaxed pace. If you're short on time, a half-day trip from central Hong Kong is enough for a seafood feast and a stroll around the waterfront.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Clear Water Bay Peninsula: A scenic drive or bus ride away, offering more beaches and the Clear Water Bay Country Park with its coastal trails.
• High Island Reservoir: Part of the Sai Kung East Country Park, known for its dramatic volcanic rock columns and the High Island Geoarea.
• Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau): A short sampan ride from Sai Kung Pier, with walking trails, a beach, and a tombolo that emerges at low tide.
• Tai Po: A market town with a traditional fishing village feel and the Hong Kong Railway Museum, about 20 minutes by bus.
• Ma On Shan Country Park: Offers hiking trails with views of Tolo Harbour and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (though for Ngong Ping on Lantau, you'd need a separate trip).

Please check official sources for current details.