Take a break from the bustling city streets to visit this charming fishing town, known for its casual seafood restaurants and nearby hiking trails.
Located in the Sai Kung Peninsula in the northeast New Territories, Sai Kung Town, or simply Sai Kung, is famous for its numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood. It’s also a starting point for beach excursions and hiking trails in the nearby hills.
It takes about two hours to get to Sai Kung by public transportation from downtown Hong Kong. Most locals insist it’s worth the trip and often spend the whole weekend relaxing in the area.
The town sits at the foot of the hills of Ma On Shan Country Park. Despite recent development, the area still retains much of its old-world charm. Visit the old town to the south to enjoy modern shops, cafés and sports facilities in the center. The harbor is always full of activity and is lined with moored fishing boats selling the day’s catch to locals and visitors.
From Sai Kung, you can travel to one of more than 70 nearby small islands. For more popular islands, ferries may run regularly or on an “on demand basis,” so it’s best to plan in advance and check schedules online.
There are plenty of hiking trails that lead into the nearby hills. The area has some historic attractions; enjoy the serene atmosphere of traditional temples, such as the Hung Shing Temple at Kau Sai Chau.
Back in Sai Kung, end your hike or beach excursion with a casual, open-air dining experience at any one of the local restaurants along the seafront—known as “Seafood Street.” Take your pick of live seafood from the enormous tank displays, then sit back and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
The nearby promenade offers views of numerous nearby small islands, including Kau Sai Chau, home of the famed Jockey Club Public Golf Course. Its three 18-hole courses are open to the public and are reached by ferry from the harbor.
There’s no MTR link to Sai Kung; it’s mainly served by minibuses leaving from MTR stations. From Choi Hung MTR Station take Exit C2, then minibus route 1A. Alternatively, from MTR Hang Hau Station you can take minibus route 101.