When my friends visited Hong Kong last January, I wanted to show them a different side of the city. They’d already explored the skyscrapers and bustling streets during their last trip, so this time, we ventured to Tai O, a charming fishing village on Lantau Island.
It has been more than three years since I last set foot in this fishing village, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to revisit this old gem. Tai O is known for its traditional stilt houses (Pang Uk in Cantonese). It is also famous for its locally made shrimp paste and salted fish. It’s sometimes called the “Venice of Hong Kong,” and it really does feel like stepping back in time.
How to get to Tai O
Getting here is quite straightforward:
- From Central, take the Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station.
- From there, hop on Bus 11, which will take you straight to Tai O Bus Terminus.
⏱️ Total travel time: about 1 to 1.5 hours
Traveler’s Tip: The road to Tai O is full of twists and turns! If you get motion sick, bring some medication; it’ll make the journey much more pleasant.
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What to Eat
There’s no shortage of food in Tai O, from roadside snacks to cozy seafood restaurants. Here are some of the places we tried! When we arrived, it was already around 1 p.m., so we grabbed something from the first street stall we saw: Jumbo Big Big Fish Ball.
Tai O Jumbo Big Big Fish Ball
The name says it all! The fishballs here are giant! Warm, chewy, and fresh, they’re the perfect snack to start your trip.
Wah Kee Grilled Egg Waffle
Next, we lined up for the famous egg waffle from Tai O Wah Kee Grilled Egg Waffle. They grill the waffles over a traditional charcoal stove, which gives them that classic crispy texture. The line was pretty long (we waited over 30 minutes), so we decided to divide and conquer — one of us queued while the others explored nearby stalls in Kat Hing Street – the heart of Tai O.
Cheung Choi Kee — “Husband” (Minced Pork with Shrimp Paste Wrap)
On Kat Hing Street, one of Tai O’s main lanes, we found a shop called Cheung Choi Kee selling a snack amusingly named “Husband” — minced pork with shrimp paste wrapped in roti. The name comes from its Cantonese name 蝦豬餅 (haa1 zyu1 bing2), which sounds like “husband.” The wraps were freshly made, and the wait wasn’t too bad. The minced pork and lettuce were wrapped together with a hint of shrimp paste in every bite. There was also a chili sauce for customers. I added a bit, but it was spicier than I expected! If you like their sauce, you can even buy a jar inside the shop.
Once we had our “husbands,” we rejoined our friend who had been waiting for the egg waffles. We sat by a colorful mural, enjoying our food in the cool January breeze. The egg waffles were delicious — though they cooled down pretty quickly in the chilly weather!
Tai O Bakery’s Fried Donut
Further along Kat Hing Street, we spotted another long queue. This time for Tai O Bakery, famous for its fried donuts. The donuts were made fresh, so we waited a little while, but it was totally worth it. Eating a warm, crispy donut in the cold felt so comforting. It was crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and coated in sugar, the perfect sweet treat!
Ching Kee’s Warm Chinese Desserts
We ended our food adventure at Ching Kee, a dessert shop that also serves savory snacks. Try to grab a seat inside — the window seats overlook the stilt houses and waterways, a lovely view while you enjoy something warm.
What to do in Tai O
Even beyond eating, this fishing village has plenty to explore, from culture to gentle hikes.
Tai O Rural Committee Historic and Cultural Showroom
Located near the main street, this small museum-style showroom displays historic photos, local tools, and artifacts showing Tai O’s fishing heritage.
Admission is free, it’s a nice quick stop if you’re curious about local heritage.
Hike to Fu Shan Viewing Point
This short, paved trail offers one of the best sunset views in Tai O. The paved paths make it a relatively easy hike — great even for families. The area’s red railings, green hills, and traditional pavilion make for perfect Instagram shots. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Chinese white dolphins offshore!
After dessert at Ching Kee, we went past the Yeung Hau Temple, almost to the Tai O Observation Deck, but strong winds and rain made us turn back.
Hike the Tung O Ancient Trail
If you’re into hiking, the Tung O Ancient Trail connects Tung Chung and Tai O, passing through scenic coastal villages. It’s mostly flat but long, about 10–15 km, so bring plenty of snacks and water.
Take a Boat Ride Around the Village
Taking a boat excursion is one of the most popular experiences in Tai O. A boat excursion costs around HKD 50 per person. You’ll cruise past the stilt houses, spot (if lucky!) pink dolphins, and enjoy a view of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.
Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate during our trip — heavy rain and strong winds — so we skipped this one.
Workshops
If you enjoy local food experiences, you may want to consider participating in workshops in Tai O that focus on making sweet steamed buns, mochi, or tofu pudding. These workshops teach the traditional methods for preparing these local snacks, providing visitors with a unique culinary experience!
Suggested Day Trip Itineraries
Lantau Island is quite far from central Hong Kong, so I recommend combining Tai O with other nearby attractions for a one-day trip. Here are some ideas:
Tai O + Citygate Shopping
Start your morning exploring Tai O, then head to Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung for shopping and dinner.
Citygate is directly connected to Exit C of Tung Chung MTR Station, and most shops close at 10 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and shop.
Ngong Ping + Tai O
If shopping isn’t your thing, start the day with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to visit the Big Buddha, then spend your afternoon wandering around Tai O.
Here’s how to get between the spots:
- Take the Tung Chung Line and get off at Tung Chung Station.
- Take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village.
- From Ngong Ping, take Bus 21 to Tai O.
- From Tai O, ride Bus 11 back to Tung Chung.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience, consider joining a group tour that offers a roundtrip cable car ticket with priority boarding. This will allow you to bypass long lines and fully enjoy the breathtaking views from above. The tour also includes a convenient private coach transfer to Tai O Fishing Village, where you can immerse yourself in the unique culture and charm of this traditional fishing community. Additionally, the package features an exciting boat tour in Tai O, providing you with the opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings and spot the distinctive stilt houses. This well-rounded tour ensures a memorable day filled with adventure and cultural insights.
Glamping + Tai O
Looking for something different? Try glamping near Pui O Beach on Lantau Island. On a past trip, my family and I went glamping there and later took Bus 11 to Tai O — a relaxing combo of nature and culture.
Where to Stay
Tai O Heritage Hotel
If you plan to spend a night in the village, this boutique hotel is a charming option. It was originally the Tai O Police Station, built in 1902 to defend against pirates. The building has since been restored into a lovely hotel with only nine rooms. Inside, the Tai O Lookout restaurant has a glass roof and serves dishes featuring the village’s signature shrimp paste.
Novotel Citygate Tung Chung
For those staying closer to Tung Chung, Novotel Citygate is conveniently located near the airport and the MTR station. It’s perfect if you’ve just landed from a late flight or plan to explore more of Lantau Island.
Final Thoughts
Tai O is one of those rare places where time slows down. Between its winding alleys, old wooden bridges, and the smell of shrimp paste in the air, it feels worlds away from the city’s hustle. If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and want to see something truly local, put Tai O on your list; you won’t regret it.
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