Lamma Island at a Glance: Quick Facts for 2025
Ready to escape the city? Before you hop on the ferry, here’s everything you need to know for your Lamma Island day trip from Hong Kong in one easy-to-read table.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from HK Island | Approx. 10km southwest of Central |
| Ferry Travel Time | ~30 minutes |
| Est. Day Trip Cost | HK$300 – HK$600 per person |
| Best Time to Visit | October – February (Cooler, drier weather) |
| Known For | Fresh seafood, scenic hiking, beautiful beaches, and a car-free bohemian vibe. |
How to Get to Lamma Island From Hong Kong
One of the island’s greatest charms is its complete isolation from Hong Kong’s road network. The only way to get to Lamma Island is by ferry, which is all part of the adventure! Ferries are efficient, scenic, and drop you at one of two main villages, each with a distinct personality:
- Yung Shue Wan: The main village. Arrive here if you’re looking for quirky shops, hipster cafes, eclectic restaurants, and the start of the island’s most popular hiking trail. It’s the bohemian heart of Lamma.
- Sok Kwu Wan: The seafood village. Arrive here if your primary mission is to feast. This village is famous for its long strip of restaurants built over the water, serving the freshest catch of the day.
Lamma Island Ferry Guide
Figuring out how to go to Lamma Island from Hong Kong is simple. Most visitors depart from Central Pier 4 on Hong Kong Island. Paying is easiest with your Octopus Card—just tap and go! Below is a breakdown of your main options. For the most current Hong Kong to Lamma Island ferry schedule for 2025, always check the official websites for HK & Kowloon Ferry and Tsui Wah Ferry before you go.
| Departure Pier | Arrival Pier(s) | Key Feature | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Pier 4 | Yung Shue Wan | Most frequent service; arrives in the main, bustling village. The most popular choice. | ~30 mins |
| Central Pier 4 | Sok Kwu Wan | Arrives directly at the famous seafood restaurant strip. Perfect for a lunch-focused trip. | ~35 mins |
| Aberdeen Pier | Yung Shue Wan / Sok Kwu Wan | A local’s alternative. This route is often less crowded and offers a different view. | ~30 mins |
Note: Ferry tickets typically cost around HK$20-35 one-way, with prices being slightly higher on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Top 5 Things to Do on Your Lamma Island Day Trip
Once you’ve arrived, a world of relaxation and exploration awaits. Here are the must-do activities that make Lamma Island so special.
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Hike the Lamma Island Family Trail
This is the quintessential Lamma experience. The 4km paved trail connects the two main villages of Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk that takes about 60-90 minutes, featuring stunning coastal views, lush greenery, and historical points of interest like the Kamikaze Caves, rumoured to have hidden Japanese suicide boats in WWII. Insider Tip: Hike from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan. The path is slightly easier in this direction, and you get to reward yourself with a massive seafood feast at the finish line!
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Explore the Quirky Alleys of Yung Shue Wan Village
Lose yourself in the narrow, winding lanes of Yung Shue Wan. This is where Lamma’s bohemian soul truly shines. You’ll find a delightful mix of indie boutiques selling handmade crafts, organic food stores, laid-back bars, and quirky cafes. Keep an eye out for colourful street art and the general car-free, slow-paced atmosphere that feels a world away from Central.
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Feast on Fresh Seafood in Sok Kwu Wan
Sok Kwu Wan is a food lover’s paradise. The entire village is essentially a promenade of large, open-air seafood restaurants with tanks of live fish, crabs, and shellfish bubbling away. Pick your meal, tell them how you want it cooked (steamed with garlic is always a winner!), and enjoy it at a table overlooking the tranquil fishing bay. It doesn’t get any fresher than this.
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Relax at Hung Shing Yeh Beach
Just a 20-minute walk from Yung Shue Wan ferry pier, Hung Shing Yeh is the island’s most popular and accessible beach. With soft sand, clear water, and full facilities including showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards (during swimming season), it’s the perfect spot to cool off after a hike. The view, uniquely framed by the Lamma Power Station, is surprisingly iconic and makes for great photos.
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Visit Lamma Winds for Panoramic Views
For one of the best viewpoints on the island, take the short but steep hike up to Lamma Winds. This is Hong Kong’s first commercial-scale wind turbine, and the platform at its base offers breathtaking panoramic views over Hung Shing Yeh Beach and the South China Sea. It’s a fantastic spot to catch your breath and appreciate the natural beauty of Hong Kong’s outlying islands.
Sample Lamma Island Itinerary (Hike & Seafood Focus)
Want a ready-made plan? Here’s a simple schedule for a perfect, full-day adventure that combines the island’s best features.
A Full Day of Exploration
- 10:00 AM: Depart from Central Pier 4 on the ferry to Yung Shue Wan. Enjoy the sea breeze!
- 10:30 AM: Arrive in Yung Shue Wan. Take 30-60 minutes to wander through the village and grab a coffee at a local cafe.
- 11:30 AM: Begin your hike on the Lamma Island Family Trail towards Sok Kwu Wan. Take plenty of photos along the way.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Sok Kwu Wan, feeling accomplished and hungry. Choose a restaurant and settle in for a well-deserved seafood lunch.
- 3:00 PM: After lunch, explore the small village of Sok Kwu Wan or simply relax by the water with a cold drink.
- 4:30 PM: Hop on the ferry from Sok Kwu Wan pier to head back to Central, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Where to Eat: Best Lamma Island Restaurants
From cheap and cheerful local treats to epic seafood banquets, Lamma has you covered.
In Yung Shue Wan (Eclectic & Casual)
- Dale Candela ($$): A vibrant and popular spot serving delicious Spanish tapas and drinks. The atmosphere is always lively, making it a great place to unwind.
- Kin Hing Tofu Dessert (建興亞婆豆腐花) ($): An absolute must-try! This legendary, no-frills stall serves silky smooth sweet tofu pudding (dou fu fa). It’s a refreshing treat, especially after hiking. A true local institution.
- Banyan Bay Cafe ($$): A cozy and relaxed cafe offering a mix of Western and Asian comfort food. Perfect for a casual brunch or coffee before you start exploring.
In Sok Kwu Wan (Seafood Paradise)
- Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant ($$$): The most famous and one of the best. Known for its quality and vast menu. A huge bonus is their private ferry service for dinner guests, which can be booked from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui.
Planning Your Perfect Trip: Insider Tips for 2025
A little planning goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind to make your Lamma Island day trip smooth and enjoyable.
Insider Tips for a Perfect Trip
- Visit on a weekday: Lamma is extremely popular on weekends and public holidays. A weekday visit means fewer crowds, more space on the trails, and no queues for the ferry.
- Bring cash: While larger restaurants accept cards, many smaller shops, cafes, and vendors (like the famous tofu dessert stall) are cash-only.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: This is a non-negotiable. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and the Family Trail has stairs and slopes. This is not the place for heels!
- Check the return ferry schedule: As soon as you arrive, take a photo of the return ferry schedule. Ferries can be less frequent in the mid-afternoon, and you don’t want to get stranded.
- Pack insect repellent and sunscreen: The sun can be strong, even on cloudy days. Mosquitoes can be present, especially on the shaded parts of the trail.
- Respect the community: Lamma is a quiet, environmentally conscious residential community. Stick to the main paths and keep noise levels down when passing homes.
What to Pack Checklist
- Octopus Card (for the ferry and some shops)
- Cash
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Swimsuit and a small towel (if you plan to swim)
- Portable phone charger
- Lightweight jacket (in cooler months)
Lamma Island Budget Breakdown for 2025
A day trip to Lamma can be very affordable. Here’s a quick estimate of what you might spend per person.
| Item | Budget Range (HKD) |
|---|---|
| Return Ferry Ticket | $50 – $70 |
| Lunch (Seafood) | $250 – $400 |
| Lunch (Non-Seafood) | $100 – $180 |
| Snacks & Drinks | $50 – $80 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $300 – $600 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Lamma Island worth visiting?
Absolutely! Lamma Island offers a unique, tranquil escape from the intense energy of Hong Kong city. It’s worth visiting for its scenic hiking, incredibly fresh seafood, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the territory.
How do I get to Lamma Island from Hong Kong?
The only way to reach Lamma Island is by ferry. Ferries depart regularly from Central Pier 4 and Aberdeen Pier on Hong Kong Island. The journey is part of the experience and takes only about 30 minutes to get you to this island paradise.
How much time to spend in Lamma Island?
A half-day (4-5 hours) is enough to explore one main village and enjoy a meal. However, a full day (6-8 hours) is highly recommended. This gives you enough time to complete the Family Trail hike, spend some time relaxing at the beach, and enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling rushed.
Is Lamma Island or Cheung Chau better?
They both offer fantastic but different day trip experiences. The choice depends on what you’re looking for:
- Choose Lamma Island if: You want scenic and slightly more challenging hiking trails, a relaxed mix of Western and Chinese culture, and a laid-back, bohemian, and artistic vibe. It feels more residential and peaceful.
- Choose Cheung Chau if: You prefer a more bustling, traditional Chinese fishing village feel with lots of street food stalls. It’s famous for its Bun Festival, pirate caves, and the novelty of renting bicycles to easily get around the compact village.
TLDR: Your Lamma Island Cheat Sheet
In a hurry? Here’s the express version for your Lamma Island day trip from Hong Kong:
- How to Go: Take a 30-min ferry from Central Pier 4. Go to Yung Shue Wan for a bohemian vibe or Sok Kwu Wan for seafood.
- What to Do: Hike the 4km Family Trail between the two villages (60-90 mins).
- What to Eat: Feast on fresh seafood in Sok Kwu Wan (Lamma Rainbow is famous) or grab tofu dessert in Yung Shue Wan (Kin Hing).
- Best Time: Visit on a weekday between October and February for perfect weather and fewer people.
- Remember: Wear comfy shoes and bring cash!
