Quick Facts: Sai Kung Day Trip at a Glance
Ready to escape the city? Sai Kung, often called “Hong Kong’s back garden,” offers a stunning world of volcanic landscapes, turquoise waters, and mouth-watering seafood. Here’s a quick overview to help you plan your perfect day trip in 2025.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Central | Approx. 25-30 km |
| Average Travel Time | 60-90 minutes one-way by public transport |
| Estimated Cost | HK$250 (budget) – HK$1,250+ (mid-range) per person |
| Best Time to Visit | October – December (Autumn), on a weekday |
| Known For | Fresh Seafood, Hiking, Boat Trips, UNESCO Geopark |
How to Get to Sai Kung from Hong Kong Island/Kowloon
Getting to Sai Kung is an adventure in itself, but don’t worry, it’s straightforward! While you can drive, parking is notoriously difficult and expensive, especially on weekends. Public transport is your best friend here. We’ve broken down the most popular options below.
| Method | Route Details | Est. Time | Est. Cost (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTR + Minibus (Recommended) | MTR to Choi Hung (Exit C2), then Green Minibus 1A. OR MTR to Hang Hau (Exit B), then Green Minibus 101M. | 60-90 mins | ~HK$25-35 |
| Direct Bus | From Diamond Hill MTR Station, take KMB Bus 92. | 70-100 mins | ~HK$10 |
| Red Minibus | Direct routes from Mong Kok (Dundas St) or Causeway Bay (Jaffe Rd). No fixed stops, so can be faster. | 45-70 mins | ~HK$20-30 |
| Taxi / Uber | Direct from your location (e.g., Central, TST). Most convenient but most expensive. | 40-60 mins | ~HK$250-350 |
Our Verdict: The MTR + Green Minibus combo is the most reliable and popular choice. The 1A minibus from Choi Hung takes you on a scenic route and drops you right at the Sai Kung Pier. The Red Minibus can be a bit quicker if you’re lucky with traffic, but they can be crowded and less comfortable. A taxi is great if you have a group to split the cost, but avoid it during peak weekend hours.
Top 5 Unmissable Things to Do in Sai Kung
Sai Kung is a playground for nature lovers, foodies, and explorers. Whether you want to relax by the sea or embark on an adventure, here are the top five experiences you can’t miss.
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Feast on Seafood Street (See Cheung Street)
This is the quintessential Sai Kung experience. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and marvel at the rows of vibrant restaurant tanks teeming with live seafood. The process is a unique cultural experience: you choose your fish, prawns, crabs, or geoducks directly from the tanks, pay for them by weight, and then the restaurant will cook them to your liking for a separate “cooking fee.” For a classic and reliable meal, head to the famous Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, which is recommended by the Michelin Guide.
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Take a Boat Trip to the UNESCO Geopark
Sai Kung is the gateway to the breathtaking Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. The most famous features are the colossal, pale-rhyolitic tuff volcanic rock columns formed 140 million years ago. These hexagonal columns are a world-class geological wonder. From the Sai Kung pier, you’ll find numerous boat tour operators offering various trips. You can take a short 30-minute tour to see the sea caves and columns or opt for a longer 2-3 hour island-hopping adventure. It’s a photographer’s dream!
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Hop on a Kaito to Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau)
A short 15-minute kaito (small ferry) ride from the pier will take you to Sharp Island, a popular spot for its clear waters and unique geology. The island’s star attraction is the natural sand levee, or tombolo, which connects the main island to the nearby Kiu Tau islet during low tide. It’s a magical experience to walk across! Also, keep an eye out for the “pineapple bun rocks” scattered around the island, which get their name from their cracked appearance.
- Cost: Round-trip kaito tickets are around HK$40.
- Pro Tip: You MUST check the tide schedule before you go. The tombolo is only accessible at low tide.
- Facilities: There is a gazetted swimming beach (Kiu Tsui Beach) with lifeguards on duty during the swimming season.
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Discover History on Yim Tin Tsai
For a quieter and more cultural excursion, take a kaito to Yim Tin Tsai. This tiny island was once home to a thriving Hakka salt-farming community. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved ghost village and living museum. You can explore the abandoned houses, visit the restored St. Joseph’s Chapel (a UNESCO-awarded heritage site), and see the historic salt pans, which have been revived for educational purposes. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong’s rural past.
- Cost: Round-trip kaito tickets are around HK$60.
- Time Needed: Allow 1.5-2 hours to walk around the island.
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Hike a Section of the MacLehose Trail
If you’re feeling active, Sai Kung is the starting point for the legendary 100km MacLehose Trail. For a manageable day hike, tackle Section 1. It’s a relatively easy, mostly paved 10km walk that loops around the stunning High Island Reservoir, offering panoramic views of its emerald waters and the surrounding hills. This is a great way to experience the vastness of Sai Kung Country Park without committing to a strenuous mountain climb.
Sample One-Day Sai Kung Itinerary (The Explorer’s Plan)
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Here’s a tried-and-tested itinerary that combines the best of Sai Kung into one perfect day.
Alternative: For a more relaxed day, skip the hike/island hopping and follow the “Relaxed Foodie Itinerary” – explore the town’s alleys, enjoy a long, leisurely seafood lunch, and find a cozy spot at a waterfront cafe.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Sai Kung Pier via Minibus 1A from Choi Hung. Grab a coffee and pastry from a local bakery to fuel up.
- 10:00 AM: Find a kaito operator at the pier and buy a round-trip ticket to Sharp Island. Check the return time!
- 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Explore Sharp Island. If the tide is low, walk across the tombolo. Enjoy a swim or simply relax on the beach.
- 12:30 PM: Take the kaito back to Sai Kung Town.
- 1:00 PM: Head to Seafood Street for a well-deserved, epic seafood lunch.
- 2:30 PM: Wander through the old town’s narrow alleyways, discover hidden temples, and browse the quaint local shops.
- 4:00 PM: Wind down with a refreshing drink at a waterfront cafe like Little Cove Espresso, watching the boats bob in the harbour.
- 5:30 PM: Head back to the minibus terminus to begin your journey back to the city, feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Where to Eat in Sai Kung: From Michelin Stars to Local Gems
Sai Kung’s dining scene is legendary, with options for every budget. Here’s where to get the best grub. (Price Guide: $ = <HK$100, $$ = HK$100-250, $$$ = HK$250-500, $$$$ = HK$500+)
The Quintessential Seafood Experience ($$$ – $$$$)
- Chuen Kee Seafood: Michelin recommended and arguably the most famous. Its massive blue tanks are an attraction in themselves. A must-try for classic Cantonese seafood dishes like steamed garlic razor clams and chili crab.
- Loaf On: For something a bit more refined, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers incredible seafood with a creative twist. It’s less about the spectacle and more about the culinary art. Booking is essential.
Casual Bites & Cafes ($-$$)
- Sai Kung Cafe & Bakery: A very popular spot famous for its hearty brunch plates, excellent pastries, and bustling atmosphere. Expect a queue on weekends.
- Little Cove Espresso: Craving a proper flat white? This Australian-style cafe serves up top-notch coffee, delicious açai bowls, and healthy brunch options with a great view of the harbour.
Insider Tips for a Perfect Sai Kung Day Trip
- Go on a weekday. This is our number one tip. Weekends and public holidays are extremely crowded, leading to long queues for transport and restaurants.
- Bring cash. Many kaito operators, minibus drivers, and smaller market stalls are cash-only.
- Check the tide schedule online if you plan to walk across the tombolo on Sharp Island. It’s only visible for a few hours a day.
- Confirm the last ferry time. When you buy your kaito ticket, always ask for the time of the last boat back so you don’t get stranded.
- Book restaurants in advance, especially if you plan to visit a popular spot like Loaf On or are visiting on a weekend.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Between the pier, the town, and any island explorations, you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
What to Pack for Your Trip
Pack smart to make your day comfortable and stress-free. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Octopus Card (fully charged for transport)
- Cash (for boats and small vendors)
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (the sun can be strong)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Camera and a portable charger for your phone
- Light rain jacket or umbrella, especially during the wetter months
- Swimsuit and a small towel if you plan to visit a beach
Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Sai Kung can be enjoyed on a shoestring budget or as a luxurious day out. Here’s a rough guide to help you plan your spending for 2025.
| Expense | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | ~HK$60 (Public transport) | ~HK$500+ (Round-trip taxi) |
| Food & Drink | ~HK$150 (Cafe/bakery lunch) | ~HK$500+ (Full seafood meal) |
| Activities | ~HK$40 (Kaito to Sharp Island) | ~HK$250 (Geopark boat tour) |
| TOTAL | ~HK$250 | ~HK$1,250+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Sai Kung worth a day trip?
Absolutely! It offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with stunning natural scenery, unique outdoor activities like boat trips and hiking, and some of the best and freshest seafood you can find in Hong Kong.
What is the best and easiest way to get to Sai Kung?
The most reliable and cost-effective method is taking the MTR to Choi Hung Station (Exit C2) and then switching to the 1A green minibus. It’s scenic, efficient, and drops you off right at the Sai Kung Pier.
How much time do you need in Sai Kung?
A minimum of 4-5 hours is needed to explore the town, walk the promenade, and have a meal. For a fuller experience that includes a boat trip to an island or a short hike, we recommend planning for a full day (6-8 hours).
Can you swim in Sai Kung?
Yes, you can! There are several gazetted beaches in the Sai Kung area with facilities. The most accessible one for a day trip is Kiu Tsui Beach on Sharp Island. Always check for any water quality warnings before you swim.
TLDR: Your Sai Kung Cheat Sheet
In a rush? Here’s the absolute minimum you need to know:
- How to Go: Take the MTR to Choi Hung, then Green Minibus 1A.
- Must-Do: Walk along Seafood Street and consider a seafood lunch.
- Top Activity: Take a short kaito (ferry) ride to Sharp Island to see the tombolo (check tides first!).
- Key Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid massive crowds. Bring cash for boats.
- Expect: A beautiful, relaxing day filled with nature, boats, and great food.
