5 best Hong Kong day-trip ideas for the weekend

Did you know that Hong Kong consists of around 250 islands, most of which are uninhabited and untouched by human development? If you mention Hong Kong to travellers and foreigners, their first thought will conjure the futuristic lights, soaring skyscrapers, and dense urban jungle for which the city is known globally.

However, long-time residents will know that Hong Kong initially started out as a fishing village and only later evolved into a financial and cultural hub of Asia. Escaping the city from time to time to go spelunking is a great way to unwind and recharge, and also help city dwellers appreciate the unique natural bounty of Hong Kong.

Venture outside of your urban comfort zone of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (and even the New Territories!) and explore one of Hong Kong’s many uninhabited islands for your next epic day-trip, whether it’s the stunning geological rock formations of Tung Ping Chau, the awe-inspiring red sands of Port Island, the gorgeous clear waters of Middle Island, and more.

Catch a ferry or take a cable car to one of Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands to explore, eat, and play the day away! Traversing through these quaint villages and communities will also have the added benefit of forcing you to go at a slower pace and take in a rural kind of living that’s much different to city life, as there are often hidden gems that often go unnoticed.

Over the years, many of these islands have transformed, opening up modern businesses to serve visitors and locals alike, catering to the rise of domestic tourism. Notably, a lot of Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands now boast chic cafés and coffee shops to fuel the weary traveller. Whether you’re off to uncover everything that the sleepy villages of Cheung Chau, Tai O, Peng Chau, or Lamma have to offer, we guarantee there is plenty there to do, eat, and see on your day-trip.

With the current travel restrictions in place, it’s almost impossible to a vacation—and where would you go, anyway, considering most borders are closed to travellers? Fortunately, Hong Kong plays host to a great line-up of global splendours, and if you know where to look, you’ll uncover places around the city where one can feel transported to all corners of the globe.

From the salt flats of Bolivia and the falls of Luang Prabang to the bamboo forests of Kyoto, little-known spots all across Hong Kong offer a taste of international destinations. Want to revel in the lavender fields of Provence? Just head to Tsz Shan Monastery instead, where seas of purple will greet you just the same. Here are some replacement-worthy places to explore if you are really feeling the travel fever, and here are some more if you’ve exhausted the first list.

Hiking is the best way to explore Hong Kong and soak in the natural wonders of this urban jungle. With a weekend ahead of beautiful weather, why not head outside to explore new trails and routes? Sometimes, it almost seems like everyone and their mothers are hitting the mountains in Hong Kong and as a result, many well-known routes can be busy and congested.

Instead, why not beat the crowds and tackle a lesser-known trail this weekend? If you’re not at all getting along with the infamous summer heat and humidity of Hong Kong, here are some shaded hikes that’ll keep you sheltered. And if you think hiking trips should end with a cooling reward, check out some waterfalls hikes that will make your day out more enjoyable.

How can there be a Hong Kong summer without a beach bum weekend? Hong Kong boasts more than 100 beaches that are at your disposal, whether you’re looking for a tan or an active day in the water.

If you are tired of hitting up Repulse Bay or Deep Water Bay and pushing for space among the throng of sunbathing day-trippers, you’ll want to know more about the secret beaches that we highly recommend, as well as the cleanest water spots around Hong Kong. Of course, if you are a pet owner, you can’t leave Fido behind—check out this article for the best pet-friendly beaches in Hong Kong.