Day trips · Hong Kong · China
5 best day trips from Hong Kong
Where to go when you want a day away from Hong Kong, and how long it really takes.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Exploringlife, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The classic day trip from Hong Kong is Macau (About 1 hour by ferry). The closest option is Lamma Island, about 12 km away.
Key facts
- Day trips in this guide
- 5
- Closest
- Lamma Island (12 km)
- Most popular
- Macau
Day trips compared
| Destination | Distance | Travel time | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macau | 60 km | About 1 hour by ferry | TurboJET ferry from Sheung Wan, or bus via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge | First-timers, Culture, Food lovers |
| Lamma Island | 12 km | About 30 minutes by ferry | Ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan | Quiet stays, Couples, Food lovers |
| Cheung Chau | 18 km | About 35–60 minutes by ferry | Ferry from Central Pier 5 | Families, Food lovers, Beach |
| Sai Kung and the Geopark | 25 km | About 1 hour by MTR and minibus | MTR to Hang Hau or Diamond Hill, then minibus or bus to Sai Kung | Quiet stays, Beach, Couples |
| Shenzhen | 30 km | About 20 minutes by high-speed rail | High-speed train from West Kowloon Station to Futian, or MTR East Rail to Lo Wu | Shopping, Budget |
The day trips
60 km · About 1 hour by ferry
1.Macau
Macau's UNESCO-listed historic centre mixes Portuguese squares, the ruined façade of St Paul's and Chinese temples, while Cotai's casino resorts lie across the bridge. Try Portuguese egg tarts and Macanese food, and check entry requirements on official sites before travelling.
- Getting there
- TurboJET ferry from Sheung Wan, or bus via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge
- Best for
- First-timers, Culture, Food lovers
12 km · About 30 minutes by ferry
2.Lamma Island
Car-free Lamma has a laid-back village at Yung Shue Wan, a 5 km footpath across the island past Hung Shing Yeh beach, and seafood restaurants at Sok Kwu Wan for the ferry back.
- Getting there
- Ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Couples, Food lovers
18 km · About 35–60 minutes by ferry
3.Cheung Chau
This dumbbell-shaped fishing island has a busy harbour, Pak Tai Temple, Tung Wan beach and snack stalls selling giant fish balls and mango mochi. It gets very crowded on weekends.
- Getting there
- Ferry from Central Pier 5
- Best for
- Families, Food lovers, Beach
25 km · About 1 hour by MTR and minibus
4.Sai Kung and the Geopark
From Sai Kung town, boats run to hexagonal volcanic rock columns in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and to quiet beaches; hikers can tackle the MacLehose Trail's coastal section to Tai Long Wan.
- Getting there
- MTR to Hang Hau or Diamond Hill, then minibus or bus to Sai Kung
- Best for
- Quiet stays, Beach, Couples
30 km · About 20 minutes by high-speed rail
5.Shenzhen
Mainland China's tech city across the border has huge electronics markets in Huaqiangbei, the OCT art district and modern malls. Allow time for immigration and check entry requirements on official sites.
- Getting there
- High-speed train from West Kowloon Station to Futian, or MTR East Rail to Lo Wu
- Best for
- Shopping, Budget
Day-trip tips
- Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
- Double-decker buses and red and green minibuses reach the south side of the island, Sai Kung and the country parks; green minibuses run fixed routes with fixed fares.
- For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best day trip from Hong Kong?
Macau. Macau's UNESCO-listed historic centre mixes Portuguese squares, the ruined façade of St Paul's and Chinese temples, while Cotai's casino resorts lie across the bridge.
+How long does it take to get from Hong Kong to Macau?
About 1 hour by ferry — TurboJET ferry from Sheung Wan, or bus via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, about 60 km.
+How long does it take to get from Hong Kong to Lamma Island?
About 30 minutes by ferry — Ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan, about 12 km.