Located on Lantau Island, Tai O is Hong Kong’s homage to the old. The quaint fishing village is the last remaining village of its kind. Formerly one of Hong Kong’s biggest fishing villages with a population of over 30,000, today Tai O is where Southern China’s fishing life and culture has been preserved.
The floating village is popular amongst tourists, and enjoys its fair share of visitors every year. Explore the mystical village of Tai O and immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s rich past with this single day itinerary that makes for the perfect day trip.
Start the Day by Making Your Way to Tai O
To get to Tai O, you have two options, ferry or bus. Begin by taking the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) to Tung Chung Station and from there, take the number 11 bus from Tung Chung Town Centre. The journey should take about an hour, so sit tight.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the Central Ferry Pier at Mui Wo. Though this option is a little more time consuming, you’ll have the chance to glimpse great, sweeping views of Hong Kong Island and Lantau as you cross the harbour.
You can also choose to take the MTR to Tung Chung Station B, and board the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village. From there, you can board a bus at the Tai O terminus that will take you straight to Tai O in under twenty minutes or so.
Native currently offers deals for Lantau island which includes tickets for the cable car ride and a guided tour. For more information, click here to check them out.
Snap Some Photos at Tai Chung Bridge
As soon as you enter Tai O, you’ll be greeted by the sight of elegant stilt houses. The Tanka people of Tai O built these wooden houses on stilts in order to escape frequent flooding. The stilt houses are interconnected, woven together to form the tight bonds of a community. The beautiful waterways and picturesque structures have warned Tai O a nickname as the Venice of the Orient.
The best vantage point to get a picture of the stilt houses would be Tai Chung Bridge. The rope drawn bridge gives you unparalleled views of stilt houses on both sides of the river. Built in 1996, the bridge deck is raised once a year during the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade to allow dragon boats to pass through.
Explore Tai O Market
Tai O’s Markets are all located along Kat Hing Street, or Tai O Market Street. You can find these small shophouses across Tai Chung Bridge, selling an assortment of homemade shrimp sauce, shrimp paste, salted fish and dried seafood . These are specialities in Tai O, given its predominant fishing heritage. Grab a bottle of the famous shrimp sauce to take home for family and friends.
The Market also sells a variety of snacks, unique to Tai O. Sample fresh seafood, buy a stick of giant curry fish balls (a local favourite!) or visit the Master of Grilled Squid, a stall selling charcoal grilled squid that has been around for decades.
Burn Some Incense at Kwan Tai Temple
A short walk away from Tai O Market Street is Kwan Tai Temple. The majestic temple was built in the Ming Dynasty, and is dedicated to Kwan Tai, the God of War. Admire the elaborate roof decorations, and the stone slabs outside the temple, a result of renovations during the Qing Dynasty. New additions include a looming copper bell.
Light up incense and offer prayers to Kwan Tai. A red faced statue of the venerable general stands at the entrance to the main hall. Though he may look frightening, Kwan Tai is known for his valiant nature and unwavering loyalty. He receives prayers from people of all walks of life, such as fishermen, farmers and triad groups.
Grab a Bite at Fei Mao Li
Few know of Tai O’s reputation as an island of cats. Cats were originally brought to Tai O island as means of pest control, but since then, the cat population has flourished. This inspired the owner of Fei Mao Li to open Tai O’s very first cat cafe. Tourists and locals alike are welcome to this colourful, bustling space, where they can play with cats and enjoy great food.
All the cats at the cafe were once rescued strays who have since found their home. Stepping into the cafe, you’ll be greeted by the cheerful owner, and purring feline friends. Eating options include a variety of drinks and light snacks. All proceeds go towards the supporting of strays in Tai O, as well as towards funding various charitable events held at the cafe, meant to shed light on the rich culture of Tai O.
Go for a Tour and Spot Some Pink Dolphins
Part of an endangered species, Pink Dolphins can be spotted in the waters of Tai O. These bright pink creatures used to crowd the seas surrounding Tai O, but thanks to pollution, the population has dwindled to around sixty or less. If you’re out looking for dolphins, try the Hong Kong Dolphin Watch Tour. Guides promise you a 97% chance of seeing the dolphins, and if you happen to be the unlucky 3%, you can come on another day, free of charge.
Race away on a sauve speed boat, and keep an eye out for that flash of pink. These adorable animals are known for their friendly disposition, though you’ll have to act fast to snap a photo of them. You’ll also be served snacks and drinks whilst waiting.
Finish with Dinner at Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant
If you’re hankering for Hong Kong Fare, make a beeline for Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant. This restaurant serves both seafood and meat and is perfect for families or small groups. Known for being a traditional hole-in-the-wall in rural Lantau, Crossing Boat Restaurant’s menu includes crowd favourites like fried cuttlefish cake, dried shrimp steamed lotus rice, and roast goose.
Settle down after a long, tiring day of walking and tuck into a hearty meal of home-cooked food. With Cantonese stir-fry dishes and other comfort foods to choose from, you’re bound to be spoiled for choice.
With the sun setting behind you, bid goodbye to gorgeous Tai O. With so many exciting things to see, there’s no doubt you’ll soon be back for more.
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