Things To Do
in Sai Kung Tuk

Sai Kung Tuk is a small coastal village at the eastern edge of Hong Kong's Sai Kung Peninsula, famed for its fishing heritage and harbor views. It sits along a rugged coastline with nearby beaches, rocky shorelines, and easy access to scenic hikes. The area comes alive with fresh seafood markets, casual eateries, and a relaxed, seafaring atmosphere.

From Sai Kung Tuk, you can explore Tai Long Wan’s famous beaches and nearby offshore islands by boat or hike along coastal trails.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Sai Kung Town
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Sai Kung Town, where you can enjoy a traditional Hong Kong breakfast at a local cafe. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the views of the picturesque fishing boats and vibrant market stalls. Don't forget to stop by the Sai Kung Market to explore fresh seafood and local produce.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip to the nearby islands, such as Sharp Island or the famous Geo Park. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the secluded shores, where you can savor the tranquility of the sea.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Sai Kung Town to dine at one of the waterfront seafood restaurants, where you can select your fresh catch. After dinner, take a walk around the vibrant night market, indulging in local street food delicacies. Conclude your day with a relaxing stroll along the harbor, enjoying the evening breeze and city lights.

day 2
Hiking the Dragon's Back
morning
:

Begin your day with an early morning hike on the famous Dragon's Back trail, which offers panoramic views of the coastline and lush greenery. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all levels, providing a refreshing escape into nature. Breathe in the fresh air while spotting local wildlife and enjoying the stunning vistas along the way.

afternoon
:

After completing the hike, head to Shek O Beach for a well-deserved lunch at one of the beachside cafes. Spend your afternoon sunbathing on the sandy shores or engaging in water sports like surfing or paddleboarding. The vibrant beach atmosphere is perfect for unwinding after the morning's adventure.

evening
:

As evening approaches, enjoy a barbecue dinner at one of the public barbecue pits available at Shek O. Gather with friends or fellow travelers, grilling fresh seafood and meats while soaking in the lively beach vibe. Watch the sunset over the horizon, casting beautiful colors across the sky as you enjoy your meal.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$60-120
Coffee or tea$15-30
🦐Fresh seafood dish$120-350
🚤Boat ride or ferry$200-400
🏨Budget hotel or guesthouse$400-900 per night

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Fresh seafood and scenic waterfront
  • Easy access to beaches and hiking
  • Relaxed pace in a beautiful natural setting
  • Can be crowded on weekends
  • Some areas rely on ferries or buses for transport
  • Limited late-night nightlife compared to central Hong Kong
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "多謝" - Thank you
  • "呢個幾多錢?" - How much is this?
  • "廁所喺邊度?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "好味" - Delicious

Places to Visit in Sai Kung Tuk

Visit one of these nice places.

Sai Kung Waterfront Promenade

Colorful fishing boats, old shacks, and a busy harbor provide dynamic foregrounds and golden-hour silhouettes.

Long Ke Wan and Tai Long Wan coastal headlands

Powdery beaches framed by turquoise water and dramatic limestone headlands—ideal for wide landscapes and candid beach scenes.

High Island Reservoir Dam area

Open water, distant hills, and dam structures create strong lines and reflective water imagery.

Culinary Guide

Food in Sai Kung Tuk

Sai Kung’s cuisine centers on seafood caught that day, simple Cantonese preparations, and casual beachfront dining. Freshness, grill-and-serve setups, and sharing plates are common, making it easy to sample a range of flavors with friends and family.

Sai Kung Tuk Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Steamed fish with ginger and scallions

A delicate preparation that highlights the catch of the day; typically tasted best fresh at seaside eateries.

Must-Try!

Salt-baked prawns

Prawns cooked in a salt crust to preserve sweetness and moisture; commonly served with a light dipping sauce.

Stir-fried clams with garlic

Clams wok-tossed with garlic, scallions, and a splash of hot oil for a briny, savory bite.

Fresh seafood hotpot

Seasonal assortment of seafood simmered in a shared pot; great for groups on cooler evenings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Sai Kung Waterfront Seafood Market stalls

A cluster of stalls where you select live seafood to be cooked on-site; a quintessential Sai Kung experience.

Seafood stalls along the pier

Casual counters offering quick bites, grilled items, and small plates with harbor views.

Local dai pai dong and snack stalls

Open-air eateries offering noodle dishes, fried snacks, and light HK-style meals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Sai Kung has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Typhoon season runs roughly from May to November; spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activities and photography.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing and quiet behavior

Queue patiently in markets and transport hubs; speak in a moderate tone in public spaces and show respect at temples and cultural sites.

Respect for fishermen and markets

Be mindful around working docks and market stalls; ask before photographing people or their catches.

Safety Guide

Safety

Typical safety advice applies: stay hydrated in hot weather, monitor sea conditions before water activities, keep valuables secure in crowded markets, and carry a map or offline navigation when venturing to remote beaches.

Tipping in Sai Kung Tuk

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Hong Kong; many restaurants in Sai Kung include a 10% service charge, especially in tourist-focused spots; tips for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms and occasional typhoons; plan for early mornings or late afternoons for outdoor activities and bring sun protection and hydration.

Nightlife Guide

Sai Kung Tuk at Night

Sai Kung offers a relaxed waterfront nightlife with casual bars, open-air dining, and occasional live music along the pier. It’s more low-key than central Hong Kong, favoring sunset drinks, seafood feasts, and socializing with locals and other travelers.

Hiking in Sai Kung Tuk

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

MacLehose Trail - Section 2 (Sai Kung to Pak Tam Chung)

Lush hillside terrain with scenic coastal views and panoramic overlooks.

Tai Long Wan coastal hike

Iconic white-sand beaches reached via coastal tracks; ideal for long day hikes and photography.

High Island Reservoir East Dam Walk

Accessible boardwalks with water views, birdlife, and varied landscapes.

Sharp Peak via Pak Tam Chung

Technical and rewarding peak hike with sweeping vistas; best for experienced hikers.

Airports

How to reach Sai Kung Tuk by plane.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Main international gateway; about 60-70 km from Sai Kung; reachable by taxi or airport bus and cross-harbor routes.

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)

Alternative gateway in nearby mainland China; longer transit options but accessible via cross-border routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Sai Kung Town is compact and walkable along the waterfront; to reach remote beaches or trails you’ll need a bike, taxi, or boat. Signage is bilingual, and paths are generally well-marked, though some trails involve stairs and uneven surfaces.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Primarily Cantonese-speaking families and fishermen, with a growing presence of hikers and expatriates.

Tourists

Local and international visitors drawn by seafood, beaches, and outdoor activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Dragon boating

Traditional water sport on Sai Kung’s waters; seasonal races occur and boats are common during festivals.

Kayaking

Coastal kayaking and guided trips around offshore islands and sheltered coves.

Hiking

Coastal and inland trails including MacLehose Trail segments and Tai Long Wan routes.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport is available via buses and local minibuses; many visitors rely on taxis to reach the peninsula; ferries connect to offshore beaches and islands. Traffic is generally light outside peak tourist periods and weekends.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Sai Kung Tuk.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in most eateries; look for vegetable dishes, tofu, and mushroom-based plates; request light oil and avoid heavy meat-based sauces.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are public clinics and a small hospital presence in Sai Kung Town; for major emergencies, the wider Hong Kong public hospital network is accessible by public transport or taxi, and private clinics are common for routine care.

Discover Hong Kong

Read more in our Hong Kong 2025 Travel Guide.

Hong Kong Travel Guide