Your neighbourhood guide to Tai O

Well known for its iconic stilt houses and quaint atmosphere, Tai O fishing village has secured its place on the map this year. Since travel restrictions have been in place, it has become a hotspot for hikers, daytrippers and even those looking for a night away. Here is our ultimate neighbourhood guide to Tai O, the Venice of Hong Kong. 

What to do 

Tackle Tiger Mountain 

If you need to stretch your legs after the long journey, Fu Shan is the perfect hike to get your heart rate up. Translating to Tiger Mountain in Chinese, Fu Shan is not as intimidating as it sounds. The 15-minute walk will take you from the village up to the Kau San Tei Lookout Pavilion. There, you’ll be rewarded with stunning ocean views and a glimpse of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge.   

Temple hopping 

Home to a variety of temples and shrines, Tai O is every history lover’s dream. Be sure to stop by Kwan Tai Temple, the oldest temple in the village and a Grade II historical building. Built in the Ming Dynasty, the temple is dedicated to Kwan Tai, a military general of the Three Kingdoms era. 

Stroll around the lanes

Tai O Market Street is home to many local delicacies including dried seafood, shrimp paste and pearl jewellery. Head over to Kat Hing Street where you’ll find the best sugar doughnuts in Hong Kong at Tai O Bakery. But be prepared to queue. 

Take a boat tour 

As the neighbourhood is located quite a distance from the city, it is home to one of Hong Kong’s favourite mammals, the Chinese pink dolphin. Hop onboard a boat tour and witness some of Tai O’s unique landmarks. For example, there’s General’s Rock, Tai O Heritage Hotel and if you’re lucky enough, you may even spot a few dolphins. 

Where to eat 

Tai O Banyan Tree café

Exclusively open on weekends, Tai O Banyan Tree offers a relaxing rest stop for visitors during a busy day of exploring. Featured on the Netflix series, Restaurants on the Edge, this cafe is located along with water’s edge and offers simple comfort food including noodles, cakes and salads. 

Tai O Banyan Tree Café, G/F, 68 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, 6999 8213

Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant

For a taste of Tai O’s speciality cuisine, head over to Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant. It serves fresh seafood and classic Cantonese-style stir-fry featuring its most renowned produce, shrimp paste, dried seafood and pork.

Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant, 33 Kat Hing St, Tai O, Lantau Island, Tai O, 2985 8343

Solo cafe 

Openrice @bellywongs

Located in a traditional stilt house, diners at Solo can enjoy the true Tai O experience. The artisanal coffee shop serves up a variety of hot and cold drinks along with a selection of homemade desserts, perfect for an afternoon pick me up. With an outdoor terrace, diners can also soak up the quaint atmosphere below.  

Solo cafe, G/F, 86-88 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, 9153 7453

Where to stay 

Tai O Heritage Hotel

Rumour has it Tai O Heritage Hotel was fully booked throughout 2020 so be sure to book your 2021 staycation early. Since it’s revitalisation in 2012, the elegant hotel has attracted visitors with its unique colonial-style interiors and history. Formerly the Tai O Police Station, it is isolated from the rest of the village for some nice and quiet. It has restored much of its original structure, offering free guided tours of the premises daily.

Tai O Heritage Hotel, 14 Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, 2985 8383