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Sai Kung

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town
—°6
Sai Kung (Hong Kong SAR China)
ℹ️

Practical info — Sai Kung

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Nicknamed the back garden of Hong Kong, this area gets extremely crowded on weekends. Visit on a weekday if possible.
  • Take a red or green minibus from Hang Hau or Mong Kok, or a double-decker bus from Choi Hung to get to the town center.
  • You can hire small motorized boats, known as kaitos, at the public pier to visit nearby secluded islands and beaches.
  • Check out the public square near the waterfront on weekends to see locals walking their impeccably groomed dogs.

🍽 Food

🍽
Seafood Street

Pick live fish, crabs, and lobsters from massive tanks at the waterfront restaurants and have them cooked to order.

🍽
Pineapple Buns

Visit a traditional local bakery near the town square for freshly baked, crusty pineapple buns with a thick slice of butter.

🍽
Dessert Shops

Cool down with traditional Hong Kong sweet soups like mango pomelo sago at the popular dessert cafes in the narrow alleys.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Dried Seafood

Stroll along the promenade to buy traditional dried fish, scallops, and shrimp from the small vendor stalls.

🛍
Outdoor Gear

The town center is packed with shops selling excellent hiking, camping, and watersports equipment.

🛍
Boutique Groceries

Find artisan cheeses, organic wines, and international delicacies in the expat-oriented grocers.

🧘
Lions Nature Education Centre

Just outside the town, this park gives quiet botanical gardens and agricultural displays without the crowds.

🧘
High Island Reservoir East Dam

Take a green taxi here to marvel at the spectacular hexagonal volcanic rock columns in complete tranquility.

🧘
Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park

Take a minibus to this protected area to snorkel or simply enjoy a quiet, pristine beach away from the town.

Sai Kung, widely known as the "back garden of Hong Kong," is a characterful coastal town in the New Territories that provides a stark contrast to the city's urban density. The waterfront is legendary for its Seafood Street, a row of restaurants where patrons can select fresh catches from outdoor tanks to be prepared on the spot. The bustling pier is the primary departure point for sampans and ferries heading to remote islands and pristine beaches like the impressive Tai Long Wan. Beyond its culinary appeal, Sai Kung serves as the gateway to the Sai Kung East Country Park and the UNESCO Global Geopark, featuring dramatic volcanic rock formations and some of the region's best hiking trails. The town maintains a laid-back, community-focused vibe with boutique cafes and artisanal shops, making it a favorite retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, sailors, and anyone looking to experience the wilder, more natural side of the Hong Kong archipelago.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161820232628292828252217
Rain mm362972104210282185218161493025

Geography

Population
35,800 (2025)
Coordinates
22.38140, 114.27050

Facts

  • Highest point: Sharp Peak 468 m
  • Area: 136.3 km²
  • Sai Kung Country Park established: 1978
  • Population: 60,000 (2021)
  • MacLehose Trail length: 100 km
  • Number of islands: 20+

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sai Kung (6)

Trio Beach🎡 recreation

With its photogenic sandy beach, Trio Beach attracts relaxation seekers to Sai Kung. The Hong Kong coastline presents itself here with gentle waves and a close-to-nature environment. Visitors love to swim here or relax at the water's edge. On warm days, an early arrival is worthwhile to grab the best shady spot.

Volcano Discovery Centre🏛 museum

The Volcano Discovery Centre in Sai Kung is a museum exhibiting the geological history of the region.

Sha Ha🎡 recreation

Sha Ha is a local beach in Sai Kung offering a spot for relaxation.

Pak Sha Chau📍 landmark

白沙洲 is a natural scenic attraction located in Sai Kung.

Tai Chan Chau📍 landmark

A small island off Sai Kung with an uninhabited bay.

Lieutenant's Stone Chamber📍 landmark

中尉石室 is a unique visitor attraction situated in the Sai Kung area.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sai Kung called the 'back garden' of Hong Kong?
Because of its untouched nature, beaches, and many hiking trails.
What should you eat in Sai Kung Town?
Fresh seafood directly from the fishing boats along the promenade.
How do you get to the remote islands?
Hire a 'sampan' or a speedboat at the Sai Kung pier.
Can you see volcanic rocks there?
Yes, the UNESCO Global Geopark features impressive hexagonal column formations.
Can you go kayaking in Sai Kung?
Yes, it is one of the best places for water sports in Hong Kong.
Sai Kung: where is it located?
Sai Kung is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Sai Kung: what is there to see?
Highlights include Trio Beach, Volcano Discovery Centre, Sha Ha.
Sai Kung: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Sai Kung: why is it worth visiting?
Sai Kung, widely known as the "back garden of Hong Kong," is a characterful coastal town in the New Territories that provides a stark contrast to the city's urban density.
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