Wild and rugged, the Sai Kung District offers more than just skyscrapers and shopping. In fact, a huge slice of the district is occupied by a lush national park dotted with characterful rural villages and more than 70 islands. It’s a fantastic place to soak up Hong Kong’s traditional customs and cultures or simply escape the bustling city.
Things to do in Sai Kung District
Once a thriving fishing village, Sai Kung Town now serves as the beating heart of the Sai Kung District. It’s a great introduction to the peninsula, with a bustling waterfront precinct lined with cafes, restaurants and colourful street stalls selling everything from curry fish balls to golden egg tarts.
Venture out of town and you’ll find a handful of villages that offer a unique glimpse at rural Hong Kong. Pint-sized Lei Yue Mun is famous for its fresh seafood while Pak Sha O is known for its beautifully preserved buildings built by Hong Kong’s indigenous Hakka people.
Thanks to its abundance of parks and nature reserves, Sai Kung is known as the "last back garden" of Hong Kong. You can gaze up at million-year-old columns in the Volcanic Rock Region, discover hidden beaches in East Country Park and climb mist-shrouded peaks in Clearwater Bay.
Whether you charter a private boat or sign up for a group tour, island hopping is one of the most popular ways to discover Sai Kung. Built up Kau Sai Chau features the scenic Jockey Club golf course, while secluded Kiu Tsui Chau is fringed by sandy beaches and crystal-clear dive sites.
Getting around Sai Kung District
The Sai Kung District is well-serviced by public buses, which makes it easy to hop between towns, villages, and beaches. You can also hire a private driver for the day. If you’re visiting the islands, you can choose from public ferries or smaller “kaido” boats.