Nestled in the northeast of Hong Kong, Sai Kung is a former fishing village turned popular weekend destination. Think laid-back, small community vibes, independent coffee shops and bustling seafood restaurants on the waterfront but also stunning beaches, remote tropical islands and amazing hiking trails through the country park. You definitely won’t find any towering skyscrapers here!
With so much to explore, you could probably come back to Sai Kung every week for a year and still have something new to discover. It might not be the most convenient destination to get to (it’s only reachable by bus, minibus, taxi or boat), but when the sun is shining and adventure is calling, a day out to this beautiful neighbourhood is well worth the journey. Unsurprisingly, locals flock here during the weekend to escape the city so try to come during the weekday if you can, or be ready to face hour-long queues for the bus ride home.
Whether you’re in the mood for chilling on the beach, café hopping in the old town or getting your heart rate up with a challenging hike or one of the many outdoor water sports available, this waterside peninsula has something for everyone. Don’t know where to start? We’ll show you our top picks for the best places to eat and things to do in Sai Kung. Dare you not to fall head-over-heels!
It’s impossible to miss the row of restaurants as you walk along the infamous ‘Seafood Street’ on Sai Kung’s waterfront, and if the name hadn’t given it away already, the menu and aquarium-like fish tanks will. Restaurant after restaurant feature large tanks filled with fish, crabs, lobsters and probably even a few mysterious creatures you’ve never seen before. You can pick your meal straight from the tank to have it cooked however you want, delivered to your table, and enjoy it alfresco while overlooking the shimmering sea. Talk about fresh!
There are a few places to choose from, but Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant is one of the most popular, with two locations just down the road from each other. Not in the mood for seafood? Chuen Kee also offers a tasty dim sum menu, and it’s pet-friendly too. The only challenge is finding a seat here on the weekend!
If you’re craving a good cup of coffee and mouth-watering, homemade-style food (oh, hello banoffee pie!), check out family-run Ali Oli Bakery & Café in the Sai Kung square. This is the perfect spot to refuel after a long hike. You’ll find this alfresco café gets pretty hectic over the weekend, but it’s worth checking out for their wide range of delicious baked treats. They do a mean full English breakfast too, perfect for a hangover!
Surrounded by lush mountains and picturesque scenery, people travel from all over Hong Kong to come hiking in the Kung, and for good reason. Just outside the quaint seaside town is a massive country park encompassing numerous hiking routes through beaches, forests and mountains. You can even visit abandoned villages or hidden waterfalls!
A quick Google will help you decide which hike would suit you best, but our favourite is the hike to Tai Long Wan. It takes a few hours and involves some fairly steep climbs, but the views are incredible. Plus, you end up on the beach! And we all know how great it feels to jump into the ocean after a long walk in the sun!
You’re not just limited to what’s on land though! Jump on a sampan at Sai Kung Pier and check out the astounding hexagonal rock formations unique to Hong Kong or go island-hopping if you fancy spending the day on a beautiful sandy beach. With the right weather conditions, it feels like you’ve been transported to Thailand or the Maldives!
There’s no better way to spend a day in the Kung than paddling out on a kayak to one of the many remote islands surrounding the peninsula. It’s a great way to cool off during the summer, and a fun activity to get your body sweating and heart pumping too! Walk along the harbor until you get to the water sports centres on Sha Ha Beach renting out equipment for paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking and more. You can rent by the hour or day.
Wan to avoid the weekend crowds and get a taste of the neighbourhood without having to take a full day off work? Why not pop by during the weekday and use the BOOQED app (available on both Android and iOS) to book a hot desk at The Hive Sai Kung, a coworking and events space located near the town centre, for a few hours before going for an afternoon swim.
That’s not all! If you’ve ever heard of or been to the Hive, you’ll know they’re all about community, and frequently hosts events such as weekend markets featuring local businesses or open-air cinema nights in their courtyard, both of which are great for meeting and mingling with the local Sai Kung residents.
So, there you have it – our ultimate guide to Sai Kung! Is there another district you’d like for us to cover next? Let us know, just email the BOOQED team at marketing@booqed.com.
