This isn't Hong Kong as you know it—come to Tai O and experience the laid-back charm of a fishing village.

Photo & Text / Provided by Cola Tours

This time, we’re taking you into the charming and well-known old fishing village of “Tai O.”Located on the western side of Lantau Island, Tai O has a long history in Hong Kong and was originally a village focused on fishing, salt production, and seafood processing. Its most distinctive feature is the traditional stilt houses, where local fishermen have lived for generations.

▲ Photo / Provided by Cola Tours

Visit Hong Kong’s Last Waterfront Community

The interconnected stilt houses and the crisscrossing bridges between them create a unique landscape for Tai O’s fishing village. As times have changed, fewer people live on the water, and due to the difficulty of maintaining these stilt homes, their numbers have gradually decreased. Fortunately, with the recent surge in tourism in Tai O, we can still witness these extraordinary structures and ways of life.

▲ Photo / Provided by Cola Tours

Throughout Tai O fishing village, you’ll see scenes of dried fish hanging out to dry. The sea breeze carries the scent of saltwater and cured fish, and you might even spot cats lounging in the streets, soaking up the sun. Stroll through the maze-like alleys and bridges to enjoy the relaxed, idyllic life of the fishing village. If you have time, consider taking a boat tour—hop on a small Tai O sampan to cruise around the bay, admire the stilt houses, sunset, and sea views, while a local guide shares insights about the village's culture, offering an authentic perspective from the viewpoint of the waterfront community.

▲ Photo / Provided by Cola Tours

Unforgettable Seafood Delicacies in Tai O

The Tai O market offers plenty of fresh and flavorful seafood snacks, such as tender and chewy braised cuttlefish, oversized Hong Kong-style curry fish balls, and charcoal-grilled squid marinated in secret soy sauce by the local uncles. While wandering the streets, tasting these fresh treats gives you a deeper sense of the village’s charm. If snacks aren’t enough, head to a restaurant to try local specialties like steamed fish or ginger-scallion stir-fried crab—both are must-try signature dishes.

▲ Photo / Provided by Cola Tours

Before leaving Tai O, don’t forget to pick up some dried seafood products such as shrimp paste, dried shrimp, dried fish, and scallops, and share the wonderful flavors and memories of Tai O with your family and friends.

▲ Photo / Provided by Cola Tours

Bonus: Take the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Tai O

The most relaxing way to get to Tai O is to transfer to the Ngong Ping Cable Car at Tung Chung MTR Station. In just 25 minutes, you can switch to a bus that takes you directly to Tai O fishing village. Along the way, you’ll enjoy bird’s-eye views of the entire Lantau Island. If you’re lucky, you might even catch planes taking off and landing at the nearby Hong Kong International Airport, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the endless blue sky. Opt for the crystal cabin for a thrilling transparent-floor view—your legs might tremble, but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It’s recommended to purchase cable car tickets in Taiwan beforehand for a better price and to skip the long queues at the site.

 ▲ Photo / Provided by Ngong Ping Cable Car

One-Day Tai O & Ngong Ping Tour Guide

● Walk 5 minutes from Exit B of Tung Chung MTR Station to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - Tung Chung Station → Take the cable car to Lantau Island and alight at the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - Ngong Ping Station. (Cable car ride duration: approximately 30 minutes)
● After getting off the cable car, have lunch at Ngong Ping Market. It’s recommended to spend 3–4 hours visiting nearby attractions such as the Big Buddha and the Wisdom Path.
● In the afternoon, take a bus from the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - Ngong Ping Station to Tai O to explore the fishing village and watch the sunset. (Bus ride duration: approximately 30 minutes, not including waiting time)
● Return to Tung Chung MTR Station using the same route.

Enjoy the Stunning Views of Tai O Fishing Village
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