Tai O, Hong Kong: Hours, Address, Tai O Reviews: 4/5
Tai O
4
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
About
Lovely little fishing village with many shops and seafood. Take a boat ride for lovely scenery or take a walk up the mountain to see the White Chinese Dolhins swim.
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Top ways to experience Tai O
The area
Neighborhood: Lantau Island
Best nearby
Restaurants
19 within 3 miles

Triple Lanterns Cafe
109
456 ft$ • Pizza • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

Solo
70
517 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe

Tai O Bakery
23
366 ft$ • Bakeries

Tai O Banyan Tree
17
326 ft$ • Italian • Chinese • Cafe

Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant
30
123 ft$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Seafood • Asian

yun goo cha gwor
5
304 ft$

NAK Kafe
2
141 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International

Fook Moon Lam Restaurant
7
162 ft$$ - $$$

Tai O Lookout
81
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Hong Kong

Tung Fong Siu Kee Yuen Restaurant
7
0.6 mi$$ - $$$
Attractions
33 within 6 miles

Tai O Rural Committee Historical and Cultural Showroom
15
346 ftSpeciality Museums

Guandi Temple
14
259 ftReligious Sites

Sun Ki Bridge
2
0.3 miBridges

Kat Hing Street
2
0.3 miNeighborhoods

Tai Chung Bridge - Tai O
2
0.3 miBridges

Shek Tsai Po St Promenade
2
0.3 miScenic Walking Areas

Earth God Temple
2
0.3 miReligious Sites

Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
14,787
2.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

North Lantau Obelisk
2
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery
2,127
2.9 miIslands • Religious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,715 reviews
Excellent
733
Very good
694
Average
210
Poor
61
Terrible
17
MsMkonnichiwa
Sydney, Australia111 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
As many others have said, this is a very different place, well off the beaten path. We took the MTR to Tung Chung then the clearly marked and organised bus to Tai O. We went on a Sunday and didn’t have to wait for a bus in either direction. The bus ride is a bit twisty, but wasn’t too long, and the terminal had decent loos. the village was easy to get around, noting locals biking through the streets pretty regularly, and despite it being a Sunday, it wasn’t very crowded.
It also wasn’t nearly as smelly as we’d expected, and after a nice walk up the small hike to see the Macau bridge, we had a tasty and affordable meal at one of the restaurants. It was about $90 per dish of tasty and fresh meals, Wnglish menu and English speaking staff.
After lunch we waited in the queue at the Tai O bakery for their famous donuts hot out of the vat, bought some lovely cards make by a local artist in her gallery, and walked along the river through the “outskirts” I guess you’d call it.
The housing is super interesting, and each one is unique. I was both fascinated but mindful that these were people’s homes.
When we got back to the bus terminal, there was a long queue but it moved very quickly, as buses were back to back, taking people back to either Tung Chung, or via the gondola.
Overall, a very nice, affordable day out to see a unique part of HK.
It also wasn’t nearly as smelly as we’d expected, and after a nice walk up the small hike to see the Macau bridge, we had a tasty and affordable meal at one of the restaurants. It was about $90 per dish of tasty and fresh meals, Wnglish menu and English speaking staff.
After lunch we waited in the queue at the Tai O bakery for their famous donuts hot out of the vat, bought some lovely cards make by a local artist in her gallery, and walked along the river through the “outskirts” I guess you’d call it.
The housing is super interesting, and each one is unique. I was both fascinated but mindful that these were people’s homes.
When we got back to the bus terminal, there was a long queue but it moved very quickly, as buses were back to back, taking people back to either Tung Chung, or via the gondola.
Overall, a very nice, affordable day out to see a unique part of HK.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SoleDrifter
Hong Kong, China18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Nestled in the western coast of Lantau Island, this is a must visit if you are in Hong Kong (travelling, living or otherwise visiting).
Getting there - we chose the ferry from Tung Chung Pier (HKD32.5 per Adult). Ferry is a great way to experience the scenic views of the island by sea. You can alternatively go via bus or taxi as well.
Things to Do - As soon as you land, I would recommend taking a walk around the pier, it has breath taking views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Next head to the main market, where you will find a large selection of sea food both fresh and cooked into tasty snacks which are a must try while you explore the village.
Lunch @Fuk Moon Lam, it’s a Chinese restaurant with a wide selection of amazing mouth watering food. Try the shrimp and the fish (though there is plenty of red meat to choose from as well).
For a quick evening bite enjoy the local waffles and egg balls. Though everyone lines up @uncle’s for the egg balls (be prepared to stand for an hour in a queue). Trust me after the long wait they were not worth it. I would recommend the ones from a stall nearby which had a wider selection and was much quicker.
Now onward for some coffee admits the scenic views @solo cafe. The coffee here is amazing... ask for some Jameson (not on the menu, got to ask the nice gentleman who owns the joint, he is more than happy to accommodate) to make the experience a bit more Irish specially on a cold evening.
Recommend you sit at the tables facing the stretch of water flowing through the village. Alternatively, you an opt for @tripplelanterns cafe, spotted the cafe from across the river, couldn’t check it out as we were heading back)
There are also some wonderful temples and a lot of culture to see and absorb here so make sure you give yourself the day by starting early.
Heading Back - it’s time to go... if you want to take the last ferry (which is around six) make sure you take the ticket once you land as seats are limited and sell out quickly.
We took the bus back. It gave us a chance to stay a bit longer and experience to beautiful sunset views. The queue for the bus may seem long but is fast moving and you will be boarded sooner than you think (bus 11 dropped us back to the terminus adjacent to city gates mall)
P.S. if going in winter make sure to dress in warm clothes (the wind chill is nasty and you are sure to shiver as the wind gains momentum during the evening)
Hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did #soledrifter #hongkonglife
Getting there - we chose the ferry from Tung Chung Pier (HKD32.5 per Adult). Ferry is a great way to experience the scenic views of the island by sea. You can alternatively go via bus or taxi as well.
Things to Do - As soon as you land, I would recommend taking a walk around the pier, it has breath taking views of the sea and the surrounding hills.
Next head to the main market, where you will find a large selection of sea food both fresh and cooked into tasty snacks which are a must try while you explore the village.
Lunch @Fuk Moon Lam, it’s a Chinese restaurant with a wide selection of amazing mouth watering food. Try the shrimp and the fish (though there is plenty of red meat to choose from as well).
For a quick evening bite enjoy the local waffles and egg balls. Though everyone lines up @uncle’s for the egg balls (be prepared to stand for an hour in a queue). Trust me after the long wait they were not worth it. I would recommend the ones from a stall nearby which had a wider selection and was much quicker.
Now onward for some coffee admits the scenic views @solo cafe. The coffee here is amazing... ask for some Jameson (not on the menu, got to ask the nice gentleman who owns the joint, he is more than happy to accommodate) to make the experience a bit more Irish specially on a cold evening.
Recommend you sit at the tables facing the stretch of water flowing through the village. Alternatively, you an opt for @tripplelanterns cafe, spotted the cafe from across the river, couldn’t check it out as we were heading back)
There are also some wonderful temples and a lot of culture to see and absorb here so make sure you give yourself the day by starting early.
Heading Back - it’s time to go... if you want to take the last ferry (which is around six) make sure you take the ticket once you land as seats are limited and sell out quickly.
We took the bus back. It gave us a chance to stay a bit longer and experience to beautiful sunset views. The queue for the bus may seem long but is fast moving and you will be boarded sooner than you think (bus 11 dropped us back to the terminus adjacent to city gates mall)
P.S. if going in winter make sure to dress in warm clothes (the wind chill is nasty and you are sure to shiver as the wind gains momentum during the evening)
Hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did #soledrifter #hongkonglife
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
1968Monkey
Hobart, Australia67 contributions
Jul 2019
I have visited Tai O several times now, and it is always on my to-do list when visiting Hong Kong, especially if I am making my way over to Lantau Island, which I have done the last 3 times I have been there. My favourite eating place is the Crossing Boat Restaurant and I go there fairly exclusively so I cant recommend any other eateries in the village. I have stayed once at Espace Elastique and I can highly recommend this accommodation and their customer service was fabulous and I am so grateful for the time we turned up late but they were there waiting for us (we did call in advance to explain we would be late due to getting our hiking times wrong, we did think we would be there on time). Walking through the tiny streets is like going back in time, and Tai O has some river cruises that you can take if you want to explore further. If you are heading to Ngong Ping to see the Giant Buddha for the day, there are buses that can take you down to Tai O and back, doesn't take long, and it will worth your while to do.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jenkle89
Hendaye, France405 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A 50 minute bus ride from Tung Chung (Bus 11) takes you to the oldest village on Lantau, the lovely Tai O fishing village. It was nice wandering the little lanes, discovering some smoky temples and discovering all sorts of dried seafood. It is worth taking a 20minute boat trip for 30HK$ which takes you through the village and then around the bay, although we didn't spot any rare pink dolphins. I think it is best to visit in the morning/early afternoon after which it gets busy.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tubby Panda
Portsmouth, UK416 contributions
Jan 2020
The Venice of China and a must see are often used to describe Tai O. Probably a bit over the top yet it is an interesting place to go and as a photographer I loved it.
It is a fair trek to get to and I would recommend you only go if you are near the place. We went there late afternoon from Tsing Yi and ended up so late we had to sleep over in HK. (I live in Shenzhen and border is not 24hr)
You just have to explore around the old bridges and walkways, do be respectful of people living there, not everywhere is open to the public. Whilst some of it is falling or fallen apart there still a lot of unique views around the place.
I would recommend if you can visit on a week day and away from any Chinese holidays, it is not a big place and the streets would fill very quickly.
There are lots of places to eat and tons of fresh and not so fresh seafood products hanging around, obviously it smells so be prepared.
I plan to revisit because the few hours I spent there were not enough to capture all of it, for a look around with friends/family you may be happy with a couple of hours. A photographer can easily do all day.
It is a fair trek to get to and I would recommend you only go if you are near the place. We went there late afternoon from Tsing Yi and ended up so late we had to sleep over in HK. (I live in Shenzhen and border is not 24hr)
You just have to explore around the old bridges and walkways, do be respectful of people living there, not everywhere is open to the public. Whilst some of it is falling or fallen apart there still a lot of unique views around the place.
I would recommend if you can visit on a week day and away from any Chinese holidays, it is not a big place and the streets would fill very quickly.
There are lots of places to eat and tons of fresh and not so fresh seafood products hanging around, obviously it smells so be prepared.
I plan to revisit because the few hours I spent there were not enough to capture all of it, for a look around with friends/family you may be happy with a couple of hours. A photographer can easily do all day.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Remi
England2,522 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Venice of Hong Kong - Tai O Fishing Village is a must see picturesque place when visiting Hong Kong. It is accessible by taking Bus 11 from Tung Chung Station. Once reaching Tai O, we passed through an avenue full of street food items and dried seafood. The fish maw, salted fish and fermented shrimp paste were popular souvenir items. A the charm of this historic community. Stilt houses were built along the river bank. A few graffiti arts and street arts made the area more attractive.
Locals there were mainly elderly people nowadays as the younger generations preferred to live in the city. However, the city was still lively with many restaurants and locals were actively maintaining the village.
Locals there were mainly elderly people nowadays as the younger generations preferred to live in the city. However, the city was still lively with many restaurants and locals were actively maintaining the village.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EastmeetsWestAB
London, UK1,364 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We went to Tai O on Sunday. This time we have taken the ferry from Tuen Mun. Its worth the trip as the whole journey is quite scenic. When you arrived at Tai O ferry walk along the pink colour bridge. This is the less touristy bit and it has it beauty. I was absolutely thrilled to discover this part of Tai O
The touristy bit of Tai O is still very pretty. With less tourist, you really can enjoy the charm of this place. However as this place residence are mainly elderly people, please remember to wear a mask @ all times during covid.
The touristy bit of Tai O is still very pretty. With less tourist, you really can enjoy the charm of this place. However as this place residence are mainly elderly people, please remember to wear a mask @ all times during covid.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emmanuel N
Sydney, Australia4,129 contributions
Jan 2020
Lovely village, which likely brings you back some decades.
Don't take the "guaranteed dolphin-sighting tour". It is a sham. The chance of you spotting a dolphin is less than 10%, so dont be taken in by the boatmen's guarantee that you will spot dolphins.
Just walk around and take some rad photos will do.
Don't take the "guaranteed dolphin-sighting tour". It is a sham. The chance of you spotting a dolphin is less than 10%, so dont be taken in by the boatmen's guarantee that you will spot dolphins.
Just walk around and take some rad photos will do.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Truthful Reviews
London, UK7,393 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
If you don’t like cats stay away. Lovely fishing village with some good restaurants and coffee shops. Head towards the Heritage hotel for some old colonialism. Take a trip around the waters in the Venice of Hong Kong. 21 bus to closest MTR or number 1 bus to Mui Wo ferry then onto central.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China8,612 contributions
Aug 2021
Tai O is the only remaining fishing village in Hong Kong despite of the touristy outlook. It is also the only place to see the floating houses in the city. The fresh air and lush space makes it a perfect respite from the urban crowd. Unfortunately most of the shops are tourist-oriented and do not really offer something unique or interesting. Transportation can be a hassle given the very limited ship and infrequent bus options.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kik44
Broadbeach, Australia43 contributions
Ok family of 4 arrived in Hong Kong this morning and now have 2 days to fill. One is a visit to Ocean Park and the other we thought would include a visit to Tai O. We are staying on Hong Kong Island and not keen on tours. What is the best way to go check out Tai O?
palawanismyhome
Palawan Island, Philippines20,432 contributions
Go To Central and the ferry to Mui Wo leaves about twice an hour. There are fast ferries taking 30 min and slow ferries taking an hour and costing less.Then take bus 1 to Tai O, another half hour maybe.
ryannmcneil
Iwakuni, Japan33 contributions
How do I get to the village from big Buddha? Is the bus from the top? Or do I take cable back down?
walte56
Singapore, Singapore56 contributions
Take Bus 21 from stop at big Buddha to Tai O. HKD33 per person; no change returned.
ryannmcneil
Iwakuni, Japan33 contributions
How do I get to the village from big Buddha? Is the bus from the top? Or do I take cable back down?
VadimBelov
Petah Tiqwa, Israel232 contributions
There is a bus from the Big Buddha to Tai O village about each 45min.
On the way back from Tai O I would recommend taking the bus directly to Tung Chung, and from there back to Hong Kong.
Therefore you will need to buy only 1 way ticket for the cable car:
HK--(bus)-->TungChung--(cablecar)-->BigBuddha--(bus)-->TaiO--(bus)-->TungChung--(bus)-->HK
Yvette poh
Bukit Batok West, Singapore
Hi,
Will Tai O shops be open on a regular weekday morning? Is it crowded during regular weekdays in January. Was thinking to visit Tai O on the 3rd week of January..
AngieTay
Singapore, Singapore488 contributions
Hi yes, the shops are open daily.
what time can be there early in the morning?
what time Tai O village is opening
Leung L
Hong Kong, China277 contributions
Normally, it will take 1.5 hr at least to visit the place from city, including taking MTR and bus. I believe if you arrive as early as 10am, you should be able to see most shops open. Apart from the shops, the other interesting spots are always open, like the cultural water village setting, the canals, the natural scenaries, etc. Therefore, if you really arrive early you can visit the cultural attractions first, then natural scenaries along the water front, then shops, then drinks or meals, in that order.
kellymae58
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia45 contributions
Hi, would 2 1/2 hours be sufficient to walk around,have lunch and take a boat ride?
Also, are the paths stroller friendly?
thank you
Leung L
Hong Kong, China277 contributions
2.5 hr certainly will not be enough to have lunch, walk around and boat trip altogether. I would suggest to reserve a good 4 hrs at least. Firstly, the attractions are quite scattered, secondly, attractions may take time for photo shooting, and thirdly, boat trips can be arranged only when the boat is filled with passengers, they may wait and wait and wait, and you need to be patient on the boat. The paths are strollers friendly except with some bumpy wooden bridges across canals within the water village. Just a friendly reminder, typically there is a long queue for bus starting 4pm, queuing time is hard to estimate. If you find a taxi, it can be quite costly back to the city, around HK$200.
Menachem A
Manchester, United Kingdom126 contributions
Hi,
I'm looking at coming over to Lantau and Tai O (from Kowloon) on New Year's day (1st Jan) to see the big buddha and Tai O village.
I have read on other websites that a lot of tourists come on weekends and holidays. Will it be very crowded on New Year's day? Will the ferry from Central be too full?
Thanks,
Mark.
HO D
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia200 contributions
Yes. Festive seasons always full. Not a good idea during Chinese New Year.
monicayclum
Taipei, Taiwan1 contribution
Hi. Is it advisable to go to Tai O Fishing Village in beginning Feb given it is winter? Wondering if it is easy to walk around when it is wet,rainy and maybe muddy?
Leung L
Hong Kong, China277 contributions
Feb is still relatively dry, therefore, it is OK to walk around. Even though when it's rainy, the paths are not so muddy as they are cemented paths. The area is famous not only for scenaries, but also the cultural aspects.
Clarissa C
Singapore, Singapore50 contributions
How do I go Tai O?
BJC
Sydney, Australia251 contributions
Via a bus from big Buddha.
Where to eat lunch in tai o? Any recommended restaurant?
TanPiakPhuang
Singapore, Singapore121 contributions
There are a few seafood restaurants in Tai O but the price is not as cheap as I have expected, though they are still cheaper on Hong Kong island. There are many shops selling quick snacks in Tai O village. My family lunch at family run shop selling Wanton noodle, claypot rice and local dishes. It is situated on a side lane and I think most tourist will miss this shop. They can't speak English so speaking Cantonese or Mandarin is needed. Price is reasonable and the portion is rather generous. I can't remember the shop name but the shop is painted blue colour.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tai O
- Tai O is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- We recommend booking Tai O tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Tai O tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Tai O:
- Hong Kong Travel Pass Combo: MTR Pass, Ngong Ping Cable Car and Big Buddha Tour (From $64.66)
- Full-Day Private Tour of Lantau Island including Big Buddha and Tai O (From $312.76)
- Lantau Island Private Customized Walking Tour with English speaking guide (From $515.95)
- Ultimate 5 Night Hong Kong including Shenzhen and Macau (From $1,669.34)
- Private 5-Hour Driving Tour of Lantau from Hong Kong (From $426.14)
- Hotels near Tai O:
- (0.03 mi) Espace Elastique 歸田園居 - Family Suite
- (0.06 mi) Espace Elastique B&B
- (0.55 mi) Tai O Heritage Hotel
- (0.33 mi) Tai O Inn, by the Sea
- (6.10 mi) Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel
- Restaurants near Tai O:
- (0.02 mi) Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) NAK Kafe
- (0.03 mi) Fook Moon Lam Restaurant
- (0.09 mi) Triple Lanterns Cafe
- (0.10 mi) Solo
- Attractions near Tai O:
- (0.01 mi) Anchorage Store Tai O
- (0.07 mi) Tai O Rural Committee Historical and Cultural Showroom
- (0.05 mi) Guandi Temple
- (0.25 mi) Sun Ki Bridge
- (0.28 mi) Kat Hing Street