One of the best weekend activities in Hong Kong is a day trip to beautiful and laid-back Lamma Island. Only about a 25-minute ferry ride from Central, Hong Kong and you will be transported to a very different world, with plenty of hiking paths and beaches to explore. In this article, I'll show you how to enjoy an incredible day in Lamma Island.
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This article was originally published on February 1, 2019. I updated it on June 14, 2024 to include more information after many day trips to Lamma Island in the 6.5 years I've lived in Hong Kong.
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About Lamma Island
Lamma Island is the third largest island in Hong Kong at 13 sq km (5 sq. mi.) with a population of approximately 8,000 people living in small villages. With no cars on the island, residents get around using bicycles and on foot. The lack of vehicular traffic and smaller communities scattered around this green island create an idyllic vibe on the island that's truly special.
Getting to Lamma Island
To get to Lamma Island, head to Central Ferry Pier 4 on Hong Kong Island. Two ferries depart from Central and go to Lamma Island. Choose the ferry to either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan.
Pro Tip: Be sure to look at the correct timetable (using the links above) for the day you are visiting Lamma Island. On Mondays and Saturdays, the ferries run on a different schedule than on Sundays and public holidays.
New to Hong Kong? Check out this Guide to Using Public Transportation in Hong Kong.
Yung Shue Wan
Yung Shue Wan is the largest village on Lamma Island and has a growing international population. There are plenty of western cafes and restaurants in addition to local seafood restaurants in the village.
A big draw on this side of the island is Hung Shing Ye Beach. It has decent public changing facilities, a barbeque area, and a couple restaurant. Plus, it's only about a 20-minute walk from Yung Shue Wan.
Sok Kwu Wan
Sok Kwu Wan is a smaller fishing village with several great seafood restaurants. The most well-known is the massive Lamma Rainbow, formerly Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, which even provides its own transportation to and from the island if you eat there.
In general, the villages and beaches on the southern part of the island more deserted. They also do not have as many public facilities as northern part.
Lamma Island Day Trip Overview
When Jeremy and I visit Lamma Island, we usually start in Sok Kwu Wan with a seafood lunch. Then, we hike around the southern part of island and finish by hiking north to Yung Shue Wan. Ferries run more frequently from Yung Shue Wan, so we like to catch the ferry back to Central from there in the evening.
Sok Kwu Wan's seafood restaurant row
Seafood Lunch on Lamma Island
Since Lamma Island is full of fishing villages, both Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan have an array of seafood restaurants. Our favorite in Sok Kwu Wan is Fu Kee Seafood Restaurant. The owners are very friendly and they have set menus for all group sizes which takes the stress out of ordering and gives you a great variety of dishes.
In many of these restaurants, you can choose your lunch directly from the tanks for a fresh seafood experience. If seeing your lunch alive before you eat it isn’t your thing, you can order straight from a menu. This is my preference! If you have a large group, be sure to order a bunch of different dishes so you can try the variety of seafood.
Tip: Be sure to buy water for the hike before leaving Sok Kwu Wan. Though there are some places to buy water along the way, things get pretty sparse along the path.
Hiking Lamma Island
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Starting in Sok Kwu Wan
To begin the hike in Sok Kwu Wan, head east on the Lamma Island Family Walk which offers great views of Aberdeen and Ocean Park across the sea.
The path is fairly flat with some slight ups and downs and is mostly paved.
View of Ap Lei Chau and Ocean Park from Lamma Island Family Walk
Mo Tat Wan
The first village you'll come to - Mo Tat Wan - is a couple kilometers from Sok Kwu Wan. This cute little village is actually a great place to spend the day if you're looking to just relax.
Mo Tat Wan has its own private beach, plus a Mediterranean restaurant - The Bay - which has tasty food and good drinks. If you order from them, you can also use their bathroom facilities while enjoying the beach.
Climb down the stairs to get into the village, then come back up the same way to continue the hike. Or, if you decide to spend the day in Mo Tat, you can catch a small ferry to Aberdeen (on southern HK Island) at Mo Tat Pier.
Ling Kok Shan Trail Fork
Shortly after passing Mo Tat Wan, you'll come to a fork in the trail. To follow the itinerary for this day trip, continue on the Lamma Island Family Walk.
If you're looking for a bit of a challenge, you could climb up to Ling Kok Shan. With over 1,000 steps to reach the top, it will get your blood pumping. But the views are excellent. Check out my Ling Kok Shan hiking guide to see if this hike is something you'd like to try.
Into the Jungle
Continuing further south, Lamma Island becomes even less inhabited. At a certain point, our phones usually tell us we're no longer in Hong Kong and try to put us on roaming!
On the Family Walk, you'll come across abandoned villages established centuries ago. The lush greenery always makes me feel like I'm hiking through a faraway jungle. It's crazy to think that all of this is just a quick ferry ride from the dense urban center of Hong Kong.
Old village along Lamma Island Family Walk abandoned many years ago
Deserted Beaches
Throughout the hike, you'll pass beautiful beaches that are practically empty.
If a seafood restaurant doesn't suit your fancy, consider bringing a picnic lunch to eat on the beach. Wonderful views and you'll have the beach practically to yourself!
Yung Shue Ha Beach on Lamma Island - practically deserted!
Time to Climb
After walking along the coast for several kilometers, the Family Trail turns inland and gains elevation. Despite not to hiking up to Ling Kok Shan, you'll still have a short ~100-m (~330-ft) climb over the hills to return to Sok Kwu Wan.
Heading back across the island to Sok Kwu Wan included climbing a few hills...
At the summit, enjoy the sweeping 360-degree views of Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
Views of South China Sea from the top of our hike
Prefer a Guided Hiking Experience in Hong Kong?
Returning to Sok Kwu Wan
After admiring the view, continue the trail down the hill back towards Sok Kwu Wan. Check out the Tin Hau Temple at the base of the trail, originally constructed in the early 19th century, but reconstructed after a fire in 2004.
At this point, you might be a bit tired and decide to just stay in Sok Kwu Wan or take the ferry back to Central. If you still have energy, then continue on the Lamma Island Family Walk towards Yung Shue Wan.
Sok Kwu Wan - from this angle you can really tell what a tiny fishing village it is!
A Tasty Snack
During one of our day trips to Lamma Island, we came upon an elderly lady selling some sort of treat out of a cart next to her house as we left Sok Kwu Wan. It turned out to be what we think were mango mochi desserts. They were quite tasty.
If you're looking for a quick bite to refuel, head into Sok Kwu Wan to see what kind of treats you can find before starting the next leg of the trail.
Mango mochi dessert on Lamma Island
Kamikaze Cave
Just across the bay from Sok Kwu Wan, you'll pass a small cave named Kamikaze Cave. Built under Japanese occupation in WWII, the cave was used to conceal speedboats the Japanese would use to attack allied ships on suicide missions.
Lamma Island Family Walk to Yung Shue Wan
Continued on the Lamma Island Family Walk up the incline towards Yung Shue Wan. Usually by the time we hike this section, it's late afternoon and a beautiful evening glow lights up the hillside.
Hills with an evening glow coming down the final descent towards Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island
Pro Tip: Although the trail is mostly paved concrete, certain sections are paved with rocks in a sort of rustic cobblestone. If you're thinking about taking a stroller on this trail, you may want to reconsider. Or, just be prepared for a bumpy ride in some places.
The part of the trail from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan is much more popular than the southern loop. You'll see many people on the trail in nice clothing and uncomfortable-looking shoes - no doubt in search of the perfect Instagram shot!
Personally, I prefer exercise clothes and sneakers for a day trip to Lamma Island since all this hiking means I'm a sweaty mess.
Lamma Power Station - not the most attractive feature of Lamma Island, but sort of pretty in the sunset...?
Hung Shing Yeh Beach
After a steep decline, you'll come to the most popular beach on Lamma Island - Hung Shing Yeh Beach. With a public shower and toilet facilities, a BBQ area, a couple restaurants, and a roped off swimming area, it's a nice place to relax for the day. However, I wouldn't say the water is the cleanest and swimming in the water is hit or miss.
Beach Retreat in Hong Kong
If you're looking for a beach getaway in Hong Kong, you might consider staying at one of the hotels - Bayshore Inn or Concerto Inn - on Hung Shing Yeh Beach. These simple inns have small rooms with sea and mountain views that would be perfect for a night away from the city.
Yardley Brothers Beer Shack
These days, the Yardley Brothers Beer Shack is more than just a shack. Located right along the Family Trail as you walk into Yung Shue Wan, it's a spot we hit up regularly. With eight taps and a kitchen serving bar food, it's a great place to hang out with a pint after a day of hiking or to grab dinner.
If you like sampling something different, definitely try the Thai Chilli Getaway, an herb and spice sour beer that is one of my all-time-favorites. Other favorites are the Lamma Island IPA and the Quit Your Job Saison. Craving comfort food and carbs? The beef brisket mac n cheese hits the spot every time!
Highly recommend the beef brisket mac 'n cheese!
Sunset in Yung Shue Wan
Depending on when you reach Yung Shue Wan, you might be in time for sunset. A great spot to watch it is in front of the Yung Shue Wan Playground at the small pier. Or, grab a drink or dinner, at one of the restaurants along the water in town.
Ferry to Central from Lamma Island
After dinner, catch the ferry back to Central, Hong Kong. In under 30 minutes, you'll be transported from tranquil island life back into skyscraper island life! Just one of the many reasons Hong Kong is an amazing place.
Interested in Hong Kong hikes? Check out my post on hiking 'Mui Wo to Pui O Beach'.
Final Thoughts
Whether you live in Hong Kong or are just visiting, a day trip to Lamma Island can be an excellent way to relax and see a different side of Hong Kong. Its charming villages, well-marked hiking trails, delicious seafood, and beautiful beaches make it a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
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Happy travels!
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