[Daily Knowledge] Recommended Best River Cruise Routes in Hong Kong
Editor's Picks | Hong Kong's Best Road Trips (Detailed Analysis)
1. New Territories East Classic Mountain and Sea Route: Tai Po - Shuen Wan - Luk Keng - Wu Kau Tang - Luk Keng Village
Route Features
- Full of pastoral atmosphere, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains, forests, ponds and wetlands in the northeastern New Territories along the way
- Suitable for those who like nature, photography, hiking, and family travel
- The route is easy, the transportation is convenient, and there are many rural delicacies along the way
Itinerary suggestions
- Tai Po Town Centre (Supplies and breakfast available)
- Plover Cove Freshwater Reservoir Main Dam (Magnificent Reservoir Scenery + Photo Spot)
- Luk Keng Village (a traditional Hakka village where you can enjoy authentic pot choy, goose meat, and tofu pudding)
- Wu Kau Tang (natural environment, hiking trail entrance, suitable for a short hike)
- On the return trip, you can return to Tai Po City Centre along Tai Mei Tuk
Recommended Food
- Luk Keng Village: Hakka hot pot, tofu pudding
- Tai Po time-honored shop: fish ball noodles, sweet soup
Parking Tips
- There are a few public parking spaces at Luk Keng Village and Plover Cove Main Dam (arrive early on holidays)
- There are several multi-storey car parks in Tai Po Town Centre
Editor's suggestion
This route is lightly trafficked, making it a great place for beginners to practice driving and enjoy the scenery. However, the roads around Luk Keng and Wu Kau Tang Village are quite narrow, so remember to drive slowly and give way to pedestrians and cyclists.
2. Sai Kung Peninsula Coastline: Sai Kung City - Pak Sha Wan - Sharp Island - Wong Shek Pier - High Island Reservoir East Dam
Route Features
- One of Hong Kong's most famous coastlines, with panoramic views of the blue sky and sea along the way
- Suitable for couples, friends and families to enjoy the seaside scenery together
- There are various seafood stalls, hipster cafes, and outdoor activities to choose from
Itinerary suggestions
- Sai Kung City Center (where you can rent a speedboat and buy fish products)
- White Sand Bay (Yacht Club/Seaside View/Hipster Cafe)
- Huangshi Pier (Take the ferry to Ji'ao and Lizhizhuang to experience fishing village life)
- East Dam of High Island Reservoir (World Geopark check-in spot/spectacular hexagonal columnar rocks)
- On the way back, we will eat seafood at the food stalls in Sai Kung
Recommended Food
- Sai Kung Seafood Food Stalls
- Baishawan Cafe/Dessert Shop
- Sai Kung City Center: Cuttlefish balls, mango glutinous rice balls
Parking Tips
- Parking spaces in Sai Kung City Centre are in high demand, so it is recommended to arrive early or reserve parking spaces using the mobile app.
- There is a paid parking lot at Huangshi Pier
- Only vehicles with permits can enter Dongba. Ordinary vehicles can park at the end of Wanyi Road and then walk.
Editor's suggestion
Saigon is often congested during the holidays, so it's recommended to depart on weekdays or arrive at your destination before 9 a.m. Enjoy the sea breeze and the holiday atmosphere along the way with the windows open!
3. Lantau Island Nature and Culture Route: Tung Chung - Ngong Ping - Tai O Fishing Village - Pui O - Cheung Sha Beach
Route Features
- Integrating elements such as mountains, sea, old villages, beaches, and temples
- Suitable for family trips, couples, and photography enthusiasts
- Lantau Island has many winding routes, beautiful scenery, and great driving pleasure.
Itinerary suggestions
- Tung Chung Town Centre (Supply and Breakfast)
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Station/Po Lin Monastery/Big Buddha (worship/visit/photography)
- Tai O Fishing Village (waterside charm, stilt houses, salted egg yolk rice dumplings, shrimp paste)
- Pui O/Cheung Sha Beach (Beach Play/Picnic/Cycling/SUP)
- On the way back, you can go shopping at Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung
Recommended Food
- Tai O: Salted egg yolk rice dumplings, stilt-cooked seafood, shrimp paste fried rice
- Changsha: Seaside restaurants, specialty burgers, and craft beer
Parking Tips
- Tung Chung multi-storey carparks offer a wide range of options
- There is a public car park in Tai O (very popular on holidays, it is recommended to arrive early)
- There are beach parking lots in Changsha and Pui O (charges apply)
Editor's suggestion
Lantau Island roads are winding and steep, so we recommend using an SUV or a more powerful car. The mountain roads along the way offer stunning scenery, so remember to drive slowly and safely, and enjoy the fun!
4. New Territories West Nostalgic Rural Route: Tsuen Wan - Tuen Mun - Lau Fau Shan - Yuen Long - Ping Shan Heritage Trail
Route Features
- A collection of rural villages, fishing villages, wetlands and historical sites in the New Territories West
- Suitable for families, couples, and friends to travel slowly
- There are many food options and you can experience the local nostalgic style along the way
Itinerary suggestions
- Tsuen Wan/Tuen Mun Town Centre (breakfast)
- Lau Fau Shan (overlooking Shenzhen, tasting oysters and seafood, and watching the sunset)
- Yuen Long Town Centre (sweets, local snacks, wet markets)
- Pingshan Heritage Trail (visiting ancient villages, ancestral halls, and academies)
- If you have time, you can go to Nanshengwei to enjoy the wetland scenery/photography
Recommended Food
- Lau Fau Shan: Raw oysters, grilled oysters, salt-baked chicken
- Yuen Long: Egg waffles, double skin milk, wife cakes
- Pingshan: Traditional Cantonese Restaurant
Parking Tips
- There are parking lots in Lau Fau Shan and Yuen Long, but they are usually full on holidays.
- There is a small parking lot near the Ping Shan Heritage Trail
Editor's suggestion
This route is suitable for slow travel and family activities. There are many local shops along the way. It is recommended to reserve time to walk down the side streets and take photos to experience the local culture.
5. Leisurely Coastline in Southern Hong Kong Island: Aberdeen – Repulse Bay – Stanley – Big Wave Bay
Route Features
- Drive along the south coast of Hong Kong Island and enjoy the views of the bay, beaches, houses, and exotic scenery of the Southern District
- Suitable for leisurely weekend trips, dating, and family fun
- There are many cafes and specialty shops along the way
Itinerary suggestions
- Aberdeen Fish Market/Fish Restaurant (Breakfast/Seafood)
- Repulse Bay Beach (swimming/sunbathing/photography/The Pulse shopping mall)
- Stanley Market/Murray House (souvenir shopping/specialty restaurants/photography)
- Big Wave Bay (Surfing/Hiking/Coffee)
- On the way back, you can choose Wong Chuk Hang or Cyberport for a meal.
Recommended Food
- Stanley: Exotic restaurants, seafood restaurants, open-air cafes
- Repulse Bay: Popular restaurants at The Pulse
- Big Wave Bay: Hand-poured coffee and light meals at a seaside shop
Parking Tips
- There are paid car parks in Repulse Bay and Stanley
- Big Wave Bay parking spaces are limited, so it is recommended to go there on weekdays or in the mornings.
Editor's suggestion
The route to Hong Kong Island's Southern District isn't long, but the scenery is breathtaking and there are plenty of photo ops along the way, making it a great place for a short road trip. Parking is recommended as it can be crowded on weekends.
Editor's Picks for Self-Driving Tours | Tips
1. Model selection
- City + short trips: Hatchback/RV/SUV are all acceptable. Parking is easy to find for small cars.
- Mountain roads with many bends: SUVs or high-powered models are more suitable and provide a greater sense of security.
- Traveling with multiple people: 7-seater car/MPV is the most convenient
2. Self-driving safety tips
- Some rural roads in Hong Kong are narrow. When you encounter village roads, drive slowly and give way to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Pay attention to "rockfall" or "wildlife" warnings in rural areas
- Plan your time carefully and check parking spaces in advance
- If you encounter traffic jams, you can use Google Maps/Hong Kong Highways Department App to avoid busy routes
3. Enhanced driving pleasure
- Bring a picnic mat and outdoor chairs and chill in the countryside
- Prepare a portable fan, cold drinks, and a sun hat for the best beach trip in summer
- Bring a camera/GoPro to capture the best moments of your trip
4. Must-try: Hong Kong's unique self-driving tour experience
- Late-night self-drive tour : Victoria Peak - Peak Galleria - Lugard Road Night View
- Holiday Lights Drive : Visit Lam Tsuen in Yuen Long for Spring Festival and Stanley Market for Christmas
- Seasonal : Spring blossom viewing (cherry blossoms in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, and purple-flowered trumpet trees in Tseung Kwan O Wetland Park)
Editor's summary
Hong Kong may be a small place, but a road trip offers a wealth of fun. Whether it's exploring the mountains, the seaside, fishing villages, old streets, or even the beach, there's always a route to suit your needs. We recommend going beyond just driving and exploring the locals, exploring hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions, and savoring the freedom of Hong Kong's road trip!
If you're curious about off-the-beaten-path routes, parking tips, driving experiences suitable for electric vehicles, or have a special theme (family, couples, photography), feel free to leave a message and we'll tailor a unique itinerary just for you!
