3 Hong Kong Outlying Islands Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

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Taking a ferry to one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands is one of the best ways to see a completely different side of the city. If you’re staying for more than three days, I’d keep at least half a day free for an island excursion.

Cheung Chau, Lamma Island and Mui Wo each offer something different, from village streets and local food to beaches, coastal walks and quieter rural scenery. I’ve visited all three many times since I was a kid, so this guide will help you decide which one best suits your trip.

You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve escaped Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. In 30 to 60 minutes, you can be walking a beach, wandering a fishing village, or lacing up your shoes for a hike, just by catching a public ferry from Central.

✅ Quick Answer: Which Hong Kong Outlying Island Should You Choose?

If you only have time for one island, I would choose Cheung Chau. It offers the best mix of food, local streets, temples, beaches and easy walking.

Island	Best for	Time to allow	My verdict
Cheung Chau	Food, temples, village streets and coastal walks	Half to full day	Best overall for first-time visitors
Lamma Island	Scenic walking, beaches and waterfront restaurants	4–6 hours	Best for walking and nature
Mui Wo	Beaches, countryside and gentle hikes	Half day	Better for repeat visitors

👉 If you’re still deciding how much time to spend in Hong Kong, my guide to how many days you need in Hong Kong will help you work out whether an island trip fits your itinerary.

What Are Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands Like?

Hong Kong’s outlying islands are much quieter and less built-up than the city. Cheung Chau and Lamma Island are small, low-rise communities where you arrive by ferry and explore mainly on foot. There’s no need to organise a taxi or complicated transport once you get there.

Cheung Chau and Lamma are largely car-free, although you may see small service vehicles, bicycles and village carts. Mui Wo is different because it sits on the much larger Lantau Island, where there are roads, buses and taxis, but the area around the ferry pier is still easy to explore on foot.

These are not difficult places to visit. The main village areas have paved paths, signs, public toilets, shops and places to eat. You are unlikely to get seriously lost—you may take a wrong lane or end up walking farther than planned, but that is part of the fun.

Most visitors spend two to four hours having a wander, stopping for something to eat and perhaps walking to a beach, temple or viewpoint. You can turn any of them into a longer outing, but you do not need a tightly planned itinerary to enjoy them.

The Three Most Popular Hong Kong Outlying Islands for Tourists

Cheung Chau, Lamma Island and Mui Wo are the three outlying islands I would most seriously consider adding to your Hong Kong itinerary.

Each one gives you a different kind of escape from the city. Cheung Chau has the best mix of food, village streets, temples and coastal walks. Lamma Island is the strongest choice for an easy hike and a relaxed waterfront lunch, while Mui Wo offers quieter countryside and a slower pace.

I advise skipping Discovery Bay (also on Lantau) because it’s primarily a residential development rather than a traditional island village. I cover it briefly later for travellers who are staying longer or are curious about visiting.

I always fit in at least one or two outlying-island trips whenever I’m in Hong Kong. The ferry ride itself is genuinely lovely. You’re out on the harbour, skyline slipping behind you, sea breeze in your face. It’s a total vibe shift from the relentless crowds and concrete jungle.

The Hong Kong outlying-island ferries are super easy to use. No booking, no apps, no stress. Just tap your Tourist Octopus card and board. It’s part of what makes Hong Kong’s public transport so fun. Mixing ferries in with trams, MTRs, and double-decker buses is basically a rite of passage for any tourist.

You’ll see everyone on these ferries: commuters, locals, schoolkids, tourists. They’re clean, safe, and reliable. They run all day, so you can stay flexible. And there’s no booking, just turn up and go. It’s one of the easiest ways to add spontaneity to your trip.

Cheung Chau (Pier 5)

Cheung Chau is one of the easiest and most popular outlying island trips from Central (and my favourite 😎). It’s a small island with a working fishing village, narrow back lanes, temples, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of places to walk, sit, or eat.

Cheung Chau’s easy to explore on foot, and the ferry ride there feels like a mini harbour cruise in itself (and costs next to nothing).

This island is a good choice if you want something easy to navigate with a bit of variety: coastal walking, nice food, a lovely temple, and lots of little laneways to wander.

Things to Do in Cheung Chau

• Wander the narrow village lanes and waterfront
• Visit Pak Tai Temple
• Try local snacks, seafood and mango mochi
• Walk to Tung Wan Beach
• Follow part of the coastal trail for sea views
• Rent a bike if you want to explore a little farther

There are two ferry options to get to Cheung Chau from Pier 5:

• Fast ferry – about 35 minutes, air-conditioned seating
• Ordinary ferry – 45–55 minutes, with an open upper deck if you want views

🧭 My Tip: If you’re in Cheung Chau in the summer months, keep a look out for Hong Kong’s version of the snack, mango mochi. And bring a sun umbrella; no matter what time of year I visit, the sun is always beating down.

Ferry Time: 35–55 minutes (fast or ordinary ferry)
Where to Catch It: Central Pier 5 (Hong Kong Island, near IFC)
When to Go: Weekdays are relaxed. Weekends get festive and crowded. Go early if you want a head start.

👉 Check my full ferry guide for current fares, sailing times and boarding details: how to take the Cheung Chau Ferry From Central

Lamma Island (Pier 4)

Lamma is one of Hong Kong’s classic island getaways. For good reason. It’s laid-back, car-free, and feels like a total shift in pace, even though you’re just 30–40 minutes from Central.

If you want a gentle hike, a quiet beach, or lunch by the water, Lamma’s an easy win. And the ferry ride gives you more than just a way to get there: it’s one of the best low-key, low-cost ways to see Hong Kong’s harbour and surrounding area by boat.

Things to Do on Lamma Island

• Walk the trail between Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan
• Stop at Hung Shing Yeh Beach
• Have lunch at one of the waterfront seafood restaurants
• Wander through the village lanes and small shops
• Look out for temples, shrines and coastal viewpoints
• Take your time and enjoy the slower pace

There are two ferry routes to Lamma from Pier 4:

• To Yung Shue Wan (pronounced “young shoo one”): Lamma’s more lively village, with shops, expats, bars and cafes
• To Sok Kwu Wan (“sock koo one”): Quieter, known for its waterfront seafood restaurants

🧭 My Tip: Start at Sok Kwu Wan and walk the scenic 1-hour trail to Yung Shue Wan. It’s not hard—mostly paved, a few stairs—and you’ll pass beaches, viewpoints, and tiny shrines along the way. When you reach Yung Shue Wan, grab a drink or lunch before catching the ferry back.

The trail is exposed in parts, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. If you’d rather skip the hike, you can ferry in and out of the same village and still have a relaxing day.

👉 Check my full ferry guide for current fares, sailing times and boarding details: Step-by-step guide: How to Take the Lamma Island Ferry From Central

Mui Wo (Lantau Island) (Pier 6)

Mui Wo, on the eastern side of Lantau Island, is a much sleepier option than Cheung Chau or Lamma. It’s a more rural area with not much going on, but that’s kind of the point.

If you’re after something quiet, green, and not full of people, Mui Wo is worth checking out, especially if you’re in Hong Kong for an extended stay and want a change of pace. It’s jungle hills, quaint market gardens, and wide open spaces. No crowds. No noise. No rush.

You won’t find a ton to “do” here, but if you like the idea of slow, rural hikes, it’s a great place. The Silvermine Waterfall is an easy 20-minute walk from the ferry pier, and makes a decent little outing, particularly after a rainstorm when the falls are at their most impressive.

Things to Do in Mui Wo

• Walk to Silvermine Waterfall
• Spend some time at Silvermine Bay Beach
• Wander through the village and waterfront area
• Follow one of the easy rural walking trails
• Look out for market gardens, old houses and local temples
• Stop for lunch near the ferry pier before heading back

The Mui Wo ferries run less frequently than other routes, and there aren’t many restaurants, so plan ahead if you’re coming here for lunch.

🧭 My Tip: There’s a McDonald’s right by the ferry pier. Yes, really. And yes, I’ve gone in post-hike for the free Wi-Fi and lunch. Say what you will, but Hong Kong treats McDonald’s like royalty. It’s always fresh, fast, and kind of weirdly perfect.

Ferry Time: 35-40 minutes.
Where to catch it: Central Ferry Pier 6
When to go: Great on a weekday if you want peace and quiet. Weekends stay low-key too, just with a few more hikers and cyclists.

👉 Check my full ferry guide for current fares, sailing times and boarding details: Step-by-step guide: How to Take the Mui Wo (Lantau) Ferry From Central

What About Discovery Bay?

Discovery Bay (called “Disco Bay” by locals) isn’t really a traditional outlying island experience. It’s a private residential development on Lantau Island that feels more like a resort suburb than a village.

You’ll find golf carts instead of bikes, a big beach, and open-air restaurants mostly catering to the expat crowd.

It’s not somewhere I recommend as a tourist destination, but if you’re curious, here are the ferry details:

Ferry Time: 25–30 minutes (fast ferry only)
Where to catch it: Central Ferry Pier 3
When to go: Best midweek if you want it quiet. On weekends, expect families, strollers, and brunch crowds.

👉 Check my full ferry guide for current fares, sailing times and boarding details: Step-by-step guide: How to Take the Discovery Bay Ferry

Cheung Chau or Lamma Island: Which Is Better?

It depends on what sort of outing you want.

Lamma Island is the better choice if you want a quiet beach, a scenic walk and a relaxed seafood lunch. The walk between Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan is the main attraction, with sea views, beaches and places to stop along the way.

That said, Lamma is pretty mellow. Beyond the walk, the beach and a few restaurants, there’s not loads to do. It suits travellers who want to slow down, stretch their legs and get away from the city for a few hours.

Cheung Chau, on the other hand, is busier, livelier and has more going on. You’ve got temples, street snacks, waterfront restaurants, beaches, coastal walks and narrow lanes packed with local shops. You can wander through the village, stop for lunch by the harbour and then head off for a walk without needing much of a plan.

It’s also home to the Bun Festival, one of Hong Kong’s most fun and unusual local events, although the island gets extremely busy when it’s on.

So, which is better?

If you want a relaxed beach, walk and lunch combination, choose Lamma. But if you’re only visiting one island and want more food, culture and variety, I’d choose Cheung Chau.

Cheung Chau is my favourite of the two. It has more personality, more to see and more ways to spend a half or full day.

Practical Tips for Riding the Hong Kong Outlying-island Ferries

👉 Where are the outlying ferry piers?: You’ll find the outlying island ferry piers along the waterfront on Hong Kong Island, just a few minutes from Central Pier.

👉 No Need to Book in Advance: Ferries are public transport, not tourist cruises. You don’t need reservations, just turn up and pay at the pier. Even on busy weekends, you’ll usually get on the next sailing.

👉 Ferries Run Frequently: Most routes run every 30–60 minutes during the day, with fewer sailings in the evening. Mui Wo ferries are less frequent than Cheung Chau or Lamma. Double-check return times, especially on weekdays or if you plan to stay late.

👉 Arrive Early on Weekends and Holidays: If you want a good seat—especially on the outdoor top deck of an ordinary ferry—arrive 10–15 minutes early. Ferries can fill up fast on sunny weekends and public holidays.

👉 Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks: Most ferries don’t sell food or drinks, and there’s no shop on board. Pack water and anything else you’ll want during the crossing, especially if you’re coming back after a hike.

👉 Seating Is Open: There’s no assigned seating. Just get on and grab what’s available. If you want views, head to the top deck on ordinary ferries or snag a window seat early on fast ones.

Next: Plan Your Outlying Island Trip

Once you’ve chosen your island, the next step is working out how to get there.

For step-by-step directions, fares and boarding tips, read my guides to:

• How to Take the Ferry to Cheung Chau from Central Pier 5
• How to Take the Ferry to Lamma Island from Central Pier 4
• How to Take the Ferry to Lantau (Mui Wo)
• How to Take the Discovery Bay Ferry