Tai O — Venice of Hong Kong
Tai O is a fishing village on the west coast of Lantau that looks like a journey back in time — stilt houses over the water, dried fish and shrimp paste at every corner, fishermen on their boats, and an atmosphere that has nothing to do with the glittering Hong Kong of skyscrapers. The "Venice of Hong Kong" is one of the most authentic places in the entire region.
What to do in Tai O
- Stilt Houses: The iconic houses on stilts over the river — some inhabited, some abandoned, all photogenic. Accessible via a drawbridge.
- Boat Tour to the Pink Dolphins: Small boats (40 HKD, 15–20 min.) venture out into the bay where the rare Chinese White Dolphins (pink-gray, not truly white) live. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the boat ride along the coast is beautiful even without dolphins.
- Shrimp Paste & Dried Seafood: Tai O's specialty: dried fish and shrimp paste (the best in Hong Kong). The streets have an intense sea aroma — an acquired taste, but authentic. Try the Shrimp Paste Eggs (scrambled eggs with shrimp paste, from 30 HKD).
- Tai O Heritage Hotel: The former police station (1902) has been converted into a charming boutique hotel — even if you don't stay overnight, the café with its terrace and sea view is worth a visit.
Getting There
From Ngong Ping: Bus 21 (25 min., 7 HKD). From Tung Chung: Bus 11 (50 min., 12 HKD). From the ferry: Pier in Tuen Mun. Tai O is also accessible on foot (Lantau Trail Stage 7 and 8), but it's a full-day endeavor.