Our favorite Hong Kong tours and excursions

Think you know what Hong Kong is all about? You just might need to think again.

Our favorite tours and excursions will take you beyond the skyscrapers and into the backcountry — and yes, Hong Kong does have backcountry — introducing you to the people and places that make this region so special.

That might mean exploring the junk boat community of Aberdeen Fishing Village, or cycling through walled clan villages and wetlands in the New Territories. It might have you kayaking through the mangroves and caves of the Sai Kung Country Park, or venturing to islands where Bronze Age rock carvings litter sandy beaches fringed with palms.

Of course, that’s not to discount those iconic Hong Kong city experiences. Squeezing between cars on a double-decker tram, browsing Kowloon’s many kaleidoscopic markets, riding the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world in search of street-food treats — these are all part of Hong Kong’s DNA. But they’re just the beginning.

People climbing steps up to St Paul's church

Day trip to Macau

Just 60km across the Pearl River Delta, the Portuguese enclave of Macau makes a fascinating counterpoint to Hong Kong.

Having spent 450 years under colonial rule — longer than anywhere in Asia — Macanese culture is an all-embracing mish-mash of Portuguese and Cantonese influences. This unique hybrid flavor touches everything from its UNESCO-listed buildings (think Chinese characters carved into European baroque architecture at St. Paul’s) to its cuisine, which embraces everything from egg tarts and almond cake to pork chop buns and salt cod. Zip across by Turbo Jet in the morning, tour some of the city’s most famous historical landmarks, grab a delicious Macanese lunch, then (if you like) try your luck at the second-largest casino in the world. Macau may be a gambler’s paradise, but it has so much more to offer than poker and slot machines.

Red tram climbing up hillside to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island tour

Where better to begin a tour of Hong Kong Island than its highest point?

Ride the funicular tram to the top of Victoria Peak for phenomenal views of the whole caboodle: skyscrapers, Victoria Harbor, Kowloon and even the hills of the New Territories in the distance. Then, head down to the opposite side of the island to Aberdeen Fishing Village, where the locals still sleep on junk boats and live off the sea. Board a sampan boat to putter about on the water (look out for Jumbo Kingdom — one of the biggest floating restaurants in the world), then hop along the coast by car to Repulse Bay, with its golden sands, fabulous views and homes for the ultra-wealthy. Finally, head back into the heart of the city and board the Star Ferry for one of the most iconic experiences in Hong Kong: a cruise between the two skylines across Victoria Harbor.

Golden pavilion in Nan Lian Garden in Hong Kong

Hong Kong heritage tour

Hong Kong may be best-known for its skyscrapers, but remnants of the old city still cling on between the glass and steel — and we know where to find them.

Start your half-day guided tour at the Chi Lin Nunnery, a huge wooden temple built in Tang Dynasty style. Wander the paths of Naan Lian Garden, winding between sculpted shrubs, trees, multi-level waterfalls and waterwheels against a dramatic backdrop of skyscrapers. Then, head into Mong Kok: formerly the preserve of gangsters and massage parlors; now one of Hong Kong’s most characterful districts. Here, food booths hawking fish balls and fried tofu line roads with colorful nicknames such as street bird garden, goldfish street, flower market road and even photocopy street. Get your HK dollars ready and prepare to haggle!

East meets West Hong Kong - walking & food tour

From eggette waffles to stinky tofu and from curry fish balls to charcoal-cooked chestnuts, Hong Kong’s street-food scene is stonking.

This tour will give you an introduction to the city’s culinary heritage, starting with the seafood vendors, herbal medicines and ginseng shops of West Hong Kong, dipping into the oldest temple in the city, then gliding down the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator to catch the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor. At every turn you’ll be sampling siu mai fish parcels or soy-braised octopus, slurping imitation shark fin soup or sipping sweet milk tea — always skipping the tourist traps in favor of time-honored local haunts.

Lantau Island full day tour

After ultra-urban Hong Kong, beachy, forested Lantau Island is a whole different kettle of fish (or shrimp paste, if you prefer).

Join your local guide to explore a traditional Tanka fishing village, where stilt houses crowd together over tidal flats and super-fresh seafood is the order of the day. Head to one of HK’s most important monasteries to wander in gardens full of fragrant flowers and tropical birds, then tackle the 300-or-so steps up to the icon of Lantau, Tian Tan, the world’s largest seated bronze buddha. Even the journey back is a treat: hop in a cable car across the water and enjoy panoramic views over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the South China Sea. Lantau Island is a breath of fresh air.