Tai O

Located within an hour of Hong Kong, the stilted fishing village of Tai O couldn’t be more different. Located on the northwestern coast of Lantau Island (where you’ll also find Hong Kong International Airport), the old village was once the home of the Tanka people who lived off junk boats, and today, life still revolves around the sea.
Walking through the village, which consists mostly of wooden huts built on stilts above the water, you’ll likely see fish drying in the sun on straw mats and shops selling the shrimp paste the village is famous for. Locals offer boat trips on the Tai O River and excursions in search of the elusive pink dolphin, but the main draw of a visit to this much sleepier side of Hong Kong is to simply wander the causeways and narrow alleys, sampling street foods and basking in the slow pace of life.

Practical Info

Most visitors come to Tai O on a day trip from Hong Kong, but to see the village at its best, stay a night in one of the stilt houses.