Guide to visiting Tai O
Tai O, often referred to as the "Venice of Hong Kong," is a quaint fishing village located on the western coast of Lantau Island. Renowned for its traditional stilt houses, rich cultural heritage, and serene waterways, Tai O offers visitors a glimpse into Hong Kong's past.
Exploring Tai O
Stilt Houses: The village is famous for its interconnected stilt houses built over tidal flats. These structures, home to the Tanka community, reflect a unique architectural style and way of life centered around fishing.
Boat Tours: To fully appreciate the village's charm, consider taking a boat tour through the narrow canals. These tours provide close-up views of the stilt houses and, occasionally, glimpses of the endangered Chinese white dolphins in nearby waters.
Tai O Heritage Hotel: Housed in a restored 1902 colonial building that once served as a marine police station, this boutique hotel offers guided tours detailing its history and significance.
Culinary Delights
Seafood: As a fishing village, Tai O boasts an array of fresh seafood. Street vendors offer delicacies like grilled squid, salted fish, and shrimp paste—a local specialty.
Traditional Snacks: Don't miss the chance to try "husband pancakes" (a pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients) and tofu pudding from local stalls.
Cultural Highlights
Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade: This annual event, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, features elaborately decorated boats parading through the waterways, accompanied by rituals to appease deities.
Mid-Autumn Festival: During this period, the village is adorned with vibrant lanterns, creating a picturesque evening ambiance.
Hiking Opportunities
Fu Shan Viewing Point: A short hike offers panoramic views of the South China Sea and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge.
Tung O Ancient Trail: This trail connects Tung Chung to Tai O, stretching approximately 14.3 km along Lantau's northern coastline. The hike takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and provides scenic coastal views.
Getting There
From Tung Chung: Take bus number 11 from the Tung Chung bus terminal. The journey to Tai O takes about 50 minutes.
From Mui Wo: Bus number 1 departs from the Mui Wo ferry pier, with a travel time of approximately 50 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Tai O can be visited year-round. However, to experience local festivals, consider planning your trip around the Dragon Boat Festival (usually in June) or the Mid-Autumn Festival (typically in September or October).
Visiting Tai O offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination in Hong Kong.
