One Day Hong Kong Lantau Island Itinerary

What to See on Lantau Island

If you have 2-3 days in Hong Kong, spending a day exploring Lantau Island to visit the Big Buddha and Tai O Fishing Village is a must-do and definitely worth your time.

Lantau Island is Hong Kong's largest island, nearly twice the size of Hong Kong Island. Its most famous landmark is the Tian Tan Buddha. After 12 years of construction, this magnificent statue was completed, comprising 200 bronze pieces, standing 26 meters tall, and weighing 220 tons, making it the largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha in the world. Climbing 268 steps brings you to the platform, where you can enjoy stunning views of the South China Sea.

In front of the Big Buddha is Po Lin Monastery, a significant modern Buddhist site in Hong Kong. Nearby, there’s a vegetarian restaurant where you can try local tofu pudding and enjoy a vegetarian meal.

Behind Po Lin Monastery is the Wisdom Path, the world's largest outdoor display of wooden carvings of the Heart Sutra. The rosewood pillars feature calligraphy by renowned scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I. Each pillar stands 8 to 10 meters tall and is arranged in an infinity symbol to represent the endless cycle of life. The highest pillar (number 23) is left uncarved, symbolizing the concept of "emptiness" from the Heart Sutra. Make sure not to miss this during your visit.

Tai O, situated on the western side of Lantau Island, is Hong Kong's most famous and well-preserved fishing village. The streets are ideal for a leisurely city walk, with stilt houses lining both sides of the waterways, the distinctive blue Tai O Footbridge, and an abundance of seafood products. The air is filled with the unmistakable scent of dried seafood. The Tiger Hill Viewing Point, about one kilometer long, offers a sweeping view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Boat tours are also available, with a chance to spot dolphins along the way.

How to Visit Lantau Island

One-Day Itinerary (6-8 hours):

1. Take the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung

2. Visit Tai O Fishing Village (take Bus No. 21 from Ngong Ping Village)

3. Return to Ngong Ping Village

4. Explore the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

5. Descend via the Ngong Ping Cable Car back to Tung Chung

Half-Day Itinerary (3-4 hours):

1. Take the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung

2. Visit Ngong Ping Village

3. Explore the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

4. Return to Tung Chung via the Ngong Ping Cable Car

Lantau Island Travel Tips

1. The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is the most convenient way to reach the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. The ride from Tung Chung Cable Car Station to Ngong Ping Village takes about 20 minutes. The cable car offers three types of cabins: Standard, Crystal, and Scenic, with the Scenic option recommended for its panoramic views of the sea and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

2. After taking the cable car, it is advisable to visit Tai O Fishing Village first. In the afternoon, the area can get crowded, leading to long waits for buses due to their limited frequency.

3. If you have 2-3 days in Hong Kong, you can plan a full-day trip to Lantau Island. For those arriving or departing on the same day, a half-day itinerary is more suitable.

Renting a car to explore Hong Kong

For a day trip to the Big Buddha and Tai O Fishing Village, a driver can pick you up and drop you off at the Tung Chung Cable Car Station. If you’re arriving in or departing from Hong Kong on the same day, consider a half-day rental. The driver can handle your luggage and drop you off at the airport after your tour.

Hong Kong Car Rental Service with a Driver

Hong Kong Oneway Transfer Service