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How to plan a perfect day trip to Lantau Island

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and use the Lantau bus network to connect between the Big Buddha, Tai O fishing village, and the beaches. Start your day by 9:00 AM to beat the massive cable car queues.

Budget
80-100 dollars per day
Duration
1 day
Best Time
October to December
Visa Required
Depends; check Hong Kong Immigration Department for your specific passport nationality.

Step by step

  1. Get to Tung Chung

    Take the MTR Tung Chung Line to its final stop, Tung Chung Station. Exit through Exit B and follow the signs for the Ngong Ping 360 terminal.

  2. Book your cable car in advance

    Purchase your Ngong Ping 360 tickets online at least 48 hours before your trip to skip the ticket booth line. Choose a Crystal Cabin (glass bottom) for the best views if you aren't afraid of heights.

  3. Navigate the Ngong Ping Village

    Once you arrive, walk through the village to the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. You will need to climb 268 steps to reach the base of the Buddha.

  4. Bus to Tai O

    From the Ngong Ping bus terminal, take the number 21 bus to Tai O. It takes about 20 minutes on winding roads. Buy a local boat trip from the vendors at the Tai O bridge to see the stilt houses and search for pink dolphins.

  5. Return to the city

    Take the number 11 bus from Tai O back to Tung Chung MTR station to end your day, or take the number 1 bus to Mui Wo and catch a ferry back to Central Pier 6.

Questions people ask

Is the cable car scary for kids?

Most kids find the glass-bottom cable car thrilling rather than scary. If you are worried, opt for the standard cabin instead.

Can I use credit cards for the buses?

No. You must use an Octopus card or exact cash in Hong Kong dollars.

How long are the lines for the cable car?

On weekends, expect to wait 45-60 minutes even with a pre-booked ticket. Always go on a weekday if possible.

Boat Tour
4 USD
Food Per Day
40 USD
Bus Transportation
5-8 USD
Cable Car Round Trip
35 USD

Packing

Itinerary

  • 1 — Watch the sunset from the Tai O pier before heading back to Tung Chung or Mui Wo. — Ride the cable car up to Ngong Ping; explore the Po Lin Monastery and climb the Buddha steps. — Bus to Tai O; lunch at a local waterfront restaurant; 20-minute boat excursion to see stilt houses. — Bring a physical Octopus card for buses; they do not give change if you pay cash.

Plan the rest of the visit with Hong Kong with kids, 3-day trips and hiking with kids.