It’s time to chill, Mamas and Papas! Hop on the ferry to Lamma Island, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll arrive in a world far from Hong Kong.
Lamma Island is the third largest island in Hong Kong and is known for its two main villages, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. The latter is home to classic authentic seafood restaurants and a quaint fishing village, while the former has a wide range of restaurants, indie boutiques, and quirky cafes. Scenic hiking trails and beaches connect the two sides! Enjoy strolling around town, shopping for bits and bobs, playing at the beach, and much more! Here are our top things to do with the family on Lamma Island.
The ferries from Central pier 4 will bring you to either of two main piers in Lamma:
There is the Family Trail that traverses the island and connects both towns. The trail is about 5km and would take around one-and-a-half hours from one end to the other.
Ferry Schedules from Pier 4 in Central:
Click here for the ferry schedule to Yung Shue Wan
Click here for the ferry schedule to Sok Kwu Wan
There is also a ferry that leaves from Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan, click here for the ferry schedule!
When it's time to eat, there is lots to choose from on Lamma Island, from vegetarian/vegan dishes to classic English/American brekkies and, of course, lots and lots of seafood!
Seafood restaurants:
Rainbow Seafood is an institution, and they can also help arrange boat transport.
Those who are in the know prefer to stay away from the crowd and head to Genuine Lamma Hilton Fishing Village Restaurant in Sok Kwu Wan.
Man Fung is large, has a beautiful view overlooking the water, and is close to the ferry.
Andy's Sau Kee Seafood is another great seafood option for big groups!
Cafés for Breakfast, Lunch & Coffees:
Banyan Bay Cafe is the perfect spot if you’re looking for hearty all-day breakfast dishes. Enjoy full English or full American breakfast plates, or opt for the healthier and veggie options, which are equally delicious!
You can't go wrong with Lala Mama's Cafe and Grocery; they offer generous portions of delicious all-day breakfast!
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian, there’s something for everyone at the popular vegan Bookworm Cafe.
You simply must check out the smoothies and multi-grain waffles at Green Cottage. Yum!
Dinner Restaurants:
Dale Candela is a favorite among the island residents. It offers a cozy indoor area, along with a more spacious alfresco dining area, ideal for tapas and sangria after a day at the beach.
Olive Leaf specializes in vegan Middle Eastern cuisine, and this is a true hidden gem as many don't know about this private kitchen! Their stunning garden and amazing food will make you feel like you're in paradise! They also offer cooking classes.
Lamma Grill is a well-known staple on the island, and there is something for everyone, whether you prefer bbq ribs or vegetarian sausages and mash. This an easy pick for the whole family, and the restaurant also has a great view overlooking the water.
Dessert?
Kin Hing Ah Por Tofu on Main Street is a tiny little stand that's been selling delicious homemade silky tofu (Dofuhua) for the past 35+ years. It's served with sweet syrup poured on top from a tea kettle. It can be packed for takeaway! Located along Main Street, just before the turnoff to Power Station Beach.
Walk the narrow, winding Main Street from the ferry pier, ducking into handicraft shops, indie boutiques, bakeries, fruit stands, beach supply shops, and such along the way. There are no cars allowed on Lamma, so that you can let your guard down a bit, but watch out for those speedy trash trucks!
Here are some of our favorite shops on Lamma Island:
Lamma Brand: looking for a unique Lamma souvenir, this is your one-stop-shop with locally-made products. The shop specializes in locally designed and manufactured streetwear and cool souvenirs unique to the island.
Lamma Vinyl Record Store: Vinyl is not easy to find in Hong Kong, with only a handful of shops in the entire city. Lamma Vinyl Record Store is one of them, and they have a large selection of both old-timers and some fresh ones!
Nick the Bookman: A known cult figure on Lamma Island, you can find this charming man selling second-hand books 3x a week on the corner of the main street on your way to Hung Shing Yeh Beach. He sells second-hand books for kids and adults and has a wide selection!
Something About Cats: Are you a diehard cat lover, or simply have cats at home, then head over to Something About Cats to find your furry friend the perfect gift. This quirky store is dedicated to everything feline.
There are a fair few beaches on all sides of Lamma Island whether you prefer to go to the more popular Hung Shing Yeh Beach or a more secluded beach, plenty of options!
Even with Lamma Power Station in full view from some of them, these beaches are nonetheless perfect for a visit with the kiddos for their calm, shallow, (relatively) clean waters and shark nets.
Lamma offers plenty of hikes to enjoy its scenic island views, and if you're staying for the weekend, the locals will surely inform you of all their favorite trails!
Here are our top 3 hikes on Lamma Island:
Concerto Inn offers clean rooms with large balconies overlooking Hung Shing Yeh Beach. A 20-minute walk from the pier (Yung Shue Wan), Concerto Inn is a relaxing escape from the bustle of Hong Kong, with 14 guest rooms (some with beach-facing balconies), some pet-friendly rooms at a charge of an extra HK$200 per pet, international dining in the beachfront restaurant, and all of Lamma’s many offerings on its doorstep.
If you wish to stay closer to the ferry (Yung Shue Wan) and more central, opt for the Bali Holiday Resort, they offer Family Apartments, Double Standard Rooms, and Sea View Balcony Rooms.
Wenlihua Holiday House is located a short distance from Sok Kwu Wan ferry and Lamma Fisherfolks' Village. This budget-friendly hotel is ideal if you wish to do more hiking rather than shopping and relaxing.
Visit Hong Kong's only organic herb garden, Herboland. Tour the farm, snack in the tea tent, and check out the pet bunnies, birds and fish. This place is worth the visit to Lamma itself, a real hidden gem!
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