Discovering Lamma Island: A Serene Escape from Hong Kong

If the steely skyscrapers and acres of tarmac on Hong Kong Island have you yearning for nature, the perfect escape is just 20 minutes away by ferry: Lamma Island.

Hong Kong is renowned as one of the world’s great metropolises. However, with over 80% of the Hong Kong region carpeted in greenery, it’s a shame not to explore the city’s mellower side. One of the best places to experience a laid-back atmosphere in Hong Kong is undoubtedly Lamma Island.

This 13 square-kilometer island is home to just 6,000 residents and attracts western hippies, revolutionaries, and dropouts. Covered in lush vegetation, the allure for tourists lies in its relaxed villages, superb seafood restaurants, and stretches of empty golden sands. Most visitors come for a day trip; nevertheless, a few guesthouses and one hotel are available for those wishing to stay overnight.

Escape to Lamma Island

It’s an excellent location to take a breather from the frenetic pace of life found in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Laidback Bars and Restaurants on Yung Shue Wan

Lamma Island’s main village, Yung Shue Wan, is a charming, one-street community filled with bars, restaurants, and shops selling picnic supplies.

This appealingly ramshackle village is a perfect way to spend a few hours, whether enjoying cake at an organic coffee shop or a cheap pint at one of the expat-oriented bars. Don’t expect the glitzy glamour of Central; rather, the restaurants and bars here offer an easygoing outdoor atmosphere that possesses a charmingly unpretentious appeal.

Seafood Restaurants

Hong Kong’s islands are famous for their seafood restaurants, and Lamma Island boasts some of the finest establishments.

Most seafood restaurants are clustered along the seafront in Yung Shue Wan or the smaller, more intimate Sok Kwu Wan.

In general, an English menu can be provided, but if not, simply point to the fresh fish and crustaceans displayed outside each restaurant. The quality on Lamma is so high that it’s unlikely to encounter a disappointing dish; one of the top picks is Man Fung Seafood Restaurant on the main street in Yung Shue Wan.

Hiking Trails

One of the significant attractions of Lamma Island is its fantastic hiking trails, which, although not the best in the region, can offer a delightful experience when combined with a beach stop and a cold beer in one of Lamma’s small villages.

Several marked hiking trails exist on Lamma Island but the most popular, and the best for casual hikers, is the Family Trail. This 4-kilometer path connects Yung Shue Wan with Sok Kwu Wan, a small bay and settlement on the opposite side of the island.

The hike provides stunning views of the island and allows you to enjoy a meal either at Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan before taking the ferry back to Central. It should take just over an hour to complete.

Lo So Shing Beach

Lo So Shing Beach on Lamma Island is considered one of the best beach breaks in Hong Kong. Nestled in a small cove and bordered by lush foliage, it feels like a hidden oasis of tranquility.

A few amenities are available on the beach, so it’s wise to pack your own essentials, including a bucket, spade, and sandwiches. During weekdays, even in peak summer, you’ll find the beach practically deserted; however, weekends, especially Sundays, can attract a moderate crowd without being overwhelming. The beach is easily accessible from the Family Hiking Trail and is approximately 80 minutes from Yung Shue Wan.