A short bus ride from the Big Buddha, the Tai O Fishing Village is home to some of the merely 2,000 fishermen still working in Hong Kong. As in many places, youth seek the sophistication, education, and job opportunities of the city over the back-breaking labor of their forefathers. Visitors can board a speed boat to survey the tiny inlet of houses-cum-docks at Tai O. Wooden shacks are supported by barnacle-covered stilts varied only in degree of color and decay. Lined with speed boats and pastel wooden fishing vessels, the inlet is presided over by the green peaks of Lantau Island.
The highlight of speeding through this village is the search for the elusive but curious Chinese White Dolphin, which is actually pink!
A Day at Tai O Fishing Village & Heritage Hotel
You board a bus to one of Hong Kong’s few remaining fishing villages, Tai O. From a speed boat loaded with tourists, you see colorful houses on stilts with Lantau mountains in the backdrop. Two cats are perched near the water, eager to glean any remnants of the day.
The boat leaves the channel and within minutes you’re in the China Sea playing “Spot the dolphin.” Fellow passengers erupt with glee as a pink fin is spotted just feet from the vessel. Then another! And another! You had no idea the Chinese White Dolphin was actually Pepto pink. The elusive creatures seem to be circling the boat, though none of them breach for very long. You are in awe.
And you are hungry. Again.
You have a reservation at Tai O Heritage Hotel for afternoon tea. The elegant dining room on the second floor has a wall of windows where you can view the sea as well as a lush forest. Your tea and light appetizers hit the spot. You don’t want to leave, but the sun is setting and the horizon turns a vibrant orange. You board your boat back to the village, then glide past the Big Buddha in a glass-bottom cable car.
Dress: BCBG // Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Macy’s // Belt: Etsy // Sunglasses: Karen Walker (similar)
I visited Hong Kong as a guest of United Airlines. As always, opinions are my own.
Comments 14
January 28, 2015 at 3:27 am
Looks really nice! Hongkong is also high on my wishlist!
January 31, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Thank you. I hope you get to visit soon!
March 29, 2017 at 3:39 am
Excellent post about Dubai Fishing Trips!
April 18, 2017 at 3:48 am
What I liked most about your post is the images – They are too real. No editing and nothing. Great…
April 19, 2017 at 6:08 pm
Thanks, Mohuya!
June 15, 2017 at 10:42 pm
These are such gorgeous photos! I always just think of Hong Kong as a big city. But these really show the natural side too!
June 15, 2017 at 11:35 pm
I would love to see the white/pink dolphins. That color is amazing. The houses on stilts are so picturesque, but I can’t imagine they are very safe. All in all an amazing trip, I’d love to visit myself.
June 16, 2017 at 3:47 am
The fishing village seems like a lovely one day trip activity, and the access is through a glass bottom cable car, make me want to check it out today.
June 16, 2017 at 4:07 am
Oh your dress is amazing. I had no idea that there was even edible fish near Hong Kong. Learn something new every day huh? The day trip sounds like a whole lot of fun
June 16, 2017 at 5:51 am
Wow the Tai O Fishing Village & Heritage Hotel in Hong Kong looks so pretty. I loved the ittle fisherboats. It is stunning how such a big city like Hong Kong still has so much authentic local charm.
June 16, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Great pictures of fishing village. It looks like that sailing here is great fun. Tai O Heritage Hotel looks luxurious place and I loved that red drink.
June 16, 2017 at 7:18 pm
I love visiting fishing villages because they’re so authentic and you get a real feel for local life. Of course, being on the water is so pretty and it’s fun to see all the colorful boats. I would definitely spend a day here in Hong Kong.
June 17, 2017 at 5:59 am
I have never seen this part of Hong Kong, it’s interesting to see the fishermen at work. This area makes for unique and colourful photography, you made some beautiful snaps. The Heritage Hotel looks like a wonderful hotel to stay in, the views from the balcony are stunning.
June 18, 2017 at 4:29 pm
I remember going to a fishing village 10years ago in Hong Kong and I loved it. Afternoon tea at the Tai O Heritage Hotel sounds lovely.