Lantau Island Weekend Drive Guide

Introduction

Lantau Island is Hong Kong's largest island and one of its best-kept driving secrets. While most visitors take the cable car to Ngong Ping or the ferry to Mui Wo, self-driving opens up the entire island — from misty mountain roads to empty beachside lanes that feel a world away from the city. This guide covers everything you need for a perfect Lantau weekend drive.

1. Getting There: Crossing the Tsing Ma Bridge

The Tsing Ma Bridge is the only road link to Lantau Island. It's one of the world's longest suspension bridges carrying both road and rail traffic — and crossing it is an experience in itself.

2. Stop 1: Tung Chung & Ngong Ping

Your first stop is the gateway to Lantau's highlands. From Tung Chung, take Ngong Ping Road — a winding mountain road that climbs 500 metres through forest to reach the Ngong Ping plateau.

What to See

• 🗿 Tian Tan Buddha: The 34-metre bronze Buddha is iconic. Climb the 268 steps for panoramic views of the South China Sea and surrounding mountains.
• 🏯 Po Lin Monastery: One of Hong Kong's most important Buddhist monasteries. Free vegetarian lunch available (arrive before 11:30am).
• 🌿 Wisdom Path: 38 wooden columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra, set in a peaceful hillside clearing.

Parking at Ngong Ping

Ngong Ping has a large public car park near the village entrance. Rates are $25/hour on weekdays and $30/hour on weekends and public holidays. The car park rarely fills up since most visitors arrive by cable car.

3. Stop 2: Tai O Fishing Village

From Ngong Ping, drive west along Keung Shan Road and Tai O Road to reach Hong Kong's most atmospheric fishing village. The 20-minute drive winds through remote mountain scenery with almost no traffic.

What to See

• 🏘️ Stilt Houses: Tai O's famous stilt houses built over the waterway are a living piece of Hong Kong heritage. Walk along the boardwalk for photos.
• 🐟 Dried Seafood Market: Browse the street stalls for shrimp paste, dried fish, and salted egg yolks — Tai O specialities.
• 🐬 Dolphin Spotting: Boat tours from Tai O pier offer chances to see Chinese white dolphins (pink dolphins). Best in morning.
• ☕ Tai O Heritage Hotel: Former police station converted into a boutique hotel. Stop for afternoon tea on the rooftop terrace.

Parking at Tai O

Tai O has very limited parking. There is a small public car park at the village entrance (about 20 spaces, $8/hour). On weekends, this fills up by 10am. Alternatively, park along Tai O Road if spaces are available — but don't block the bus route.

Food Recommendations

• 🍧 Tai O bean curd pudding (豆腐花) — a must-try local dessert.
• 🦐 Shrimp paste fried rice (蝦醬炒飯) at any local restaurant.
• 🐙 Grilled octopus and squid from street stalls.

4. Stop 3: South Lantau Road Scenic Drive

South Lantau Road is widely considered the most beautiful drive in Hong Kong. The road hugs the southern coastline with ocean views at virtually every turn. Drive slowly and enjoy it — this is the highlight of the trip.

• 🌊 The road runs from Shek Pik Reservoir in the west to Mui Wo in the east, with the South China Sea stretching to the horizon.
• 📸 Pull over at designated viewpoints for photos — several lay-bys are marked along the route.
• 🌅 If you time it right, the late afternoon sun lights up the water beautifully.

5. Stop 4: Cheung Sha Beach

Cheung Sha is Hong Kong's longest beach, stretching nearly 3 kilometres along the southern coast of Lantau. It's divided into Upper Cheung Sha and Lower Cheung Sha, both with their own character.

Upper vs Lower Cheung Sha

6. Optional Stop 5: Discovery Bay Detour

If you still have energy and daylight, consider a short detour to Discovery Bay on your way back toward Tung Chung. The drive from the North Lantau Highway exit takes about 10 minutes.

• 🏖️ DB Plaza waterfront — a quiet promenade with views of Hong Kong Island across the water.
• 🍕 Western-style restaurants and cafes — a different vibe from the rest of Lantau.
• 🌅 Sunset views — DB faces west, making it ideal for catching the sunset before heading home.

7. Suggested Itinerary

8. Which Car to Choose

Your vehicle choice can make or break a Lantau trip. Here's what works best for different group types:

• Couples: MG4 Electric — compact, nimble on mountain roads, and more than enough range for the full Lantau circuit. Per-minute pricing keeps costs low for a day trip.
• Families with kids: Toyota Noah — spacious MPV with room for car seats, strollers, and beach gear. Worth the higher rate for comfort on a full-day trip.
• Group of friends: Any MTC sedan or hatchback works. Split the cost — a full day ($80 base + the $800 per-minute cap = $880) divided by 4 people is only $220 each.

9. Cost Breakdown for This Trip

10. Conclusion

Lantau Island deserves more than a cable car visit. Self-driving lets you experience the island's full range — sacred mountains, fishing villages, empty beaches, and some of Hong Kong's most beautiful coastal roads. With an early start and a compact EV from MTC, you can cover all the highlights in a single satisfying day. Pack sunscreen, bring your camera, and discover why locals call Lantau the best day drive in Hong Kong.