On weekends in Hong Kong, many people focus their energy on shopping. However, while you may be immersed in the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui and the vibrancy of Mong Kok, you might not realize that at this moment, Hong Kong residents are gathering in their backyard—Sai Kung, basking in the sun, enjoying the sea breeze, and savoring seafood, embodying a leisurely side of Hong Kong that is often overlooked.
Sai Kung, a name once used for Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, became well-known due to the Vietnam War.
Hong Kong also has a Sai Kung, located in the eastern New Territories, facing Sai Kung Bay. It is a small fishing village with a history of several hundred years. With its harmonious blend of sea and sky, dotted with sails, tranquil alleys, and tempting cuisine, it is hailed as the "backyard of Hong Kong."
As early as the 14th century, fishermen settled in Sai Kung, Hong Kong. Historical records indicate that the name Sai Kung originated during the Ming Dynasty. After Zheng He’s seven voyages to the Western Ocean, many Western countries arrived in China by sea to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty or trade with Chinese merchants, and Sai Kung became a port for "Western tribute" ships to dock, eventually leading to the name "Sai Kung."
Today, although Sai Kung no longer sees the bustling merchant ships of the past or the throngs of people during its heyday, it has preserved its simple natural and cultural scenery, becoming a "base" for Hong Kong residents seeking rural leisure.
From the urban area of Hong Kong, it takes less than 40 minutes to reach Sai Kung. The tranquil harbor, narrow streets, low houses, fishing boats waiting for customers, open-air European-style cafes, and wandering foreigners make it hard to believe you are in Hong Kong if you do not hold a Hong Kong-Macau travel permit.
Upon reaching the seaside, a different scene unfolds: luxurious yachts for rich anglers and various fishing boats fill the bay, while rows of vendors on the shore enthusiastically call out to customers, their weathered faces revealing they are all native "locals." During meal times, the seafood street is packed, and many Hong Kong celebrities also enjoy driving to Sai Kung to buy and eat seafood. While waiting in line, you might as well watch Hong Kong residents bargaining with boat captains for seafood.
Those who have been say that Sai Kung is even livelier on holidays, with many fishing boats offering "sea shuttle services." For a small fee, you can take a fishing boat to nearby islands for a sun-soaked beach adventure. On summer nights, some Hong Kong residents even rent fishing boats to go out to sea and fish for squid under the night sky, which is both fun and interesting.
If you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, the nearby national geopark in Sai Kung is a great place to showcase your skills. After spending a few hours hiking, you will be rewarded with Hong Kong's cleanest beaches and the bluest coast.
You must eat at Chuen Kee Seafood
There are many seafood restaurants along the Sai Kung waterfront square and seafood street, with "Chuen Kee" being the most famous. Although the environment is average, the delicious food makes it a favorite among many Hong Kong celebrities, including big stars like Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow, who are regular patrons. The restaurant displays many photos of the owner with other celebrities. Signature dishes include lobster in broth, steamed abalone, salt and pepper shrimp, geoduck, and garlic vermicelli steamed scallops. During dinner time, both indoor and outdoor seating are fully occupied.
You must try the desserts at Hui Lau Shan
The dessert shop is located on Po Tung Road, creating a small leisure space with wooden fences and blooming flowers along the busy roadside.
Inside Hui Lau Shan, although there are no bright and clean bar counters, comfortable sofas have been replaced by traditional wooden benches, but the delicious food is irresistible. The two adjacent small shops are designated for durian and non-durian lovers, allowing customers to choose according to their taste. Signature treats include banana pancakes, durian sticky rice cakes, and mango sago, all worth trying.
You must take a boat tour around the islands
After exploring the old streets of Sai Kung market, head to the public pier at Sai Kung waterfront square and consider taking a boat to the offshore islands to enjoy the beach, sunshine, and sea. There are two or three fixed routes to the islands. Standing on the pier, you can see the islands of Yim Tin Tsai, Cheung Sha Wan, and Pak Sha Wan lined up, with the furthest and largest island being Kau Sai Chau, whose eastern crescent bay is known as "one of the ten best public beaches in Hong Kong" and is perfect for camping.
You must hunt for treasures at the Leisure Bookstore's second-hand goods
At the corner of Kin Ming Street and Po Tung Road, there is a small bookstore where second-hand foreign books are casually placed on the outdoor corridor. Standing there flipping through them for a long time, no one will ask you to buy with enthusiasm or tension. Pushing open the glass door, you will find not only second-hand books but also various exquisite European-style candlesticks, wall paintings, and picture frames tastefully scattered throughout the store, resembling merchandise as well as decorative items. A second-hand plastic candlestick priced at 120 Hong Kong dollars is sure to satisfy those who love little trinkets.