Hong Kong's Seafood Paradise with Island Soul Just 25 minutes from Central Pier by ferry, Lamma Island is where Hong Kong drops its corporate suit and slides into flip-flops. This car-free, third-largest island in Hong Kong serves up fresh seafood, hiking trails, and that laid-back Mediterranean energy you'd never expect this close to one of Asia's most intense cities. The Two Villages: Pick Your Vibe Sok Kwu Wan on the east coast is straight-up fishing village royalty – a waterfront strip lined with legendary seafood spots where fish literally swim from net to wok. The 1826 Tin Hau Temple dedicated to the sea goddess anchors this maritime community that's been pulling catches for millennia. Yung Shue Wan on the north coast brings international flavor. This village mixes indigenous residents with expat communities creating a proper melting pot vibe. The main street hosts quirky cafes, Spanish tapas joints, Mediterranean spots, and indie boutiques alongside traditional dim sum – it's basically Hong Kong's Bohemian corner. The Seafood Legends Rainbow Seafood Restaurant (Lamma Rainbow) is the big kahuna – the island's largest with 800+ seats and that iconic light green roof. Established 1984, they won "Best of the Best Culinary Award" multiple years and made The Miele Guide 2009/2010 as one of Asia's best 450 restaurants. Their signature fried squilla with salt & pepper stays crispy without grease, while the fried chilli crab with crispy rice brings that spicy aromatic heat. They run free ferry service from Central and TST for diners, which is next-level hospitality. Prices run HK$400-800 per person, and the salt-and-pepper calamari, black bean sauce razor clams, and garlic steamed shrimp get consistent love from repeat visitors. Fu Kee Seafood Restaurant punches above its weight with a 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (48 reviews). Their fresh seafood and vegetables plus "excellent customer service with friendly and warm hosts" create that authentic family vibe. Running HK$300-600 per person, it's solid value with harbor views and light sea breeze. The International Players Terracotta Lamma brought Mediterranean fire to Yung Shue Wan in autumn 2023. From the crew behind Bourke's and Honky Tonks Tavern, this three-story waterfront village house serves Chef Richard Solnik's Greek-Middle Eastern-Italian fusion cooked on a Josper charcoal grill. Dale Candela on Main Street is the Spanish answer – authentic Madrid-style tapas and wines served since 2017 by Chef Carlos. Their Valencian-style paella is legitimately Hong Kong's best-kept paella secret. The outdoor al fresco picnic tables under yellow lights create proper Spanish "terraceo" vibes. Estrella Galicia on tap (HK$45/pint) and generous gin & tonics served Spanish-style in big balloon glasses complete the Iberian experience. Fai Kee Store near Hung Shing Yeh Beach serves what some claim is Hong Kong's best beef brisket – those signature green spinach noodles in secret-recipe broth. Actor Chow Yun-fat, who was born on Lamma, recommends their tofu fa (HK$10) – cold silken tofu that hits perfect on hot hiking days. The Natural Beauty & Cultural Heritage The Lamma Island Family Trail connecting Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan covers about 5km over 1.5 hours at normal pace. The paved path passes Hung Shing Yeh Beach – the island's most popular with crystal-clear water, golden sand, shark nets, and proper facilities. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5 stars) – A must-experience island that balances Hong Kong's fishing heritage with modern multicultural flavors. The seafood alone justifies the ferry ride, but the hiking, beaches, and laid-back vibes seal the deal. Lose half a star only because the price-to-plastic-chair ratio might shock first-timers, but that's part of the...
Read moreYou can get to Lamma island easily with ferry from the ferry terminal in Central (a little further away than the star ferry one, it’s pier 4 if I remember correctly). It was about 18 HKD per person for the ferry to get to the nearest side of the island (Yung Shue Wan). Depending on which side of the island you chose, the ride will take between 20 and 40 minutes. The Yung Shue Wan ferry appears to be the more popular option since it travels a lot more frequently. You can easily visit on a day trip since it’s so easy and convenient to get there.
Once you get to the island you can walk from one side of the island to the other side using the family trail in about an hour or so. The trail is quite easy as it isn’t too steep. Along the way, you will pass beaches as well as beautiful points of view. Both sides of the island have small villages with seafood restaurants and shops. Lamma is very peaceful, quiet and relaxing. An easy, quick and affordable getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Definitelly...
Read moreLamma Island (Nam Nha Island) is the 3rd largest island in Hong Kong, with a strong interference between western culture and mainland civilization that has existed for thousands of years. The peaceful wilderness is still preserved intact on the island. Everyone living here travels entirely by bike or on foot, so it's not wrong to say that the name "island of paradise" is completely wrong. The destination not to be missed in Lamma is the beautiful town of Yung Shue Wan. Here you can buy yourself a lot of beautiful crafts or see the quiet corners of the street. Or if you like climbing, you can conquer Son Dia Duong mountain at an altitude of 352m. Autumn travel in Hong Kong offers the opportunity to experience another aspect of this bright city. With beautiful nature and interesting activities, you will find yourself fascinated and do not want to leave. Plan your fall itinerary and don't miss the 5 Hong Kong tourist destinations in...
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