Your Complete Guide To Sai Wan Beach: Hiking, Camping & Food

Looking for your next weekend adventure in Hong Kong? If you’re craving white sand, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs — minus the crowds — Sai Wan Beach might just be your new go-to.

Also known as Tai Long Sai Wan, this stunning coastal escape is tucked within Tai Long Wan Bay (a 3km wide bay including Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Tung Wan!) on the eastern coast of Sai Kung Peninsula.  Sai Wan Beach’s remote beauty, soft sand and clear waters make it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, camp or sail into one of Hong Kong’s most pristine natural areas. Whether you’re planning a scenic hike, a rustic camping trip or a lazy beach day with friends, Sai Wan Beach delivers untouched beauty via panoramic trails to postcard-worthy photo ops. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to this remote slice of paradise!

Read More: Tai Long Wan Guide: Hikes, Beaches, Restaurants & More

Jump To:
How To Get To Sai Wan Beach
What To Do At Sai Wan Beach
What To Eat & Drink In Sai Wan Beach
What to Take To Sai Wan Beach

How To Get To Sai Wan Beach

By Hiking

To get to the stunning Sai Wan Beach, start your trek at Sai Wan Pavilion. You’ll be hiking about 2.2 to 2.5 kilometres — just enough to work up an appetite! The best part? It’s mostly downhill, so you can take it easy and enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views of High Island Reservoir along the way. 

By Speedboat

If you’re not much of a hiker (everyone starts as a beginner!), arrive in style and catch a speedboat from Sai Kung Pier straight to Sai Wan Beach! It’s a breezy 30-minute ride across the sparkling water, which is ideal for pictures. Tickets cost around $120 to $160 one way, and you can grab them right at the pier or from various small shops at Sai Wan Beach. 

Sassy Tip: The last boat usually departs between 5 pm and 6 pm, so plan your beach day accordingly and don’t miss your ride back!

By Minibus

There’s also a minibus (NR29) that services the route near Sai Wan Pavilion and Sai Wan Village, but be aware that it runs less frequently, so plan ahead and with plenty of time to spare if you want to take this option.

Read More: Stunning Sai Kung: Best Spots to Eat, Stay and Play

What To Do At Sai Wan Beach

Activities to do at Sai Wan Beach

Kick off your day with a scenic hike along Stage 2 of the MacLehose Trail. This relatively gentle walk winds through lush hills and offers panoramic views of the coastline and High Island Reservoir, and is great for various beach hiking levels. 

Once you reach the beach, you’ll be greeted by the landscapes and soft sands that will make you feel like you’re not in Hong Kong anymore! With golden hour lighting up the cliffs and waves, sunrise and sunset are nothing short of magical in this Sai Kung haven! 

If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at kayaking, paddle-boarding, or even a little cliff-jumping for the uber courageous. Equipment is available for rental at Surf Hong Kong. But for those less keen on adrenaline thrills, wander the shallows and you might spot colourful fish, crabs or sea cucumbers — a relaxing way to enjoy Hong Kong’s natural biodiversity at a more tranquil pace. 

Sassy Tip: Swimming is not recommended due to strong rip currents. There are no lifeguards or shark nets, so proceed with caution in the water!

Read More: Best Hong Kong Hikes: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List

Camping at Sai Wan Beach

If you’re looking for a city escape or even a space to watch the sunrise, camping at Sai Wan Beach is an ideal location. As it’s less crowded than its neighbouring beaches, Sai Wan offers a tranquil setting that’s perfect for stargazing under clear, refreshing skies. You can rent camping gear right at Sai Wan Village or nearby at Ham Tin Beach, so if you forget your gear, there’s always a solution nearby. With the soothing sounds of waves in the background, it’s the ultimate way to unwind and immerse yourself in nature.

Read More: Top 10 Camping Sites: Where To Go Camping In Hong Kong

Nearby adventures at Sai Wan Beach

Make the most of your Sai Wan Beach adventure by exploring nearby gems. Just a 30-minute walk away, Ham Tin Beach offers even more food options and more exploration opportunities for beach enthusiasts. With camping gear rentals also available, if you’re planning to stay overnight, Ham Tin Beach is a necessary pitstop for supplies. 

Don’t miss a visit to the recently renovated Chapel of the Star of the Sea Mass Centre, also known as the Chapel of the Star of the Sea, in Sai Wan Village either; it offers a unique cultural touch to your coastal escape and is also a great sightseeing opporunity while looking for a local hidden eatery in Sai Wan village. 

Read More: The 24 Most Beautiful Hong Kong Beaches To Visit

What To Eat & Drink In Sai Wan Beach

Sai Wan Beach’s rustic, reliable eateries are perfect for a post-hike meal or casual beach picnic, and are equally as fulfilling as they are enjoyable! 

Read More: The Best Beachside & Seaview Restaurants In Hong Kong

Hoi Shan Restaurant — Hong Kong-style comfort food

Tuck into local comfort food with a view at Hoi Shan Restaurant, a humble restaurant located in Sai Wan Village, dishing up simple, satisfying Hong Kong-style comfort food with a side of unbeatable views. Here you can expect hearty bowls of fresh seafood, classic rice plates and local favourites like instant noodles with spam and egg—a nostalgic Hong Kong must-try.

Oriental Restaurant And Bar – Alfresco dining meets Hong Kong classics

Alternatively, if you have a bit of a sweet tooth, Oriental Restaurant and Bar is famous for their silky tofu desserts to cool off after your meal! Enjoy the alfresco dining and open water views — the perfect spot to cool down and enjoy a Hong Kong dessert!

Read More: Your Guide To Lesser-Known Local Hong Kong Desserts

Hoi Fung Store — Post-fuel nosh at Ham Tin Village 

Roughly a 30-minute walk from Sai Wan Beach lies Hoi Fung Store, serving up vegetable fried rice and chicken wings — the perfect post-hike fuel!

On Kee Store — Dining and camping rental services

Alternatively, On Kee Store, situated nearby at Ham Tin Beach, provides dining and rental services. Besides classic food staples, you can also rent camping gear and speedboat tickets. 

Sassy Tip: All food spots are cash-only! Many of these places can also arrange speedboats back to Sai Kung, so it’s worth asking if you’re unsure!

Read More: Make A Pit Stop At These Barbecue Spots In Hong Kong

What to Take To Sai Wan Beach

As Sai Wan Beach is remote and lacks commercial infrastructure, it’s important to come prepared:

• Plenty of cash – for food, drinks, camping gear or speedboat rides
• Drinking water – there are few refill points, so it’s a good idea to bring your own
• Snacks – especially if you have dietary restrictions
• Swimwear & towel – for lounging
• Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• First aid kit – the area is not patrolled or staffed with lifeguards
• Trash bags – bins are scarce!
• Tent — for privacy and changing outfits
• Camping gear – bring your own or rent from local shops

Sassy Tip: There are no lifeguards or rescue services present, so we recommend avoiding swimming unless you’re an experienced ocean swimmer and conditions are calm!