Cheung Chau vs Lamma vs Lantau
Which Island Should You Choose?
Pick Cheung Chau if
- You want a car-free island with a relaxed village atmosphere.
- Seafood, street food and harbourfront dining are your priority.
- You want one island that does food, beach, hiking and culture in a single day.
- You are visiting during the Bun Festival (10-14 May 2027).
- You want the easiest ferry access from Central (Pier 5, 30-35 minutes by fast ferry).
Pick Lamma Island if
- Hiking is the main point of your trip.
- You want a quieter, more bohemian village atmosphere.
- You want to eat seafood at Sok Kwu Wan and walk the Lamma Trail.
Pick Lantau Island if
- You want to see the Tian Tan Buddha and Ngong Ping village.
- You want big country parks, long hikes and the cable car.
- You are transiting through Hong Kong International Airport and want to combine sightseeing with your flight.
How to Use This Guide
Use this page to make the first decision, not the last: work through the lists above and let them narrow it to the island that suits your trip. Whichever you choose, Cheung Chau's own guides are linked just below; and if Lamma is the better fit, its island guides are at lamma-island.com. You do not have to settle on one island, either - each is a separate ferry trip from Central, so the easy plan is one island per day, with two or three of them easily combined across a longer stay.
Start here on Cheung Chau: our food guide, beach guide, ferry schedule and fare guide, and the Bun Festival 2027 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Hong Kong Outlying Islands
Which is the best outlying island for a day trip?
For most first-time visitors, Cheung Chau is the best all-rounder: easy ferry access, car-free atmosphere, excellent food, a good beach and cultural events. Lamma is better for hiking, and Lantau for large-scale sights like the Big Buddha.
How do I get to Cheung Chau?
By ferry from Central Pier 5. Fast ferries take 30-35 minutes, ordinary ferries 55-60 minutes. See our ferry schedule and fare guide.
How do I get to Lamma Island?
By ferry from Central Pier 4 to either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. Ferries take 20-35 minutes depending on the destination.
How do I get to Lantau Island?
By ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo (35-40 minutes), or by MTR to Tung Chung followed by cable car or bus to Ngong Ping.
Can I visit more than one outlying island in a day?
It is possible but ambitious. Each island needs a ferry journey each way, so most visitors pick one per day. A two- or three-day trip can comfortably cover two islands.