Among the many beaches in Hong Kong, the ones in Sai Kung district could be considered the crown jewels, particularly along the easterly shores at Tai Long Wan bay. These are also some of the more inaccessible areas of Sai Kung Country Park, requiring a hike in or a 40-minute boat ride (when weather and waves permit) from Sai Kung town or Wong Shek pier. It’s worth it, though – the fine powdery sand and crystal-clear waters are reminiscent of a pristine tropical island getaway.
There are four beaches along the “Big Wave Bay” – Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan. They are connected by short stretches of hiking trails, but only Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches have refreshment stores and washroom facilities. This makes them popular camping destinations – especially on holiday weekends. The coinciding Easter and Ching Ming holidays, together with record-setting hot weather, meant a party atmosphere at the beach not unlike something you’d see in Phuket or Fort Lauderdale!
After disembarking from the boat, a group of friends and I set up tents on Ham Tin beach. It was too hot to do anything else other than relax and soak in some sun, and explore the adjacent Tai Wan beach which was beautiful and less crowded. This was followed by a nice evening barbeque at the local supply store. The next morning, any plans we had for hiking nearby Sharp Peak were quickly abandoned. Most of us also had hardly slept due to the stifling heat and noisy revelers partying well into the night.
It was still a good and memorable experience, though – especially fighting the big waves getting on and off the boat, with backpacks in tow – but next time we’ll stick to grass camping and only in much cooler weather.
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Peter Lam Photography 
Hi, i’m planning to go there next week and I was wondering if you could tell me if we can rent camping stuff there, I guess that I would just need a tent. If so, do you know how much it cost ?
Thanks a lot
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also, any other tipsNtricks ?
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The beach adjacent to (north of) Ham Tin is bigger, more spectacular, and less busy. If you want more isolation, pitch your tent there. The only downside is that there are no stores or facilities there, so bring everything you need. From the back of the Ham Tin store, there is well-marked trail that leads to the other beach (Tai Wan beach). It’s a short hike across the promontory, a small hill – just follow everyone, or ask at the store. I think this is the best beach in all of Hong Kong. Good luck and let me know how it works out!
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Guillaume, I believe the store at the beach offers basic rentals, but you should call to confirm availability and pricing. More information here: http://www.urban-outdoors.com/tai-long-sai-wan-sai-kung-best-campsite-hong-kong/
You can also arrange for return transport via boat to Sai Kung, if the conditions are good. Otherwise you’ll need to hike it back.
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Hi! did you pay for camping fees? and how much did you spent to get there from Hong Kong city itself? thanks!
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Hi Gillian,
There are no camping fees (it’s not even an official campsite) – just claim your spot. Getting there is requires a bit of a hike (1-2 hrs depending on your level). There is no direct road access to the beach. Closest point is taking a cab from Sai Kung town to the Maclehose Stage 1 trail and hiking the rest of the way. You can also hire a boat from Sai Kung to drop you off directly on the beach, but it depends on the sea conditions; there are no piers or mooring points, so you have to jump into the water and wade to the beach. Fun!
To get to Sai Kung, you can take a mini bus from Mong Kok or Causeway Bay – either should be under 20hkd per person.
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Sounds great! Thank you for the help 🙂 looking forward to experience it myself. Take care always!
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Take care and let me know if you camp! Would love to hear your experience.
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wow so wonderful!
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I’m always afraid to get on the bus and travel up that way, for fear of motion sicknesss. I think i will do this next. Thank you
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It’ll be worth the effort, promise!
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