A day on Lamma Island

Just half an hour by ferry from the hustle of Central, Lamma Island transports you to a different rhythm: no cars, surrounded by nature, with quiet beaches, fresh seafood, and a bohemian atmosphere that invites you to stay longer than planned. In this post, I will tell you about our day: a simple route crossing the island, a meal by the sea, and a beautiful sunset.

🚶‍♀️ The route: from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan

Family Walk is one of the most well-known routes on Lamma Island. It is an easy trail, paved almost completely, ideal for walking with children or elderly people without any problem.

It is about 5 km and can be completed in approximately 1h 30 min walking at a leisurely pace. You can do it in both directions: from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan, or vice versa.

We started in Yung Shue Wan because we wanted to eat at one of the restaurants in that area, plus we had already been to Lamma before. Keep in mind that from Sok Kwu Wan there are fewer ferries back, and apart from the restaurants, there's not much else to see.

👉 My recommendation: if it’s your first time in Lamma, do the route in the opposite direction. Start at Sok Kwu Wan and end at Yung Shue Wan, where there is more atmosphere, shops, bars, and a variety of food.
Just decide your starting point before getting on the ferry: both leave from Pier 4 in Central, but they are different lines.

Along the way, you will find viewpoints, vegetation, very nice views, and also the beach of Hung Shing Yeh (we went on a Sunday and it was packed). The trail is well marked.

Upon reaching Sok Kwu Wan, you will see the temple of Tin Hau, one of many in Hong Kong dedicated to this sea goddess.
💡 Fun fact: last summer we lived in the Tin Hau neighborhood, named after another temple dedicated to the same goddess, which was moved from the port to preserve it better. Every year they celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival there, very popular among locals.

After the temple, a street full of seafood restaurants opens up. That's where the good stuff is.

🐟 Eating in Sok Kwu Wan

The atmosphere in Sok Kwu Wan is unbeatable: local families sharing tables, tourists enjoying by the sea, and many restaurants to choose from. Prices are usually similar among them.

We ate at Lamma Mandarin Seafood → see location

A very friendly man served us in English, and they already had menus prepared for two people. This helped us decide among such a variety.
We ordered a menu for 380 HKD (about 43 €) that included:

• scallops with noodles

• grilled shrimp

• fried squid

• steamed vegetables

• and rice

A convenient and affordable option if you want variety.
If you prefer to choose fresh seafood, they have it displayed in tanks at the entrance, although the price increases significantly in that case.

🍴 Tip: go hungry and without haste. Eating here is part of the experience.

🍻 Sunset in Lamma

After eating, you have two options:

1. Return by ferry from Sok Kwu Wan

2. Walk back to Yung Shue Wan

We opted to walk back, to enjoy the atmosphere and the sunset in the main part of the island, accompanied by a cold beer (and at half the price of Central!).

Once you arrive at Yung Shue Wan, there are several bars and terraces where you can sit, relax, and disconnect from the frenetic pace of Hong Kong Island.

⏰ Around 6:30 PM is a good time to grab a spot and see the sunset.

Recommended bars:

• Dale Candela – Spanish bar, with Estrella Galicia
  → Google Maps

• Lapa – incredible sunset views
  → Google Maps

💡 Practical Tips

How to get there by ferry from Central (Pier 4)

• Central ↔ Yung Shue Wan
  ⏱️ 27 min
  💵 Monday to Saturday: 22.10 HKD | Sundays/public holidays: 30.80 HKD

• Central ↔ Sok Kwu Wan
  ⏱️ 30–40 min
  💵 Monday to Saturday: 22.10 HKD | Sundays/public holidays: 30.80 HKD

🔁 Remember: they are different routes even though they leave from the same pier.

What to bring

• Swimsuit if you want to take a dip

• Sun cream

• Water

• Mosquito repellent (especially in summer)

• Hat or cap

• Good footwear

Last ferry back: around 11:30 PM.

🧭 Personal Opinion

Going to Lamma is always a good idea. Having the opportunity to disconnect from the frenetic pace of Hong Kong Island in just 25 minutes is a gift.

Lamma is tranquility, nature, good atmosphere.
If you come to Hong Kong, even if only for a few days, don't miss this island. You won't be disappointed.