Sai Kung - a peaceful haven next to bustling Hong Kong.

The fishing village of Sai Kung, ranked as the world's most beautiful small town, offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

Sai Kung is located on the peninsula of the same name in the New Territories, one of Hong Kong's three main regions, bordering Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. The town, nestled in the hills of Ma On Shan National Park, was originally a fishing village but today operates primarily as a tourist destination.

West Kung Pao was named one of the 50 most beautiful small towns in the world by the American travel magazine CnTraveller in May. It also ranked 9th in Time Out's top 10 most interesting cities in the world.

Temple of the sea god in Sai Kung. Photo: Tripadvisor

If you don't have much time, focus on exploring the town center. Strolling along the pier, dining at the seafood street, having coffee, and shopping at local fashion boutiques are common activities for tourists.

Despite modernization, the town has retained many of its old-world charm. The harbor is always bustling with people, and fishing boats are moored side by side, selling their daily catch to both locals and tourists.

West Gong viewed from above. Photo: Expedia

Xi Gong isn't the most convenient town to visit. It takes two hours to get there from the center of Hong Kong Island by public transport. However, the town attracts both tourists and locals with its beaches and scenic trails. It's also a great place for nature lovers and those passionate about water sports like kayaking and snorkeling.

Tay Cong, originally a fishing village, is famous for its affordable seafood restaurants, where food is often prepared immediately after the catch. Outside the restaurants, there are tanks containing live seafood. Diners stand and choose their dishes for the chefs to prepare. Many restaurants offer views of the harbor, allowing diners to enjoy the sea breeze while eating.

Seafood at Sai Kung. Photo: Tripadvisor

One of the famous restaurants, See King Loaf On, specializes in Cantonese cuisine and has been awarded a Michelin star. Crispy fried shrimp and squid, garlic-grilled clams or scallops, and fried tofu are among the most popular dishes ordered by international tourists. Visitors can also buy seafood at the pier and have it prepared by local restaurants.

Miss Hui Homemade Steamed Bun, located on nearby See Keung Street, is one of the oldest shops in the area, selling traditional steamed buns and desserts. The shop offers buns made with red bean, peanut, and green tea fillings. Visitors should arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.

Additionally, visitors can also take a boat trip to visit nearly 70 small islands around the area, such as Yim Tin Tsai. In the 1740s, a family of Cantonese origin settled on the island. Their descendants developed salt farms and earned a living by selling salt. Today, the island has been renovated by the government to become a tourist destination. Besides admiring the salt fields, visitors can also visit the old houses. From Yim Tin Tsai pier, it's about a one-minute walk to St. Joseph's Chapel, built in 1890 in the Romanesque style and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

(By Anh Minh , based on Time Out and CnTraveller )

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