Lantau Island: Big Buddha, Tai O Village & Dolphin Cruise Tour

Summary

Big Buddha views, Tai O village flavors, dolphin cruise and city pickup

You’ll meet your local guide in Central before heading to Lantau Island for cable car views of Big Buddha, snack tasting in Tai O fishing village, and a dolphin watching cruise. Taste fresh fishballs and enjoy a light vegetarian meal by the water. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s sharing stories with locals and catching moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, met us right at the Central ferry pier—she waved before I even spotted her. She handed out these little sweets (I think she called them “wife cakes”?) and joked that they’re better than breakfast. The drive to Lantau was quiet except for the hum of Cantonese radio and the occasional burst of laughter from Li as she told us how her grandma used to sneak fishballs from Tai O when she was a kid. I liked that—felt like we were tagging along with someone who actually lives here.

The Ngong Ping 360 cable car was optional but honestly, I’m glad we took it. The glass bottom made my knees wobble a bit but the view of the Big Buddha just sitting there in the mist—hard to explain. It smelled like rain on stone up there. We climbed all those steps (I lost count), and Li pointed out how locals rub the Buddha’s hand for luck. There’s a little market at the top where I tried to order tea in Mandarin—Li laughed when I butchered it. Still tasted good though.

Tai O fishing village is something else. Wooden houses on stilts, old men mending nets by hand, and this salty tang in the air that sticks to your skin. We hopped on a small boat for dolphin watching—no promises, but we actually saw two pink dolphins pop up near the mangroves. Everyone went quiet for a second; even Li just grinned and shrugged like, “see?” Afterward, we wandered through alleys lined with dried seafood and tried fresh fishballs (chewy, peppery). Lunch was simple—vegetarian rice rolls and hot soy milk—but sitting by the water made it feel special somehow.

We finished at Citygate Outlets—not really my thing but some folks were excited about shopping deals before heading back to Central by train. I kept thinking about those dolphins though. There’s something about seeing them in real life that sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lantau Island highlights

• Enjoy view of Big Buddha and island
• Visit Big Buddha and market
• Explore Tai O fishing village
• Watch Chinese White Dolphin
• Shop at Lantau's largest mall

Top questions

How long does the Lantau Island full day tour last?

The tour lasts around 7 to 8 hours including all main attractions.

Is pickup included for this Lantau Island tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Hong Kong city center (Central).

Do you visit Tai O fishing village on this tour?

Yes, Tai O fishing village is one of the main stops on this day trip.

Are meals or snacks included during the tour?

A vegetarian light meal and local snack tasting are included.

Is dolphin watching part of this Lantau Island itinerary?

Yes, a dolphin watching cruise is included during your visit to Tai O.

Can I take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car on this tour?

The cable car ride is optional but available as part of the experience.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Citygate Outlets mall; you can shop or return to Central by train.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Central Hong Kong, guidance from a licensed local expert throughout Lantau Island’s highlights, an optional Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride with panoramic views of Big Buddha, entry to observation decks, a dolphin watching cruise at Tai O fishing village with fresh fishball tasting and drinks provided along with a vegetarian light meal before returning via Citygate Outlets or train back to Central.