Tis' time to take the road less traveled with the Little Steps' Guide to Tai O. Famous for stilted houses and delish Canto-snacks, Tai O has loads of sweet adventures for day trippin' families or overnight staycationers. Prepare to sip lattes by the water, stay in a fabulous historical hotel, and snack your way through the tiny village of Tai O.
The Old Tai O Police Station, built in 1902, has been revitalized and converted into Tai O Heritage Hotel to celebrate Hong Kong cultural heritage. Choose from one of 9 historical rooms, enjoy traditional Tai O cuisine, and embark on one of their tours. Impressive? We think so! Alternatively, stay in the center of village action at this sweet B&B, Espace Elastique.
Tai O Heritage Hotel, Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 2985 8383, www.taioheritagehotel.com. Book the “Double Double” room that accommodates up to 4 people. Baby cots are available on request.
Espace Elastique, 57 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 2985 7002, www.espaceelastique.com.hk.
There is plenty more to Tai-O than stilted houses and shrimp paste! Book a sunset boat tour (popular with wee-wanderers) and explore the many waterways connecting the town or try to spot the Pink Dolphins of HK with Dolphin Watch. If you are staying overnight, plan on an early street stroll (the town is stroller-friendly) to catch a glimse of Tai O life before the tourists arrive. Bring your camera!
Sunset Boat Tours, Website
HK Dolphin Watch, www.hkdolphinwatch.com
Tai O is famous for it's snacking sensations..so open wide! For egg waffles with the finest smoky finish and cake-like crunch, visit the famous uncle on Kat Hing Street. Kids will love the varieties of crepe-like Chinese Pizzas (best eaten fresh off the grill). For those java junkies and coffee aficianados, Solo is a must and comes complete with a river view!
Egg Waffles, G/F, 59 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, Website.
Chinese Pizza, 70 Kut Hing Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 2985 7933, Website.
Solo, 86 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 9153 7453. Closed on Sundays.
Want more? Explore the streets and try everything you see...it's all good!
Journey past the photo-fab stilted homes and explore Tai O's Hung Shing Temple and Kwan Tai Temple. Get a glimse into the fishing village's past with a visit to Tai O Cultural Workshop where you will find artifacts and photos collected from the town's elders. Mark your calendar for key events including the famous Dragon Boat Parade in June and Chinese opera festivities!
Temples In Tai O, Website
Dragon Boat Water Parade in Tai O, June 2013, Website
Tai O Cultural Workshop, 54 Tai O Wing On Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 2985 6118, Website.
Art lovers of all ages can explore Tai-O's Flanhardt Galerie and Atelier which has regular exhibitions. Wander by the home of Mr. Kan's famous calligraphy and seven-word poems. The kids will not miss the cardboard art cutouts and ceramics (including Snow White) at Lo Sai Hei's Tokyo Store. If you are seeking wood sculptures, be sure to visit the town's famous Cheung Wan Tam.
Flanhardt Galerie and Atelier, 1/F, Blk B, Tai O Garden, Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O Fishing Village, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, www.fgua.com.hk
Mr. Kan, Website
Tokyo Store, Website
Cheung Wan Tam, Website
Tai O
Lantau Island, Hong Kong
From Central: Catch a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo and then take a taxi or bus number 1 to Tai O.
From Tung Chung: Alternatively, you can make an adventure out of it and ride on the cable car (Ngong Ping 360) and then take a taxi or bus to Tai O. Stroll through the city or if you are staying at Tai O Heritage Hotel, they will pick you up by boat at the Tai O entrance.
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