Tin Hau Festival Guided Group Tour in Sai Kung

Celebrate Tin Hau Festival with Explore Hong Kong!

May in Hong Kong is an explosion of colour and culture, as the city celebrates the birthdays of multiple deities. It’s one of the most vibrant and festive months of the year! Join our small group tour and experience the Tin Hau Festival like a true local with Explore Hong Kong.

Experience the Magic of the Tin Hau Festival

The Goddess of the Sea, Tin Hau, is celebrated with grand festivities throughout Hong Kong. Witness:

Cantonese Opera Performances** inside traditional bamboo theatres.
Lion and Dragon Dance Parades** that snake through the streets.
Temple Fairs** brimming with local flavour and excitement.

Celebrate the Tin Hau Festival on 26 May! Be swept away by the vibrant atmosphere and join the locals in the mesmerising Cantonese Opera performances.

Immerse Yourself in Traditional Rituals

Marvel at the **Lion and Unicorn Dances**, each movement a testament to centuries of cultural heritage. Learn about the rich history and captivating stories behind this incredible festival, and uncover the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped Hong Kong’s identity and discover how different deities have influenced the lives of Hong Kong’s people, weaving a complex tapestry of beliefs and customs. Our tour will take you through this fascinating history, offering insights into the spiritual fabric of the city.

Get ready to snap stunning photos and take captivating videos as the vibrant procession unfolds before your eyes. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts!

Let’s Explore Hong Kong Together! Book Now!

Date

Sunday, 25th May 2025

Price

HKD $298 per person (maximum 6)

Transportation

Walking

Meeting / End point

Sai Kung Public Pier, outside UNESCO Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hVNpbQrztuPDbGi87

Time

11:30am to 2:00pm (2.5 hours)

Inclusions

Expertly led by the licensed guide and the owner of the 154K-instagram page @explore_hongkong.

This is guided tour on everything you need to know about this Traditional Chinese Festival and we will be experiencing it like a local! Get Ready to take some really nice photos and videos on that day!

Exclusions

Public transportation and personal spending

Language

English

How to go to Sai Kung

Take MTR to Shatin Station, take Bus 299X to Sai Kung Town

Take MTR to Ma On Shan Station, take Bus 99 to Sai Kung Town

Take MTR to Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2, take bus 92 to Sai Kung Town

View more local tours by Explore Hong Kong below

Aberdeen Sampan + Public Housing Estate Tour

Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour

The MOONCAKE is not the only signature food for HongKongers during the Mid-Autumn Festival. There are a lot more! Join us this September to Yuen Long, a rarely explored place for tourists (and even locals!), to prepare for the Mid-Autumn Festival like an expert! It is one of the biggest festivals celebrated across Hong Kong!

We will be visiting the lantern street, where you will find yourself surrounded by hundreds of handmade lanterns, sampling and bringing home different traditional Mid-autumn festival food (not only the mooncake) in some of the oldest local bakeries in Hong Kong and learn about how important the Mid-Autumn Festival has been to Hong Kong people! (In the past, people saved money ONE year in advance to get mooncakes for their relatives and friends!)

The tour includes a total of food stops, from herbal tea to the must-have in Yuen Long and a variety of Mid-Autumn Festival snacks. Remember to come with an empty stomach!

We will finish the tour with local dim sum, handmade in Hong Kong! Have you taken ALL modes of transportation in Hong Kong yet? See Yuen Long through the window of the Light Rail Train, a less mentioned mode of transport but as classic as the other ones. I can assure that we will be exploring Hong Kong like a local!

Date

Sunday 8th September 2024
Saturday 14th September 2024

Price

HKD $620 per adult

HKD $420 per child (5-11 years)

Transportation

Walking

Meeting / End point

Yuen Long MTR station Exit A

Time

11:00am to 2:30pm (3.5 hours)

Inclusions

Expertly led by the licensed guide and the owner of the 116K-instagram page @explore_hongkong with dim sum lunch and multiple food stops.

Exclusions

Public transportation and personal spending

Language

English

View more local tours by Explore Hong Kong below

Aberdeen Sampan + Public Housing Estate Tour

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Experience + Teacake Masterclass

When you hear “Tai Hang,” the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible fire dragon dance, a tradition that’s been going strong for a century. But there’s more to this spot than meets the eye – it used to be a bustling Hakka village, and now it’s a hub of cool shops and historical spots that everyone loves. That’s why it’s often called Causeway Bay’s backyard! Join us for this one-off tour of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre in English, for behind the scenes access ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

Tour includes:

Expertly led in-depth tour of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre at 12 School Street, Tai Hang
Hakka Steamed Buns making workshop
A rendezvous with Fire Dragon itself
️Lunch at Hakka Ting
A visit to the unique Lin Fa Kung Temple
MTR travel

Workshop (Hakka Steamed Buns):

Next, prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an immersive Hakka Steamed Buns workshop. Learn the art of crafting these delightful delicacies under the guidance of experienced Hakka chefs. Unleash your creativity as you shape the buns, fill them with scrumptious ingredients, and embrace the culinary traditions of the Hakka people.

Fire Dragon Visit:

This one-off visit grants you access to the awe-inspiring Fire Dragon for the last time before the festivities begin. You will be able to see the scale and meticulous craftsmanship of the unique dragon sculpture which is adorned with countless incense sticks, later to be arefired up during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

Lunch at Hakka Ting:

As the day unfolds, indulge in an exquisite lunch at Hakka Ting, a charming restaurant renowned for its delectable Hakka cuisine. Savor the authentic flavors of traditional dishes, elevating your culinary adventure to new heights. The rich heritage of Hakka food will be a perfect complement to the immersive experiences of the day.

Visit to the Lin Fa Kung Temple:

Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Lin Fa Kung Temple, a place steeped in history and spirituality, and unique lotus shaped architecture.

Meeting point: Tin Hau MTR

Date: Tuesday 12th March

Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm

Inclusions: Local cultural heritage guide, lunch, Hakka teacake workshop

Adult ticket: $318

Language: English

Tour code: CTIS-ICHKFIREDRAGON12

Tai O Hau Wong Festival Tour

Join us on this annual Cultural festival at the charming Tai O, the most well-preserved fishing village in Hong Kong, to experience the Hau Wong Festival like a local!

The birthday of Hau Wong, a loyal general in the Southern Song dynasty, is celebrated in Tai O every year on the 6^th Day of the 6^th Lunar month. Celebrate the festival with us like a local by joining a Chinese Opera. Learn about the history of Tai O and understand how different Gods are important to the people of Tai O .

Enjoy a small boat ride around the unique stilt houses of Tai O and potentially a chance to see the Pink Dolphin! We will also try tea cakes, maybe more local snacks, prepared by local aunties! Let’s explore Hong Kong like a local!

Secure your place by booking on or before 21st June!

Date: Sunday, 29th June 2025 or Monday, 1st July 2025 (public holiday)

Price: HKD$ 580 per person

Transportation: Walking and boat ride through Pearl River Delta

Meeting: Tai O Ferry Pier

End Point: Tai O Centre

Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm

Inclusions:

Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 110K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a boat ride in Tai O for a chance to see the Pink dolphin and THREE food stops for traditional food and drinks in Tai O. Join locals for a Cantonese Opera!

Exclusions: Public transportation and personal spending

Language: English

Highlights:

Enjoy a small boat ride around the unique stilt houses and potentially get to see the pink dolphins which live in the estuary
Join a Chinese Opera with locals!
Story and traditions of Hau Wong Festival in Hong Kong – including traditional rituals performed by locals during Hau Wong Festival and joining villagers for roasted pork ceremony, roasted pork-sharing ceremony and behind-the-scene of other rituals.
Visit the 300-year-old Yeung Hau Temple in Tai O, which has kept people living in Tai O safe for centuries! Plus the Tin Hau Temple for good luck.
Enjoy the locally made teacakes handcrafted by the village aunties!

Dragon Boat Festival Tour

Join us on a group tour for this annual Cultural festival at the charming Aberdeen Harbour to experience the Dragon Boat Festival like a local! Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race is one the oldest and most traditional in Hong Kong, with more than a hundred year of history.

Learn about the history and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival, watch the Dragon Boat Race ON A SAMPAN fishing boat, try the traditional Cantonese Rice dumplings prepared by a local auntie and MORE! Let’s explore Hong Kong like a local!

Secure your place by booking on or before 20th May!

Date: Monday, 10th June 2024

Price: HKD$ 530 (Adult)

HKD$ 380 (Children between 3 to 12 years old, must be accompanied by an adult)

Transportation: Walking and Sampan ride on Aberdeen Harbour

Meeting: Lei Tung MTR station, Exit A1

End Point: Ap Lei Chau Market

Time: 9:00am to 11:00pm and 12:30pm to 2:30pm (two sessions x 2 hours)

Inclusions: Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 131K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour and 1 food stop for traditional Dragon Boat Festival Rice Dumplings and drinks.

Exclusions: Public transportation

Language: English

Highlights

45-min Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour with Captain Ten, a local fisherman in Hong Kong!
Story and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong
Visit the 250-year-old Hung Shing Temple, which has kept people living on boat safe for centuries!
The Shui Yuet Temple, Ap Lei Chau
History of Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen, the birthplace of Hong Kong
Enjoy a Cantonese Rice dumplings made by local aunties!
We have prepared a Dragon Boat Festival souvenir for you!

Aberdeen Sampan + Public Housing Estate Group Tour

This is a tour where you can appreciate the nature, learn about the history and culture of Hong Kong and experience the life of local fisherman all at once!

Join us on an inspirational group tour, exploring Aberdeen, the cultural birthplace of Hong Kong. This includes Ap Lei Chau, the fourth most densely populated island in the world. During the 3-hour tour, we will be on foot and take a traditional wooden sampan fishing boat, and dive into the harbour’s history.

Enjoy a bowl of boat noodles, traditionally prepared by local fisherman, whilst enjoying the beautiful view of the Aberdeen Harbour on a sampan. You would be able to take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.

We will then visit one of the oldest public housing estates in Hong Kong to learn about the history of public housing development and understand more about how one-third of Hong Kong population live their lives in this second most expensive city in the world. A small hike around the area allows us to see the hundred-year-old waterfall and the seashore shrine which houses thousands of statues of Gods and Goddess, guarding people in the area for decades.

Let’s explore Hong Kong with us like a local!

Price

HKD$ 580

Transportation

Walking and Sampan ride on Aberdeen Harbour

Meeting

Lei Tung MTR station, Exit A1

End Point

Aberdeen Bus Terminus, Aberdeen

Time

11:00am to 2:00pm

Inclusions

Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 116K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a 30-min Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour and a bowl of traditional boat noodles* and local food in one of the oldest cafés in Hong Kong!

Exclusions

Public transportation

Highlights

Explore Aberdeen, the birthplace of Hong Kong. Learn about Aberdeen’s earliest role as a vital port of trade, incense manufacturing and fishing.
Explore Ap Lei Chau, the fourth most densely populated island in the world, including the culturally significant Hung Shing Temple and Shui Yuet Temple
Continue the journey on a Sampan and take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.
*Enjoying a bowl of traditional boat noodles on a Sampan
Learn how important the God and Goddess of the Sea are to fishermen in Hong Kong
Visit one of the oldest public housing estates and understand about how one-third of Hong Kong population live their lives in this second most expensive city in the world.
A small hike to see the hundred-year-old waterfall and the seashore shrine which houses thousands of statues of Gods and Goddess, guarding people in the area for decades.
Visit one of the oldest Hong Kong cafés for local snacks and drinks

*tasting might change due to availability

We also provide this tour virtually if you are unable to join in person. Check it out here.

Big Buddha & Tai O – private Lantau car tour

Lantau Island Car Tour: Discover the Hidden Treasures

Comfort, Convenience, and Exclusive Access

Make the most of your visit by taking a Lantau car tour with your very own driver and guide.
Enjoy door-to-door service, collecting you from and returning you to your hotel, airport, or cruise ship, ensuring a seamless and memorable day out.
Experience comfort and convenience as we navigate Lantau Island’s attractions in a private car.

Choose from our car options:

Premium Toyota Alphard: Ideal for groups of up to 5 passengers, offering spacious and luxurious travel.
Luxury Mercedes V-Class: Perfect for larger groups of up to 6 passengers, providing a sophisticated and comfortable ride.
Benefit from our exclusive license to access the restricted zone of Lantau Island, offering unique opportunities not available with other tour companies.
Our knowledgeable and friendly guides, fluent in English, will ensure you make the most of your time in Hong Kong.

Flexible Itinerary and Tailored Experience

Choose from a variety of options to include in your itinerary based on your interests and time constraints.
Enjoy the flexibility to customise your tour and create a personalised experience.
If you have a specific destination in mind that is not listed, simply inquire, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Lantau Island Attractions: Unveiling the Gems

1. The Big Buddha: Visit the iconic Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery.

- Explore the importance of Buddhism and its representation in the hearts, minds, and belief system of the people of Hong Kong.
- Ascend the 268 steps to the Tian Tan Big Buddha, a magnificent statue rising 34 meters into the air, offering panoramic views and attracting pilgrims from across Asia.

2. Tai O Fishing Village: Immerse yourself in the charm of the traditional fishing village.

- Wander through stilt houses inhabited by fishermen and their families.\Experience the relaxed atmosphere and slow pace of life in one of the best-preserved places in Hong Kong.

Additional Options to Enhance Your Experience

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: Take a breathtaking ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, offering stunning views of the landscape surrounding the Big Buddha.
Cheung Sha Beachside Lunch: Indulge in a delightful beachside lunch at Cheung Sha, savouring the flavours of Hong Kong.
Tai O Waterfall and Rock Pool: Discover the natural beauty of Tai O with a visit to the waterfall and rock pool, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Hong Kong DolphinWatch Experience: For nature enthusiasts, embark on the Hong Kong DolphinWatch experience and encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Unlocking the Charms of Lantau Island

As one of the only tour companies licensed to access the restricted zone of Lantau Island, a car tour with us opens the door to this fascinating part of Hong Kong.
Lantau Island, known as Hong Kong’s green lung, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore its captivating beauty.
Let us craft a personalised Lantau Island car tour that exceeds your expectations and creates memories to last a lifetime.
Contact us today to embark on an unforgettable journey through the hidden treasures of Lantau Island.

Car Tour of Hong Kong & Kowloon

Discover the Best of Hong Kong and Kowloon: Private Car Tour

Make the most of your visit to Hong Kong and Kowloon by embarking on a private car tour. With your own driver guide, experience the comfort and convenience of exploring the city’s top attractions at your own pace. Our door-to-door service ensures a stress-free experience, collecting you from your hotel, airport, or even the notoriously difficult-to-reach Kai Tak cruise terminal.

Why a car tour?

1. Comfort and Convenience:
Travel in ultimate comfort and convenience as you explore Hong Kong and Kowloon in a private car. Say goodbye to the hassle of public transportation and the constraints of fixed schedules. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of the logistics while you enjoy the journey.

2. Expert Guide:
Our knowledgeable and friendly guides are fluent in English and passionate about showcasing the best of Hong Kong and Kowloon. They will provide insightful commentary and ensure you have a memorable experience.

3. Cruise Ship Pick Up from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal:
We understand that transportation can be challenging at the Kai Tak cruise terminal. That’s why we offer pick-up services from this notoriously difficult location, ensuring you have a seamless and convenient start to your tour.

Cruise ships we receive booking for 2023-24: Celebrity Solstice, Westerdam, Costa Delizoiza, Costa Serena, Celebrity Millennium, Diamond Princess, Queen Mary II, Serenade of the Seas, Mein Schiff 6, Insignia, Royal Princess, MSC Bellissima, Norwegian Spirit, Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Coral Princess, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Sojourn, Seven Seas Explorer, Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Viking Orion

Car Options

We offer two car options to suit your preferences and group size:

1. Premium Option (Up to five passengers in a Toyota Alphard):
Indulge in a premium experience with our Toyota Alphard, accommodating up to five passengers. Enjoy a comfortable and luxurious journey as you explore the city.

2. Luxury Option (Up to six passengers in a Mercedes V-Class):
Experience the epitome of luxury with our Mercedes V-Class, accommodating up to six passengers. Travel in style and elegance while discovering the wonders of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

Tour Itineraries

1. Classic Hong Kong and Kowloon Highlights Tour

Embark on our classic Hong Kong Highlights tour, which covers the must-see attractions of the city. Visit iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in the vibrant street markets, and enjoy breathtaking views from panoramic viewpoints. This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Hong Kong. Scroll down for the options available.

2. Explore the New Territories Tour

For a unique and off-the-beaten-track experience, opt for our Explore the New Territories tour. Venture into lesser-known areas of Hong Kong that are not easily accessible by public transportation. Discover hidden gems, cultural landmarks, and picturesque landscapes that showcase a different side of Hong Kong. Click here for our New Territories car tour options.

3. Lantau Island for the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Tai O Fishing Village

One of the exclusive advantages of our private car tours is that we hold the necessary license to access the restricted zone of Lantau Island. This means that we can take our guests directly to some of the island’s most iconic and culturally significant attractions, including the renowned Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and the charming fishing village of Tai O. By having this special permission, we save you valuable time and offer you the comfort and accessibility that a walking tour would not be able to do.

Unlock the treasures of Hong Kong and Kowloon on a private car tour. Enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and personalized attention provided by our driver guide. Book a tour with us and create lasting memories as you explore the best that Hong Kong and Kowloon have to offer. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, arriving at the airport, or docking at the Kai Tak cruise terminal, we’ve got you covered with our convenient pick-up service.

Shore Excursions

While your ship is in port, make the most of your visit by taking a private car shore excursion around Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula with your very own driver guide. We take all the stress out of your visit with our door-to-door service, collecting you from and returning you to your cruise ship terminal.

As well as offering comfort and convenience, we are one of the few tour companies licensed to access the restricted access zone of Lantau Island by car. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides all speak excellent English and will ensure you make the most of your time in Hong Kong.

We have a number of shore excursion car itineraries. The first is a classic Hong Kong Highlights tour taking in several better-known destinations. We often recommend this to first time visitors as it takes in many of Hong Kong’s best known and most iconic spots.

However, if you would prefer to go further off the beaten track to see another side of Hong Kong, we would recommend our Explore the New Territories tour. There are plenty of fascinating spots that are difficult to access by public transport and also tend to be a little less crowded.

Listed below are some of the options we could include in your itinerary depending on your interests and time constraints. Your itinerary is completely flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. If you have a destination in mind that is not listed, please enquire and we will accommodate your request if possible.

Hong Kong Highlights Shore Excursion

Hong Kong Island:

Victoria Peak
Man Mo Temple
Stanley Market
Aberdeen

Kowloon:

Wong Tai Sin Temple – Make a wish at Hong Kong’s most vibrant temple
Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery – Enjoy a beautiful garden and tranquil retreat
Mongkok’s Markets: Bird Garden, Flower Market, Goldfish Market, Ladies Market

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of Hong Kong and Kowloon

Lantau Island for Big Buddha & Tai O Shore Excursion

Lantau Island:

The Big Buddha
Po Lin Monastery
Tai O Fishing Village
HKZM Bridge

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of Lantau Island for Big Buddha and Tai O

Explore the New Territories on a Shore Excursion

Sai Kung for the National Park or the seafood promenade.
Tai Po District: Wet market, floating fishing village in Sam Mun Tsai, Tsz Shan Monastery* and Guan Yin Statue.
Kadoorie Farm.
Abandoned villages and fortified walled communities in Sha Tin.
The 10, 000 Buddhas Monastery in Shatin.
Monkey Mountain the native (and very tame) Macaques monkeys. *Please do not feed the monkeys under any circumstances.
Jat’s Incline: An amazing panoramic view.
Shopping at Sum Ngai Brass Factory or Yuet Tung China Works

*A visit to the Tsz Shan Monastery must be booked at least four weeks in advance.

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of the New Territories

Lantau Island Full Day Tour

Lantau Island is known as Hong Kong’s green lung, and you can imagine stepping back in time 50 years when you visit. Most of this stunning island is untouched and can only be accessed by public transport. I will navigate you seamlessly through the highlights in this 8 hour private tour. Highlights include, a private car transfer from your accommodation to the cable-car, skip the line access at the cable-car (I am a licensed guide and so you will avoid the long lines), the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery and Tai O fishing village.

I will help you to understand the meanings of the stories that make this place so special, and how the teachings weave their way into Chinese culture and society on this experience. We will arrive by cable-car via skip-the-line access and enjoy the stunning and dramatic landscapes of Lantau on the 24-minute panoramic ride. Once we arrive to the top of the mountain, we will continue by foot to explore all corners of this uniquely different part of Hong Kong. Many times travellers visit this area as a first introduction to Buddhism, let me open it up for you! There are many things to see, but not that easy understand, such as Buddha’s story, a visit to the memory palace connected to the Big Buddha statue, and the word “emptiness” in relation to the faith – perhaps the most misunderstood word in Buddhism. I can also show you a hidden place where you will be able to “speak” directly to the Buddha. These are the things that you will not learn from a guide book.

This is an in-depth look at Tai O village. This is a must-see for anyone interested in visiting the real Hong Kong. This relaxing village is one of the best preserved places on Lantau Island, indeed the whole of Hong Kong, largely owing to the efforts of the local community… and a place to just really slow down. Situated at the end of the Pearl River Delta, where it meets the South China Sea, its history and culture are intrinsically linked to its geographical location. We will take a small boat ride to view the stilted houses for a close up look at how people live in this small enclave. There is a chance to view the Hong Kong- Macau – Zhuhai bridge from the open estuary and maybe a pink dolphin or two. Then we will visit the Tai O Heritage hotel, a former colonial police station which was converted in 2013. This has a story all on its own. Finally, we will wander through the market streets, say hello to the villagers who live there, and see all the home-made produce (much of which is linked to the preservation of fish).

Read more on this unique corner of Hong Kong on our blog – Tian Tan Buddha