Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha

If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and want to see more than just the bustling city streets, the VIP Lantau Tai O Tour offers a well-rounded experience that promises iconic sights, local culture, and some beautiful scenery. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, a thorough review of the details and traveler feedback paints a clear picture of what you can expect.

What we love about this tour is its priority cable car access, which helps you bypass long lines at Ngong Ping, saving precious time and frustration. The inclusion of lunch at Po Lin Monastery, a visit to the quaint Tai O fishing village, and the convenient pickup and drop-off from downtown Hong Kong make it a very appealing day out. One thing to keep in mind is that with a group size capped at 30, it’s not a solo adventure, but that’s part of the fun of traveling with others. It’s a perfect fit for those who want a comprehensive, organized, and authentic experience on Lantau Island without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Good To Know

• Skip-the-line cable car experience for more time at the sights
• Includes lunch at a popular monastery, offering vegetarian options
• Visits both major landmarks and lesser-known local spots for a balanced view
• Comfortable transportation and transfers included, saving time and effort
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and tips
• Limited group size (max 30) for a more personalized adventure

An Overview of What This Tour Offers

This tour is designed to give travelers a full day of sightseeing on Lantau Island, combining the island’s most famous attractions with some hidden gems. Starting in downtown Hong Kong, you’ll be picked up and whisked away to the island, avoiding the common hassle of figuring out transportation on your own. The price, at $99.75 per person, offers exceptional value considering the many inclusions like the cable car, lunch, and guided commentary.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ride

The journey kicks off with a skip-the-line ride on the renowned Ngong Ping 360 cable car. We’ve heard from travelers that this is a “spectacular gondola ride” with amazing views over Lantau’s rugged terrain and the ocean. The priority boarding feature means you skip hours of waiting — a huge plus during peak times. The 25-minute ride transports you from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village, giving you a bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong’s natural beauty.

One reviewer mentioned, “We would have waited a very long time in a long line to go up the gondola, so this shortcut was worth every penny.” The standard cabin offers a comfortable and smooth ascent, with some finding the experience slightly windy and chilly, so dress accordingly.

Tai O Fishing Village

Next, the tour takes you into Tai O, a historic fishing village known for its stilt houses and old-world charm. Unlike the crowded markets of Central, Tai O offers a more relaxed, authentic glimpse into Hong Kong’s fishing heritage. With public transportation round trip included, you’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride through the waterways, which many describe as a “hidden gem.”

Reviewers note that Tai O is interesting, but if you skip the optional boat ride, you might find yourself with too much free time. One person mentioned, “If you didn’t do the optional boat tour, you would end up with far too much free time.” That optional boat ride can be a fun highlight, especially if you’re into local scenes and wildlife, but it’s an extra cost paid directly on-site.

Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha

The star attraction of this tour — the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery — are accessible after a scenic walk around Ngong Ping Village. The Big Buddha is an imposing, peaceful figure that travelers frequently describe as “a must-see”, especially with the priority access included here. You’ll get approximately 1.5 hours to explore, and many reviews highlight the spectacular views from this area.

Visitors have also appreciated the fascinating commentary from guides, who share details about the religious significance and the architecture. One enthusiast noted, “Pearline was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about explaining the sites.”

Lunch at Po Lin Monastery

The included lunch is a light vegetarian meal, served at the monastery. While some reviews praise the generous portions and tasty dishes, others mention that sharing dishes with strangers isn’t ideal, especially from a hygiene perspective. One reviewer suggested that the lunch could be improved, but overall, it offers a cultural experience and a chance to relax after sightseeing.

Return via Ngong Ping Cable Car & Downtown Transfer

Riding the Ngong Ping cable car again completes the circuit, providing a different perspective on the island’s landscapes. The return ride is also 25 minutes, and the tour guide will organize your transfer back to downtown Hong Kong, making it a hassle-free experience.

Additional Stops and Shopping

The tour ends with a visit to a registered jewelry and souvenir shop in Kowloon, which some found unnecessary. One reviewer expressed disappointment over this sales pitch, while others appreciated the opportunity to pick up souvenirs. The stop is optional, but it’s worth noting that some travelers feel it detracts from the overall sightseeing value.

Transportation and Group Size

Travelers consistently mention the air-conditioned vehicle and smooth transfers, which significantly reduce the stress of navigating public transport. The tour operates with a maximum of 30 participants, creating a more intimate atmosphere, according to reviews.

The round-trip transfers and priority cable car tickets justify the price, especially considering the cost of individual tickets and transportation if done independently. The timing is well-paced, with most stops allowing ample time for photos, exploration, and rest.

Guides and Guest Experience

The guides seem to be a highlight, with many reviews praising their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness. One reviewer shared, “Pearline and Jackie are excellent guides, making the trip informative and fun.” Another called out Rex as a “superb guide”, emphasizing his wit and insights.

That said, some reviews highlight language challenges when the group includes both Cantonese and English speakers. One traveler noted, “The guide did dual languages, which sometimes made the commentary less fluent and louder, especially with a large group.” This suggests that smaller groups or clear communication are key to a better experience.

Value for Money

For $99.75, the tour covers the main attractions, transportation, meals, and skip-the-line privileges, making it a cost-effective option. Compared to the hassle and costs involved if you were to visit these sites independently, this package offers considerable convenience and savings.

Many travelers commented on the good value, with some mentioning that they would do the tour again for the convenience and guided insights.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Hong Kong’s natural and cultural highlights without the stress of planning logistics. It’s perfect for families, small groups, or couples who appreciate guided commentary and organized itineraries. If you want to avoid long lines, enjoy authentic food, and see both major landmarks and hidden spots, this tour checks those boxes.

Final Thoughts

The VIP Lantau Tai O Tour offers a well-rounded day exploring Lantau Island’s most iconic sights combined with the charm of lesser-known locations. The skip-the-line cable cars, guided tours, and included meals make it a convenient and enjoyable option for those seeking a comprehensive experience without the headache of logistics.

While some might find the jewelry shop stop unnecessary or feel the lunch could be more hygienic, these are minor issues compared to the overall value, comfort, and insights gained. The knowledgeable guides and scenic stops create a memorable snapshot of Hong Kong’s diverse offerings.

If you’re after a balanced mix of culture, nature, and stunning views, and want the comfort of an organized tour, this adventure is a solid choice.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, most travelers find this tour suitable for families, especially since it’s well-paced and includes scenic rides and cultural sites that appeal to all ages.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, which includes travel, sightseeing, and meal times.

Are the cable cars comfortable?
Yes, the standard cabins are comfortable, but some travelers mention it can be windy and cold, so dress accordingly.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all transportation, round-trip cable car tickets with priority access, lunch, all site entrance fees, and transfers. Optional boat rides and jewelry shop visits are extra.

Can I skip certain parts of the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is flexible enough to allow some free time and optional activities, like the boat ride at Tai O or visiting the jewelry shop.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
The guides typically speak English and Cantonese, with some mentioning dual-language commentary. Larger groups may experience some language overlap, which could affect the fluency of explanations.

In summary, this tour provides a practical, engaging way to experience Lantau Island’s best bits, with the added convenience of skip-the-line access and expert guides. It’s perfect for those wanting to maximize their day with minimal hassle, all while enjoying the sights and flavors of authentic Hong Kong.