Hong Kong: Lantau Island & Tai O Cruise, Skip The Line Cable Car

If you’re looking for a way to escape the hustle of downtown Hong Kong and experience some of its most iconic sights, this Lantau Island & Tai O tour might be just the ticket. While it’s not perfect, it offers a well-rounded glimpse into Hong Kong’s scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and spiritual sites — all wrapped into a six-hour adventure.

What we love about this excursion is how it combines breathtaking cable car rides with authentic village scenery and cultural highlights, offering a balance of nature, history, and local flavor. The priority boarding for the Ngong Ping 360 makes the journey smoother, and the chance to see pink dolphins during the boat ride adds a touch of magic.

A potential downside? Some travelers have found the tour’s logistics a bit confusing, especially regarding the return trip—be aware that the cable car ticket includes only one-way priority boarding, not the return. So, if you’re not prepared or don’t opt for the full package, you might need to figure out your own way back.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, scenic day out that doesn’t break the bank and includes several highlights, from spiritual landmarks to fishing villages. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy visual splendor and cultural insights but don’t mind walking and some group logistics.

Good To Know

• Stunning Views: The cable cars offer panoramic vistas of mountains, sea, and iconic bridges.
• Authentic Cultural Stops: Tai O Fishing Village and the stilt houses give a real sense of Hong Kong’s fishing heritage.
• All-in-One Experience: Combines transportation, sightseeing, and cultural highlights in a manageable six hours.
• Flexible Return Options: The tour ends at Ngong Ping Village with a return cable car, but the return trip isn’t included unless specified.
• Value for Money: At around $76, this offers a lot of sights for the price, especially with skip-the-line access.
• Group Size: Limited to 30 travelers, making it a reasonably intimate experience.

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins with a deluxe coach transfer from downtown Hong Kong, specifically from the Kowloon Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. This comfortable, air-conditioned ride takes you away from the city’s hustle to the tranquility of Lantau Island. The fact that the coach is described as “deluxe” suggests a certain level of comfort, which is nice considering the full day ahead.

Traveling with a small group of up to 30 travelers ensures you’re not lost in a sea of strangers but still maintains enough people to keep the experience lively. The timing kicks off early at 9:00 am, which is perfect for making the most of the day and avoiding crowds later in the afternoon.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: A View to Remember

One of the tour’s main highlights is the skip-the-line cable car ride. This isn’t just a convenient perk; it’s a chance to experience one of the world’s most incredible rides. The priority boarding means you bypass long queues, which can be a real time-saver during peak hours, especially in busy seasons.

As you glide over lush greenery, you’ll take in panoramic views of mountains, sea, and even the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Reviewers have appreciated the “incredible” cable car experience, with some noting that the scenery is the real star of this part. Expect to be wowed by the vistas of Lantau Island’s rugged terrain and the sprawling cityscape below.

The 30-minute ride offers plenty of opportunity for photos, and the vista is particularly stunning on clear days. Keep in mind, the ticket includes only one way of priority boarding, so if you want to descend the same way, you’ll need to purchase a round-trip or additional tickets.

Tai O Fishing Village and Its Stilt Houses

Next, the tour takes you into Tai O, known for its traditional stilt houses and waterways. It’s a living snapshot of Hong Kong’s fishing past. Walking through Tai O feels like stepping back in time, away from the modern skyscrapers, with narrow lanes and quaint storefronts lining the water.

Since the admission is free, you can explore at your own pace. Reviewers mention that the village is a “hidden gem” where you can really see how locals have preserved their way of life amid rapid urbanization.

Boat Ride and Pink Dolphins

For an additional HK$50 per person, you can hop aboard a scenic boat ride through the stilt houses. This gives a closer look at the floating homes and waterways, offering a rare glimpse into Hong Kong’s fishing heritage, with some lucky travelers like Steven T. mentioning they hoped to spot pink dolphins—an elusive but memorable sight.

Some reviewers note the boat ride is 30 minutes long, and it’s a highlight if you’re eager for a more immersive experience in Tai O. However, remember that the boat ride is not included in the base price, and you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Ngong Ping Village, Tian Tan Buddha, and Po Lin Monastery

After Tai O, the tour continues to Ngong Ping Village, a spacious area filled with shops, cafes, and cultural attractions. It’s a lively spot perfect for exploring before heading to the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha).

The Big Buddha is a must-see for visitors. Its impressive stature and serene surroundings make it a spiritual highlight. Entry is free, and the 30-minute visit gives enough time to take photos and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

Adjacent to the Buddha is Po Lin Monastery, a revered pilgrimage site with beautiful architecture against a stunning mountain backdrop. Here, you’re treated to a vegetarian snack, as mentioned in reviews, which offers a taste of local vegetarian cuisine and adds a wholesome touch to the experience.

Travelers like Geeta P. appreciated the guide’s engaging commentary and found the combination of cultural landmarks and scenic views to be well worth the visit.

Return Cable Car and End of Tour

The tour wraps up with a return ride in the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, ensuring you get to descend with the same breath-taking views. The 30-minute ride back to Tung Chung concludes the tour, but it’s important to note that this round-trip ticket is included only if you choose the full package.

If you opted for just the one-way up, you’ll need to arrange your own return, which some travelers found inconvenient or confusing. Reviewers have commented that the return trip is a nice way to reflect on the day’s sights, and the views during the descent are equally stunning.

Additional Considerations

While the tour offers a lot, some reviews highlight areas where things could be smoother. For example, Steven T. mentioned waiting 90 minutes in line for the cable car, which is contrary to the advertised skip-the-line promise. It’s a reminder that lines can still form, especially during peak times, and flexibility is key.

Others noted that the tour ends at Ngong Ping Village, and the return transportation is not included unless specified, which could mean finding your own way back or paying extra for a taxi.

The cost of HK$50 for the boat ride is worth considering if you’re keen on spotting pink dolphins or exploring Tai O more intimately. The vegetarian snack included at the monastery is a nice touch, giving a taste of local cuisine without extra cost.

This experience is great for scenery lovers eager to see iconic views from the cable car, culture seekers interested in Hong Kong’s fishing heritage, and spiritual explorers wanting to visit the Big Buddha and monastery.

It’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and group travel, and who don’t mind some logistical planning, especially regarding the return trip. If you’re after a comprehensive, visually stunning day that balances natural beauty with cultural insights, this tour delivers.

However, if you prefer more control over your return or dislike waiting in lines, you might want to consider alternatives or upgrading to include full round-trip transportation.

For around $76, this tour provides a solid value considering the access to skip-the-line cable cars, scenic vistas, and authentic villages. It’s a wonderful way to see Lantau Island’s highlights in a manageable day, especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of Hong Kong’s natural and cultural treasures.

The experience’s mix of stunning views and cultural stops makes it a good option for first-timers or travelers who want a balanced overview without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transport.

While some logistical hiccups exist—like waiting in lines or managing your own return—the overall charm, scenic beauty, and cultural richness of the tour outweigh the drawbacks for most visitors.

In short, if you’re looking for a thoughtfully organized day that captures some of Hong Kong’s most photogenic spots and cultural gems, this tour is worth considering, especially with the skip-the-line cable car as a highlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation from my hotel?
No, the tour starts from The Kowloon Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, with the coach transfer to Lantau included.

Is the cable car ride round-trip?
The ticket includes one-way priority boarding. The return cable car is part of the tour if you select the full package, but it’s not included in the base price.

Can I skip the boat ride at Tai O?
Yes, the boat ride is not included in the standard package and is an optional HK$50 extra.

How long is the cable car ride?
Each cable car ride is approximately 30 minutes, offering ample time for photos and enjoying the views.

What are the main highlights?
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car, Tai O Fishing Village, the Big Buddha, and Po Lin Monastery are the key attractions.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
While most travelers can participate, the walking involved and the long lines at peak times might make it less suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, some snacks, and cash for extras like the boat ride or souvenirs.

What’s the duration of the tour?
Approximately 6 hours, from the start at 9 am to the end at Ngong Ping Village.

Are meals included?
No, but a vegetarian snack is included at Po Lin Monastery if you choose that option.

How do reviews rate this tour?
It has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5, with praise for the views and cultural highlights, but some note issues with line waiting and return logistics.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Hong Kong’s scenic and cultural sights, perfect for travelers eager to tick off iconic spots while enjoying the comfort of skip-the-line access and small-group intimacy.