Ham Tin Bay Beach, Hong Kong

Introducing Hong Kong Ham Tin Bay Beach

Ham Tin Bay, located within Hong Kong's Sai Kung East Country Park, is a key attraction along the second section of the MacLehose Trail. Known as "Hong Kong's Most Beautiful Beach" and the "Backyard of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau,"38 it is renowned for its clear water, fine sand, and 270-degree unobstructed sea views. The approximately 500-meter-long beach, nestled against a backdrop of verdant mountains and facing the South China Sea, offers a breathtaking view of the Anaconda Peak mountain range in the distance. A single-log bridge spanning a stream is a landmark feature of the beach. The quaint bridge, along with the surrounding fishing villages and herds of wild cattle, creates a pristine and natural ecological landscape.

Once a traditional fishing village, Ham Tin Bay still retains its tranquil atmosphere, untouched by overdevelopment. It offers pristine sea views reminiscent of the Maldives, while also blending in Hong Kong's unique rural culture. It is an ideal destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

Climate and best time to travel

Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Mild weather (20-28°C) and moderate humidity make it ideal for hiking and beach activities.
Winter (December-February): Warm sunshine, clear waters, and fewer tourists make it a great time to enjoy the tranquil seascape.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Must-see attractions and experiences:
the single-plank bridge and stream

A wooden bridge spanning the stream, connecting the beach and the village, is a signature feature of Ham Tin Bay. It's a perfect spot for capturing silhouettes or reflections. Low-angle shots are recommended to capture the layers of the stream and distant mountains.

Ancient houses and bison herds in the fishing village

The abandoned fishing village near the beach is covered with vines, full of a sense of time; wild cattle stroll leisurely, forming a unique ecological landscape, suitable for humanistic photography.

Dalangxiwan Hiking Series

From Ham Tin Bay, hike along the second section of the MacLehose Trail to Sai Wan (approximately 1 hour). On the way, you’ll pass Dalang Sai Wan, the “Maldives of Hong Kong”, where the sand is fine and you can try kayaking or sunbathing on the beach.

Anaconda Peak overlooking

Ham Tin Bay is one of the best places to overlook Anaconda Peak, the "first of the three peaks" in Hong Kong. The mountain is steep and suitable for telephoto lenses to capture the magnificent picture of the blending of mountains and sea.

Photography Tips

Single-plank bridge composition

Time: 1 hour after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset. The soft light will highlight the texture of the wooden bridge and the reflection on the water.
Technique: Use a wide-angle lens (such as a 16-35mm) and shoot from a low angle to include the stream, beach, and distant mountains to enhance the sense of depth.

Fishing Village and Ecology

Theme: Capturing vine-covered old houses, a herd of bison, and the daily life of a fishing village.
Suggestions: A black and white filter can enhance the weathered feel of the ruins; a telephoto lens (70-200mm) can capture the natural demeanor of the herd.

Sea view and starry sky

During the day: Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections from the water and highlight the blue-green hues of the water.
At night: If you stay overnight on the beach, you can photograph the Milky Way and star trails (avoid light pollution, and the first month of the lunar month is best).

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Ham Tin Bay Beach, Hong Kong

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Ham Tin Bay (also called Ham Tin Wan) is part of the Tai Long Wan coastline in the Sai Kung East Country Park in Hong Kong. It features a historic village (Ham Tin Tsuen) and has retained remote, natural scenery—white sand, clear water, and few major developments. The area is celebrated for its wilderness appeal and scenic hiking routes.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Location: Eastern Sai Kung Peninsula, New Territories, Hong Kong.
• Access: From Sai Kung town centre take bus 29R (or Minibus) to Sai Wan Pavilion / trailhead. Then hike ~1.5-2 hours (~5 km) to Ham Tin Beach.
• Alternate: Speedboat from Sai Kung pier to Ham Tin Beach (available when scheduled).

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• As a public beach in a country park, it is accessible 24 hours though hiking trails may be less safe after dark.
• Best time: Autumn (Oct–Nov) for good weather; spring is also pleasant. Early morning weekday visits are quieter. Avoid peak summer holidays for less congestion.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for the beach itself. If camping overnight you may need to register at the designated campsite (via Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department) but general day-access is free.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No booking is required for casual day access. If you plan to camp overnight or catch a speedboat return ticket, it’s wise to secure arrangements in advance especially on weekends or holidays.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow about 2-3 hours for the hike + beach stay. For camping or exploring neighbouring beaches (Tai Wan or Tung Wan) allocate half a day or overnight.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The white-sand Ham Tin Bay beach and its turquoise water.
• The trail segment from Sai Wan to Ham Tin with sweeping sea views.
• The campsite and rustic village end of the beach with local stores/restaurants.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

There is no widely advertised official guided tour or audio guide for Ham Tin Beach. Most visitors go self-guided. Some hiking groups may offer English-language guided hikes.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• From the hillside trail looking down at Ham Tin Bay’s curve of sand against the green hills.
• The wooden bridge landmark at Ham Tin Bay and the beach front at sunrise or early morning.
• The shoreline looking back at the mountains behind the beach at sunset.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start at Sai Wan Pavilion → hike down to Sai Wan Beach → continue on to Ham Tin Beach → relax by the sea → if time allows head on to Tai Wan Beach or return by boat.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no formal light shows. However camping overnight means you can enjoy star-watching with minimal light pollution. Arrive early if staying overnight.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Least crowded: Weekday mornings, off-peak seasons.
• More crowded: Weekends, public holidays and summer months—especially because beach is more accessible than the two further beaches.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Public toilets and water taps near the campsite area.
• A couple of small stores/restaurants at the northeast end of the beach where you can rent gear, buy snacks or arrange speedboat.
• The rest of the beach is fairly natural: bring your own supplies if staying longer.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The hike is moderately easy but involves steps and exposed trail sections—it may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Children can manage with supervision. Not ideal for wheelchair access.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

The small local stores/restaurants likely accept cash; mobile payments may be possible but it’s safe to bring some HKD. For hiking/boat/camping services, check ahead.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are two restaurants/stores at Ham Tin Beach (e.g., Hoi Fung Store, On Kee) offering food, drinks, gear rental and speedboat booking.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian-friendly snacks and simple dishes may be available in the small beach stores, but specialised vegan or halal options are limited—prepare accordingly.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodation is limited on-site; most visitors stay in Sai Kung town or camp overnight at the designated campsite at Ham Tin Beach (advance booking recommended).

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Tai Wan Beach & Tung Wan Beach: other beaches in the Tai Long Wan area reachable by trail.
• Hike the section of the MacLehose Trail Section 2 which passes through the area.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The beach stores may sell basic souvenirs (t-shirts, caps) but for a wider selection go back to Sai Kung town where you’ll find more comprehensive shops.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Return to Sai Kung town by speedboat (if pre-booked) or hike back via trail.
• From Sai Kung town you can take bus/minibus back to urban Hong Kong or connect to MTR.