When you hike the MacLehose Trail Stage 2, you not only hike along the best beaches in Hong Kong. The hike offers so much diversity and beautiful nature — you might not expect when you are visiting Hong Kong.
Once a year, usually in the last week of December or the first week of January, I drive out to Sai Kung and hike my most favorite trail. And that’s what I also did early in 2025: I started at Sai Wan Pavilion, walked to Sai Wan village, and followed the MacLehose Trail Stage 2. Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, and Tai Wan are probably the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. In my newest videos, they are the main actors.
How to get there
You typically start your hike in Sai Kung. From there, you can take a Minibus NR29 to Sai Wan Pavilion. Now, you will hike down to the Sai Wan Village. Nestled along the scenic coast of the Sai Kung East Country Park, Sai Wan Village is one of Hong Kong’s most quiet seaside towns.
Sai Wan is part of the famous Sai Wan – Ham Tin – Tai Long Wan hiking route, often called one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the territory. Despite its remote location, the village attracts hikers, photographers, and nature lovers, especially on weekends. You won’t find cars or modern infrastructure here—only simple village houses, a couple of beachside snack stalls.
The hike along the beaches
If you’re up for a beach-meets-mountains adventure, the Sai Wan–Ham Tin–Tai Long Wan hike is an absolute must. Tucked away in Sai Kung East Country Park, this coastal trail takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery Hong Kong offers. Think white sand beaches, green hills, and crystal-clear waves crashing along the shore.
The trail starts at Sai Wan, passes Ham Tin (where you can grab a bite or even camp), and leads you to the bay of Tai Long Wan. It’s not too challenging, but expect a few uphill climbs and some sweaty moments—entirely worth it for the views.
From Tai Long Wan to Pak Tam Au
After enjoying the sun and sea at Tai Long Wan, the hike back to civilization continues with an around 6 km route toward Pak Tam Au. This part of the trail winds inland through forest paths, streams, and gentle hills—offering an entirely different vibe from the beach stretch before. It’s a steady uphill at times, but nothing too hard. And the shade from the trees makes it a pleasant walk, especially on a hot day.
Along the way, you’ll pass old village ruins in Tai Long Village and Chek Keng Village and maybe spot a few wild cows minding their own business. Eventually, the trail leads you to Pak Tam Au, where you can hop on a bus and head back to Sai Kung or the city.
Some facts about the hike
In my case, the hike was 13.0 km long, and it took me 4 hours and 20 minutes. But keep in mind that I was filming, flying with the drone, and wasn’t rushing at all. I am sure you can hike in less than 4 hours when you walk faster, maybe even 3 hours. But the trail has so many beautiful places; allow yourself some time to enjoy a cold beer and the stunning landscape.
Difficulty
The hike is long, but it’s not too challenging. A considerable part of the hike is mostly flat. Yes, there are some inclines, all over. I would rate the difficulty around 3/10, making it suitable even for beginners.
