Coach Day Tour – Lantau Island Visiting and Giant Buddha Cable Car Tour Plus Tai O Boat Ride

A day exploring Lantau Island’s highlights—Big Buddha, Tai O Village, and panoramic cable car rides—fitted into about 8 hours for just over $105. Our guide, usually a friendly and knowledgeable person, takes the hassle out of getting around, with hotel pickups in Kowloon. The tour’s focus on key sights makes it perfect for those wanting a comprehensive experience without the stress of planning, especially if you’re eager to see the famous giant Buddha and charming fishing villages.

Two features we really appreciate: the included cable car ride, offering breathtaking views of the South China Sea and Hong Kong’s airport, and the boat trip in Tai O, which gives a rare glimpse of stilt houses and a chance to spot pink dolphins in the summer. However, a potential drawback is the timing constraints—the sightseeing and meals are somewhat rushed, especially if you love lingering at each stop. Still, for those wanting a well-organized, all-in-one day trip, this tour hits the spot.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a bit of everything—spectacular scenery, cultural sights, and a taste of local life—without the hassle of local transportation or navigating crowds. It’s especially ideal if you value expert guides and a smooth itinerary that covers major highlights efficiently, as many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendly approach.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Visit the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Tai O fishing village, and enjoy a cable car ride all in one day.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kowloon make it easy to start and end your day.
• Spectacular views: The Ngong Ping Cable Car offers panoramic vistas of the South China Sea, Hong Kong International Airport, and lush mountains.
• Authentic charm: The boat ride in Tai O provides a glimpse into traditional village life with stilt houses and possible dolphin sightings.
• Balanced pace: The itinerary is well-organized, but some reviews mention a certain rush, especially if you like to explore slowly.
• Value for money: Inclusion of all transportation, admission, and vegetarian lunch makes this a practical choice for a full day of sightseeing.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Getting Started – Hotel Pickup and Departure

The tour kicks off with a pickup from most Kowloon hotels, which is a real plus for travelers unfamiliar with public transportation. The guide usually finds you easily and gets you comfortable on a cozy coach. If your hotel isn’t listed, you’ll be directed to the nearest meeting point—usually a well-situated hotel or a set pickup location. This convenience saves you time and energy, especially after a long flight or a busy morning.

Traveling to Lantau Island

Once aboard, the real fun begins as you head towards Lantau. The journey itself is pleasant, giving you a chance to relax and chat with fellow travelers. The highlight of the drive is the Ngong Ping Cable Car, which is included in the package, allowing you to skip the long lines often seen at the station. For those opting for the crystal glass-bottom version, the views below are mesmerizing—seeing the greenery beneath your feet adds an extra thrill, especially if heights don’t bother you.

The Cable Car Ride – Unmatched Panorama

The 30-minute cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping is a defining feature of this tour. It offers a 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s southern waters, the airport, and distant islands. Many reviews mention how the views alone make the trip worth it—“breathtaking,” “spectacular,” “a perfect photo op.” The ride is smooth, and the large cabins comfortably hold groups, meaning you’ll likely share the experience with fellow travelers from around the world.

Visiting the Tian Tan Big Buddha

A short shuttle bus from the cable car station takes you to the Tian Tan Buddha, the tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha in the world. Here, you’ll climb about 268 steps (or take the bus directly to the base if you prefer) to stand face-to-face with this 112-foot marvel. Many visitors comment on how impressive the Buddha’s size is—“the sight of it is staggering,” as one reviewer put it. The museum beneath the statue is packed with relics, including a relic of Sakyamuni, making it a meaningful stop.

Po Lin Monastery and Vegetarian Lunch

Next, you’ll explore the Po Lin Monastery, a tranquil place that feels worlds away from the bustling city. The tour includes a vegetarian Chinese lunch here, which many reviewers find surprisingly good—“the food was very fresh and tasty,” some say. The monastery’s serene atmosphere pairs well with the meal, giving a moment to reflect after the energetic climb and sightseeing.

The Boat Ride in Tai O

The boat trip around Tai O fishing village is one of the tour’s most charming moments. Floating through the stilts houses, you’ll get a sense of Hong Kong’s traditional fishing life. If you’re lucky, during summer, you might even catch a glimpse of pink dolphins, a special treat that visitors love. One reviewer enthusiastically noted, “the boat ride was rewarding,” and another mentioned seeing the dolphins was “a sight to remember.” The boat ride is roughly 30 minutes, providing a relaxed, scenic break from the busy sightseeing.

Return Journey and Hotel Drop-Off

After a full day, the tour concludes at Tung Chung around 4 pm, with a cable car ride back and views of the Hong Kong-Macau bridge from the sky. The coach then returns to Kowloon, generally arriving before 6 pm. The seamless transfer back is appreciated, though some travelers note that traffic can sometimes extend the return journey.

What Travelers Are Saying

Authentic reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides, often highlighting guides like Ben, Ross, and Toby for their insights and humor. The spectacular views, especially from the cable car, are a recurring highlight, with many mentioning the crystal bottom upgrade as well worth the extra cost.

The meals received positive comments—the vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery is often described as surprisingly delicious and a good fit for health-conscious eaters. The boat ride and sighting of pink dolphins in Tai O are frequently mentioned as memorable moments.

Some reviewers find the pace a bit hurried, especially if you like to explore slowly or take more photos. Others note that the boat ride in Tai O can sometimes be less exciting if the dolphins are not visible, or if the boat ride is suspended due to weather or schedule maintenance.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Booking early can help snag the group entry for the cable car, saving time in line.
• The crystal glass cable car upgrade offers more spectacular views, but the regular cable car still provides stunning panoramas.
• Comfortable shoes are advisable since you’ll climb stairs at the Buddha and walk around the monastery.
• The vegetarian lunch is included, but if you prefer different dietary options, be aware that seafood is not available in the meal.
• Weather can impact your experience; in bad weather, the cable car or boat ride might be canceled, but the tour offers alternative transportation.
• For dolphin sightings, summer months are the best, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• The tour ends around 4 pm, so plan your evening activities accordingly.
• If you’re staying on Lantau Island, special arrangements apply for pickup, but it’s a feasible option if you prefer to avoid the coach.

The Sum Up

This Lantau Island tour offers a well-rounded taste of Hong Kong’s cultural and natural highlights. It balances convenience and authenticity, giving travelers a chance to see the towering Big Buddha, explore a traditional fishing village, and enjoy panoramic views from the cable car. The inclusion of meals, transportation, and entrance fees provides excellent value, especially for those wanting a smooth, guided experience.

We think this tour is best suited for first-time visitors or those pressed for time but eager to check off key sights with minimal hassle. If you love stunning scenery, friendly guides, and local flavor, you’ll find this a worthwhile day out. However, if you’re someone who prefers to spend more time at each site or enjoy a more leisurely pace, some parts might feel a bit rushed.

This tour provides a memorable snapshot of Hong Kong’s unique blend of tradition and modernity—a perfect way to see the highlights in a single, fun-filled day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most Kowloon hotels are included for pickup, making it convenient for travelers who want to skip public transport.

Can I join if I don’t stay in Kowloon?
If your hotel is not listed, you’ll be directed to a nearby meeting point. It’s best to confirm this when booking.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts around 8 hours, typically ending around 4 pm, with hotel drop-offs shortly after.

Does the tour include the cable car ride?
Yes, a one-way cable car ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping is included. There’s an option for the crystal glass cable car at an extra cost.

Are meals included?
A vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery is included in the standard package. Seafood options are not available.

Can I skip certain parts of the tour?
Yes, if you prefer, you can leave the group or skip the climb to the Buddha, but you should inform your guide beforehand.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If the cable car or boat ride is canceled due to poor weather, alternative transportation will be provided, but some experiences might be missed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly. Just be aware of the stairs and walking involved, and consider your child’s comfort with heights.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. A light jacket may be helpful if it’s cooler at higher elevations.

This guided day trip to Lantau Island combines convenience with authentic sights, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a full but manageable adventure in Hong Kong.