The Best Beach Campsites in Sai Kung: Long Ke, Ham Tin & Sai Wan
Dubbed the 'Maldives of Hong Kong,' Sai Kung's beach campsites offer turquoise waters and white sand. Here's everything you need to know about Long Ke Wan, Ham Tin, and Sai Wan.
Sai Kung: Hong Kong's Outdoor Crown Jewel
When Hongkongers talk about camping, Sai Kung is almost always the first destination that comes up. The Sai Kung East Country Park—along with its extension into the outlying High Island Reservoir area—protects a rugged coastline of volcanic rock headlands, hidden coves, and beaches of startling beauty. The water here genuinely rivals the colour of the Maldives or the Mediterranean, a fact that surprises almost everyone who has only seen Hong Kong through the lens of its skyscrapers.
Three beach campsites define the Sai Kung experience: Long Ke Wan, Ham Tin Wan, and Sai Wan. Each has a distinct character, and each rewards the camper who makes the effort to reach it.
Getting to Sai Kung Town — Your Base Camp
All three sites are accessed from Sai Kung Town, a bustling market town on the eastern New Territories coast.
By public transport:
- From Hang Hau MTR Station (Tseung Kwan O Line): Minibus 1M runs directly to Sai Kung Town (approximately 20 minutes)
- From Diamond Hill MTR Station (Kwun Tong Line): Bus 92 to Sai Kung Town (approximately 40 minutes)
By car: Follow Hiram's Highway (Clear Water Bay Road → Hiram's Highway) to Sai Kung Town. Paid car parks are available in the town centre. Note that private cars are not permitted beyond the Sai Kung Country Park barrier gates.
In Sai Kung Town, stock up on:
- Charcoal, firelighters, and BBQ skewers (wet market and supermarkets)
- Fresh seafood and produce (the waterfront restaurants and market)
- Ice and drinks (7-Eleven)
- Last-minute camping supplies
Water Taxis: Your Secret Weapon
One of the most practical ways to reach all three beach campsites is by water taxi (sampan). The sampan operators who line Sai Kung's town pier have been ferrying hikers, campers, and day-trippers to remote beaches for decades.
Water taxi tips:
- Negotiate the price before boarding—typical fares range from HK$50 to HK$150 per person one way, depending on destination and group size
- Prices are lower when you fill the boat; ask other campers at the pier to share
- Water taxis can carry large packs and camping gear—ideal if you are avoiding the full hike in
- Service is seasonal and weather-dependent; rough seas or poor visibility means no boats
- Confirm return boat arrangements before departing, or plan to hike out
Long Ke Wan Campsite
The verdict: Hong Kong's most breathtakingly beautiful campsite.
Long Ke Wan (浪茄灣) is consistently rated as one of the most scenic beaches in Hong Kong, and camping here overnight—watching the stars appear over the water after the day-trippers have gone home—is a truly extraordinary experience. The beach is a long crescent of pale golden sand backed by rolling green hills, with the open South China Sea filling the horizon.
Access
By hiking from Pak Tam Au (recommended):
- Take Bus 94 from Sai Kung Town Bus Terminal to Pak Tam Au (last bus stop, approximately 30 minutes)
- From Pak Tam Au, follow the trail to Long Ke Wan—approximately 3–4 km, with some steep sections, allowing 1.5–2.5 hours with a full pack
- The trail passes through rolling grassland with spectacular coastal views
By water taxi:
- From Sai Kung Town Pier to Long Ke Wan takes approximately 30–45 minutes by sampan
- The boat will drop you directly on the beach
Facilities
- Water: Seasonal stream water only—a small stream at the back of the beach provides water, but this can dry up in the dry season (November–April). Bring all your water from Sai Kung Town
- Toilets: Basic pit latrine only
- BBQ pits: Available at the campsite
- Tent space: Limited—approximately 20–30 tents maximum. This site fills fast on Friday evenings
Tips for Long Ke Wan
- Bring at least 4–5 litres of water per person (no reliable tap water)
- Arrive on a Friday afternoon to secure a pitch; by Saturday morning, the site is often completely full
- The beach is one of the clearest swimming spots in Hong Kong—bring snorkelling gear
- Sunrise over the South China Sea from Long Ke Wan is one of the great Hong Kong outdoor experiences
Ham Tin Wan Campsite
The verdict: The best all-rounder beach campsite in Sai Kung—beautiful, well-facilitated, and accessible.
Ham Tin Wan (蚺蛇灣) sits at the end of MacLehose Trail Stage 2, one of Hong Kong's most celebrated hiking routes. The site offers a large, flat campsite with genuine tap water (rare at beach sites), making it significantly more comfortable than Long Ke Wan for less experienced campers.
Access
By hiking via MacLehose Trail Stage 2 (most popular):
- Take Bus 94 from Sai Kung Town to Pak Tam Au (trailhead for MacLehose Trail Stage 2)
- Follow MacLehose Trail Stage 2 eastward; Ham Tin Wan is approximately 4–5 km from Pak Tam Au, taking 1.5–2.5 hours with a pack
- The trail passes through varied terrain—grassy hills, a river crossing (use the stepping stones or wade—expect wet feet), and a final descent to the beach
By water taxi:
- From Sai Kung Town Pier; typically 45–60 minutes by sampan
Facilities
- Water: Tap water available — a significant advantage over Long Ke Wan
- Toilets: Flush toilets available
- BBQ pits: Available
- Tent space: Large—can accommodate 50+ tents; one of the largest beach campsites in HK
- Shop: A small seasonal kiosk near the campsite sells cold drinks and basic snacks — hours and availability vary
Tips for Ham Tin Wan
- MacLehose Trail Stage 2 is a classic; combine your camping trip with exploration of the surrounding trail
- Despite being large, Ham Tin fills up on peak weekends—arrive by 3pm Friday for a beachfront pitch
- The river crossing on MacLehose Stage 2 can be high after heavy rain; check conditions before setting out
- Ham Tin is a great choice for beginners who want the Sai Kung beach experience without the logistics of a fully self-sufficient campsite
Sai Wan Campsite
The verdict: A hidden gem at the edge of the High Island Reservoir, offering dramatic scenery and a sense of real remoteness.
Sai Wan (西灣) sits at the far end of the Sai Kung peninsula, near the spectacular East Dam of the High Island Reservoir. The area is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark and features dramatic hexagonal rock columns—volcanic formations of extraordinary geometric precision—along the coastline.
Access
By hiking:
- Take Bus 94 to Pak Tam Au, then walk or take a taxi along Pak Tam Chung road to the High Island Reservoir East Dam area
- Alternatively, hike from Nam Che (accessible by the same bus) following the trail via Chek Keng towards Sai Wan—approximately 5–6 km
By water taxi:
- From Sai Kung Town Pier to Sai Wan, allowing approximately 60–75 minutes on a sampan
Facilities
- Water: Tap water available
- Toilets: Available
- BBQ pits: Available
- Tent space: Large tent area
Tips for Sai Wan
- The hexagonal rock columns of the Geopark are extraordinary—explore the East Dam area before or after pitching camp
- Sai Wan is less crowded than Ham Tin and Long Ke Wan, making it a good choice for those who value peace and quiet
- The area around Sai Wan is excellent for kayaking—some operators offer guided kayaking tours departing from Sai Kung Town
Comparing the Three Sites
| Feature | Long Ke Wan | Ham Tin Wan | Sai Wan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap water | ❌ (stream only) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flush toilets | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tent capacity | Small (~30) | Large (50+) | Large |
| Access difficulty | Moderate–Hard | Moderate | Moderate |
| Scenery | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Crowds | Very high | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Experienced / adventurous | All levels | Those seeking quiet |
What to Pack for Sai Kung Beach Camping
Given the distance from urban amenities, packing carefully is especially important for these sites:
- 4–5 litres of water per person (especially for Long Ke Wan)
- Full rain jacket and dry bag for gear
- Insect repellent and mosquito coils
- Snorkelling gear (the water clarity is exceptional)
- Portable camping stove (backup for when BBQ charcoal runs out)
- Charcoal and firelighters (buy in Sai Kung Town)
- Power bank for phone charging
- Offline maps downloaded (e.g., Maps.me with HK trails)
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the ideal season for all three sites. During this period:
- Daytime temperatures are comfortable (18–26°C)
- Humidity is lower
- Mosquitoes are far less active
- The risk of typhoons is essentially zero
- Sea visibility for swimming is at its best
Avoid July and August unless you are prepared for intense heat (32°C+), extreme humidity, active mosquitoes, and the constant risk of typhoon disruption.
Leave No Trace
The beaches of Sai Kung are beautiful because generations of campers have treated them with respect. Please:
- Pack out all rubbish—there are no regular waste collections at remote sites
- Do not wash dishes or use soap directly in streams or the sea
- Use the BBQ pits provided—no open fires on the beach
- Do not remove any rocks, shells, or plant material from the Geopark area
- Keep noise down after 10pm to respect other campers
The HK$3,000 littering fine applies in all country parks. But more importantly, leaving these beaches immaculate for the next group of campers is simply the right thing to do.