This comparison hub is hosted on cheung-chau.com, the highest-traffic site in the group, so that the "which outlying island?" question lands on the strongest page. If you came here from lamma-island.com, you will find full island-specific guides there too - use whichever fits your trip best, or do more than one island on a single visit (they are all easy to combine across different days).
Start here on Cheung Chau: our food guide, beach guide, ferry schedule and fare guide, and the Bun Festival 2027 guide.
For most first-time visitors, Cheung Chau is the best all-rounder: easy ferry access, car-free atmosphere, excellent food, a good beach and cultural events. Lamma is better for hiking, and Lantau for large-scale sights like the Big Buddha.
By ferry from Central Pier 5. Fast ferries take 30-35 minutes, ordinary ferries 55-60 minutes. See our ferry schedule and fare guide.
By ferry from Central Pier 4 to either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. Ferries take 20-35 minutes depending on the destination.
By ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo (35-40 minutes), or by MTR to Tung Chung followed by cable car or bus to Ngong Ping.
It is possible but ambitious. Each island needs a ferry journey each way, so most visitors pick one per day. A two- or three-day trip can comfortably cover two islands.
Hong Kong's outlying islands offer car-free villages, great seafood, hiking and beaches away from the city. Compare Cheung Chau, Lamma and Lantau to pick your trip.