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With family-friendly hikes, beautiful beaches, international and local cuisine, great shopping and more, could Lamma Island possibly be the most popular of all Hong Kong’s outlying Islands?
Hong Kong is not short of islands to explore, with more than 250 to whet your appetite. Though one island in particular regularly pops up in conversation when parents are looking for things to do with the kids. Whether you’re visiting friends or family who live there, looking to relocate to this island for bigger space, or you fancy a change of scene from the city to beach life, you’re sure to have an enjoyable trip over to Lamma Island.
There are no cars, only the familiar sound of village vehicle’s (VV’s to the locals), regularly moving things from one corner of the island to another. While only a stone’s throw from one of the biggest financial hubs in Asia, Lamma life is reminiscent of a small village in the middle of the countryside – something that many will find comforting. From family-friendly restaurants, walks and hikes, picnics at the beach, shopping for trinkets, wildlife spotting, staycations and more, Lamma Island with its hippie vibe has plenty to offer families in Hong Kong for a day trip or longer.
Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong
Jump to:
How To Get To Lamma Island
Where To Eat With Kids On Lamma Island
Where To Shop On Lamma Island
Things To Do With Kids On Lamma Island
Where To Stay On Lamma Island
How To Get To Lamma Island
Located Southwest from the main Hong Kong Island, Lamma is just a short 25-30 minute ferry ride away from Central or Aberdeen.
Ferries to Lamma Island from Central:
Head to Central Ferry Pier 4 where you’ll find two ferry options to Lamma Island:
- Yung Shue Wan ferry – Which will take you to the livelier (and most familiar to tourists) shopping and restaurant side of Lamma Island
- Sok Kwu Wan ferry – Which arrives on the quieter side of the Island
You can find the ferry schedules and prices here (click on the time table you want for the price).
Ferries to Lamma Island from Aberdeen:
You can also take a ferry from Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan, though these are less frequent.
You can find the ferry schedules and prices here.
Read More: Tseung Kwan O Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong
Lamma Island Restaurants — Where To Eat With Kids
With local fishermen regularly dotted around the island, you’re sure to get your seafood-fix, and the local dim sum and international options are also worth the ferry ride over. Not all Lamma Island restaurants have high chairs though (we’ve listed the main ones which do first), so if your youngster is too small for their own chair, or can’t sit still long enough on your knee, a portable high chair could be useful.
The Waterfront – Sri Lankan and Western dishes, plus a kids’ menu
As you arrive in Yung Shue Wan on the ferry you’ll see a row of bars and restaurants along the shore, The Waterfront is one of them. Here you’ll find Sri Lankan curries alongside Western favourites, as well as a kids’ menu. With high chairs, a great view and beers on tap for Mamas and Papas, this one is always a good choice for lunch or dinner.
The Waterfront, G/F, 58 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 1168, www.facebook.com/thewaterfront.hk
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Dale Candela (Carlos’) – Spanish restaurant, outdoor seating and high chairs
Dale Candela, or Carlos’ as it’s more affectionately known, is a well-known face on Main Street. Located on the corner as you enter the main stretch of the street, here you’ll find tasty Spanish fare and Estrella on tap. The outdoor benches are a good option to let the kids run around while you sip on a Tinto de Verano – just keep a lookout for VV’s! There’s a well priced three-course lunch menu during the day (including one of the best gazpachos outside of España) and we love the à la carte tapas menu. They also have a couple of high chairs.
Dale Candela, G/F, 23 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6995 4479, www.facebook.com/DaleCandelaHK
Banyan Bay Cafe – All-day breakfast hotspot and Western dishes
The friendly faces at this cafe have welcomed many Mamas for breakfast, lunch or dinner with their little ones. This is possibly one of the best all-day breakfast spots on the whole with generous portions and options for all tastes. The toasted sandwiches, salads, healthy smoothies, burgers and other options are also winners. It also has high chairs.
Banyan Bay Cafe, 67 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, 2982 1150, www.facebook.com/Banyan-Bay-Cafe
Lamma Grill + Lamma Express – Comfort food with children’s booster seats
The interior reminds us of an English pub and the terrace out the front is one if the best. You’ll find veggie, vegan and meat options in the form of healthy and solid comfort food. You can also order pizza from its other restaurant just down the street, Lamma Express, to enjoy whilst watching the boats go by.
Lamma Grill, G/F, 36 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 1447, www.facebook.com/lammagrill.hk
Lamma Express, G/F, 44 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 6625 1972, www.facebook.com/lammaexpress
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Sampan Seafood Restaurant – Yung Shue Wan Dim Sum
This dim sum hotspot is a breakfast ritual for many locals on Lamma Island, especially on a Sunday morning. Choose your favourite dim sum from the street-side bamboo steamers before settling in to watch the boats (and people!) go by. In the afternoon, the daily catch makes its mark on the top of the menu. They don’t have high chairs, so if you have a portable one it might be worth bringing along.
Sampan Seafood Restaurant, G/F, 16 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 2388, www.openrice.com/sampan-seafood-restaurant
Lamma Rainbow – Sok Kwu Wan
Located on the more remote side of Lamma Island, here you’ll find some of the best seafood in the 852. It’s quite popular, though, so you’ll find a large seating area that’s not quite as intimate as some of its (equally as tasty) neighbouring restaurants. You’ll get a great view of the floating Fishermans village from here, and they have high chairs.
Lamma Rainbow, 23-27 First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 8100, www.lammarainbow.com
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Bombay Bar And Restaurant – Indian food with kids high chairs
This restaurant in the heart of the town offers a mix of North and South Indian dishes, including a delicious fish korma, lamb rogan josh and excellent vegetarian options (the dal makhani is our go to!). The family who run the place are very welcoming and will give you their recommendations based on what you like. The set lunch menu is one of the best (and possibly the cheapest) on the Island, and they also have high chairs for little ones.
Bombay Bar And Restaurant, G/F, Shop 6, Yung Shue Wan Back Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 0095
Read More: The Best Indian Restaurants In Hong Kong
Jing Jing Bar And Restaurant – International food with booster seat high chairs
Located in the Main Street of Lamma, the friendly staff will welcome you in. It has a great menu with a mix of options, plus booster high chair seats for the kids. A personal favourite is the veggie lasagna. This is the perfect spot in the summer as the air con makes for a very welcome retreat!
Its sister restaurant and bar, Diesel’s, is located opposite. Here you’ll find a couple of big TV screens to watch sports.
Jing Jing Bar And Restaurant, 54 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6131 7508, www.facebook.com/JingJingLamma
Diesel’s, 51 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 4116, www.facebook.com/DieselsLamma
Where To Shop On Lamma Island
Lamma Vinyl Record Store – Vintage record store Hong Kong
Run for over seven years by owner Ming Ho, the island’s independent used record store is a place where you can spend hours digging through a wide selection of music. Not so much one for little kids but defo one if you want to educate your tweens and teen on music!
Lamma Vinyl Record Store, 1/F, 45 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6611 9102, www.lammavinyl.store
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Lamma Brand
Loving Lamma? Grab a souvenir to commemorate your visit from this store selling locally made merch, including graphic tees, hats, slides and more. There’s also a great terrace out back, where you can grab a drink and embrace the laid-back pace of the island.
Lamma Brand, 75 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 6818 0181, www.lammabrand.com
Annie H. Eclectic Fashion
A fashion creator and artist, Annie has a beautiful collection of clothes (think floaty cotton perfect for the summer heat!). She also has a selection of beautiful silver jewellery with semi-precious gemstones that make perfect gifts. Keep going straight along Main Street when you come to the crossroads in the town centre.
Annie H. Eclectic Style, 85 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9442 1741, www.facebook.com/Annie-H-Eclectic-Fashion
Sun’s Collection – Aromatherapy oils and diffusers
A useful one if you’re on the look out for essential oils. Alongside candles and aromatherapy essentials you can get your hands on oil water diffusers (that double up as night lights) to help clear out stuffy noses at bedtime.
Sun’s Collection, G/F 89 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong
Other Shops To Look Out For On Lamma Island
Look out for the lady selling ornaments and hanging mobiles made out of beach waste and glass (she’s usually on Main Street or the path through Tai Tuen Village towards the beach), Nick The Bookman (of course) seated on the main cross road of Main Street in the town centre with a range of second-hand books. There are also various second hand pop-up markets along Main Street on the weekend and things for sale as you walk to the beach.
Don’t miss SHOP 80 on Yung Shue Wan Main Street for fresh fruits and snacks, Lamma Gourmet delicatessen opposite for freshly made hummus, a wide selection of meat, cheese and wine, and Corner84 for pastries and fresh bread.
Read More: Stanley Hong Kong – Beaches, Hikes And Stanley Markets
Things To Do On Lamma Island With Kids
Hiking – Family-friendly walks on Lamma
There are many hikes to be had ranging from easy to challenging. The most famous walk with kids in tow is the Family Trail that takes you from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan. It takes around 1 hour with kids. Tweens will be fine, though younger kids will need some help (dig out your hiking carrier). There is a path but it’s quite bumpy in places so a stroller isn’t ideal.
The hike up to the Lamma Winds windmill is also great with kids. While it’s quite a trek, the path is easy to navigate, perfect for little feet. Look out for the pavilion, just before you reach the windmill you’ll see some steps to the right, where you’ll find some lovely ocean views from the lookout point. From the Main Street, you can follow the street signs to point you in the right direction.
There are also lots of smaller, paved, walks in Yung Shue Wan behind the shops and houses. Some are ok for pushchairs while others have steps so you may need a carrier if your tot is too little to walk on their own.
Read More: The Best Trails To Go Hiking In Hong Kong With Kids
North Lamma Public Library And Cultural Centre
Explore the cultural centre to learn all about Lamma Island and its history. Then head upstairs to the library to check out the children’s books.
North Lamma Public Library, G/F, 1 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2249 5017, www.hkpl.gov.hk
Hung Shing Yeh Beach And Power Station Beach On Lamma Island
Grab your swimwear, sunglasses and sun cream! But if you forgot your bucket and spade or beach mat, don’t worry! You can get everything you need from Lamma’s well-stocked village stores dotted throughout and on the way to Lamma’s beaches.
Hung Shing Yeh Beach has full shower and toilet facilities, restaurants and even BBQ pits. Power Station Beach, while it might not have the facilities, is always open so you can enjoy the sound of the sea.
Read More: Best Beaches In Hong Kong To Visit With The Family
Lamma Art Collective – Art classes, African Drumming workshops and more
The community art centre hosts a range of art classes, exhibitions, talks and events, where creative juices and new ideas flow freely. The collective also recently opened Art Kiosk, where you can purchase art materials, creativity books, items from Liz Fry and more. It also hosts a range of children’s groups for the Lamma babies, including African drumming, Spanish playgroup, kids art classes etc.
Lamma Art Collective, 1/F, 23 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, www.lammaartcollective.tilda.ws
Read More: Top Kids’ Music Schools For Guitar Classes, Singing Lessons And More In Hong Kong
Where To Stay On Lamma Island — Lamma Island Hotels
- Bali Holiday Resort, 8 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 4580
- The Concerto Inn, 28 Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, 2982 1668, www.concertoinn.com.hk
- Man Lai Wah Hotel, a short walk from the ferry pier, Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, 2982 0220
Sassy Mama Tip: Also check out Airbnb for more family-friendly options.
Read More: Hong Kong Staycations – 16 Unmissable Hotel Deals For Families
Editor’s Note: “Exploring Lamma Island With Kids: Where To Eat, Shop, And Things To Do” was originally published by Alex Purcell Garcia and most recently updated in September 2024 by Fashila Kanakka.
