Things to do in Aberdeen Hong Kong

aberdeen 1773 houseboat aberdeen hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat
  1. Dazzling… Dazzling Cafe
  2. 5 reasons why I ditched London and move back to Hong Kong
  3. Wine and dine at Stone Nullah Tavern
  4. Sai Kung rock pools: the 4 consecutive pools and falls
  5. The Ultimate Guide to a Sai Kung Boat trip
  6. 5 transportations to take in Hong Kong
  7. Top 5 dessert place of Hong Kong (as of Sept 2016)
  8. 5+ amazing Sai Kung beaches in Hong Kong
  9. The Ultimate First Timer’s info guide to Hong Kong
  10. The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Peak, Hong Kong
  11. Best Egg Waffle Hong Kong: tried and tested
  12. Best brunch Hong Kong: my top 5 western restaurant
  13. Night Hike in Hong Kong: Suicide Cliff, Kowloon Peak
  14. The Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
  15. Pineapple Mountain: a visit to the Hong Kong Grand Canyon
  16. Top things to do in Admiralty and Central Hong Kong
  17. The Best Place to Stay in Hong Kong for First Timers
  18. Alternative places to stay in Hong Kong
  19. The Ultimate Guide to Temples of Hong Kong (ALL free entry!)  
  20. Moreish and Malt Afternoon tea: a review
  21. West High Hill – an adventurous alternative to the Peak
  22. Ham and Sherry Brunch Review – Tapas in Hong Kong
  23. My top restaurants in Hong Kong
  24. Hiking Tsz Wan Shan: the most underrated view of Kowloon
  25. Bubble tea Hong Kong: a Laugh Travel Eat guide
  26. A Shop and Eat Guide to Mongkok Hong Kong:
  27. Tung Ping Chau Day trip: hidden Hong Kong
  28. Ninepin Island: the hidden hexagonal column paradise of Hong Kong
  29. Tai Tun Shan – the thousand islands view of Sai Kung
  30. 15+ most instagrammed place in Hong Kong that’s not the Peak and how to get there
  31. My 1 Day Itinerary in Hong Kong
  32. Best of Sai Kung’s nature: Lai Chi Chong, Sham Chung, and Yung Shue O hike
  33. MacLehose Trail Stage 4 – Shui Long Wo
  34. Wu Gau Tang to Tiu Tang Lung hike: Hong Kong’s mountain and bays
  35. Easy hikes in Hong Kong that aren’t Dragon’s Back
  36. Needle Hill Hong Kong – conquering the third sharpest peak
  37. High Junk Peak: hike the second sharpest peak of Hong Kong
  38. Lung Ha Wan Country Trail: a hike up Tai Tun Leng Hong Kong
  39. Sham Shui Po local guide: fabric, electronics, and food galore
  40. A local’s guide to Sai Kung Hong Kong
  41. Iris Hong Kong review: the annual yoga and wellness weekend festival
  42. A hike up Ma On Shan via Tiu Shau Ngam, Hong Kong
  43. Lion Rock Hike: how to hike up the iconic Hong Kong mountain
  44. Tai To Yan: a Hong Kong razor ridge hike
  45. Buffalo Hills: hike up rocky outcrops and silver grass in Hong Kong
  46. Robin’s Nest: hike between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
  47. Devil’s Peak: fortifications and urban views galore
  48. Qipao rental in Hong Kong: experience old Hong Kong charm
  49. Kai Kung Leng: the velvet trail of Yuen Long
  50. Tai O Hong Kong: a day trip from the city
  51. Hung Heung Lo Fung: shortest hike in Hong Kong with a view
  52. Top things to do in Lantau Island on a day trip (or two)
  53. Wo Yang Shan hike: frolic under Tai Mo Shan
  54. Things to do in Sheung Wan Hong Kong
  55. Things to do in Hong Kong at night
  56. Sheung Wan Restaurants: best eateries and cafes
  57. Cheung Chau Island: a Hong Kong day trip
  58. What to do in Hong Kong in 4 days – advice from a local
  59. Nui Po Shan: finding the phallic rock hike in Hong Kong
  60. Sharp Peak: conquering one of Hong Kong’s toughest trails
  61. Lui Ta Shek hike: a quiet hike in Sai Kung
  62. Hiking Middle Hill – a fly by from Kowloon Peak
  63. Kayaking in Sai Kung: where to rent and paddle to
  64. Green Egg Island – an unusual oasis in Sai Kung, Hong Kong
  65. Seeking Kam Kui Shek Teng, Sai Kung Hong Kong
  66. Ping Nam Stream: hidden waterfall in Hong Kong
  67. Madai Stream: chasing waterfalls in Ma On Shan
  68. Grass Island Tap Mun- a Sai Kung getaway
  69. Pak Lung Stream: a Lantau stream hike
  70. Top Hong Kong Staycation deals
  71. Ap Lei Pai adventure via Yuk Kwai Shan
  72. Po Kwu Wan: a hidden Sai Kung bay
  73. Wang Chung Stream: the most scenic waterfall hike
  74. Tai Shing Stream – seeking birds and dragons
  75. Basalt Island: an adventure in Sai Kung Geo Park
  76. Jin Island: a day trip to Tiu Chung Chau
  77. Rhino Rock Stanley: a short hike with a view
  78. Tsing Tam Reservoir and Ho Pui Reservoir: an easy hike
  79. Lantau Peak from Ngong Ping: the easy route
  80. Bluff Island: an island adventure in Sai Kung
  81. Lo Fu Tau Country Trail: a Lantau Island hike
  82. Wilson Trail Stage 4: Tung Yeung Shan – an unexpected silver grass heaven
  83. Middle Dog Teeth Ridge – Mid Kau Nga Ling up Lantau Peak
  84. Kau To Shan: the hidden hike in Fo Tan
  85. Lau Shui Heung Reservoir to Hok Tau Reservoir: a Fanling easy day hike
  86. Tai Mo Shan hike: 5 ways to go up the Highest peak in Hong Kong
  87. 10 best hikes Hong Kong
  88. Devil’s Fist – a Plover Cove Reservoir hike out Wong Chuk Kok Tsui
  89. Cape d’Aguilar Hike Hong Kong: a complete guide
  90. Violet Hill hike + Twins Peak
  91. Sham Shui Po Food: a tried and tested guide
  92. Thousand Islands: Reservoir Island viewpoint in Tai Lam Country Park
  93. Tai Tong: Hong Kong’s red leaves haven
  94. Mau Ping Ancient Trail: seeking the Vine King and Bamboo Tunnels
  95. Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden: a sustainable and education day trip
  96. Pat Sin Leng hike: conquering the 8 immortals peak
  97. Shek Uk Shan: highest peak in Sai Kung
  98. Nam Sang Wai: cycling to the Yuen Long scenic wetland
  99. Tsang Pang Kok Tsui: the hidden headline
  100. Seeking Devil’s Claw along Chung Hom Kok
  101. Things to do in Aberdeen Hong Kong
  102. Sok Kwu Wan: hidden Lamma Island
  103. Best Burgers in Hong Kong
  104. Wang Chau: Sai Kung’s hidden tombolo
  105. Yim Tin Tsai: the salt farming island of Sai Kung
  106. Top things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui
  107. Checkerboard Hill: a Hidden Kowloon hike
  108. Hidden Hindu Temple Fanling: low level urban exploration
  109. Shark Rock Hong Kong: a hidden Kowloon hike
  110. Cloudy Hill: the easy way to hike Wilson Trail Section 8
  111. Ngau Wu Reservoir hike: a quick trip to the forgotten Ma On Shan reservoir
  112. 134 hike Sai Kung: Sharp Peak-3 Peninsula-4 beaches
  113. Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls hike: Bali vibes in Hong Kong
  114. Little Hawaii Trail: easy waterfall hike with tropical vibes
  115. Maclehose Trail Section 3: Ka Kung Shan hike
  116. MacLehose Trail Section 2: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Beach, and Chek Keng
  117. Po Toi Island Guide: hikes, attractions, and where to eat
  118. Tsz Sha Ancient Trail: an easy hike between Shatin and Kowloon
  119. Easter Island Rock Hike: Sunny Bay to Discovery Bay on Lantau Island
  120. Fan Lau Trail: the southwestern most part of Lantau Island
  121. Shek Nga Tau: the hidden hill of Sai Kung

Aberdeen in Hong Kong, known as Hong Kong Tsai aka little Hong Kong, is one of the most historic parts of Hong Kong Island. It is said to be the source for Hong Kong’s name and was even once named Moto Hong Kong (the original Hong Kong) by the Japanese during the occupation era.

It is famous for the Aberdeen Floating Village, the floating seafood restaurant Jumbo, and its promenade. It lies across a small harbour from Ap Lei Chau (see here for hiking Ap Lei Pai) and is a perfect half day trip if you’re a seafood and culture lover:

How to get to Aberdeen Hong Kong

With the South Hong Kong Island line, it’s easy to reach Aberdeen by going to Lei Tung Station. Take exit A2 and it’s a short walk to the promenade. You can easily combine Aberdeen with a trip to Ap Lei Pai for hiking.

A short history of Aberdeen Hong Kong

Aberdeen was an important harbour back when Hong Kong was nothing more than a backwater coastal town in southern China. It is said that the transport of incense wood from the New Territories had earned the name ‘Heung’ – fragrant, and ‘Kong’ Harbour, which then turned into Hong Kong.

jumbo aberdeen 1773 houseboat aberdeen hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat-2

Other materials that made their way to the port were stone bricks, which gave it its other name “Shek Pai Wan” – stone row bay. Like many other harbours in the area, there is a temple nearby, and it dates back to the 18th century: Hung Shing Temple. This is where the first wholesale fish market in Hong Kong started and it remains running today.

Roughly half of Hong Kong pre-colonisation population consisted of farmers in the New Territories and fishing folks living on boats. And the Aberdeen fishing village is among the most famous. 

Things to do in Aberdeen Hong Kong

Hung Shing Temple Aberdeen

hung shing temple aberdeen hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat

Dedicated to the Taoist deity Hung Shing, the temple dates back to 1773 in the Qing Dynasty and is the oldest structure in the area. Hung Shing is the deity of the southern ocean, hence a popular deity in Hong Kong along with Tin Hau.

bell from 1773 hung shing temple aberdeen hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat

Like the other Taoist temples, it also houses other deities like Kwan Tai, Tin Hau, and Tai Sui. Don’t miss the historic bell that dates back to 1773.

Aberdeen floating village

Also known as Aberdeen fishing village, the Aberdeen floating village is located in the Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter. It is west of the Ap Lei Chau Bridge between Aberdeen town and Ap Lei Chau with a few hundred fishing folks still living in between. They are mostly Tanka people who live on houseboats with low ceilings and limited fresh water and no electricity.

drone shot aberdeen hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat

Fishing was their main source of income, and when the fishing industry went into decline in the 70s, many decided to move on land. A steady stream of sampans weave through the parked boats, ferrying tourists and locals to and from Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau.

And you can visit a floating house museum nowadays:

Aberdeen boat trips: Aberdeen 1773 tour

A perfect choice for history buff, the Abedeen 1773 tour combines a historical visit to a traditional house boat with a scenic sampan ride around the whole of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. The 1773 in their name comes from the year the bell inside the Hung Shing Temple which reflects the history of the area.

The tour starts at the Hung Shing temple, with an informative audio guide accompanying you around the harbour on the sampan Ride around the fishing village, going past the:

  • Jumbo Floating Restaurant
  • Aberdeen Wholesale Fishing Market
  • Ap Lei Chau Shipyards
  • Ap Lei Chau Wind Tower Park
  • Float – a glass boat can accommodate up to 150 when stationary, and 50 when the boat moves

Note: they also have a junk boat that they rent out as well and you can find more details on Seayou HK

It is a very photogenic journey, and there are plenty of photo spots along the way.

Aberdeen Houseboat visit

The houseboat was bought from a fishing family, restored and adapted to become a museum that would showcase the life of the fishing folks. This is a project by a local who grew up in the area and his family were also floating village people. All the artefacts and items displayed were collected from neighbourhood collections. 

aberdeen 1773 houseboat aberdeen hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat

These include the seafood drying racks dangling at the front of the ship and a renaming certificate that sons get on their day of marriage.

Each of them tell a story of life on a fishing boat and offer a glimpse to a lifestyle that has been replaced by the modern world.

It is worth noting that the height of the interior had been elevated for visitor’s comfort. And they have added the most photogenic neon sign of the word ‘Fishing’ at the end of the corridor. Don’t forget to get your shot!

The tour offers complimentary drinks and local snacks, so I enjoyed a Vita lemon tea. They also offer lunch tours that include a takeaway – eaten on the houseboat – lunch of boat noodles from a sampan restaurant! Which is a good way to experience both at the same time as the sampan restaurant moves

Tour operating time: 10:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 (an hour long)

Lunch tour at 11:00, 13:00

Website

You can combine the trip with a half-day visit to Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island for more fishing village cultural visit and a scrumptious seafood lunch. See my Lamma Island article for more details and you can see the tour listing here.

Lau Kee Aberdeen Boat Noodles 流記香港艇仔粉

The last remaining boat noodles sampan restaurant in Aberdeen, Lau Kee is a one-man band who serves up home brew fish broth noodles usually accompanied by siu mei (bbq meat etc). Each bowl costs around 30hkd, an absolute steal in this time and day.

He operates around Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau, so you have to catch him or call and see if he would come over to you. Prepare for a 20-30 minutes wait but it is well worth it to 

Phone: 9140 2628

Aberdeen to Ap Lei Pai Ferry

ap lei chau to aberdeen pier hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat

If you don’t want to take a proper boat trip, you can hop on a Kaitou and cross from Aberdeen to Ap Lei Pai for a mere 2.5HKD!

Aberdeen to Ap Lei Chau kaitou hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat

It’s a traditional wooden boat as well, similar to the ones you see in Sai Kung. It’s also a short journey, only around 5 minutes across the Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter.

Cost: 2.5 HKD

Official website

Aberdeen Promenade

Ap lei chau promenade hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat-2

The 800m long Aberdeen seafront promenade makes for a lovely walk even if you don’t plan to take a boat trip out.

Ap lei chau promenade hong kong island hong kong - laugh travel eat

A walk along the whole promenade will bring you past the Ap Lei Pai Bridge, the Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter with the fishing village, and the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market. Aberdeen is a quieter neighbourhood so there isn’t as much foot traffic etc. 

Hotels in Aberdeen Hong Kong

Now that Aberdeen is connected by the South Hong Kong line on the MTR, getting there is ever so easy. You can stay in Ocean Park, Wanchai or Central and get there in 10-15 minutes. But if you do want to stay in or near this neighbourhood, here are so picks:

Traditional Houseboat Staycation

If you want to step it up a notch and make this a weekend getaway, you can book a staycation on a traditional houseboat! The houseboat is spacious and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, equipped with all kitchen essentials and has Netflix and a mahjong table! There’re options to add a tour to Aberdeen 1773 as well!

Ovolo Southside

One stop away at Wong Chuk Hang, Ovolo Southside is a trendy warehouse-turn-hotel with a rooftop bar. They have fast internet, modern, industrial style rooms, and a 24 hours gym! And did I mention free snacks in your room and free drinks? There are also more dining options here, too.

Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott

A relatively new hotel by Hong Kong original theme park, the Ocean Park Marriott is a pet friendly hotel that makes for a comfortable stay for family.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad Blocker Detected!

Advertisements fund this website. Please disable your adblocking software or whitelist our website.
Thank You!
Want an off-line guide for Cinque Terre?
Including exclusive photo spots and tips Plus more travel tips in my FREE resource library
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download THE travel planning spreadsheet
Get THE travel planning spreadsheet I use to plan your trip and track your finance!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get a free travel plan & finance spreadsheet!
And get access to my exclusive resource library with map itineraries, travel checklist and more
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download a one-page price list for reference on your trip to Chiang Mai!
Have it handy so you know what price you should pay when you haggle!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Ljubljana
Get a copy of the map for your trip to the Slovenia captial! You can probably do everything in 1 day
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for the Lake Bohinj region
Lake Bohinj region is big - so get a map of my favourite spots to make the most of your trip!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Lake Bled
Get a free map of best viewpoints, sights and restaurants in Bled for your trip!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Milan
Get your map of what to see in Milan in 48 hours - including tips and tricks
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Taormina
Know where the best spots in Taormina is with this Google My Map
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for the Lake Bohinj region
Get this comprehensive map with transport stops and routes clearly marked for your trip to Bohinj!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for your trip to the Peak!
Get this comprehensive map with transport stops and routes clearly marked for your trip to The Peak
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Prague!
Get this all-in-one map for the best viewpoints, top 5 and restaurants pick in Prague!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get free destination maps for your travels
Join my exclusive resource library with map itineraries, travel checklist and more. Currently most popular: Milan, Lake Bled and Hong Kong maps
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download the free 1 day Itinerary for Hong Kong!
Make it easy to find all the spots and follow with the infographic
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Eze and Monaco
the all-in-one day trip map with bus stops, sights and viewpoints labeled for you
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your 3 day map itinerary for Danang
Enjoy a 3 day trip that you don't need to plan!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Do you want to know all my blogging secret?
Sign up to hear first about my Ultimate blogging beginners course
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Hoi AN!
Get this all-in-one map for the Hoi An old town and best restaurants
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Hue!
See Hue in 2-3 days with this guide!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your FREE map for Phong Nha!
Where the caves are, what there's to do and where to eat in Phong Nha!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Padua!
It include my entire day's itinerary, not just the top 5!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Sirmione
This might be a small town, but knowing where to go will still help your day!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Sirmione
This might be a small town, but knowing where to go will still help your day!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Verona!
My all in one guide to Veona including secret spots, restaurants and top sights!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Chiang Mai
Get the exact map hat I prepped for the trip with restaurants, sights and spa locations marked on!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Nara!
Get the itinerary for food, temples and deer spotting in Nara!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Macau!
Get my 48 hours itinerary for Macau
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Macau!
From how to get there to what to eat after in Yuen Long
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your map for Central & Admiralty
get your half day itinerary to the heart of Hong Kong!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Download your Shui Long Wo Hiking Map
It isn't hard - but better safe than sorry ;)
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get all 9 spots with 1 map!
For the hiking views, you'll need to read their respective articles for transport options!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Let's hike West High Hill!
Let's get you from the Peak to some stunning vista!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get a map of my favourite restaurants in Hong Kong
This map would be updated as I add more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my Angkor + Siem Reap Itinerary
Restaurants, markets and more
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my 7 days Tokyo Itinerary!
Including all the spots in the post and more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get your FREE Nusa Penida Map
Including all the spots in the post and more!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
Get my Singapore map!
Including all the spots in the post!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.