Tai O Fishing Village In Hong Kong

Fishing is the foremost way of livelihood in Tai O Fishing village for over two centuries. The village boasts of its authentic shrimp paste, whose smell lingers throughout the day in the air. Drying of salted fish of various kinds is a common sighting in the markets, streets, and homes of the village. One more traditional way of living is salt produced in the nearby marshes. Sadly, both these industries have shrunk dramatically in recent years.

History Of Tai O Village

The human settlement of the Tai Village is just 3 centuries old. During the battle of Tamao, Tai O village was occupied by the Portugues for a short span of time. Tai O Village was also famous for salt production and it was recorded that the 70 acres of land covering salty marshes amounted to 25000 piculs in the year 1938. It is also said that Tai O has many secret inlets of water which used to serve as a base for various smuggling and illegal activities.

Things to Do in Tai O Fishing Village  

If you are looking for composure and a place to relax in the fresh air, Congratulations! You’ve landed in a perfect place. Just go on a walk and be awestruck by the beauty of the place. As you roam around the town, you can also cross a couple of bridges that give you a glimpse of the famous old stilt houses in Tai O.  Wander around all the fish stalls, get your camera out and enjoy the island life!  Tai O Fishing village is considered as a photographer’s paradise. Take a look at the local shops selling souvenirs and traditional artifacts. Take a stroll around the fishing village market, which is a feast for the eyes, perhaps not the nose. You can take a boat ride around the village and out on the ocean to try and spot the rare Chinese Pink Dolphins. The sightings are rare, but the view is more than worth a try. Tai O Fishing village is not a place where you would find a whole lot of options for dining out. The available options are very local but lip-smacking. One must try the famous Egg Waffles, cooked on coal instead of electricity. The area's once prolific salt marshes still yield the salt used to dry duck egg yolks and fish. Making a stop at the village bakery to grab one of their famous Tai O donuts is highly recommended. Dry fish and other sea products are found in abundance.

Tai O Market: Tai O Market is a very famous fish market in Tai O Village. If you are a seafood lover, then this is your place to go. Various restaurants are lined up in this market selling fresh fish. Traditional salted fish is a must try here. Besides fish, many vendors sell other things as well like the shrimp paste, original handmade pearl jewelry, etc.

Pink Dolphin Boat Ride: The pink dolphin boat ride is something which one must definitely try on their visit to Tai O Village. The boat ride takes you close to the stilt houses and you can admire the magnificent sun views from these boats. If you are lucky, you may spot the pink dolphin.

Tai O Museum: This museum no longer exists. After the floods hit the area, the owners of the museum decided to shut down the museum and worked for the redevelopment of the building. The Tai O Museum showcased the fishing equipment and old artifacts.

Sea Kayak: Kayaking is another great way of exploring the village. You can take a kayak ride with a tour operator who will guide you throughout the tour. This is also a great way to explore the pink dolphins.

Best Time to Visit Tai O Fishing Village

The best time to visit Tai O Fishing Village is from March to April and then again from October to November. One should plan a visit to Tai O Fishing Village during the weekdays in order to avoid the crowd as on weekends, the village gets crowded with the locals.