Da Au Public Pier is your gateway to a floating world—stilt houses hover above turquoise waters like dreams suspended in time. Early morning brings bustling fish markets, where vendors shout over the splash of fresh catches. Grab a bowl of authentic fish ball noodles, watch sampans glide by, and feel the slow pulse of a life lived close to the sea. This is Hong Kong’s quiet, soulful side—real, raw, and unforgettable.


Everything you need to know about Tai O Public Pier
Stay at Da Au Village Guesthouse, a boutique inn housed in a restored traditional fishing village building just a 3-minute walk from the Da Au Public Pier. The rooms blend authentic local architecture with modern comfort, and several feature private balconies overlooking the pier and sea. The guesthouse offers complimentary bicycle rentals, perfect for exploring the scenic Da Au Waterway and visiting bamboo houses and fishing huts.
Convenient access is ensured by on-site parking and free shuttle boat service directly to the pier—ideal for self-drive visitors. The staff can also arrange exclusive waterfront village tours, offering insights into Da Au’s traditional shrimp-trapping heritage and maritime history.
For best views, book a Sea View Twin Room; wake up to golden morning light dancing across the waves—a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
From the Da Au Public Pier, guests can walk or rent bicycles to reach nearby boutique accommodations. A free bike rental station is located right beside the pier—just show your ID to borrow one. Riding takes about 10 minutes to reach popular stays like Da Au Village Guesthouse and Zhu Peng Xiaozhu, passing along the serene Da Au Waterway where traditional bamboo houses reflect beautifully on the calm water.
For those preferring not to cycle, a small ferry service runs multiple times daily between the pier and key guesthouse areas, taking only 5 minutes and costing just HK$20. Some lodges, such as Da Au No. 3, offer complimentary shuttle vans that wait at the pier exit during scheduled times.
It's recommended to depart early to avoid midday crowds and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere. Always call ahead to confirm shuttle schedules with your chosen accommodation for a seamless arrival.
Near the Da Au Public Pier, visitors can enjoy several unique water experiences. First, try the traditional shrimp trapping boat tour, where you board a small wooden boat and learn how to set bamboo traps from local fishermen—lasting about 90 minutes, ideal for families. Afterward, sample freshly steamed shrimp on-site.
Second, join the Waterfront Village Guided Boat Tour, running hourly, led by experienced guides who share stories of bamboo house construction, fishing traditions, and community life. The route passes through the Da Au Waterway, offering stunning photo opportunities of sunset reflections and night-time lantern glows.
There’s also a handmade bamboo weaving workshop held at a nearby craft studio, where guests can create small fish traps or decorative items using locally sourced bamboo—supporting sustainable practices. All activities include bilingual (Chinese & English) narration, making them accessible to international travelers.
The Da Au Public Pier is easily accessible by car via Da Au Road, with a dedicated parking lot offering around 50 spots. Parking costs HK$10 per hour, capped at HK$60 daily. Clear signage leads from the lot to the pier—just a 2-minute walk.
A free shuttle boat service departs from Da Au MTR Station (on the Tung Chung Line), operating until 6 PM daily with departures every 30 minutes—approximately 10 minutes to the pier. Alternatively, take Bus 74K, alighting at "Da Au Village" stop, then walk 5 minutes to the pier.
For a more immersive experience, arrive early to avoid afternoon crowds and enjoy tranquil views and fresh sea breeze. The area features convenience stores and tea stalls for snacks and drinks.
Travel Tip: Parking fills up quickly on weekends and holidays—reserving a spot in advance or opting for public transit is strongly advised.
Da Ai Water Village Villa is a top choice, just a 5-minute walk from Da Ai Public Pier. This boutique retreat blends traditional Cantonese architecture with modern comfort, featuring rooms with private terraces offering panoramic views of the pier and bay. The hosts provide complimentary bicycle rentals to explore nearby villages and mangrove trails. Guests can also book a breakfast of authentic "salted fish congee" prepared by a local grandmother, offering a genuine taste of fishing village life.
From Da Ai Public Pier, stroll through historic alleyways to reach Da Ai Viewing Platform in just 10 minutes, where you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the pier and distant hills. Rent an electric bike or take a minibus to Da Ai Wetland Park, only 15 minutes away. The pier features multilingual signage, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations—perfect for families and photography enthusiasts planning a full-day itinerary.
Experience the "Da Ai Fishing Boats Night Talk" event at dusk, where visitors board traditional bamboo-railed boats and listen to veteran fishermen share stories of netting techniques and Tanka culture. Every Saturday, the "Da Ai Craft Market" showcases local artisans demonstrating bamboo weaving, dried fish processing, and sea salt soap making—guests can create their own souvenirs. A dedicated photo zone captures "life on the water," ideal for documentary-style photography.
The Da Ai Kids Plaza near the pier offers safe, non-slip flooring, shaded pavilions, and interactive water fountains designed for children. Nearby, a floating kids’ splash zone opens during summer under lifeguard supervision. Guests can also rent tandem pedal boats to gently paddle across the calm waters, spotting mangroves and white herons—perfect for stress-free family outings.
While no fixed shuttle operates from the pier itself, nearby properties like Da Ai Water Village Villa and Green Island Guesthouse provide complimentary round-trip shuttles twice daily (10:00 AM and 4:00 PM), with a 3-minute ride. All shuttles are electric mini-buses equipped with infant seats and wheelchair lifts, ensuring accessibility for elderly guests and those with mobility needs. Reservations are recommended one day in advance.
Da Ai Public Pier is a prime photography spot, especially during early morning mist when reflections stretch across the water like ink paintings. Head to the elevated wooden boardwalk east of the pier, which features adjustable tripod platforms and built-in lighting—ideal for night shots and star trails. During full moon nights, the mangroves create a magical "moonlight reflection effect" on the water—a must-visit for professional and amateur photographers alike.
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