“A hike can be so much more than just exercise”. Sam A Tsuen awaits us a village steeped in history and Hakka heritage. It’s nestled in the northeastern New Territories of Hong Kong. Sam A Tsuen gets its name from the nearby Sam A Wan bay.
The story of Sam A Tsuen is intertwined with the Tsang clan. They share ancestry with the Tsangs of Ma Tseuk Leng Sheung and Lai Chi Wo. Imagine this village in its prime during the 1950s and 60s. Over 200 residents called Sam A Tsuen home back then. The late 1960s brought a big change. Many men sought work in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. This exodus changed the village forever.
Sam A Tsuen is more than just a village. It is one of the seven Hakka villages that formed the Hing Chun Yeuk or Hing Chun Alliance. This alliance also included Kop Tong, Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, Ngau Shi Wu, Siu Tan and So Lo Pun. It was a bond of community and mutual support.
Today as we stand here a sense of quiet abandonment hangs in the air on weekdays. The Tsang ancestral hall stands as a reminder of the past. The abandoned three-village school whispers stories of a time when children filled its classrooms. On weekends some Tsang clan members return. They run small stores offering food and lodging to visitors.
Getting to Sam A Tsuen is part of the adventure. It remains accessible only by boat or on foot. The most pleasant way to reach it is by hiking. The hike from Wu Kau Tang offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. The trail leads past streams bamboo groves and abandoned fields. You might see furniture and pictures left behind as if time stopped. Small cascades create refreshing pools perfect for a rest on a hot day. Fish swim in the clear pools and you might spot the Hong Kong Newt a species unique to this area.
Sam A Tsuen is not just a place. It is a journey through time and nature a testament to the resilience of the Hakka people and a reminder of the simple beauty of rural Hong Kong. The Fook Lee Teahouse was once a haven for hikers offering meals and even overnight stays. Though it no longer offers accommodation it remains a great spot for lunch. From its rooftop Double Haven and its islands can be seen. It is a place to watch the sunrise before exploring this fabulous part of Hong Kong. As you leave Sam A Tsuen reflect on the stories it holds and the beauty that surrounds it.