Wonder how it feels to escape the crowded city? Welcome to Ham Tin Wan. This beach is a hidden gem nestled in Sai Kung Country Park. It offers a refreshing escape from Hong Kong’s urban hustle.
Ham Tin Wan Beach boasts powdery sand and clear blue water. This scenery is unexpected in Hong Kong. This wide golden beach is far enough from the beaten path. Therefore, it is not too crowded. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and soak in the surroundings. Ham Tin Wan is also a good place for surfing.
To the north, a small river borders Ham Tin Wan Beach. If you want to cross, there’s a rickety bridge. It is quite famous around here.
Getting to Ham Tin Wan is part of the adventure. First, travel to Sai Kung Town. From there, a bus takes you closer to the beach. The last stop is your destination. Then, a 45-minute hike through beautiful trees over the hills leads to Sai Wan Village. Continue along the path behind Sai Wan Beach. You will soon see Ham Tin Wan below.
The effort is worth it. Ham Tin Wan nestles in a bay with clean waters and fine sand. You can swim here. It is beautiful and remote. A small place offers drinks and food. Relax and enjoy this incredible beach.
Remember to allow plenty of time for the hike back. There are some uphill climbs. However, there is plenty of shade to rest along the way.
Ham Tin Wan, also known as Salty Field Bay, is part of Tai Long Wan. Tai Long Wan comprises four beaches connected by short trails. Ham Tin Wan is the most popular. Here, you can find facilities. You can eat, rent boards, and rent camping equipment.
The village of Ham Tin faces the bay. It is set in a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. A river flows directly into Ham Tin Wan.
Tai Long has four villages with over 200 years of history. They include Tai Long Village, Lam Uk Wai, Cheung Uk Wai, and Ham Tin Village. Today, only Tai Long Village and Ham Tin Village remain. The other two are ruins.
Ham Tin Tsuen has a history of over 150 years. The Wan clan has inhabited it for about 7 or 8 generations. They moved from northern China and settled in Tai Nam Wu, Sai Kung. About 150 years ago, three Wan brothers settled in different areas of the New Territories. One settled in Tai Po Tsai. Another settled in Ho Chung. The third settled in Ham Tin Tsuen. He is believed to be the village’s founding ancestor. Many villagers have emigrated to Britain. Now, fewer than 10 villagers remain.
For a faster way to Ham Tin Wan, take a minibus from Mongkok to Sai Kung Town. From Sai Kung Pier, water taxis go to Ham Tin Wan. It costs around HK$130-150 per person each way. Sharing a boat makes it cheaper.
Book your return trip from the shop or restaurant at Ham Tin. Boats usually depart until 6 pm. The boat ride offers wind, sun, and views of islands. It’s worth the extra cost.
Ham Tin Wan Campsite is in Sai Kung East Country Park. Silky sand and clear water create a peaceful environment. You can enjoy coastal scenery here. The campsite also offers panoramic views of Sharp Peak. Facilities include cooking pits and flushing toilets.
Together with Sai Wan, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan, Ham Tin Wan forms the ‘Tai Long four bays’. Sharp Peak is a prominent landmark of Sai Kung East Country Park. It towers 468m above the lowlands. It has a steep ridge and conical shape.
So, as you stand here on Ham Tin Wan, take a deep breath. Feel the sand beneath your feet. Listen to the waves. Remember the history and the journey it took to get here. This isn’t just a beach. It’s an experience.