11 Days in Hong Kong, Macau and Sanya: A Family-Friendly Adventure from Skyscrapers to South China Seas

Explore Hong Kong’s skyline and street food, hop to UNESCO-listed Macau for colonial heritage and egg tarts, then unwind on Hainan’s tropical beaches in Sanya—an 11-day, kid-approved itinerary with smart transit tips and great-value stays.
Silhouette of passengers on a ferry overlooking a vibrant city skyline across the water.
Photo by lange x on Pexels

Three destinations, three different rhythms: neon Hong Kong, old-meets-new Macau, and tropical Sanya on Hainan Island. This 11-day itinerary blends culture, nature, and beach time for a family-friendly flow—minimizing hotel hops while maximizing experiences.


Hong Kong began as a fishing port and evolved into an international hub; its double-decker trams, harbor skyline, and dim sum define the city’s daily poetry. Macau’s Portuguese façades and Chinese temples tell a 400-year story, with world-class pastries in between. Sanya, sometimes called the “Hawaii of China,” offers clear bays, rainforest trails, and laid-back island cuisine.

Practical notes: Most nationalities enter Hong Kong and Macau visa-free for short stays; Hainan (Sanya) offers 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of many countries—check current rules and arrive by air as required. Pack an Octopus card for Hong Kong transit, light layers for temple visits, and sun protection for Hainan’s strong tropical rays.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong dazzles with a vertical skyline, Star Ferry views, and a culinary scene ranging from humble wonton shops to chef-driven showstoppers. It’s also incredibly navigable: MTR trains are stroller-friendly, and ferries and trams are fun for kids.

Musts for families include Lantau’s Big Buddha by cable car, the Peak Tram for city panoramas, and neon-lit night markets. Save appetites for dim sum, roast goose, pineapple buns, and milk tea.

Days 1–3: Victoria Peak, Harbourfront, Kowloon Markets

  • Victoria Peak by tram: Ride the historic funicular then follow the Peak Circle Walk for stroller-friendly skyline views. Time it for sunset.
  • Star Ferry & Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Short, scenic ride to the Avenue of Stars, with nightly Symphony of Lights. Kids love boat watching.
  • Old Town Central: Man Mo Temple’s incense coils, the Mid-Levels Escalator, and murals along Hollywood Road—compact and photogenic.
  • Kowloon evening: Browse Temple Street Night Market and nearby jade and sneaker streets in Mong Kok.

Family eats: For breakfast, try Australian Dairy Company (scrambled eggs and toast, go early) or Lan Fong Yuen (silky milk tea and pork-chop buns). Lunch on wonton noodles at Mak’s Noodle or Kau Kee (beef brisket). Dim sum at Tim Ho Wan or DimDimSum for wallet-friendly baskets. Roast goose at Kam’s Roast Goose (Wan Chai). Sweets from Tai Cheong Bakery (egg tarts) or Hui Lau Shan (mango desserts).


Recommended Hong Kong tours (family-friendly picks):

Days 4–5: Lantau Day + Theme Park or Foodie Day

  • Lantau Island: Ride the Ngong Ping cable car to Tian Tan (Big) Buddha and visit Tai O’s stilt houses; kids love the cable car and village snacks (egg waffles, fish balls).
  • Choose-your-adventure Day:
    • Hong Kong Disneyland: Gentle rides, parades, and themed lands—great for younger kids. Stay nearby at Disney Explorers Lodge for pool time.
    • City foodie day: Join a dim sum tasting tour or graze independently—wonton at Tsim Chai Kee, pineapple buns at Kam Wah Café, dessert at Honeymoon Dessert.

Where to stay (Hong Kong):

Getting to Hong Kong: Fly into HKG. Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Airport Express to Central ~24 minutes (~US$14 adult), taxis ~30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Macau (Day Trip from Hong Kong)

Macau’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre blends azulejo-tiled squares with incense-wreathed temples, while contemporary resorts add spectacle. It’s an easy hop from Hong Kong—perfect for a full day of heritage, snacks, and family-friendly sightseeing.

Day 6: UNESCO Core, Taipa Village, and Iconic Snacks

  • Getting there (morning): High-speed ferry (55–70 minutes, ~US$25–45) or Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge shuttle bus (~45 minutes plus border formalities). Bring passports for both borders.
  • Highlights: St. Paul’s Ruins, Monte Fort, Senado Square, St. Dominic’s Church, and A-Ma Temple; then wander Taipa Village’s lanes.
  • Treats: Egg tarts at Lord Stow’s (Coloane) or Margaret’s Café e Nata (near Senado), pork-chop buns at Tai Lei Loi Kei, and almond cookies from Koi Kei.
  • Evening: Peek inside The Venetian’s canals or watch the Performance Lake fountains at Wynn before ferrying back.

Guided option (from Hong Kong):


Where to stay if you choose a Macau night: Explore options on Hotels.com Macau or VRBO Macau.

Sanya (Hainan, China)

Welcome to China’s tropical south: crescent bays, coconut palms, and family-friendly resorts with pools and on-site dining. Sanya mixes beach time with rainforest parks and a deep Buddhist heritage at Nanshan.

Island flavors star: coconut chicken hotpot, Wenchang chicken rice, fresh mangoes, and market-fresh seafood cooked to order.

Getting to Sanya (Day 7 morning transfer)

Fly HKG → SYX (Sanya Phoenix Intl). Nonstops ~1h45; typical fares ~US$120–220. Compare on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Taxis/Didi from SYX to Yalong Bay ~40–60 minutes.

Days 7–8: Beaches and Atlantis Fun

  • Yalong Bay: The clearest water near Sanya proper; a gentle, family-friendly arc of sand with water sports. Early mornings are calmest.
  • Haitang Bay & Atlantis Sanya: Day access to Aquaventure Waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium delights kids; book timed entries during peak seasons.
  • Dadonghai: Boardwalk promenades, beach cafés, and easy umbrella rentals; great for a relaxed afternoon.

Sanya family eats: Try coconut chicken hotpot at popular local chains around Dadonghai and Yalong Bay; Wenchang chicken rice at neighborhood spots; seafood “pick-and-cook” at Sanya First Market. For a Western-friendly menu with kids’ options, Dolphin Sports Bar & Grill (Dadonghai) is a reliable standby. Inside Atlantis, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar serves approachable comfort dishes.


Days 9–10: Culture and Rainforest

Day 11: Hot Springs and Departure

For airport transfers, compare private options under “Transfers” on Viator or use taxis/Didi (allow extra time during holidays).

Where to stay (Sanya):

Family logistics and budget tips

  • Transit: In Hong Kong, get an Octopus card; children’s fares are discounted. In Sanya, Didi is widespread; bring a compact travel booster as ride-hails rarely have child seats.
  • Meal strategy: Mix street eats and casual restaurants at lunch with hotel or mall food courts for AC breaks. Carry cash for markets; cards and mobile pay dominate malls.
  • Best times: Start marquee sights early. For beaches, mornings offer calmer seas; pack reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards.
  • Costs: Expect ~US$15–25 per person for casual meals in Hong Kong, US$10–20 in Sanya markets, and ~US$25–45 for the Hong Kong–Macau ferry.

Getting between cities (estimated times & costs)

  • Hong Kong ↔ Macau: Ferry 55–70 minutes (~US$25–45) or HZMB shuttle bus ~45 minutes plus immigration (~US$8–12). Consider a guided day tour to streamline.
  • Hong Kong → Sanya: Morning flight ~1h45; fares ~US$120–220. Check Trip.com or Kiwi.com for deals.

Sample 11-Day Flow

  • Days 1–3: Hong Kong Peak, harbor, markets, classic eats.
  • Days 4–5: Lantau cable car & Big Buddha; then Disneyland or city foodie day.
  • Day 6: Macau day trip (UNESCO core, Taipa Village, egg tarts), return to Hong Kong.
  • Days 7–8: Fly to Sanya; Yalong/Haitang/Dadonghai beach time, Atlantis Aquaventure.
  • Days 9–10: Nanshan Buddhism Park and Yanoda Rainforest.
  • Day 11: Nantian Hot Spring soak; fly out.

From sky-high trams to seaside sunsets, this loop pairs urban iconography with island downtime. You’ll leave with Big Buddha cable-car memories, buttery egg tarts, and sand still on your sandals—a family trip balanced just right.


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