Gaze upon the old-style stilt houses
The stilt houses in Tai O, also known locally as pang uks, are the distinctive characteristics of the village. They are built over the waterway and, although run-down for the most part, they provide some wonderfully scenic views.
Explore Tai O market
The Tai O Market is more than just food stalls. What it is really famous for is dried seafood, especially the traditional salted fish. No wonder the whole market has a very strong fish smell.
As you walk around the village, you will see seafood drying in the sun and shops full of the final product. Villagers have been selling dried seafood in Tai O for over two generations. Today, many villagers have expanded into selling other related products such like shrimp paste, and even pearl jewellery, all locally made of course.
Walk to Fu Shan viewing point
The western coastline behind Tai O fishing village consists of a small hill. A short hiking path runs behind the village, and up the hill from where you get beautiful views of the South China Sea. From here you can see airplanes take off from the airport, and the beautifully hideous Hong Kong-Macau bridge.
There is also a pink dolphin viewing point on top of the hill. Although the vantage point looks in the direction of the pink dolphins’ nesting spot, it is might be difficult to spot them without a pair of binoculars. From the Fu Shan Viewing Point, you can either choose to return from where you came, or continue on the trail back to the village.
Get lost in the small alleys and footpaths
What makes Tai O so authentic and intriguing are the narrow footpaths and alleys. The structures here are unusually interconnected, mirroring the tight-knit community that lives above the water. If you love immersing yourself in local culture and lifestyles, this is the way to do it.
Indulge in local street food
If fish, dried or salted, is not for you, there are also a number of other delicious things for you to eat when you start to get a little peckish. You can choose from barbecued oysters, Chinese pizza, traditional eggettes, deep fried food, and more.