Junk boat parties

Chartering a "junk" for the day is one of the most distinctly Hong Kong ways to spend a weekend — despite the name, modern charter junks are comfortable motorised boats rather than traditional sailing vessels, typically kitted out with a sun deck, sound system and swim platform.

How it works

Groups charter a boat for a day (or evening) through a charter operator, typically departing from piers in Sai Kung, Aberdeen, or Central, and spend the day anchored off one of the outlying islands, swimming, eating and socialising rather than actually going anywhere in particular.

Where boats typically anchor

Sai Kung's surrounding waters and the outlying islands covered elsewhere on this site — Lamma, or quieter spots off Sai Kung's peninsula — are common anchoring points, chosen for calm, clear water rather than a specific destination.

Booking one

Charter operators typically require advance booking, particularly for weekends in the warmer months, and charge either a flat day rate for the boat or a per-person rate depending on group size — worth clarifying what's included (catering, drinks, water toys) before booking.

Why it's popular

For a city this dense, a junk day offers genuine space, water and quiet a short trip from the urban core — a favourite way for both locals and longer-term expats to spend a hot weekend.