Ma Tau Kok Travel Guide

City City in Kowloon City, Hong Kong with markets

Once an industrial stretch along Kowloon’s channel, Ma Tau Kok still keeps warehouses, ferry ramps and gritty cha chaan tengs; visitors drift in for waterfront seafood stalls, morning markets and short hops to Kowloon City and nearby promenades.

Main image
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HK Kln City 九龍城區 Kowloon City District 馬頭角 Ma Tau Kok 土瓜灣 To Kwa Wan 美景街 Mei King Street night December 2021 SS2 04.jpg
Costs
Typical budget: $90-160 per day
Hong Kong prices but cheaper local food and small hotels available.
Safety
Very safe overall with usual city caution
Urban Hong Kong safety: low violent crime; be alert in crowds.
Best Time
October-December (mild, dry)
Pleasant autumn weather and clear skies make walking comfortable.
Local Time
7:20 PM
GMT+8
Weather
Mostly Clear 72°F
Mostly Clear
Population
14,397
Infrastructure & Convenience
Excellent public transport, walkable streets, English signage common.
Popularity
Mostly a residential/industrial neighbourhood, not a tourist magnet.
Known For
industrial waterfront, old warehouses, local eateries, public housing estates, Ma Tau Kok Road, ferry piers, redevelopment sites, proximity to Kowloon City
Ma Tau Kok literally means "horse head cape" in Cantonese, reflecting old place-name geography.

Why Visit Ma Tau Kok? #

An overlooked slice of Kowloon with an industrial past, Ma Tau Kok attracts visitors who want gritty urban character and easy access to Hong Kong’s food scene. Stroll Ma Tau Kok Road past shipyards to the Ma Tau Kok Typhoon Shelter, or hop over to nearby To Kwa Wan for dai pai dong stalls and roast goose. Short ferry and MTR links put waterfront promenades and Kowloon City’s heritage temples within reach. Nights suit street‑food hunters.

Best Things to Do in Ma Tau Kok

All Attractions ›

Ma Tau Kok Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Ma Tau Kok waterfront promenade - Riverside walkway offering views across the Kowloon Bay industrial shoreline.
  • Kai Tak Runway Park - Large riverside park on former airport runway with cycling and city views.
  • To Kwa Wan Food Stalls - Streets of To Kwa Wan serve classic Cantonese snacks and traditional eateries.
Hidden Gems
  • Ma Tau Kok Industrial Heritage Walk - Explore converted warehouses and graffiti-lined lanes documenting local industrial history.
  • Laguna Garden Estate rooftop garden - Community rooftop planting area with quiet seating and neighborhood views.
  • Kowloon Bay Art Space - Small contemporary galleries and studios showcasing Hong Kong artists near Kowloon Bay.
Day Trips
  • Kowloon Walled City Park - Historic park built on former Walled City site with gardens and exhibits.
  • Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront - Short MTR ride to promenades, museums, and cross-harbour ferry connections.

Best Time to Visit Ma Tau Kok #

Ma Tau Kok is best visited in the cool, dry winter months (November-February) when walking the neighbourhoods is comfortable. Summers are hot and humid with a rainy, typhoon-prone season from June to October - plan accordingly.

Winter
November - February · 12-18°C (54-64°F)
Cool and mostly dry - crisp, pleasant days perfect for walking the city, though evenings can feel chilly in lighter clothing.
Hot Season
March - May · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Growing humidity and occasional warm spells; busy patios and rooftop bars come alive, but expect sticky, muggy afternoons.
Monsoon/Typhoon Season
June - October · 26-32°C (79-90°F)
Very hot, humid and rainy with occasional typhoons - plan flexible itineraries and expect sudden, heavy showers and disrupted transport during peak months.

Best Time to Visit Ma Tau Kok #

Climate

Ma Tau Kok's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2297 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
NovemberOctoberDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 19°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 19°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
11.3h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 21°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
20° 25°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

169 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
12.6h daylight

May

May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (330 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

330 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
13.1h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (376 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

376 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.4h daylight

July

July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (377 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

35°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
26° 31°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

377 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (416 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
26° 31°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

416 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (282 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

282 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
11.5h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° 24°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
14° 20°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

How to Get to Ma Tau Kok

Ma Tau Kok is an industrial/residential area in Kowloon City District, close to Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan. Most visitors arrive via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and continue by Airport Express + MTR/taxi or by direct airport bus services into Kowloon; local travel is easiest by MTR, bus or taxi.

By Air

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): HKG is the primary airport serving Kowloon and Ma Tau Kok. The Airport Express connects the airport with Kowloon Station in about 24 minutes (one‑way ticket to Kowloon Station typically around HK$115); from Kowloon Station take a taxi (HK$40-60, 5-15 minutes depending on traffic) or the MTR/Tuen Ma Line connections to reach the Hung Hom/To Kwa Wan area.

No other local airports: There are no other major airports serving Ma Tau Kok directly; domestic flights in Hong Kong operate from the small Shek Kong / Helipad sites only for helicopters and private charters-commercially you will use HKG.

By Train & Bus

Train: Ma Tau Kok does not have its own MTR station; the nearest heavy-rail stations are Hung Hom (major interchange for East Rail and Tuen Ma lines) and To Kwa Wan (Tuen Ma Line). From Hung Hom Station you can walk or take a short taxi/tube-ride to Ma Tau Kok (5-15 minutes depending on exact destination); single MTR fares around HK$4-12 depending on distance.

Bus / Minibus: Numerous KMB and New World First Bus routes run through Kowloon City District and along the Ma Tau Kok area. Single-journey local bus fares are typically HK$4-12 depending on distance; several routes link to Hung Hom and Kowloon City, providing frequent, low-cost access across Kowloon.

Where to Stay in Ma Tau Kok #

Budget
Ma Tau Kok / To Kwa Wan - $50-120/night
Kowloon neighborhoods like Ma Tau Kok and To Kwa Wan have compact budget hotels and hostels. Expect small rooms but excellent access to Kowloon transit and street food.
Mid-Range
Mong Kok / Kowloon City - $120-220/night
Plenty of comfortable mid-range hotels around Kowloon. Choose Mong Kok or Kowloon City for boutique options with easy MTR access and nearby dining.
Luxury
Mong Kok / Kowloon - $220+/night
Ma Tau Kok is a dense Kowloon neighbourhood with several upscale hotels a short ride away. Expect convenient transit links and extensive dining options nearby.

Where to Eat in Ma Tau Kok #

Local Food
Classic Hong Kong neighborhood eating: cha chaan teng breakfasts, dai pai dong-style stalls and seafood restaurants. Quick bites and tea-house dim sum are common.
Street Snacks & Markets
Street-side stalls and small cafes serve pineapple buns, congee and curry-goat; evening markets nearby offer skewers, fried noodles and cold drinks.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ma Tau Kok's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Chinese
Burger
Cantonese
Noodle
Japanese
Western
Thai
Sushi
Pizza
Chicken
Vietnamese
Korean
Sandwich
Dessert
Indian
Hot Dog
Italian
Barbecue
Taiwanese
Asian

Nearby Cities #