[New Driver's Guide] 5 Recommended Routes for Beginners | A Complete Guide to a Relaxing Self-Driving Experience (with a Map)

Tai Mei Tuk in Tai Po is a popular hiking destination in the northeastern New Territories. Its straight, wide roads and clear traffic signs make it ideal for novice drivers. Starting from Tai Po's city center, drive along Ting Kok Road all the way to Tai Mei Tuk Dam, enjoying the views of Tolo Harbour along the way. Both metered parking and paid parking are available in Tai Mei Tuk and Lung Mei for convenient parking.

Tai Mei Tuk has a variety of parent-child facilities, such as BBQ sites, bicycle tracks and grass kite flying areas.Whether traveling with family or friends, there are activities to suit your needs. There are also convenience stores and restrooms nearby, so you don't have to worry about restocking supplies. At dusk, the sunset glow over the dam is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Nearby Lung Mei has a public beach, which attracts many swimmers every summer. It's best to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Directions:Google Map(From Tai Po City Centre)

Time required: Approximately 15 minutes

Sunny Bay is located on the north coast of Lantau Island, and Sunny Bay Station is a must-stop to go to Disneyland.For novice drivers, you can choose to start from Tsing Yi Pier and drive through Tsing Ma Bridge and Kap Shui Mun Bridge. The road along the way is flat and the traffic volume is light.Even novice drivers can drive easily and enjoy the beautiful views of Tuen Mun Highway and Tung Wan.

There's a large open-air car park next to Sunny Bay Station. Drivers can park their cars there and walk to the Sunny Bay Promenade or to the Long Solian Island sandbar in Sunny Bay's Luk Keng Village. At low tide, a stone path appears here, connecting to the island on the other side. Known as Hong Kong's "Angel Road," it's perfect for strolling and taking photos. At night, you can also enjoy the magical atmosphere of Disneyland's fireworks display. This route is suitable not only for beginner drivers but also for those who enjoy ocean views.

Route:Google Map(Departing from Tsing Yi Pier)

Time required: Approximately 20 minutes 

Lower Shing Mun Reservoir is located near Tai Wai and can be reached from Shatin City Centre via Mei Tin Road.There are many uphill sections and bends, but the road conditions are good and the traffic is sparse. As long as you drive carefully and pay attention to the road conditions, you can easily handle it. It is suitable for novices with light driving experience.The canyon in front of the main dam of Lower Shing Mun Reservoir is a popular destination for aerial photography and remote-controlled aircraft enthusiasts! Looking down from the canyon, you can see not only vast grasslands but also distant views of Sha Tin and Ma On Shan.

Lower Shing Mun Reservoir offers fresh air and a tranquil environment, perfect for drivers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a picnic on the grass, fly a kite, or stroll along the reservoir trail to soak in the beauty of nature. Visiting in the morning or afternoon is recommended to avoid peak crowds and allow for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Route:Google Map(From Shatin City Centre)

Time required: Approximately 13 minutes

Luk Keng is located in the northeast of Fanling. You can drive along Bride's Pool Road in Tai Po or Sha Tau Kok Highway in Fanling via Luk Keng Road.The former is a two-lane, two-way route with a longer route but fewer bends. The latter has a single-lane, two-way section, offering coastal views along the way, but the route is shorter. Luk Keng boasts a rich ecosystem of mangroves and wetlands, perfect for nature enthusiasts. In autumn and winter, the reed fields of Luk Keng turn golden yellow, making it a popular photo-op.

Along the way to Luk Keng, there are numerous convenience stores and food stalls offering authentic local snacks. At dusk, the scenery of the reed fields and wetlands under the setting sun is equally unforgettable, making it a perfect place to relax. Drivers can drive to Luk Keng and walk to Kuk Po to experience this tranquil natural environment.

Route:Google Map(Depart from Fanling Centre via Xinlangtan Road),Google Map(Tai Po Centre via Sha Tau Kok Highway)

Time required: Approximately 38 minutes, approximately 26 minutes

Tai Au Mun in Clear Water Bay, Sai Kung is located between Diaoyuong and Tai Ling Tung.If you are starting from Tseung Kwan O or Sai Kung City Centre, you can take Clear Water Bay Road. The road is generally flat, but since it is a mountain road, there are some ups and downs as well as a few bends, so be careful with your speed., suitable for new drivers with little driving experience.

Continuing along Clear Water Bay Road, you'll reach Tai Hang Tun, home to Clear Water Bay Country Park. The park boasts a vast lawn, a popular spot for kite flying, and breathtaking sea views, creating a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. While it's always packed with visitors on weekends, parking spaces are limited, so be mindful when driving.

Turn right from Clear Water Bay Road and continue along Tai Au Mun Road to reach Clear Water Bay Beaches 1 and 2, as well as Bu Dai O. Clear Water Bay Beach 2 has a large metered parking lot, but due to the large number of swimmers in the summer, it can be packed even in the mornings during holidays. After Clear Water Bay Beach, Bu Dai O is home to numerous restaurants and seafood establishments offering fresh, delicious seafood.

route:Google Map(Starting from the pit mouth),Google Map(Departing from Saigon city center)

Time required: Approximately 10 minutes, approximately 21 minutes