Big Buddha: Worth doing on a 3-day trip?

Question

Coming to HK for the first time in late Nov, flying in on Thurs morning and out on Sunday evening. Friday is reserved for Disneyland --- this will likely be our first and only chance to visit a Disney theme park ever, and with the Christmas decor being up that week, this is a must-do for me and my partner (we are in early 30s). So that leaves us half of Thurs, the whole of Sat, and a few hours on Sun morning to experience the city.

Is this time-frame too short to squeeze in a visit to Big Buddha?

Pros: Site looks interesting and the cable car scenery is hands-down fantastic.

Cons: Sat will likely be crowded, and some reviews mention 2-hour queues at the cable car.

Would our time be better spent taking in the sights, vibes, and food in the city instead? Just curious to hear what the experts have to say.

Answer

Visiting the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island can definitely be a rewarding experience, but given your short 3-day itinerary in Hong Kong and your priority for Disneyland on Friday, there are a few important considerations to help you decide if it fits well into your schedule.

The Big Buddha is accessible via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which is renowned for its scenic views over Lantau Island, but it can be time-consuming. From central Hong Kong or Kowloon, the journey to Ngong Ping Village can take around 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your starting point and mode of transport. Once there, visiting the statue, climbing the steps, and exploring the monastery area can take 1–2 hours. During weekends and holidays, queues for the cable car can add another 1–2 hours to your trip.

Given your schedule:

Thursday (half day) – Depending on your arrival time and airport transfer, you might be able to squeeze in a quick city exploration in areas like Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, but Lantau is likely too far for a half-day visit after a flight.
Friday (Disneyland) – Already fully booked for your Disney visit, so no time for Big Buddha.
Saturday – This is the only day with a full window to visit the Big Buddha, but as a weekend, expect crowds. If you go early in the morning (Ngong Ping 360 opens around 10:00, but it’s best to aim for opening), you can avoid the heaviest queues. Factor in transportation and sightseeing at Ngong Ping Village; realistically, it could take 5–6 hours round trip.
Sunday (morning) – You will likely have time only for quick city exploration near your hotel or last-minute shopping before heading to the airport.

Options to consider:

If you love iconic experiences and scenic cable car rides, Saturday can be dedicated to Big Buddha. Going early will maximize your chances of avoiding long queues.
If your preference is to focus on Hong Kong city vibes, food, and local neighborhoods (Central, Sheung Wan, Mong Kok, Temple Street Night Market, etc.), you might skip Big Buddha. The city itself has plenty to explore and can be more relaxing, especially with limited time.
Alternative: consider a shorter Lantau visit using public bus to Tai O fishing village or a taxi to Ngong Ping, which can save time but may skip the full cable car experience.

In conclusion, it is feasible to visit the Big Buddha on Saturday if you prioritize it, start early, and are okay with potential crowds. However, if you prefer a more relaxed exploration of Hong Kong’s urban sights, food, and markets, skipping Big Buddha might make for a more enjoyable and less rushed experience on your short trip.