Macau Resorts

Home arrow Macau Vacation Thursday, 28 August 2008
Macau Vacation

MAcau Tower Skyline 

Destinations move in and out of the sun, and Macau China, the former Portuguese colony off the south coast of China, is undergoing a Renaissance. Its colonial buildings have been restored, Las Vegas style casinos with entertainment as their primary focus, and Fisherman's Wharf, a new development that combines shopping, entertainment, restaurants, convention and water sports facilities, is giving Macau tourism a new lease on life. A rich stew of Chinese and Portuguese influences, the minuscule territory is all set to court tourists, so it is a very good time to plan your Macau trip.


Macau vacations usually involve a ferry ride from Hong Kong or Kowloon, although the Macau airport offers flights to mainland China and many other cities in Southeast Asia, as well.  Once in Macau, transportation is easier, as things are close together. The area is easily explored by foot, or on bicycles, or even via pedicabs. Taxis are cheap, with the longest ride across Macau being under $10.

Macau vacations, in general, are about cultural exploration, casinos, food and shopping. History and architecture buffs will love walking tours. Everywhere, the former Portuguese colonial legacy intertwines sinuously with Chinese ancestry. During the day you can enjoy temples, gardens, Baroque churches, fortresses, museums, beaches and public plazas bustling with vibrant cafes. Modern developments are fast proliferating, allowing you to enjoy a volcano ride at Fisherman’s Wharf, the bungee trampoline or Skywalk at The Macau Tower, or a nightly fountain and laser show.

But when the sun sets, remember that Macau is famous for its casinos!  At night the city bristles with energy. For stylish and serious high rollers, it's party time. Gambling has always been forbidden in Hong Kong, and so Macau has made a whole industry out of setting up huge casinos for Hong Kong visitors. There are many casinos in Macau now and more being built by Las Vegas financiers. Some of them are within walking distance. From the ferry pier, there are free shuttle buses to virtually all the Macau hotels and casinos. And taxis are also very cheap. But from the pier, you can also walk to the Sands Macau in 10 minutes. Next door is the Mandarin Oriental. Then if you cross the street, there are the Galaxy, then the Pharaoh (inside Landmark Hotel), and finally Hotel Lisboa. Try your hand with Lady Luck, but save some Patacas for dinner!

Nowhere does Macau’s role as a gateway for cultural exchange make itself more delightfully apparent than in its cuisine.  Food in Macao restaurants is a fusion of the creations and experiments of a voyaging community, so there is adventure for the palate!  In Africa and India, the Macanese learned the art of spice, resulting in some of Macau’s most popular dishes like African and Goan’s chicken and piquant prawns, baked or grilled with peppers and chilies. Some Macau restaurant ingredients, such as the Portuguese sausage and sardines, are imports. Local produce from the fertile Pearl River Delta and South China Sea is woven into the mix, bringing to the table quail, pigeon, duck, fresh vegetables, Macao sole, African chicken and enormous juicy prawns.

Whether you are a bargain hunter, an antique collector, or a committed browser, Macau vacations offer much when it comes to shopping in Macau.  Macao is a free port, so items are bought at duty-free prices, and no sales tax applies.  Add to that the favorable exchange rate (a US dollar buys you just over eight Macau Pacatas) and the fact that bargaining is the norm, and the stage is set for fun and savings. There are opportunities galore, if you are in the market for trendy garments, toys, Chinese silks, antiques and curios.  

Sports are on the rise in Macau, and Macau weather supports many outdoor activities year-round. There are beaches, pools, hiking trails, the Macau Golf and Country Club, go-karting on Coloane Island, and even a Grand Prix museum. Macau vacations offer something for everyone, so book Macau travel today!