Macau...What'S It Like?

[trainman34014]

Considering a few days in Macau now Air Asia are starting direct flights from Chiang Mai.

Anybody been there, had experiences beyond Egg Tarts etc?

[craigt3365]

I spent a full day there a number of years ago. We took the ferry over from HK. It was OK, but I'm not a gambler. Wifey did some gambling, and won!

We had a fun day, but for sure like HK much better.

[Tonto21]

I went about 3 years ago…There and Hong Kong, I’m sure at the time I flew direct to Macau from Chiang Mai, (I didn’t know they had stopped this route….Let alone re-starting it)

Macau….To be honest, the place was recommended by a mate…..I was not impressed. If you like casinos, your half way there….If you like playing ‘baccarat’ (the Chines love it)

I also found it all a bit sad, the vast majority of people in, and around the casinos are poor Chines workers trying to hit it big, (I was left thinking they must be getting paid daily)

It felt very safe there, no feeling of danger what so ever.

I would say go, have a look, but don’t plan to stay more than a few days/night. I would recommend popping over to HK, (that’s changed a lot) but worth a visit on the fast ferry.

Enjoy.

[Pseudolus]

If you do not like gambling or prostitution then you might have a bit of a dull time.

[arkom]

I spent a full day there a number of years ago. We took the ferry over from HK. It was OK, but I'm not a gambler. Wifey did some gambling, and won!

We had a fun day, but for sure like HK much better.

I did the same, aside from the casinos most of the people gathered at the ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral.

Enjoyed HK much better.

[ThaiPauly]

I spent 5 days there 18 months ago, enjoyed it.

Not a gambling man but the Venitian Hotel is a "must see" 3,000 rooms, 300 shops (all brand names) my wife really enjoyed that.

Plenty of old churches to see, enough for 5 days worth. More than that would have been a waste.

Prefer Hong Kong marginally though, still its only an hour away on the ferry and you can't get to Hong Kong from Chiang Mai

[onionluke]

If you are not into gambling and all that -

There is a nice restaurant down at Hac Sa ( back sand ) beach . It is called Fernandos . It is portuegese run . The food is super dooper , with roast chiken , curry crab , clams in black bean being some of the best , all served with home made bread and salads . You can sit in the garden with a cold super bock or a glass of aqua verde whilst waiting for a table inside the hall .

There is a good little pub called the Sports Bar run by an affable potuegese bloke , in Taipa across the road from the racing track .

A visit up to the Red Market (Hong Gai See ) , careful when you say that to the taxi driver because if mispronounced it also means chicken shit , is good for bargain hunting .

They also have cultural shows on with unusual artitsts from time to time .

The ferry over to HK is cheap at about 20 $ . There is so much to do in HK with all the island day trips and walks , as well as the big Buddah and ocean park .

Macau

[AZBill]

I took my wife there to see a concert at the Venitian and spent a few days sightseeing. If you like gambling there is plenty of it. The wharf area is nice to wonder around. The science museum was also interesting. There is a large observation tower you can go up for a great view. Interesting mix of Chinese and Portuguese culture. Some decent shopping. Hardly anyone speaks English and getting around can be a challenge. The people are not very warm to Westerners at all there so be prepared for that. No plan to ever go back and I agree that you would probably enjoy HK a whole lot more.

[trainman34014]

Thanks for the input Lads; we are thinking of three nights in Macau on the way back, that seems enough on the basis of your comments. Over to Hong Kong first morning for a week before that. Done HK a good few times before but never tire of it as it's always so 'alive'.

[WilliaminBKK]

Been to Macau 20 times or so, I actually really enjoy the walk around the Church up to the Fort and down the steps into the main market square, very colonial look and feel. Lots of pawn shoppes (sadly I suppose) As stated every hotel has a casino- Venetian is a must see and they have a food court for some nibbles. Hotels are cheaper in Macau and the ferry ride to Hong Kong is fun. Nice thing about Macua it is super small and taxi's are easy to find and cheap to get around. And yes the egg tarts are fantastic as is the beef jerky.

[overherebc]

If you are not into gambling and all that -

There is a nice restaurant down at Hac Sa ( back sand ) beach . It is called Fernandos . It is portuegese run . The food is super dooper , with roast chiken , curry crab , clams in black bean being some of the best , all served with home made bread and salads . You can sit in the garden with a cold super bock or a glass of aqua verde whilst waiting for a table inside the hall .

There is a good little pub called the Sports Bar run by an affable potuegese bloke , in Taipa across the road from the racing track .

A visit up to the Red Market (Hong Gai See ) , careful when you say that to the taxi driver because if mispronounced it also means chicken shit , is good for bargain hunting .

They also have cultural shows on with unusual artitsts from time to time .

The ferry over to HK is cheap at about 20 $ . There is so much to do in HK with all the island day trips and walks , as well as the big Buddah and ocean park .

Macau

Fernandos, probably the best food I've had anywhere. Did you try eating at the Venetian. I was very surprised how cheap it was and how good. They make so much money at the tables downstairs they don't seem to bother about making a profit in the restaurants,

Good break but 3 days was sufficient ( sounds better than enough )

[Thailand]

Was a regular weekend trip when we lived in Hong Kong.Many friends there so we rarely went to the over hyped over priced restaurants,so many great and cheap places and very diversified styles of food.

Great museums,in the fort,wine museum,GP museum,maritime museum near the goddess of the sea temple & more.Some great walks over in Coloane.

Many of the hotels have a card that gives names of places in Chinese and English so just hand to taxi driver.More fun is to get around on the buses!

And instead of going to HK why not go to China huge potential, you can walk across but make sure you have your visa before you go.

[Wittywitty]

Casino !!!!

[chuang]

Nice little place for a short visit..besides going to Hongkong..you can also cross the border over to Zhuhai-China...

[scorecard]

If you do not like gambling or prostitution then you might have a bit of a dull time.

Agree.

I've been there about 10 times for a work project, everything is centered around gambling and girls.

Only other point I'd add is some good food, lots of restaurants specialize in mix of Chinese / Portugese / Spanish, pretty nice, but not for three days.

Edited March 24, 2012 by scorecard

[Tywais]

What's required Visa wise for entry to Macau? If you have the proper entry permits, anything else required for Hong Kong - assume it's one and the same though?

[scorecard]

Thanks for the input Lads; we are thinking of three nights in Macau on the way back, that seems enough on the basis of your comments. Over to Hong Kong first morning for a week before that. Done HK a good few times before but never tire of it as it's always so 'alive'.

I agree with the other posts about going into China.

Very easy today from HK by modern fast trains with good on board services to many locations, many within half a day etc.

Need a visa to enter China in advance, but hundreds of travel agents in HK can get that for you within a few hours, easy paperwork and not expensive.

I've done the trip HK to Shenzen many times for work, fast modern train, from memory about three hours, need visa in advance, going through immigration in Shenzen (in and out) very easy and pleasant, very little delay, always plenty of officers on duty who speak good English. Taxis well organized.

[Pseudolus]

If you are not into gambling and all that -

There is a nice restaurant down at Hac Sa ( back sand ) beach . It is called Fernandos . It is portuegese run . The food is super dooper , with roast chiken , curry crab , clams in black bean being some of the best , all served with home made bread and salads . You can sit in the garden with a cold super bock or a glass of aqua verde whilst waiting for a table inside the hall .

I refer the honourable poster to the second part of my response; there's no gambling at Fernandos, but yo know all those tables there with the 2 /3 PRC girls sat there......

[Thailand]

What's required Visa wise for entry to Macau? If you have the proper entry permits, anything else required for Hong Kong - assume it's one and the same though?

None required. Thai's do not require a visa either.

China, yes required,if flying from Chiang Mai get it done here around 1000 baht for most countries citizens although Americans have the privilege of paying 4K plus.Many domestic flights out of Macau in to China to the more exotic locations and generally inexpensive,

[Thailand]

Picked up return tickets for 2 of us in Sept for 11K. 4K less than the other half alone paid in February.

Hopefully they will keep the route going til at least then!

[Naam]

None required. Thai's do not require a visa either.

China, yes required,if flying from Chiang Mai get it done here around 1000 baht for most countries citizens although Americans have the privilege of paying 4K plus.Many domestic flights out of Macau in to China to the more exotic locations and generally inexpensive,

is it possible to obtain a visa for the PRC in Macau?

[onionluke]

If you are not into gambling and all that -

There is a nice restaurant down at Hac Sa ( back sand ) beach . It is called Fernandos . It is portuegese run . The food is super dooper , with roast chiken , curry crab , clams in black bean being some of the best , all served with home made bread and salads . You can sit in the garden with a cold super bock or a glass of aqua verde whilst waiting for a table inside the hall .

There is a good little pub called the Sports Bar run by an affable potuegese bloke , in Taipa across the road from the racing track .

A visit up to the Red Market (Hong Gai See ) , careful when you say that to the taxi driver because if mispronounced it also means chicken shit , is good for bargain hunting .

They also have cultural shows on with unusual artitsts from time to time .

The ferry over to HK is cheap at about 20 $ . There is so much to do in HK with all the island day trips and walks , as well as the big Buddah and ocean park .

Macau

Fernandos, probably the best food I've had anywhere. Did you try eating at the Venetian. I was very surprised how cheap it was and how good. They make so much money at the tables downstairs they don't seem to bother about making a profit in the restaurants,

Good break but 3 days was sufficient ( sounds better than enough )

I used to go for an " 0 burger " Oh what a burger ! In the venetian food court . There is also a place that does very nice margharitas there for about 30 patacas . I quite like the 180 bar up on the macau tower , nice place for a sundowner , although Iam not sure if it is open at present . Fernando's is a must do if you enjoy food .

[onionluke]

None required. Thai's do not require a visa either.

China, yes required,if flying from Chiang Mai get it done here around 1000 baht for most countries citizens although Americans have the privilege of paying 4K plus.Many domestic flights out of Macau in to China to the more exotic locations and generally inexpensive,

is it possible to obtain a visa for the PRC in Macau?

It is possible to get a day visa for the trip over to Zuhai . I think it is a tour group visa so you need at least 3 people applying at the same time . There is a Philipino agency across the road from San Malo square . It is up the hill towards the carpark on the left 2nd floor . Only a few hundered patacas .

[Thailand]

None required. Thai's do not require a visa either.

China, yes required,if flying from Chiang Mai get it done here around 1000 baht for most countries citizens although Americans have the privilege of paying 4K plus.Many domestic flights out of Macau in to China to the more exotic locations and generally inexpensive,

is it possible to obtain a visa for the PRC in Macau?

Yes, but more likely to be expensive compared to getting it done here before you go.

[overherebc]

If you are not into gambling and all that -

There is a nice restaurant down at Hac Sa ( back sand ) beach . It is called Fernandos . It is portuegese run . The food is super dooper , with roast chiken , curry crab , clams in black bean being some of the best , all served with home made bread and salads . You can sit in the garden with a cold super bock or a glass of aqua verde whilst waiting for a table inside the hall .

There is a good little pub called the Sports Bar run by an affable potuegese bloke , in Taipa across the road from the racing track .

A visit up to the Red Market (Hong Gai See ) , careful when you say that to the taxi driver because if mispronounced it also means chicken shit , is good for bargain hunting .

They also have cultural shows on with unusual artitsts from time to time .

The ferry over to HK is cheap at about 20 $ . There is so much to do in HK with all the island day trips and walks , as well as the big Buddah and ocean park .

Macau

Fernandos, probably the best food I've had anywhere. Did you try eating at the Venetian. I was very surprised how cheap it was and how good. They make so much money at the tables downstairs they don't seem to bother about making a profit in the restaurants,

Good break but 3 days was sufficient ( sounds better than enough )

I used to go for an " 0 burger " Oh what a burger ! In the venetian food court . There is also a place that does very nice margharitas there for about 30 patacas . I quite like the 180 bar up on the macau tower , nice place for a sundowner , although Iam not sure if it is open at present . Fernando's is a must do if you enjoy food .

You may just have cost me some cash. Wife was reading this and has now decided the next visa run will be to Fernando's for a plate of those spicy shrimps with the crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

I thank you from the heart of my bottom