"Macau: Where East Meets West" Macao by rachel_simhon

Macao Travel Guide: 2,183 reviews and 4,987 photos

A Charming Maze of Pastels and Fountains

The former Portugese colony of Macau is located in the southeastern coast of China, right off of Guangdong Province and sixty kilometers west of Hong Kong. It was the oldest European settlement in Asia until Portugal handed over the tiny enclave to the Chinese, who now control it as a Special Administrative Region. It's a laid-back place to visit for a couple of days, with winding streets and alleys, charming Mediterranean architecture, and an intriguing cuisine unique to the city, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Most tourists end up gambling away their cash in the many casinos downtown, but forget to explore the beautiful outlying islands of Taipa and Coloane, where one can take peaceful seaside strolls and wander through the cafes and food stalls for afternoons on end. Not at all the crowded, booming metropolis of its southwestern neighbor Hong Kong, and a far cry from the People's Republic of China, Macau represents a special opportunity for travellers with some time who want to relax at an intermediary point.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A Little Taste of the Mediterranean off of China's Coast

Last visit to Macao: Jul 2005
Intro Updated Oct 4, 2005
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Reviews (17)

A-Ma Temple Things to Do (6)

Built in the 15th century, the A-Ma Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Macau. The temple is dedicated to A-Ma,... more travel advice

Exploring the City Streets Things to Do (6)

Macau is just a nice place to take a walk down some of the streets. On the way to the Monte Fort and the Ruins of St.... more travel advice

View from the First Observation Deck, Macau Tower - Macao

Macau Tower Things to Do (6)

For a bird's-eye view of Macau, go to the top of the Macau Tower. At 338 meters, 10th tallest tower in the world, and... more travel advice

Lou Lim Loc Garden Things to Do (6)

A nice way to spend a couple of hours, this garden is filled with lotus ponds, winding Chinese bridges, grottoes, and... more travel advice

Comments (11)

Redang Jul 3, 2007 at 10:20 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page!
lordvader Dec 15, 2006 at 4:40 AM Report Abuse

Very nice page, Rachel. You hit all the highlights, and I hope I can be there soon.
Just- Jul 23, 2006 at 12:49 PM Report Abuse

The funny thing about Margaret is that she is not Portuguese at all. It just because she is famous. Yeah she does nice Egg cakes
frankcanfly Mar 27, 2006 at 12:05 AM Report Abuse

My visit here was brief, but it looks the same, and different..... Great tips!
imstress Mar 25, 2006 at 5:02 AM Report Abuse

I wish to have some portugese egg tarts from Macau. Hope to go there soon.
Confucius Jan 27, 2006 at 9:58 AM Report Abuse

I dare say this is one of the best Macau pages on VT. I've daydreamed of doing an egg custard tart tour of all the bakeries there. Of course, then I'd have to follow your sports tip and jog off the calories afterwards!
Jim_Eliason Dec 17, 2005 at 3:38 PM Report Abuse

Great page!
SquashNut Dec 10, 2005 at 7:16 AM Report Abuse

its wonderful that you are helping the less fortunate and abused. keep it up!
austarman Nov 2, 2005 at 4:02 AM Report Abuse

Love your Macao page it's got heaps of info and the view frim that tower is fantastic.Thanks
peerapa Nov 1, 2005 at 1:35 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your useful tips...wanna come back to travel Macau again...May ;)