To Macau or not to Macau?
 

My SO and I are taking a 6 day trip in TPE and HKG, and we are stuck deciding if we are going to visit Macau or not. We have both been to Las Vegas many times, and like it, but we are not devoted gamblers. I would hate to go to HKG and miss Macau if it is anything more than Vegas east...which from reading alot it seems to be, with copies of many LV casinos...our other option is to spend an extra day in TPE, and explore that area. Right now we have 3 nights in HKG, and 1 night in TPE. Does anyone have any great words of wisdom that could be of assistance?

Lots of historic sites in Macau. In fact, I visit Macau often and I hardly go inside any of the casino, let alone gamble.

There are several examples of Portuguese era architecture and churches that are very much worth a day trip. The ferry crossing is relatively cheap and you won't need to exchange currency from HK$, so I'd say go for it.

If you happen to be traveling around the Chinese New Year time frame, you should be in for a treat.

Macau is nothing like Vegas. Yes, It has the Venetian and now the City of Dreams (over the road), but that is as big as "the strip" is. Give it another 10 years and that will be very different. In central Macau there is Wynn, MGM, StarWorld Galaxy, Lisboa and Grand Lisboa within a block or two from eachother (plus another 20 or so around Macau). Inside the casinos, the "vibe" is very different to Vegas casinos also - less alcohol and more serious.

But, the real Macau is the historical sites, the food, the people and more food. It is definitely worth a trip if you have time. But, only one night in Taiwan seems very limiting and three nights in Hong Kong is barely enough. Depending on what you are looking for with your holiday, might be best to save Macau for next time, where two or three nights in Macau would be best. Macau hotel rates on Sunday to Thursday are considerably cheaper than Friday and Saturday rates.

Joel,

We were in HKG last week. In spite of what I read on FT and Tripadvisor, several people sort of shrugged their shoulders when I made inquiries of Macau. One shoulder shrug had that why bother look. :D

We spent the extra day exploring Hong Kong. I would suggest a day trip to see the Big Buddah on Lantau (sp) Island.

d

Most Hong Kongers can't care less about historical sites anywhere in the world. And all of them already have their picture taken in front of the St. Paul Ruins once in their life, so no point of visiting any again.

I'd take Macau over Taipei anyday. There's no uniqueness to Taipei, it's just another Chinese city. In fact, when I was there a coupla weeks back, I couldn't wait to get home.

Macau has some great architecture, quiet little streets and quite a romantic atmosphere. I especially enjoy the Macanese cuisine with their blend of Portugese and Chinese.

Macau is definitely worth a visit. Very close to the Grand Lisboa within a short walking distance is a nice town square that even has a Starbucks. St. Paul's is also in easy walking distance. Of the times I go there, part is spent in the casinos, but most is not. Macau is so much more than the casinos.

If the OP have never been to Macau nor Taipei, then 1 night at each sounds right for me to prelim explore each place so he can go deeper next time.

I personally like Taiwan more, and explore more the natural side (Tai Dung / Kenting) and night life @ Taipei.

I read in my new HKG/Macau city guide that there is actually more gambling (turnover) in Macau compared to Las Vegas. Was quite a surprise!

Will definitely make an effort going there when in HKG!

The shoulder shrugger was a friend of mine from LA. He's a middle-aged white guy like me. :D

:D No kidding. Quote from relatives "I've already been to Time Square once, why bother visiting US again?"

Oh well.

Hi,

I spend a couple of days in Macau when I was in Hong Kong last Easter and loved the place.

Regards

TBS

The turnover surpassed LV a few years ago. Not surprising with all the crazy mad gambling mainlanders.

YES - Go!!!
I noticed that you are SPG Gold.
STAY at the WESTIN !!!

When you fly into HKG, you just go straight to the Macau Ferry desk with your luggage claim checks and purchase a ticket. You do not have to deal with HK customs or immigration at the airport. It is very easy (even with golf clubs!)
Get a VIP seat on the ferry.
When you arrive at the ferry terminal, look for the WESTIN bus. Do NOT take a taxi, who will tell you there is no Westin bus.
The area around the Westin is nothing like downtown Macau. If you do not stay there, you will have missed it.
As Gold, I did get an upgraded room, but the rooms are very large anyway, with a huge private terrace.
To get back and forth to downtown, take the Westin bus back to the ferry and get on the Lisboa bus. Takes you very close to the St Paul ruins.
Also, the Westin bus will take you to the Venetian where you can see Cirque du Soleil for a good price!
Good dining in the coutyard at the MGM.

Also, the WESTIN staff were amazing!!!

From the Westin, you can walk along the beach to Fernandos or take a taxi to the small town where you can stop and get some custudards at Lord Stowe's Bakery!

Getting back to HK is easy. The ferry will take you downtown.

I only spent 3 nights at the Westin and it was well worth it!
They usually have cash and points!