After celebrating the New Year in the heart of Hong Kong, we decided to change the scenery and go to a neighboring region: Macao. This special administrative region, attached to China, is still very marked by its Portuguese colonial past, since it did not obtain its independence until 1999. Surprising mixture between Mediterranean vestiges and Chinese superpower, here are our reasons to go to Macau for your next vacation.
One can’t ignore it, Macau is the world capital of the game and for good reason, it is the only part of China having the license to exploit casinos. The profits reported by Macau casinos far outweigh those of its Las Vegas counterpart ($ 45 billion versus $ 6 billion in Vegas). But this is not the most surprising.
1. Play casinos in the game empire.
Las Vegas casino hotels have been identically rebuilt in the streets of Macao. It is therefore possible to walk in the Wynn, the MGM and, the most imposing, the Venetian. Replica copies of the buildings quite confusing! As for games, there is something for all budgets and all tastes! Do not hesitate to stop at a table to see map games, some of which are typically Chinese. But if you want to enjoy similar casino games anytime and anywhere, access onlinecasinodeutschland.com.de.
2. Visit vestiges of Portuguese architecture!
Another paradox of Macao, the most spectacular points of interest are nothing but Portuguese remains! Yes, colonization is not far off and southern architecture is still very present. Witness the facade of the Sao Paulo church, whose architecture is very European, combining Christian and Chinese inscriptions. Largo do Senado Square, the main square in the heart of historic Macao, is surrounded by buildings with a very European architecture, but adorned with typical Macanese signs!
3. Taste some unusual dishes.
It is not only at the architectural level that cultural mixtures take shape. They especially have their place on our plates! Besides eggtart (a delight) and typical Portuguese dishes, there are also macao-portuguese dishes! A curious mix of flavors rather successful with among others the Macanese style minchi (mixture of minced meat and potato) or the cozido a portuguese (braised meat with vegetables).
4. Learn to speak several dialects.
As you can imagine, in a place as cosmopolitan and as touristy, one language was not enough. The two official languages of Macao to date are Cantonese and Portuguese. It is also very easy to speak English given the tourist success that meets this region. A good way to try several languages and to communicate with the macaens.
5. Reset your visa!
Surprisingly, but very practical. When you take the ferry from Hong Kong, the simple fact of making a return trip to the island of Macao allows you to reset your visa. And for good reason, Macao has its own customs and own visas. So if you spend a day or more in Macao, it’s as if you have visited another country and, therefore, upon your return to Hong Kong Island, a new visa will be issued.
To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.
