Exploring Macau

by Michael Satterfield

Macau has the distinction of being both the first and the last European colony in Asia. It has a unique and storied history, home to the first Western College in Asia and in Modern Times one of the best street road courses in all of racing and one of the final stops on the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

The entire area of Macau is just over 11 square miles meaning you can see most major tourist attractions in a day. Known as the Las Vegas of Southeast Asia it is home some of the largest casinos in the world in 2007 when The Venetian Macao was built it was the second-largest building in the world (currently it is sixth).

If you are a history nerd like me you'll like the fortifications, museums, and Ruins of St. Paul's. Macau is not the least expensive place to visit in Southeast Asia, and beyond the casinos, there is not much to do. But if you like to gamble, love to eat, and like to hang around a resort, Macau might be for you.

Where to stay:

Low: $
The Victoria Hotel Macau
This is a really nice hotel and can be as little as $70 a night. I checked it out when I was there and it's the only drawback is that it is not right near all the Casinos, but if you don't like to gamble that's a good thing. But if you plan on visiting the casinos and restaurants you might want to spend a little more. Nice hotels in the Casino section of town can be around $100. If you are on a real budget there are some inexpensive hostel-like hotels for as little as $20, just beware many online booking sites for Macau list hotels over the border in Mainland China as being in Macau.

High: $$$
The Venetian Macao
Having stayed at Venetian properties in Las Vegas I found that the Macao location is just as nice, but with it seems the staff is a little more attention to detail. Every room is a suite and the smallest room the "Royal Suite" is just over 750 sq ft and will run you around $250-$300 a night on average.

Where to eat:

Low: $
The best thing about Southeast Asian towns is that food is everywhere, so you can eat pretty cheap there are noodle bars, cafes, and even some good old American fast-food restaurants.

Classic Pork Chop Sandwich (popular with the locals
Tai Lei Lok Kei, 18 Tamagnini Barbosa, Vila de Taipa, Taipa, +853 2882 7150, MOP30 ($3.75)

Serradura translates to "Sawdust." don't worry it's not wood its a chilled pudding that is a favorite dessert of the locals. Gelatina Mok Yi Kei is one of the most popular spots in town.
Gelatina Mok Yi Kei, 9A Rua da Cunha, Vila de Taipa; +853 6669 5194; MOP20 ($2.5)

High: $$$
Macau is an international city and you will find just about any type of food you can imagine. Vida Rica restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental hotel must be on your list. Be prepared to spend between $20-70 for an entree they are known for their Boston lobster and jumbo pasta shells, their Challans duck and orange, and if you are in the mood for breakfast they serve a great Dim Sum.
Vida Rica at the Mandarin Oriental, Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau +853 8805 8888 ($25-70)

The start/finish line of the Macau Grand Prix course

Macau is a scooter town, being less than 12 square miles its easy to see why.

They like to roll on trike scooters as well. If you are there in the Summer expect brutal humidity so and Air Condition Taxi is the way to go for journeys more than a block.