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What to See - Macau Tours
Macau is not a very large area but is made up of 3 areas. When looking at a map you can see these areas clearly. If you aren't visiting for the casinos in Macau, there is still a lot to do and see, especially on a day trip from Hong Kong.
On our first trip there, we spent a couple of days of checking out the Cotai Strip, the Venetian Macao, and the new Crown Casino complex (it opened 2 weeks before we arrived). By the third day it was time to go out and see some of the sights. The Venetian offered 1/2 day Macau tours of the area so we decided to take them up on it.
First stop was the oldest temple in Macau, the A-Ma Temple. This was our first temple visit in Asia and we really enjoyed it. I don't know if visiting the Temple had anything to do with it, but after our visit our luck turned around at the casinos (for the better). It was absolutely beautiful.
On our second trip, we went to the A-Ma Temple with our friends who live in Hong Kong, that spent the weekend with us at the MGM. We wandered over to the temple after a great lunch in a local Macanese restaurant, Restaurante Litoral.
Our next stop, was the Macau Tower then onto St. Paul Cathedral
Macau Tours: Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral
Another must see, the Ruins of St. Paul's shows the history and culture of the Portuguese colony that settled the area.
The facade of the 17th century Portuguese Cathedral of St. Paul. It is all that is left of it after it was destroyed by fire during a typhoon in 1835.
From our second trip to St. Pauls Cathedral.
Here is a one minute video showing you the area of St. Paul's Cathedral.
On our first visit, after some time at the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral we tried some Almond Cookies (YUM!), Seaweed cookies and Pork Cookies. Warren didn't realize they had pork in them until after he ate it. Here was his reaction:
After our walk around the ruins we had time to wander through old town and the shopping area.
Where there is gambling there is shopping, and Macau is no exception. You can find brand names, and couture, and of course bargain shopping in the markets.
Whatever you choose to do, whether you take organized Macau tours or wander on your own, you will love it!
Find more walking tours in the Hong Kong & Macau (City Guide))
Fish Spa at the Venetian
On our last morning of our first trip there, we decided to try out the fish spa at the Venetian. It was something I am glad that we did, but don't need to do again.
A Fish Spa is where the staff clean your feet and then you put your feet into a pool of small fish and allow the fish to eat the dead skin off of your feet. I had heard that they were very popular in Asia but were considering banning them in North America.
So when in Asia....
See what others say about the Venetian at TripAdvisor
Thinking of going to Hong Kong while vacationing in Asia? Here are some articles you may be interested in:
Asia Vacation Ideas
Travel Facts about Hong Kong
Hong Kong - vibrant, exciting and historic. A great introduction to Asia, and an excellent family or romantic vacation idea.
Asia
Holidays
Do you have questions about visiting Asia? Are you concerned about going out of your comfort zone to visit Asia? Ask all of your questions here. Or see what other visitors have asked. Maybe they will have answered your concerns.
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