Day Trip to Macau – The Las Vegas of Asia
Complete guide about how to get to Macau from Hong Kong, find great hotel options, discover the top attractions, and find out what you should buy while you’re there.
What is Macau famous for?
Macau, also known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” is a vibrant and unique destination known for its rich blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, stunning architecture, and a bustling tourism industry.
It’s a fusion of Portuguese and Chinese culture, a unique blend that can be savored in the city’s cuisine, festivals, and colonial architecture.
In this blog, I’ll show you all the fun things to do for your day trip to Macau.
From explaining how to get there from Hong Kong, places to visit, and how to get around the country.
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Check-out our Macau vlog here
Table of Content
How to get to Macau
Ferry services from Hong Kong to Macau
Bus services provided by One Bus
Private Cars for flexible travel times
What to do in Macau
Exploring Macau Peninsula
Discovering Cotai
Top Hotels to Stay in Macau
Macau Peninsula Hotels
Cotai Macau Hotels
Transportation in Macau
- Taxi services
Public bus network
Shuttle Buses
Light Rapid Transit (LRT)
Extra Tips for a Successful Day Trip
Best time to visit Macau from Hong Kong
Currency exchange tips
Enjoy your trip to Macau!
How to get from Hong Kong to Macau ?
Ferry:
Where to ride from: Hong Kong – Macau Ferry Terminal
Journey time: 1 hour
- Ferry options:
- TurboJet: from HK$175
Cotai Water Jet: from HK$175
Bus: One Bus
Where to ride from: Jordan station (505 Canton Road)
Journey time: about 2 hours including immigration check
Private Cars:
- For more flexible time, you can also book private city transfer from Hong Kong to Macau from Klook
What to do in Macau?
Macau is divided to two main Island:
*Macau Peninsula: Landmarks & Heritage
Ruins of St. Paul’s: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Macau’s most recognizable symbols.
Senado Square: A shopping district in front of Ruins of St. Paul
A-Ma Temple
Guia Fortress: Other notable attractions showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
*Cotai, Macau:
Casinos: Cotai is famous for its world-class casinos, Hotels like The Venetian Macao, City of Dreams, and Galaxy Macau are some of the most popular Casinos.
Teamlab SuperNature: a vast interactive art space that explores the relationship between humans and nature through digital technology.
Shopping: Macau offers a wide range of options, from high-end designer boutiques to unique local stores. Almost every hotels in Cotai Strip have their own shopping area.
Where to stay in Macau
Transportation in Macau
To travel around Macau, you need Macau Pass (just like Octopus Card) which is a contactless smart card used for various forms of public transportation, as well as for payments in retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses in Macau.
You can purchase Macau Pass from any convenient store in Macau.
*Public Bus
Macau has an extensive public bus network that covers most areas of the city, including the Macau Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane. Bus fares are relatively low, and you can pay in cash or with the Macau Pass, a contactless card for public transportation.
*Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Macau and are a convenient way to get around. They come in different colors to indicate different services (red for urban areas, yellow for the airport, and green for the islands).
Taxis are metered, and drivers generally speak basic English.
*Shuttle Busses
Many hotels and casinos in Macau offer complimentary shuttle bus services to and from key transportation hubs like the ferry terminals, airport, and major border crossings with mainland China.
*Private Cars
For larger groups or families visiting Macau, hiring private cars through platforms like Klook can be a convenient travel option.
Tips for a day trip in Macau
*Start Early
To make the most of your day exploring all the hotels and attractions in Macau and returning to Hong Kong by night, it’s advisable to start your journey early in the morning. Begin by exploring the Macau Peninsula before venturing to the Cotai Strip. This way, you can efficiently cover all the must-see places Macau has to offer.
*Use MOP not HKD
Currency exchange services are conveniently available at both their Ferry terminal and airport.
It’s worth noting that while you can use Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) for transactions in Macau at a 1:1 exchange rate with the Macau Pataca (MOP), keep in mind that the MOP has a lower value than the HKD, so using HKD might result in some loss.
That’s it for your one-day trip to Macau. I hope you have a great time! Safe travels!
Love, Nessa and Linardo
