Day Trip from Hong Kong to Macau

Colonial Enclaves

City-states such as Macau and Hong Kong have a very different story than that of the Mainland. Centuries ago their paths diverged from Imperial China and began to mold its own identity and culture. Under the influence of colonial powers, Macau began to see a fusion of Chinese traditions, European technology and a way of thinking which is uniquely Macanese.

Other than the rich cultural heritage, pastel-colored colonial city blocks, and cuisine combining the best of Asia and Portugal, Macau is well known as the gambling capital of the world. The golden spires and elaborate skyscrapers dwarf all the historical ruins of the city. Indicating that while Macau preserves its past, it has thoroughly embraced the future. From massive casinos to centuries-old Portuguese quarters, the entire city is a melting pot of eastern and western culture and ideas.

Looking for more day trips from Hong Kong? Be sure to check out the Tai O Fishing Village!

Getting From Hong Kong to Macau

Unless you are planning to be leaning over a craps table for the entirety of your holiday, you may find a whole lot to do in Macau. The colonial buildings, Chinese temples, and lights of the Macau “strip” are just enough to occupy a day or two. While you thought Hong Kong was expensive, Macau has sworn-off budget backpackers log ago. You will mainly find luxurious hotels catering to the high-rollers frequenting the casinos rather than your hippie youth hostels. Therefore it is probably best that you make your trip to Macau a day trip from Hong Kong.

For a real sense of adventure traveling between Hong Kong and Macau, you will probably want to take the ferry. There are two major ferry companies operating out of Hong Kong: Turbo Jet and Cotai Water Jet. Both of the operators sail from several different ports in Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese Mainland. For those in Hong Kong, you will want to look at the Sheung Wan and Kowloon terminals.

Services from Sheung Wan are far more frequent, starting from 7:00 to 23:00, departing every 30 minutes. From Kowloon, the Hong Kong to Macau ferry only leaves about every hour and stops its services much earlier. The prices of the two companies are about the same. The fare for a one-way ferry ticket from Hong Kong to Macau should cost around 170 HKD (21.80 USD) and take just under an hour. Ticket fares vary from weekdays to weekends and the time of year, be sure to check the website for the latest prices.

Thinking about exploring more of the cultural side of Hong Kong? You won’t want to miss the 10,000 Buddha Temple!

City of Sin

Although Macau may lack all the neon lights and tacky flare of the Las Vegas strip, this city-state has a gambling industry seven times larger than that of its American counterpart. Gamblers from all over the world treat this Chinese casino enclave as their mecca. Making a pilgrimage to the golden halls and luxurious resorts are on par with a religious experience as they ritualistically roll the dice and spin the roulette.

As a major travel hub, backpackers and adventurers who are more drawn to the jungles of Laos and bazaars of India will suddenly find themselves thrown in the middle of a towering metropolis. While Hong Kong has enough grit and culture to explore for a lifetime, poker and blackjack games aren’t quite enough to bring these thrill-seekers across the bay by droves.

Everyone has seen the Rainbow Buildings of Hong Kong. Read about traveling to Choi Hung here!

Portuguese Scars

The Portuguese have had their hands on Macau since 1557. For well over 400 hundred years Macau has evolved from a humble trading port to a colony, and finally to a bustling metropolis. What the city-state lacks in glistening skyscrapers and scenes of urban decay, is made up with its colonial charm and ornate European ruins. Although Hong Kong has developed into one of the world’s largest megacities, you will find little to no remnants of the British occupation.

Other than the colorful streets and historic heritage buildings that line the Portuguese Quarter, it is the Ruins of St. Paul that has taken the spotlight as being the emblem for all of Macau. While in most of the city you will find tons of room to spread out in and explore Macau, it is in front of these ruins where you will literally have to swim over a sea of people to get a glimpse of the crumbling church.

If you are going to be crossing over to the Mainland, you will want to check out the mountains of Guilin!

Macau After Hours

The chance to strike it rich may not be enough to have you throw away your hard-earned cash in the gambling halls,  but the view of the casinos from a distance is undeniably breathtaking. Sitting along the banks of the Nam Van Lake across from the Macau skyline, there is no better place to take in the lights of the city. As the neon colors play off the surface of the water, you may begin to second-guess your plan of just spending one day in Macau.

Despite the city embracing capitalistic and hedonistic methods to support its economy, Macau remains a down to earth and relaxing destination. Other than the crowds in Senado Square, the city streets and back-alleys remain peaceful and free of the mobs that you might find in Hong Kong. While wandering the banks of the lake taking in the colors of Macau, you will feel as if all the lights of the city were putting on a show just for you.

To truly get off the beaten path in Hong Kong you will want to explore Pok Fu Lam, one of the last villages in the city!

The Caged Bird

While the flames and smoke of Hong Kong can be seen from Macau, the city has remained quite at peace with its Mainland protectors. Generally speaking, the Macanese have no qualms with considering themselves as a part of China. Many of the same drafts that caused rioters to take to the streets in Kowloon, were turned into laws in Macau without a sinch.

Although the residents of Macau may seem to be pacified, you are sure to see your odd protestor while out exploring the city, While in the Mainland these demonstrators would be carried away at the drop of a hat, in Macau these picket sign wielding activists can be found marching up and down the street, seeking to expose corruption and conspiracies in the system.

Macau has a lot of things that Hong Kong simply can not offer. Quiet strolls and heritage walks, as well as its gayly painted buildings adding a splash of color to the urban jungle. Macau is not a place that you will be dreaming of hopping back on a boat to explore, but it is simply a nice compact day trip, bundled and dressed up with a bow. There is enough to make you happy you made the trip, but not enough to bring you back again.