The year 2026 kicked off with a long-awaited bucket-list trip for travel enthusiasts Prashant and Sunaina. Their destination? The dazzling mix of Portuguese heritage and modern luxury: Macau.
If you are planning a trip from India to this “Vegas of Asia,” here is a breakdown of their first day, full of travel tips, historic sights, and mouth-watering treats.
1. Getting There: The Seamless Transit
The journey began with an Air India flight from Delhi to Hong Kong, which cost approximately ₹25,000 per person . After landing in Hong Kong at 6:00 AM, the goal was to reach Macau without clearing Hong Kong immigration—a huge time-saver!
- The Strategy: Follow the “Macau E-Transfer” signs at Hong Kong Airport.
- The Perk: By showing their passports and boarding passes at the Macau kiosk, they received complimentary bus tickets .
- Luggage Tip: You don’t need to worry about your checked-in bags. By providing your baggage tags at the transfer desk, the staff ensures your luggage is moved directly to the bus departure area .
The bus ride takes about an hour and crosses the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge at 55km—a truly scenic experience .
2. Old Macau: A Walk Through History
After a quick immigration check in Macau (just a passport show!), they headed to the Sofitel Hotel (approx. ₹10k/night). Since check-in wasn’t until 3:00 PM, the exploration began immediately in Old Macau.
- Senado Square: This UNESCO World Heritage site feels more like Europe than Asia . With its paved streets and Mediterranean-style architecture, it’s a hub for culture and high-street shopping.
- The Food Scene: You cannot visit Macau without trying the Venetian Egg Tarts . These freshly baked, flaky delights are a local specialty. They also explored the “Khau Galli” (food street), noting that while delicious, Macau can be pricier than Thailand or Singapore—a simple chicken rice dish cost around ₹800 .
- Ruins of St. Paul’s: This iconic stone facade is all that remains of a 17th-century Portuguese church after a fire in 1835 . It’s a must-visit photo spot, though it can get very crowded on weekends!
3. The Cotai Strip: Glitz, Glamour, and Casinos
As the sun set, the vibe shifted from historic to high-tech. A short bus ride (costing only 6 MOP) took them to the Cotai Strip .
- The Londoner: This area is a tribute to London, featuring a replica of Big Ben and iconic red telephone booths The light shows here are spectacular and completely free to enjoy.
- The Venetian: Step inside and you’ll forget what time it is. The mall features an artificial sky and a working canal with Gondola rides, perfectly mimicking the charm of Venice . It also houses one of the world’s largest casinos for those feeling lucky!
Traveler Tips for Macau:
- Avoid Weekends: Places like Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s are extremely crowded on Sundays
- Stay Connected: The major malls and casinos are connected by internal sky bridges, so you can explore multiple resorts without ever stepping out onto the street
- Hydration: Many modern hotels in Macau (like the Sofitel) now use filtered tap water dispensers instead of plastic bottles to be more eco-friendly
Watch the full vlog here: Delhi to Macau : Ancient Ruins to Venetian Egg Tarts!
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