if we take the hydrofoil from HK, do we need any other conveyance once we land on Macau....i seem to remember reading posts about charming little restaurants within walking distance.....can't find any of that now! Suggestions?

There's not much within walking distance from the hydrofoil port. You'll probably want to take a taxi to various places. We loved our meal at Fernando's - quite a way from the hydrofoil. The ride gives you a chance to see the afrther reaches of Macau. There are, of course, many other excellent restaurants in Macau.

we hired a rickshaw which took us around the town...other parts we did by foot...we did stay overnite however...

Conveyance? Er... What exactly are you thinking about?

I can't think of charming little restaurants near the ferry pier. Most are near the Leal Senado on Avenida Almeida Ribeiro in the old town center; and on Rua do Cunha on Taipa Island.

The former is a very short taxi ride, the latter is across the harbor, still affordable taxi ride.

Let me clarify a little. Most of the restaurants near the Leal Senado are on side streets and alleyways around the square. Not necessarily on the main Avenue.

Any names of restaurants that come to mind? are the casinos in one area or scattered throughout island?

I went to Barra Nova on Rua do Almirante Sergio. It's Macanese food which seems to blend all the different cuisines from Portugal and its colonies. I loved it.

Went to Fernando's too - personally did not enjoy as much as the Macanese food, but I don't think we ordered too well.

Fernando as recommended by Kathie is a popular one. It's on the island of Coloane, at the southern most point of Macau.

On Rua do Cunha on Taipa, popular ones include Pinnochio & Dumbo. Haven't been to either in years, and some people think Pinnochio (which basically started the whole Cunha scene) is much worse than before.

If you want dirt-cheap Macanese-Portugese food, I will recommend "A Vencedora", 22A Rua do Campo. No frills restaurant that cater to many local-born Portugese. I had a US$4 leg of lamb and US$1 red wine there last Christmas. I had eaten there probably 20 times since I was a young kid in the mid-70's.

I don't have a particular restaurant recommendation near the Leal Senado.

Most of the largest casinos are along the main road between the ferry pier and Hotel Lisboa, including Sands, Mandarin Oriental, Pharoah (at the Landmark Hotel), and of course Hotel Lisboa; plus several others. On Taipa, there is the Greek Mythology (at the New Century Hotel) and a small one at the Hyatt.

I think I found the restaurant/hotel that was profiled earlier as so charming......os gatos in the pousada de sao tiago. although rereading the posts, it sounds like some posters like fernando's more, although the pousada de sao tiago has a lovely location.

When we arrived at the wharf we were beseiged by taxi drivers and overpriced rickshaw owners but we checked at the Info desk at the wharf and got the bus number. It was very cheap and took us right to the Leal Senado area. We used to go to Henri's restaurant which has been there for many years and they specialised in African Chicken which was delicious but don't know if they still do it. The restaurant is along the waterfront on the way to the Pousada de San Tiago where I have also eaten and is a lovely little hotel. Have fun!

Buses are cheap and easy to take. However, between the ferry pier and Hotel Lisboa, they take a serpentine route that makes 20 turns, instead of just taking the main road.

You also need exact change (in either Hong Kong dollars or Macau Pataca), or Macau's own stored-value card. [They don't use Hong Kong's Octopus.]

Taxis are cheap and fast. They always use the meter. Never a problem taking a taxi in Macau. It's kind of funny that I take taxis quite often in Macau, or very very seldom in Hong Kong.

We took the bus from the hydrofoil pier to the center of town for a couple of dollars. Whilst walking we discovered a lovely small restaurant called Plataos in a by lane, with outdoor seating. Google it and you should find exact address.

As long as there is a thread on Macau ... I'll be in Hong Kong for 4 full days in December. General touring interest. Would going over to Macau for a day be advisable?

NoFlyZone - I always go to Macau on trips to Hong Kong. I think it's a very unique place with plenty to see.

Having said that, I should warn you that Macau is like a place with dual "personality". One is the casinos, all the hotels, and the new highrises apartment blocks. I advise you to ignore them except perhaps visiting the casino at Hotel Lisboa, which is quite an "interesting" site.

The other "side" of Macau is many churches, - many of them oldest in Asia - forts, St. Paul ruins, good museums, Chinese temples, Portugese-influenced architecture, cobblestones streets, etc... Things that you don't see in Hong Kong or most of China.

If you have 4 full days in Hong Kong, yes, I think you can do a day trip to Macau. Ferries are fast (55 minutes) and frequent (every 15 minutes), not too expensive (~US$40 roundtrip). No visa needed.

If only 3 whole days in Hong Kong with 12-year old girl, is day trip to Macau still worth it?

vrite - Depends on how much you've seen and how much you've done in Hong Kong. You don't have to decide until you're there. If after two days, you're already bored with Hong Kong, then go to Macau. If there are still plenty of stuff to do, then skip it.

Thanks, Bob. I have only read about the casinos and such areas so wasn't sure (still too early to do detailed study before the trip). But knowing there are good other areas to explore makes it a little more intriguing.

I will put it higher up on "The List."