Macao

The first thing you see landing into Macao is the towering silhouettes of the casinos, dozens of glass and concrete behemoths looming over the horizon,  shrouded in sickly neon mist, firing laser over the sky.  There's the hulking, lotus-shaped Grand Lisboa, the rust-coloured reproduction of Las Vegas' Wynn, the opulent towers of the Galaxy. Unlike mainland China, gambling has been legal in Macao since 1850, an industry that makes up more than half its local economy.  Most people you speak with will have come to either gamble or to watch a sporting event.

To experience one of the most exciting culture-packed destinations in the Far East, look no further than Macao.  With rich history, vibrant nightlife and great food, Macao has something for everyone. Located 40 miles from Hong Kong Macao's  Portuguese-Chinese heritage is a must-see for avid travellers looking for a cool alternative twin-centre stop off when exploring Hong Kong, Thailand and  the rest of Asia.

Rarely has the cultural collision of East and West been as evident elsewhere in the world as it is in Macau. For nearly half a millennium, this Special Administration Region of China has been a fascination melting pot of Chinese and European influences.  Visitors to modern Macau will find plenty of this still of this mix today, alongside a frequently spectacular sprinkling of contemporary style.