Lying on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, bordering Guangdong province in the north and facing the South China Sea in the east and south, Macau covers all of 28 square kilometers.

With its unique mixture of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, Macau makes an interesting day trip or overnight stay if you want to get away from the din and bustle of Hong Kong after a business trip or intensive and long-time traveling itinerary. Although Macau's rising reputation as a gambling mecca -- spurred by the grand openings of ever larger and grander casinos -- is a major attraction for many, there are beaches, fortresses, churches, temples, gardens, and excellent museums to explore. And as a duty-free port, Macau has also become something of a shopping mecca. And finally, Macanese cuisine, unique to Macau and combining ingredients from former Portuguese trading ports from around the world, is both inexpensive and delicious, especially when accompanied with Portuguese wine.

In addition, Macau possesses a lifestyle that is less frenetic than that of Hong Kong. Its mixture of Portuguese and Chinese elements makes it different from Hong Kong, China, even anywhere else. Maybe it's because people smile here more readily than they do in Hong Kong, seem more relaxed, and friendlier. Maybe it is because the combination of Portuguese flair blended with Chinese practicality. It attracts more and more travelers these years.

Here the beaches, churches, museums, attractions, nightlife, and, of course, casinos -- all in a setting found nowhere else in the world. If you're looking for a vacation from your vacation, Macau is really your best choice.