Macau: Asia's New Las Vegas

Ruins of St. Paul, Photo by Patricia Padilla

MACAU — Macau has continued to grow as Asia's metopolis for gambling and entertainment. Projected to become as big as Las Vegas, Macau has come to the main stage for investors and casino fanatics.

As the other Special Administrative Region of China, Macau is only a ferry ride away from Hong Kong.

Originally a Portuguese colony, Macau offers an eclectic mix of Portuguese and Chinese culture. Always popular for its gambling casinos, Macau was always a popular destination for local gambling aficionados.

The Macau government, which had a monopoly in all gaming establishments and regulations, decided to welcome capitalism in 2002 and gave gaming licenses to six companies, including well-known Vegas Wynn, The Sands, and MGM Mirage.

One of the most famous sights in Asia are the Ruins of St. Paul. Also known as Sam Ba Sin Tzik, it was built in 1580 by the Jesuits. Until it caught on fire in 1835, it was the largest Catholic church in Asia.

Macau map - courtesy of CNN.

In addition to the history. Macau now promises to bring the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. As shown in the artist rendering, it is only a matter of time before Macau becomes the new mecca of gambling and entertainment.

For more information, please visit the Macau Government Tourism Site.

Church in Macau, Photo by Patricia Padilla