kittycatangel

Please provide advice on these day trips (what you thought, how you got there,cost?)

1. Macau
2. Senchen
3. Guandong

Also, I understand u can get buy a 1-day visa on the spot for China. If we visit 2 places over 2 days, do I need to buy 2 visas or is it possible to get a 5-day or 7-day visa?

Kathie

I've been to Macau on a day trip. You take the hydrofoil, it's quick, easy and inexpensive. I don't have my notes available, but the fare was not expensive. You get a visa on arrival in Macau. There are historic sights to see and great Portuguese restaurants (we loved Fernando's). Some people go to the casinos, but I have no interest so can't comment.

If you want to go to China, you need a visa in advance, which you can get in Hong Kong, but unless things have changed very recently, you cannot get a visa on arrival. If you wanted to take two day trips into China you'd need two visas or else a multiple entry visa. I seem to remember that the multiple entry visa was something like US$60 (soory, it's been a long time since I was in China). I'm sure someone else on the board the exact info. I've not heard anyone rave about the day trips into China.

randig

we just came back from Hong Kong and went to Shenzen for the day. You can get a visa prior to leaving your country, right at the border or like we did, from the hotel concierge. Our concierge took our photos,our passports and $60.00Cdn for us. We got them back the next day.
This is just a place to shop only.
Which was our reason for going. It
was lots of fun and we bought some great knock off stuff that we wonder whether it is real.

rkkwan

Macau - No visa needed for most nationalities. Ferry cost is about HK$120 (US$16) each way, takes 55 minutes, and during the day departs every 15 minutes.

Shenzhen is a special economic zone, but is still part of the Guangdong Province. You can take the KCR train from anywhere in Kowloon to the last station Lo Wu, which is right at the border. Fare is HK$33 each way from most stations in Kowloon (but HK$36.5 from the new Tsimshatsui East station). There are also buses from various location throughout Hong Kong, but I suggest you take the train.

If you want to get to Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, there are many ways - buses, trains, ferries, plane. The most convenient and comfortable way is the "Through Train" - which you clear Chinese customs/immigration in Guangzhou East, and not at the more busy Shenzhen border.

If you decide to go into China by bus (wherever your final destination), keep in mind that the Wong Kwong border checkpoint can get extremely busy and chaotic during major holidays. [The Lo Wu rail crossing is also pretty bad.] Take a bus that crosses at Man Kam To, if you have to take a bus.

As for instant visa at the border, they had not been available for US Passport holders for a while, and I have not heard that's been changed. Like Kathie says, you'll need to get a visa beforehand.

To me, Macau is interesting and easy to get to. Shenzhen and Guangzhou don't appeal to me, unless you really love buying counterfeit products, or just feel like you have to see China. They are not worth the trouble, or the visa fees, IMHO.

rkkwan

BTW, there are 12 "through trains" to Guangzhou a day from Hong Kong. Some run by Hong Kong's KCRC, some by the Chinese authorities. Prices are HK$180-230 each way, based on the train and class of service. Takes about 1:30 to 1:45.

Seamus

Just returned from HK, and visited Macau, Senchen amd Guangong.
Macau- helicopter for USD200 is pretty much a waste of money; use the hydrofoil for less then 1/10th the cost - don't bother with "superior class". You will arrive at the sea terminal. There are excellent free tourist guides. Once there, hop a bus or taxi into town and stroll along the mosaic tile paved walkway to see Portugese colonial architecture; be sure to see the great museum at the fortress next to famous church facade. The street markets are pretty much rubbish. If you are interested, there is a casino near the sea terminal. Be aware that English is much less common than in HK - make sure you know what bus stop to exit to get to the tourist area. Overall, it was worth a visit but I feel no desire to return. I might feel differently if I has time to visit some of the smaller villages.
China - Visa requires 1-2 days, concierge can arrange. If you go with a group tour they usually handle it. Senchen is a "new" city - really didn't exist 25 years ago!. The shopping there did not seem much better than in HK. Guangdong (formerly Canton) is an older city with more history. I did both in a one day tour (about 14 hours) that involved hydrofoil to Senchen, coach to Canton, train back to HK. Wish we had more time in Canton, but overall it was fine for a first time visit. I think the total cost, with visa and lunch in Guangdong, was about USD150.

mmyk72

From my experience, Macau is a trip to get away from the crowds and get some fresh air. The city is less busy and and hectic compared to HK. You'll like it if you like to see historical structures(a lot of Portuguese influence) or just to relax for a day. You'll find Macau boring if you want to shop and do 20 things in one day.

By the way, Macau is famous for the regional snacks. People stock up on Chinese style beef jerky, cookies, & candies.

As others pointed out, getting to Macau is cheap and fast.

rkkwan

Macau is like two totally different cities intertwined into one very small place. On one hand are the featureless highrises, all the casinos, most of the hotels - which is extremely unappealing except to the gamblers. On the other hand, there are many of the oldest churches and forts in Asia, along with classic Chinese temples and gardens. They may not be apparent when you first arrive Macau by ferry, but they are not hard to find if you just look further.

People there are the same way too - inside and outside the casinos. In the non-casino areas, people are much more laid-back and friendly.