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8D Taiwan Itinerary: Insider’s Guide to Hidden Adventures from Taipei to Kaohsiung via THSR

First published: 9 Nov 2017

From trendy shopping districts to vibrant streets lined with mouth-watering local delicacies, I thought I’d seen and experienced all Taiwan could offer. While these parts of Taiwan are still enjoyable (even after being back for the seventh time), boy was I wrong about how much I knew.

In this eight-day Taiwan Itinerary, not only will we cover some of the best, most well-known sights along the west coast of Taiwan (Taipei to Kaohsiung), we’ve also thrown in a couple of off-the-beaten-path experiences that will definitely re-ignite your interest in Taiwan whether it’s your second or seventh time.

Pre-trip Essentials

SIM Card: ~S$21 for 10 days unlimited data or purchase an eSIM (from ~S$10.60 for 5 days, 1GB/day) if you have a compatible device — no physical card is required!

Airport to City Transport: From Taoyuan International Airport, you can take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) to Taipei Main Station in 20 minutes. But if your flight arrives late at night when the train services have halted, the car transfer service (~S$47) is the next best option. Not only does it bring you to your doorstep in comfort, it’s also cheaper than regular taxis and operates 24/7.

Psst. From now till 31 May 2024, enjoy a Buy 1 Get 1 Free promo on the THSR pass when you book via Klook!

Intercity Transport:  For fuss-free travelling through different cities in Taiwan, the THSR pass is essential. We purchased the 5-Day Joint Train Standard Pass which includes unlimited use of the THSR on any 2 days + unlimited use of the Taiwan Railway (TR) for five consecutive days.

For transport within cities like Taipei or Kaohsiung, you will need the  EasyCard 悠遊卡 or iPass 一卡通 , which can be purchased   from convenience stores.

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off all items * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code at checkout. One-time use only. (* – see list of excluded activities )

Travel Insurance: With all the extreme activities and eating you’ll be doing in this itinerary, it’s important to get a policy in case of anything that arises during or after the trip. Don’t forget to ensure that your travel insurance includes Covid-19 coverage too!

Check Flights to Taipei

We excluded flights from our budget since it varies depending on the season and airline. Check flight prices for your dates of travel .

Despite being a metropolitan city, there are still many things you can eat and do at relatively low prices.

Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿)

First up, eat like a local. Get up early (and we mean, REALLY early) for breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk . Its unique salty soybean curd melts in your mouth and makes the perfect breakfast combi with youtiao 油条 (fried dough sticks). Queues can get really long (and we mean, REALLY long) but it moves along quite quickly.

Address : Level 2, No. 108, Zhongxiao East Road, Section 1, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan [台北市中正區忠孝東路一段108號2樓] Opening hours : 05:30AM – 12:30PM, closed on Mon Cost: ~NT$25-60

Zen out at Maokong 猫空

Maokong used to be the biggest tea growing area in Taipei and is now a popular place for tea culture. The premium Oolong variety, Tie Guan Yin 鐵觀音, is still being produced at Maokong.

Photo credit: 4travel.jp

Spend a relaxing afternoon in Maokong sipping tea while overlooking the lush tea plantation fields. Get to the top via a gondola service from Taipei Zoo.

Directions: MRT Wenhu Line (Brown Line) 文湖線 to Taipei Zoo → follow signs leading to Gondola → 3 stops to Maokong Stn. Gondola fee: NT$120/trip (EasyCard holders entitled to 20% discount on weekdays, or enjoy a discounted rate with the Klook Pass Taipei starting from ~S$23 for 2 attractions)

The icon of Taiwan, Taipei 101 stands out kinda like a sore thumb in the day being the only tall building around the area. But come nightfall, the 101-storeyed building lights up and sure is a beautiful sight to look at against the dark sky.

Did you know? The building is lit up according to the colours of the rainbow each night of the week. Mon , Tue , Wed , Thu , Fri , Sat , and Sun .

Can you tell which day of the week this was taken?

*Pro-tip: Pre-book your admission ticket via Klook (from ~S$26) to skip the queue at the ticketing counter! You can enter directly with the QR code on your voucher.

Accommodation: Meander Taipei Hostel from NT$580/night

Read also: 4D3N Taipei Itinerary for more local finds in and around Taipei

D2: Day Trip to Jiufen 九份 & Shifen 十分

How to get there:  Take a bus (Bus 965) which travels from Banqiao and stops at Jiufen Old Street. Or alternatively, take a private city transfer instead.

Located just outside of Taipei City, Jiufen and Shifen are popular day-trips for its extremely scenic views and great food; probably why I keep coming back too.

Problem is, it can take a while to get there via public transport. During our trip, we took a shuttle bus service (which has since then been discontinued). The bus picked us from Ximen and we arrived in Shifen within an hour. Ultra-convenient!

If you’re looking for convenience and want to arrive there quickly, hiring a private car transfer is what you may need. Some day tours also like this one will just require you to meet at the Taipei Main Station, and they’ll guide you along Jiufen and Shifen. The choice is yours!

Shifen has been popularised in recent years and many specially visit the quaint old town to light up sky lanterns on the old (and still functioning!) rail tracks.

Write your wishes on the paper lanterns and light them up, sending your wishes to the heavens.

Besides lighting up the sky lanterns, another charm of Shifen I love is the old-school vibes. Buy a glass-bottled marble soda to feel really transported back in time!

A-Mei Tea House, the inspiration behind Hayao Miyazaki’s award-winning Spirited Away.

Jiufen seems like an unassuming laid-back town amongst the mountainous regions, but on closer inspection, it’s really an energetic and bustling food paradise filled with endless surprises from beginning till end.

When the stall owner is as unforgettable as the yummy Taiwanese sausage she’s selling.

The tour lasts around eight hours and you can either pick the morning slot, which leaves at 9:30AM, or the afternoon slot, which leaves at 1:30PM.

After the eating spree in Jiufen , head back to Taipei and explore the fast-paced and everchanging Ximending.

Streets of Ximending. Photo credit: Wikipedia

If Taipei 101 is the icon of metropolitan Taipei, then Ximending can be considered the cultural icon of Taiwan. Popular among the youth and tourists, the bustling streets of Ximending hosts not only apparel shops, but also eateries, cinemas, and scores and scores of budget hotels.

Dinner at San Wei Dining Hall 三味食堂

These fist-sized salmon nigiri rolls attract hordes of sushi lovers daily, and queue-time may take up to an hour! Sushi and sashimi plates range from NT$70–580 (~S$3–26).

Address : 116, Guiyang St Sec 2, Taipei City [台北市貴陽街二段116號] Opening Hours: 11:20AM – 2:30PM, 5:10PM – 10PM (Last orders 9:30PM). Closed first two Mondays & last two Sundays of every month

For more awesome possum local finds in Taipei, check out our 4D3N Taipei Itinerary .

D3: Taichung (via the THSR)

The easiest and fastest way to get from Taipei to Taichung is via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) — within an hour for NT$700 (single ticket). As we’d pre-purchased the 5-Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TRA) before our trip, we had to activate the pass at the THSR ticketing counter at Taipei Main Station.

Do note that when activating the 5-Day Joint Pass, the THSR staff will require you to choose the two dates you want to take the THSR. This is so that they can make seat reservations for you on the THSR.

The journey southwards from Taipei to Taichung took approx. 50 mins for us. However, there are various trains with different timings and stops, so yours might take a little longer. Refer to THSR’s official website for detailed train timings.

Arrival in Taichung

Since we’ll be covering quite a few places within Taichung (also note that Taichung has no MRT system), we rented a car for convenience. We rented a simple sedan car online and collected the car from Taichung THSR station upon arrival. Easy breezy.

Photo credit: Cavin Teo

Yizhong Street 一中街 is a shopping street in Taichung not unlike the usual night markets of Taiwan. However, some shops are open from as early as 10AM in the morning. Prices of food and things are slightly cheaper in Taichung as compared to Taipei, so guilt-free eating and shopping can begin here!

After an afternoon in Yizhong Street, we drove to Nantou 南投, where our accommodation for the night is at, ready to welcome the next day we packed with adventures.

Our cosy bedroom for the night at a local homestay

Accommodation: Stay with the locals at a rustic Airbnb from ~S$23 per night

Read also: Taipei Day Trip: Jiufen & Shifen

D4: Endless Adventures Among the Most Stunning Sceneries in Taichung/Nantou

Standup paddleboarding (sup) 立槳體驗.

Sun Moon Lake 日月潭 is one of Taiwan’s largest freshwater lakes, and also arguably the most beautiful natural attraction. We got up super early so as to reach Sun Moon Lake by 5:30AM for our sunrise Standup Paddleboarding experience.

The waters of Sun Moon Lake are very calm, first-timers like me will have no problems learning how to control the paddleboard.

Our jovial instructor even brought along the famous Nantou Jinpen “Ah Mah” Braised Tea Egg 金盤阿嬤茶葉蛋 and bottled Black Tea 紅茶 for us to have during breakfast. When else can one have breakfast on a paddleboard on a lake with superb views! Coach OA even doubled as a photographer and sent us our standup paddleboarding photos after the activity.

Price: From ~S$66/pax (3 hours) . A similar SUP activity in Singapore would cost ~S$100. Location: Sun Moon Lake

Brunch at Itashao 伊達邵

Small sausage in big sausage 大腸包小腸, a Taiwanese snack.

Thereafter, we headed to the nearby Itashao 伊達邵 (Ita Thao) for some locally-loved Taiwanese snacks. Taiwanese sausage 香腸, braised pork bun 豆干扣肉總匯刈包, and millet mochi 小米麻糬 were some local snacks we couldn’t resist not buying.

Taiwanese braised pork bun 刈包 .

We could understand why these snacks 小吃 are so well-loved by locals and tourists, because not only are they big in portion with generous fillings, they are very reasonably priced too!

Millet mochi on stick 小米麻糬 .

Brunch settled, munching from the beginning to the end of Itashao 😂

Paragliding 飛行傘

Around Nantou, you can also try paragliding ! We met some paragliders who even brought their own paragliding gears along with them from Hong Kong.

While in the air, we were blown away by Puli ‘s superb views. Mountains, lakes, and acres and acres of vast green lands that seem endless. Breathtaking indeed! No wonder Puli is a popular spot for paragliding.

Our paragliding operator was excellent, even repeating flight twice was for one of us when the first flight time was too short.

Price: ~S$127/pax  (Min. 10 mins flight time guaranteed + video footage provided) Location:  Puli, Hu-Toushan in Nantou county of Taiwan (虎頭山)

Cingjing Farm 清境農場

It’s another hour drive to our third and last destination of the day: CingJing Farm . Free-roaming woolly sheep grace pass visitors nonchalantly, granting lots of selfie opportunities with them!

Location: No. 170, Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, 546 [南投縣仁愛鄉仁和路170號] Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM Entrance fee: NT$160/pax (Mon – Fri) , NT$200 (Sat – Sun)

Night falls, but that’s when Taichung becomes even more energetic and alive! We headed to Taichung’s most famous night market, Feng Chia Night Market 逢甲夜市 for dinner.

It’s insane how many times we had to stop and reach for our wallets just stepping into the market for ten minutes. All my senses were being attacked! It was involuntary and uncontrollable, and we succumbed to all the awesome-smelling/looking/tasting foods.

Location: Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407 [台中市西屯區文華路] Opening hours: 4PM – 2AM (Tue – Sun), 4PM – 1AM (Mon)

Read also: The Ultimate Taiwan Food Guide

D5: Exploring the Locals’ Taichung

After a day of nonstop activities in Nantou, we focused on Taichung City the next day. First up, we headed to Rainbow Village 彩虹眷村 .

Rainbow Village 彩虹眷村

How many silly interns do you spot? 😂

Rainbow Village is a cluster of small houses painted in the wildest, most colourful motifs. Do be there earlier as it will get crowded later on in the day.

Address: No.56, Chun’an Road, Nantun District , Taichung, Taiwan [春安路56巷] Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM

*Pro-tip: Travelling on public buses in Taichung is the way to go! Any rides below 10km are FREE.

Second Market 臺中第二市場

Located just a 15min walk away from the Taichung Railway Station, we had lunch at Second Market 臺中第二市場 , an old market the locals frequent.

This old market is one that’s easily missed if not for the creeping long line that stretches out from the market to the main road. We were curious to see what locals are so patiently waiting for, so we joined the crowd.

Surprisingly, the queue moves really fast, but the line is always that long because people keep coming! Everyone was apparently queuing up for a cup of Iced Black Milk Tea.

We were also informed by our friendly cab driver that the braised minced pork rice 肉燥飯 is the best in Taichung, of course, we had to try it as well.

The famous minced braised pork rice in Taichung’s Second Market

Address: No. 87, Section 2, Sanmin Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400 [台中市中區三民路二段87號] Opening Hours: 7AM – 8PM (Closed on Mon)

I’m Talato 我是塔拉朵，愛台灣的義式冰淇淋

Although it was already autumn when we visited Taiwan in October, the sun was still pretty unforgiving and it felt no different from all-year-summer Singapore. A quick search on desserts in Taichung brought us to I’m Talato , an ice cream parlour all decked in pink. We couldn’t resist going in for some ice cream to cool down.

No visit to I’m Talato is complete without a check-in pic at their iconic bed of ice-cream. There, my lifelong dream to live in a pool of ice cream, fulfilled.

Address: No. 451, Yingcai Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403  [台中市西區英才路451號] Opening hours: 11:30AM – 7:30PM

Gaomei Wetlands 高美濕地

A lesser-known gem in Taichung, Gaomei Wetlands 高美濕地 is a sunset paradise for avid photographers. Rows of windmills line the beach and cast perfect silhouettes against the setting sun. Everything becomes even more breathtaking when the sea acts as a giant mirror reflecting all above the horizon.

Sunset timings vary throughout the year, but our advice is to be at Gaomei at least an hour earlier to walk around when there’s still sufficient sunlight.

Address: Meidi Street, Qingshui District, Taichung City, Taiwan 436

*Pro-tip: If you are planning to visit Rainbow Village and Gaomei Wetlands on the same day, choose a weekend to do so, as there’s a Bus Service #655 that operates only on weekends between these two places.

After Gaomei Wetlands, we boarded the last bus back to Taichung Train Station where we began the next leg of our journey: Tainan . If Taichung and Nantou showed us how we could play in Taiwan, Tainan would show us the cultural sides of Taiwan.

We chose the Taiwan Rail, the older train system, to get from Taichung to Tainan. It was a slow ride taking about 3 hours, but it didn’t matter as long as we got to our destination before the last check-in time.

Accommodation: MyDeer Backpacker Hostel , from ~S$35 per night

D6: Tainan on Two Wheels!

We started our day in Tainan with some morning exercise — cycling. The hostel we stayed at has three bicycles available for guests to use, and we decided to make use of them, as Tainan’s streets are relatively easy to navigate with places of interest situated not far from one another.

Anping Tree House 安平樹屋

The first pit stop we made was the Anping Tree House 安平樹屋 , a dilapidated warehouse of the ’40s that has since been consumed by a huge Banyan tree. A must-see for those who are into urban exploration!

Entrance fee: NT$50 Opening hours: 8:30AM – 5:30PM Address: No.108, Gubao St, Anping District, Tainan City [台南市安平區古堡街108號]

*Pro-tip: If you are planning to visit three or more of the below attractions, getting the Tainan City (4+1) Monument Pass at NT$150 is a better deal. Passes can be purchased from ticketing counters found in any of the below:

– Anping Tree House 安平樹屋 – Chihkan Tower 赤崁樓 – Anping Fort 安平古堡 – Eternal Golden Castle 億載金城 – 1661 Taiwan Warship Museum 1661臺灣船園區

Tianhou Temple 安平開臺天后宮

After exploring the Tree House, we continued exploring the Old Streets of Anping, which are kept alive by the constant stream of visitors — many of whom are there to pay the famous   Tianhou Temple 安平開臺天后宮 around the corner a visit.

Anping Old Street

Dayou Xingyi Noodle Shop 大佑興意麵店 is an ordinary noodle stall selling what locals love, the “古早味” (gǔ zǎo wèi), or “tastes of yesteryears”. A bowl dry-tossed noodles with assorted braised meats make a simple yet hearty lunch.

Along the crowded Old Street, we also spotted a small coffee pushcart stall that had a unique coffee-brewing apparatus. Upon asking, we learnt that it’s the Vacuum Coffee Maker 虹吸式咖啡 , also known as Syphon Coffee . We couldn’t resist and bought ourselves a bottle of coffee and milk tea.

Quan Mei Movie Theatre 全美戲院

Check out the hand-painted movie posters!

Thereafter, we continued cycling eastwards towards the city centre where we chanced upon the coolest movie theatre. If Tainan is known for her vintagey vibes, then Quan Mei Movie Theatre 全美戲院 is the epitome of all things vintage. Large hand-painted movie posters decorate the building’s facade, and what’s particularly fascinating is that the posters are those of recent movies!

We understood from locals that the movie theatre only shows reruns. Check out Quan Mei’s website to see what’s showing!

Cost: NT$140/pax Opening Hours: 12:30PM – 11PM (weekdays), 10:30AM – 11PM (weekends) Address: No. 187, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700 ［台南市永福路二段187號］

When in Tainan, be sure to visit Blueprint Culture & Creative Park 藍晒圖文創園區 .

Blueprint Culture & Creative Park 藍晒圖文創園區

Formerly a Japanese Government Dormitory ( gasp , that’s how old it is!), it has been reimagined, refurbished, and re-introduced to visitors as the new cultural playground of Tainan.

Ice cream smoothie from Our Bar at Blueprint Culture & Creative Park

Within the blue walls, there are indie shops and cafes started up by locals, displaying and selling local crafts and reinvented local delicacies.

Address: Ln. 689, Sec. 1, Ximen Rd., West Central District, Tainan City 700, Taiwan [台南市中西區西門路一段689巷］ Opening hours: 2PM – 9PM (Closed on Tue) Entrance fee: Free

Read also: 7 Underrated Things to Do in Tainan

Tainan showed us a side of Taiwan that foreign visitors know less of: the cultural, rustic, yet homey and flavourful one. Before long, it’s time we left Tainan for the second-most populous city of Taiwan after Taipei: Kaohsiung.

Again, we took the Taiwan Railway for this leg of the journey utilising our rail pass . Within an hour, we found ourselves in Kaohsiung, with our growling stomachs calling out to be filled. From Kaohsiung Train Station, we took the local MRT to Kaohsiung Arena Station.

In Kaohsiung, there are a couple of night markets, but the one we decided to head to was Ruifeng Night Market . It’s only a 5-minute walk from the Kaohsiung Arena Train station. Do note that night markets in Kaohsiung do not open every night, unlike those in Taipei.

Ruifeng Night Market 瑞豐夜市

Bird’s eye view of Rui Feng Night Market, Kaohsiung

Giant Takoyaki balls at Rui Feng Night Market

That night, we checked in to the hostel we looked forward to the most, Single Inn because there’re hot tubs for guests!

Communal (same-sex) bath area in Single Inn Hostel.

Accommodation: Single Inn from ~S$19 per night

D7: Finding the Artistic Side of Kaohsiung

We started our day with breakfast at a fast-food chain. And nope, before you diss us for not being adventurous eaters overseas, we’d like to introduce Dandan Hamburger 丹丹漢堡 to you.

Dandan Hamburger 丹丹漢堡

Western fast-food chain with a local Taiwanese twist .

Opened in 1984, Dandan Hamburger is the pride of Kaohsiung’s locals. This burger chain specialises in Western-Taiwanese fusion food and can only be found in the southern cities — Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung.

Address: No. 224, Qixian 2nd Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 801 [高雄市前金區七賢二路224號] Opening hours: 6AM – 9:30PM

Pier-2 Art Center 駁二藝術特區

Next, we explored a repurposed warehouse site that’s now used as an event venue for local artists to showcase their artworks, the Pier-2 Art Center .

Kaohsiung surprised us with the vibrant arts scene it quietly harbours.

Address: No.1, Dayong Rd., Yancheng Dist., Kaohsiung City 803, Taiwan [鹽埕區大勇路1號] Opening Hours: 10AM c 6PM (Mon – Thu), 10AM – 8PM (Fri – Sun & PH)

Read more about Pier-2 Art Centre in our 7 Things to Do in Kaohsiung guide.

Dome of Light 光之穹頂

At the Formosa MRT station 捷運美麗島站 , there’s the Dome of Light 光之穹頂 , the largest glass work in the world, designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata.

There are short light shows daily at 11AM, 3PM, and 8PM. As the Dome of Light is not within the paid premises of the train station, it’s literally free entertainment you should take note of in Kaohsiung 😉

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 龍虎塔

Next up, we headed to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 龍虎塔 . Folklore has it that walking through the dragon’s mouth and then exiting through the tiger’s will bring good luck and fortune.

Address: Liantan Rd., Zuoying Dist. , Kaohsiung, Taiwan [ 高雄市左營區蓮潭路與勝利路交叉口旁] Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM Entrance fee: Free (on a free-will donation basis)

Read also: Top 7 things to Do in and around Kaohsiung — Gateway to Taiwan’s laid back South

Before nightfall, we packed our belongings and boarded the Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR Station, towards our next destination — Pingtung 屏東 !

Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus Ticket

We booked our bus passes from Klook beforehand, and collected them from the bus pass counter at Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR. We recommend that you get both the Express Bus Return Pass and the Kenting Shuttle Bus Pass for convenience.

Kenting Shuttle Bus ticket

After a smooth and comfortable 1hr 35 min ride, followed by a hitch (’cause we missed the other transfer bus), we reached our accommodation for the night — National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA) 國立海洋生物博物館 .

Yes, you read those two words right. Our “accommodation” for the night in Pingtung was an “aquarium”! 😁

First up, here’s how you can get to the aquarium if you are travelling via the Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus (without needing to hitch a ride like a hobo on the road):

Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR →(Kenting Express Bus)→ NMMBA Transfer Stn →(Kenting Shuttle Bus from across the road)→ Marine Biology Museum

Important timings to take note: – Kaohsiung – Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR: 8:30AM – 7:10PM (at 15–30min intervals. Refer to detailed timetable .) – Kenting Shuttle Bus from NMMBA Transfer Stn: 8:54AM to 3:54PM (at 30min intervals), with one last bus at 5:54PM (Refer to detailed timetable )

Upon arrival, visitors will be shown around the aquarium, staff areas, and out-of-bounds premises to day guests. Through this programme, we learnt more about how marine animals were being taken care of in aquariums, the different kinds of corals, anemones, and sea organisms. We even got to feed fish while we were here!

Dinner is provided in the aquarium sleepover package

Dinner, supper, and breakfast are also included in the sleepover package . The communal washrooms are clean and there are big lockers for guests to store their personal belongings.

Although we thought that this programme suits younger children, you’ll definitely still enjoy this if you’re a marine lover as well!

This extraordinary experience of sleeping amongst fish and other marine animals is probably the closest anyone can get to being a mermaid.

Address: 2 Houwan Rd. Checheng, Pingtung County, Taiwan [屏東縣車城鄉後灣村後灣路2號] Sleepover duration: 4PM – 10:30AM, the following day Regular opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM daily Price: ~S$118/pax

*We did not include the aquarium sleepover in the budget as we feel that it’s an optional activity. Admission tickets are also available from ~S$18/pax for standard entry, or at a discounted rate with the Klook Pass Taipei (from ~S$23 for 2 attractions).

D8: Fun Under the Sun in Kenting

Watersports at nanwan.

Photo credit: Klook

After our first ever aquarium sleepover, we continued our journey southwards to Kenting. We boarded the Kenting Shuttle Bus from Marine Biology Museum 海洋生物博物館 stop just outside the aquarium and alighted at the Nanwan 南灣 stop for some water sports at the beach .

There are up to eight watersports available at Nanwan. This includes the banana boat, the flying bed, and jetskiing.

Cost: ~S$17 for the 2-in-1 Watersports Package Address: 154 Nanwan Road, Nanwan (South Bay), Hengchun, Pingtung County [屏東縣恆春鎮南灣里南灣路154號] Operating hours: 8AM – 6PM (be there at 3PM latest)

Kenting National Park

As we chose only two activities from eight, we finished watersports relatively quickly. But that’s all good because that means we have more time to explore Kenting. After a quick rinse, we boarded the shuttle bus again to our next destination: Kenting National Park 墾丁國家公園 . Alight at Kenting stop.

Long Keng Cliff at Kenting

Kenting National Park is situated at the southernmost tip of Taiwan, famous for her stunning coastlines. Travelling on a scooter bike is perhaps the easiest and most convenient way to explore Kenting if you are not staying overnight, like us. It’s not difficult to spot scooter bike rental shops here.

We rented our battery-operated scooter bikes from Kenting Starry Sky — Space Capsule Hotel for NT$700 per bike. We even managed to deposit our heavy baggage at Starry Night Capsule Hotel, a relief for us all as there are no luggage deposit areas or lockers available in the Kenting area 😅

From the starting point at Kenting stop, a bike ride upwards to Eluanbi Lighthouse will take approximately one hour.

The southernmost point of Taiwan

Scenic spots along the way: – Sail Rock, or a.k.a “Richard Nixon’s Submerged Head” 船帆石 – Eluanbi Lighthouse 鵝鑾鼻燈塔 (Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 4PM; Admission: NT$40) – Taiwan Southernmost Point 台灣最南點 – Longpan Park 龍磐公園 – the southernmost point of Taiwan – Sail Rock, or a.k.a “Richard Nixon’s Submerged Head” 船帆石 – Eluanbi Lighthouse 鵝鑾鼻燈塔 (Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 4PM; Admission: NT$40) – Taiwan Southernmost Point 台灣最南點 – Longpan Park 龍磐公園

*Pro-tip: Do not be shy to ask shop owners if they allow bags storage for a couple of hours while you head out to explore Kenting National Park. Of course, it will be a lot easier if you ask the scooter rental shops you rent the bikes from.

Scooter bike rental/recommended accommodation: Kenting Starry Sky — Space Capsule Hotel , from S$44 per night

After the fun and carefree time we had biking around Kenting, it was time to get back to Kaohsiung then Taipei. First, we got onto the Express bus back to Kaohsiung (refer to bus timetable ). It’s a 2-hour bus ride back to Kaohsiung (Zuoying) HSR Station, the best time to take forty winks.

Then, take the northwards HSR from Zuoying to Taipei HSR Station.

And with that, we conclude our 8-day roundabout Taiwan trip. We hope we’ve shown that it’s not difficult nor expensive to travel and experience the lesser-known gems of Taiwan.

Budget Breakdown for 8 Days

Planning to visit many attractions? Get a Klook Pass to get a discount, up to 41%!

Transport: S$250 Accommodation: S$141 Activities: S$216 Food: $100 SIM Card: $13.50 Total: S$720.50 ( excl. flights )

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off all items * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code at checkout. One-time use only. (* – see list of excluded activities )

Kickstart your adventures to Taiwan now! We’ve got what you need: – 4D3N Taipei Itinerary – Ultimate Food Guide: All Around Taiwan – Taipei Day Trip: Jiufen & Shifen – Underrated Things to do in Tainan – Food Guide: Shilin Night Market

Click here to check flights from Singapore to Taipei !

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  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Nov 6, 2017 at 7:10pm PST

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26 comments.

Hi, may i know which paragliding operator did you use in Puli? Planning to try out in a few weeks time. Did you book in advance? Thanks!

Here’s the operator we used. Very professional! https://www.klook.com/activity/703-nantou-paragliding-taichung/?aid=312

Love all your useful tips. Thank you!

Hello, is it possible to travel around Taichung, Nantou, and GaoMei Wetland without renting a car? Perhaps through public transportation or cabs?

Hi Charles, you can but there are limited timings. We went with a car rental because we wanted to be at the stand up boarding place very early. No busses run at that time and we didn’t want to incur a hefty taxi charge.

Wow! What a trip you’ve got here in Taiwan.=) Though I am curious, what’s your favorite city out of all?

Love them all!

Hi dear! Do you know if we can get to Hua Lien easily from Nantou/Tai Chung? 🙂 Thank you!

Hi Audrey, I think most trains will have to go back towards Taipei area before looping over to Hua Lien due to the mountains in the centre of Taiwan. If you want to go direct, your best bet is to either self drive or take a very expensive private car/cab.

Thank you for the informative entry, I could use this next time <3 I'm also an aspiring travel blogger and I often read your blog.. Keep inspiring people like me. 🙂 Love lots! – http://www.annebelo.com

All the best!

Hi! I’ll be visiting Taiwan for 10 days somewhere around the end of November. I’m planning to go for Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien. How do you think the flow should go? Should I visit from the northern side to the southern side? Or what else do you suggest? Other than that, how many days do you suggest on visiting each area I mentioned earlier (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien)? Sorry for asking so much; I’m not quite a planner. Thanks in advance.

P.S. There’ll be two of us, so I guess buses and MRT are the best options for transport since that we have a budget.

Hi Alexandra, why not follow our plan and route?

Sorry to ask, where does the kenting express bus from Zuoying to Kenting ends at?

The last stop of the Kenting Express Bus is near Little Bay Beach 小灣沙灘 of Kenting.

The Kenting Express Bus route is as follows: Zuoying HSR 高鐵左營站 → Dapeng Bay 大鵬灣 → Fangliao 臺鐵枋寮站 → Checheng 車城 → South Baoli 南保力 → Hengchun Transfer Stn 恆春轉運站 → Nanwan 南灣 → Kenting 小灣(墾丁)

Hope this helps! 🙂 -Edelyn

Hi, What camera did you use? Planning to visit Taiwan Next Year.

Hi Niko! We used various cameras during this trip, from semi-pros to GoPro to mobile phones! Taiwan is beautiful no matter which device you capture moments on. We hope you’ll have a great time in Taiwan! 🙂 -Edelyn

it so nice to see the introduction about Taiwan.

Hi i really like your itinerary in taichung. Could you advise which car rental you have engage? And anyone that drives you around to all the places?

Hi Khoon, we rented our car from Chailease Car Rental (you can make your rental online: https://www.rentalcar.com.tw/ ) and picked up the car from Taichung THSR Station. It’s just a car rental so you’ll need an international driving license to drive in Taiwan.

Alternatively, you can book a private car charter service online: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/8325-private-sightseeing-car-charter-for-central-taiwan-taichung/?aid=312 Thank you!

HI, how easy it is to find parking for all those places of attractions? Like the markets etc. Thanks.

Hi Amelia, as far as we can remember, there are big open-space carparks near both Fengchia and Ruifeng night markets. The other attractions do have parking spaces nearby too, but you might have to walk around Tainan’s Anping Old Street as the alleys are tight and crowded!

Hi do you know of other operators for the stand up paddling activity in sun moon lake?

I follow your link to klook but they are unavailable for booking at all

Hi Audemars, Seems like the operator we went to is sold out for now! Here are other SUP activities around Taiwan if you don’t mind other areas other than Sun Moon Lake: Yilan Hualien 1 Hualien 2 Hualien 3 Taipei Taipei Shenao Taipei Fulong Beach Taipei Yehliu Thank you!

I am planning to Taiwan with kids in Dec. Any best itinerary for travelling with kids? What’s the accommodations would u recommend?

Hi Care! We do general itineraries that are suitable for older children to active adults. Unfortunately we don’t have any in Taiwan (so far) for young children!

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The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)

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Having completed our own amazing two week Taiwan itinerary exploring the cities, mountains and scenic areas of Taiwan we’ve put together our recommended Taiwan itinerary. From chaotic Taipei to the beauty of Taroko Gorge to the natural wonder of Alishan, Taiwan is breathtaking and one of our favorite places to visit in Asia.  For those of you planning your own Taiwan itinerary, we wanted to share our Taiwan travel guide including the best things to do and what to see in Taiwan. 

Table of Contents

Taiwan Itinerary and Route

Most visitors touring around Taiwan either pick up a rental car and self-drive or use a mix of high-speed trains, tourist shuttles and taxis/private drivers to explore the country.

By rental car: With its excellent roads and good driving standards, Taiwan is the perfect country for a road trip. We followed a circular route starting and ending in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city and the point of arrival and departure for most Taiwan travellers – check prices now!

By public transport:  this Taiwan itinerary can also be completed by a mix of trains and buses. On the west coast of Taiwan, the major cities are serviced by High-Speed Rail – check prices here!

  Click here to reserve Taiwan Rail tickets!

Taiwan Route and Map

Here is a map of the route we recommend taking around Taiwan.

The Route:  Taipei – Taichung – Alishan – Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung – Taroko Gorge – Taipei

Click here for the Google map

How to Use This Google Map:  Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Renting a car in Taiwan

Navigating Taiwan by rental car is relatively easy and we highly recommend renting a car in Taiwan if you are comfortable driving. The roads are high-quality, driving standards are generally good and fuel is extremely cheap (compared to the UK and Ireland).

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in over 40 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Klook.com is a great option as it includes international rental car companies as well as some local options. Book your car now with Klook.com  where you will find the best rental car prices.

Taiwan itinerary tip: An International Driving Permit is mandatory when renting a car in Taiwan so make sure to get an IDP in your home country before departure if you are planning on driving a rental car.

Book your rental car with Klook!

Taiwan itinerary tip: Taipei is extremely well serviced by public transport and its subway is easy to navigate. As such, a rental car isn’t necessary in the city. If you are starting your Taiwan itinerary in Taipei, we recommend only picking up a car after you’ve explored Taipei rather than reserving at the airport on arrival. We picked up our rental car on our last morning in Taipei and left the city immediately for Taichung.  

Sim Card & Internet

As with most countries, having mobile data during a trip is invaluable for navigation and research. There are lots of options on arrival at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – we reserved a Chunghwa Telecom 4g sim through Klook who offer a slightly discounted rate on the airport price – click here for prices!

Taiwan itinerary tip: the Chunghwa desk only opens at 8am so make sure your flight times will work if you reserve in advance.

  Click here to reserve a SIM card!

How long to spend in Taiwan

From the chaotic Taipei to the magnificent sunrises in Alishan, the peaceful Taroko Gorge and the colourful Taichung there’s a lot to squeeze into a Taiwan itinerary. We recommend budgeting around 14 nights to explore Taiwan at a leisurely pace. This will allow you enough time to visit all the major sights and explore each destination fully.  You might wish to cut some things out if you have less time.

Best Time To Visit Taiwan

Depending on your tolerance to high temperatures, you may want to plan your visit to coincide with the cooler months! During the summer, temperatures are consistently over 30° and typhoon season is in full force. Spring and Autumn are a great time to visit Taiwan and its mild winters also mean the winter months are a good option.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  We visited Taiwan at the end of September and we managed to experience a heatwave as well as some typhoons which luckily changed direction at the last minute! The temperatures in Taipei were stifling and we had to retreat to air-conditioned buildings until late in the afternoon.

Daily Taiwan Itinerary

We’ve outlined our day to day Taiwan itinerary as a starting point for planning your own Taiwan experience.

Days 1 to 4: Taipei

Taiwan’s capital city really surprised us with the wide variety of things to see and do. After arriving at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport we recommend spending the next three or four nights in Taipei. This will allow you to explore the main sights and to enjoy everything that this fun and chaotic city has to offer. We took the train from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station – click here for tickets

Click here for MRT tickets to Taipei

An EasyCard makes travel around Taipei and Kaohsiung incredibly easy. The EasyCard is a travel card that you can pre-order in advance and pick up in Taoyuan International Airport. You can preload the card with credit and use it on the metro and buses in Taipei. You can also bundle it with a sim card option that you can pick up at the same time – check prices now!

Buy your EasyCard now

From toilet-themed restaurants to colourful temples, stunning nature and awesome day trips, there’s plenty to squeeze into 4 days in Taipei. Check out our round-up of the best things to do in Taipei for more detailed information and photos of each of the attractions. Also check out our detailed Taipei itinerary to help you plan your time in the city. If you are travelling with kids make sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Taipei with kids .

Where to Stay in Taipei

There are many great accommodation options in Taipei.

• CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending Branch–  we stayed in the CityInn Ximending branch and highly recommend both the location and the hotel. Rooms are compact but fantastic value, service is excellent and the hotel is just a few moments walk from the MRT, a Taipei essential  –  check prices now!
• Taipei Garden Hotel – another great option located close to Longshan Temple and Ximending –  check prices now!
• Dandy Hotel, Daan Park – clean, comfortable and located across the street from Taipei’s biggest park, Daan Forest Park –  check prices now!            

Click here for the best Taipei hotel prices

Day 1: Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola and Shilin Night Market

Start the day with a trip to the observation deck of Taipei 101, Taipei’s most iconic building. The 101 story building resembles a giant bamboo stick and the 91st-floor outdoor observation deck offers amazing 360-degree views of the city.

We booked our tickets for Taipei 101 via Klook and highly recommend it. You can reserve your timeslot in advance and for the best price using the Klook app. It’s super simple and avoids waiting in extra lines when Taipei 101 gets busy.  Taiwan activities were mostly discounted when we booked in advance –  check prices now!

Click here to book your Taipei 101 ticket

From Taipei 101 make your way to the Taipei Zoo MRT Station where the scenic Maokong Gondola cable car departs. The 30minute glass-bottomed cable car stops at the colourful Zhinan Temple before continuing to the quaint mountaintop village of Maokong known for its tea plantations and tea shops.

Taiwan Itinerary tip:  We purchased combo tickets for the Maokong Gondola and an evening double decker sightseeing tour from Klook in advance and it was awesome value. The gondola is closed most Monday’s so make sure to plan your trip around the gondola’s opening hours – click here to purchase the gondola and night tour combo tickets!

Click here to purchase Gondola tickets

Finish the day with a visit to Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest night market with over 500 stalls. There are some incredible Bid Gourmand stalls serving dishes such as Hai You Pork Ribs and Bin Small Sausage in Large Sausage, where the sausage wrapped in sticky rice is a huge hit. There’s a lot more to Shilin than just food and you can do everything from playing arcade games to praying in the temple located in the centre of the market.

Day 2: Elephant Mountain, CKS Memorial Hall, Ximending and Raohe night market

Start the day with a short but steep sunrise hike up Elephant Mountain which rewards with some of the best views of Taipei. The trail is well maintained with plenty of rest stops and some awesome viewing platforms.

After admiring Taipei from Elephant Mountain it’s time to explore the history of Taiwan with a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The CKS Memorial is an important Taiwanese landmark erected in honour of the first president of Taiwan.

A themed cafe is a Taipei staple and a trip to the Modern Toilet Restaurant in Ximending is as novelty as they come. The entire restaurant is toilet themed. Meals are served in toilets, drinks in bedpans and the seats are full-sized toilets! Having filled up on poo themed dishes take a stroll around Ximending, one of Taipei’s quirkiest neighbourhoods.

If you prefer a serious foodie treat, eat at the Fuhung Noodle Restaurant. The shop is located just north of Ximending and is home to some of the best noodles we’ve ever had.

Longshan Temple is next on the agenda. Longshan is Taiwan’s most famous and well-loved temple and is located in the historic neighbourhood of Wanhua.

If you still have some energy, the Raohe Night Market is a short MRT ride away and is perfect for an early evening walk through.

Taiwan itinerary tip: our favourite dish in Raohe was the Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Buns. They are not to be missed!

Day 3: A Taipei park, the world’s highest Starbucks and Beitou Hot Springs

Start the morning with a visit to one of Taipei’s parks. Our favourites are Daan Forest Park, Taipei’s largest park, the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a repurposed art, design and cultural venue and 228 Peace Memorial Park, a poignant tribute to the thousands of Taiwanese who died in the February 28, 1947, massacre.

Visit the world’s highest Starbucks which is located on the 35th floor at Taipei 101 and offers spectacular views of Taipei. A visit to Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a reservation and the coffee shop has a minimum spend for visitors.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  The Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a telephone reservation. Ask you hotel desk to make the reservation as you will likely need to speak Mandarin.

Spend the afternoon at the Beitou Hot Springs which are just 30 minutes outside Taipei and accessible via the MRT. There is a wide range of options for bathing in the hot springs: there are less expensive public hot springs as well as private baths and upscale hotels and resorts. As well as bathing, the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park is beautiful to explore together with the Hot Spring Museum and Library which are located within the park.

Day 4: Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark

Taipei is surrounded by amazing natural beauty and a day trip outside the city is an essential addition to any Taipei itinerary. Shifen, Jiufen and the Yehliu Geopark are a great combination to discover a taste of Northern Taiwan.

The Yehliu Geopark contains a fascinating collection of unique geological formations in an otherworldly landscape created by sea erosion. It’s a beautiful coastal walk and a very popular stop outside Taipei.

The old street in the charming town of Jiufen is a tourist magnet with visitors indulging in local specialities such as glutinous rice cakes, peanut ice cream and fish balls in between souvenir shopping. The A-Mei Tea House is one of the most prominent landmarks in Jiufen and offers both great tea and great views!

Shifen is famous for both its old street and its scenic waterfall. The old streets of Shifen, located around the railway track, are where visitors congregate to release colourful lanterns bearing their wishes in life.

Taiwan itinerary tip : we visited Jiufen, Shiefen and Yeuhliu Geo Park using our rental car. If you prefer to use a tour, Klook offers a great shuttle bus options which ferries passengers between the key sights of Jiufen, Shifen and the Yehliu Geo Park on the North East coast of Taiwan –  click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets!

Click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets

Days 5 and 6: Taichung

After a few days of exploring Taipei, it’s time to head south to Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. Taichung is busy and colourful and was a surprise hit in our Taiwan itinerary! There are lots of things to do Taichung and it is also the gateway for the immensely popular Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Where to Stay in Taichung

Taichung is a surprisingly large city and choosing where to stay can be tricky. We recommend:

• CityInn Hotel Plus – Taichung Station Branch – we loved the CityInn brand in Taiwan. Located in east Taichung beside Taichung’s main train station, the CityInn Hotel Plus is a great option. Rooms are clean and modern and the extra facilities like free common areas with coffee/refreshments and on-site laundry are invaluable –  click here to book now!
• La Vida Hotel – Regularly rated as one of the best hotels in Taichung, La Vida Hotel is a great option for those who want easy access to the Feng Chia Night Market. With European designed rooms the hotel is super comfortable and great for a stay in Taichung –    click here to book now!
• The Hung’s Mansion – where we chose to stay in Taichung and it’s a great option if you are driving like we were. With free parking, large comfortable rooms and great food, Hungs Mansion is also a short walk to the incredible Feng Chia Night Market – click here to book now!

Click here for the best Taichung hotel prices

How to get to Taichung

I t took us around 2 hours to drive between Taipei and Taichung .  I t takes one hour to travel by High-Speed Rail between Taipei and Taichung –  click here to buy rail tickets!

Click here to buy tickets to Taichung

Things to do in Taichung

Taichung deserves at least one full day to explore and, if we were to return, we’d allow two days! Start the morning at Rainbow Village , Taiwan’s most colourful neighbourhood before heading north of the city to the beautiful Zhongshe Flower Market. As well as a sea of flowers, props such as pianos, swings, and tractors make for great fun and great photo opportunities.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  tour buses arrive at Rainbow Village shortly after its 8am opening so we recommend arriving as close to 8am as possible. Zhongshe Flower Market tends to get busy in the afternoon when families congregate for barbeques.

Animation Alley is a great pit stop with its cartoon and Magna themed street art.

The 921 Earthquake Museum is a poignant place to visit: it is located on the site of a former junior high school and crosses the fault on which the earthquake occurred. The exterior remains as it did after the earthquake on Tuesday, 21 September 1999.

There are endless food and drink options in Taichung: our three favourites are Chung Shiu Tang, the touted home of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea, Miyahara for its Pineapple Cakes and I’m Talato, an ice cream shop with an ice cream floatie filled pool.

Round up the day with a trip to Feng Chia Night Market where the food is good and the clothing unique.

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake

How to get to Sun Moon Lake: Sun Moon Lake is a 1hour 15-minute drive from Taichung and is easily accessible by bus from both Taichung (approximately 2 hours) or Alishan (up to 3.5hours).

The cycle path surrounding the turquoise blue waters of Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular ways to explore the Sun Moon Lake area. There’s also a scenic gondola cable car that offers beautiful views of the lake and connects it with the Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village.

Our other favourite stops were the Ci-En Pagoda and the Wen-Wu Temple . The 8 story Ci-En Pagoda requires a short uphill hike and is renowned for its views over the lake while the Chinese style Wen-Wu is vibrant and loud and there are lovely views of the lake over the burnt orange rooftops.

Finish the day with some street food at Ita Thao before returning to Taichung for the night.

Taiwan itinerary tip: the drive between Taichung and Sun Moon Lake takes about 75 minutes so we preferred to base ourselves in Taichung. Sun Moon Lake accommodation tends to be more expensive given its tourist draw and we were happy to drive.

Where to stay in Sun Moon Lake

If you wish to stay in the Sun Moon Lake area, some good options are:

• Fleur de Chine Hotel Sun Moon Lake: expensive but excellent with beautiful views over the lake – check prices now!
• Mei Jen House: homestay with great rooms, a vegan breakfast and an awesome sunrise tour. A great small but budget-friendly option in Sun Moon Lake – check prices now!

Click here for the best Sun Moon Lake Hotel prices

Day 8: Alishan

A mix of wilderness and tea plantations characterize the mountainous Alishan National Scenic Area. The Alishan sunrises are legendary in Taiwan and our time in Alishan was a highlight of our trip. From chasing the ‘Yun Hai’, the coveted sea cloud sunrise, to the historic railway and the stunning hiking trails Alishan is an excellent addition to any Taiwan itinerary.

Where to Stay in Alishan

• Alishan House/Alishan Hotel – the best hotel in the Alishan National Scenic Area and where we spent our night in Alishan. Rooms are expensive but the location is outstanding. It is worth the extra for the upgrade from the dated standard room in the old building to a superior room in the new building. Guests are not allowed to drive into the Scenic Area but the hotel runs a regular shuttle bus between the car park and the hotel – check prices now!
• Wankou Hotel: 5 minutes walk from the train station, Wankou Hotel is a good less expensive option to Alishan House. Nice views, clean rooms and good value accommodation – check prices now!
• Cing Shan Hotel : basic option located close to the train station, rooms are compact – check prices now!

Click here for the best Alishan Hotel prices

How to get to Alishan

The High-Speed Railway takes less than 40 minutes between Taichung and Chiayi Station and, from Chiayi, the bus takes 2 hours. Direct buses from Sun Moon Lake take up to 3.5hours. The drive from Taichung took around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Alishan

There are 5 Wonders of Alishan and, although luck and weather dependent, most visitors strive to see them all. The 5 Wonders of Alishan are:

• Alishan Forest Railway
• The forest trails
• The sea of clouds

Taiwan itinerary tip: With some planning it’s possible to see Alishan’s Wonders during a one-night stay. If you wish to explore more extensively or at a more leisurely pace then extend the stay to two nights.

Aim to arrive in Alishan in the afternoon and take advantage of some of the stunning hiking trails in the area. Our favourite hike was to the Sacred Tree, estimated to be 3,000 years old before it collapsed in 1997. It’s located at the Sacred Tree (Shenmu) Railway and the trails pass giant red cypress trees which are over 1,000 years old.

After exploring the Alishan trails make sure to catch a famous Alishan sunset – we watched it from the amazingly located observation deck at the Alishan House Hotel , one of the best sunset spots in the Alishan Scenic Area.

Click here to reserve the Alishan House Hotel

It’s an early start in order to catch the legendary Alishan sunrise. We arranged our shuttle bus to the train station through the Alishan House Hotel on arrival the previous afternoon. After a 4:30 am wake-up call, we boarded the train to Chusan and watched the sunrise from the viewing platform.

After checking out we stopped by the Alishan Post Office and posted a traditional Alishan wooded postcard before leaving for Kaohsiung.

Day 9: Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a large port city in Southern Taiwan. Although we used it as a stopover between Alishan and Kaohsiung, we soon discovered it is vibrant and charming in its own right.

Where to stay in Kaohsiung 

• Grand Hi La –  one of the best hotels in Kaohsiung. With a perfect location in the centre of the Sanduo shopping district, Hotel Cozzi has luxurious rooms and high-end furnishings which make for a truly amazing stay – check prices now!
• Hotel Cozzi  – this large luxury hotel is conveniently located above a shopping mall right in the centre of Kaohsiung and is a great option for exploring the city. There are lots of restaurants close to the hotel –  check prices now!
• Hotel Dua –  g reat transport connections via the adjacent MRT station the Hotel Dua is a great location for exploring the city  –  check prices now!

Click here for the best Kaohsiung Hotel prices

How to get to Kaohsiung

Take the bus from Alishan to Chiayi Station (journey time is around 2 hours 10 minutes) and, from there, take the train to Kaohsiung, a further 2 hours 10 minutes. Our drive time was around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Kaohsiung

We only had a half day to explore Kaohsiung as we used the city as a stopover on our journey between Alishan and Kenting. The city deserves at least to days to see properly and if you are staying in the city, some of the best things to do in Kaohsiung are:

• Kaohsiung Night Markets: the Ruifeng Night Market is considered one of the best night food markets in Taiwan and its stalls serve up a mouth-watering array of local delicacies.
• Lotus Pond and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: visitors to Kaohsiung are encouraged run into the mouth of the dragon and out of the tiger’s jaws at the 7-story twin Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. The reward is a reversal in fortune and a turn from bad luck to good.
• Cycle Cijn Island: Cijn Island is a black sand beach on a narrow strip of island in the city. The island, accessible by ferry or bridge, is a popular day excursion in Kaohsiung.
• Dream Mall: Kaohsiung’s Dream Mall is the largest in Taiwan and East Asia and even boasts an amusement park with a Ferris Wheel on its rooftop!
• Pier 2: once an abandoned warehouse site, Pier 2 now houses a large scale open air public art display. The quirky sculptures and artworks are a real treat and the area is vibrant and lively and one of the best places to visit in Kaohsiung.

Day 10 and 11: Kenting

The seaside town of Kenting is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and is famous for its picturesque beaches and lush green national park.

Where to stay in Kenting

Accommodation in Kenting is a mix of resort-style beachside hotels and smaller, boutique-style options.

• Caesar Park Hotel – resort hotel with direct beach access and an abundance of kids activities including a kids recreation centre in the basement –  check prices now!
• Chateau Beach Resort – located by the beach, just 5 to 10 minutes from Kenting Main Street. The hotel has stunning ocean views and a nice pool area – check prices now!
• Amanda Kenting – we opted for the smaller Amanda Kenting Hotel. The Moroccan themed hotel has great rooms, a lovely indoor pool and free exotic costume rental for photos! – check prices now!

Click here for the best Kenting Hotel prices

How to get to Kenting:

take the Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung’s Zuoying HSR station to Kenting. The journey time varies between 2 and 3 hours. The drive time is less than 2 hours.

Things to do in Kenting

Kenting is the perfect spot for some rest and relaxation. While we didn’t follow a strict itinerary, our favourite activities included:

• a ride on the Kenting Hai World Semi Submarine with its glass-bottomed panoramic views of the Kenting coral reefs
• paddling in the tidepools and shallow swimming spots
• visiting Baisha White Sand Bay, a beautiful beach which featured in the movie The Life of Pi
• exploring Kenting National Park and its lighthouse
• standing at the southernmost point in Taiwan which is marked by an observation station
• indulging in the street food, clothes and carnival games at the Kenting Night Market
• Snorkeling in Wanlitong Beach

Day 12: Taitung

Taitung is a sprawling, coastal town and a popular stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. It is home to the Beinan Cultural Park, one of the largest and most important cultural sites in Taiwan. Taitung also acts as a gateway to the volcanic islands of Green Island and Orchid Island.

Where to stay in Taitung

• Kindness Hotel – clean and comfortable option with good breakfast and evening night snacks in Taitung city –  check prices now!
• Papago International Resort – although one hour outside Taitung it is a great location for a stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. Lovely outdoor pool, hot tub and hot springs with a children’s playground – check prices now!
• Inn by the Village – located close to the railway, rooms are modern and spacious and the breakfast decent – check prices now!

Click here for the best Taitung hotel prices

How to get to Taitung:

take the bus from Kenting to Fanglaio (journey time 1 hour). From there, take the train between Fanglaio and Taitung (90 minutes). The drive time is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Things to do in Taitung

If you have time to explore Taitung some of the best things to do are:

• Beinan Cultural Park: the largest and most important cultural site in Taiwan. It was excavated in the 1980s when thousands of slate coffins were unearthed together with jewellery, pottery and tools.
• Brown Road: home to the famous Mr Brown Taiwanese Coffee and surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
• Orchid Island and Green Island: volcanic islands off the coast of Taitung famous for snorkelling, hot springs, coastal scenery and strong Aboriginal culture.

Day 13 and 14: Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is another stunning stop in Taiwan. Taroko means magnificent and splendid and the mesmerizing scenery makes it more than deserving of the name. The steep mountains are covered in thick forest and a deep gorge carved out by the Liwu River, winds through the forest floor.

Where to stay in Taroko Gorge

Visitors to Taroko Gorge can stay in the Taroko National Park, close to the entrance to the park or in nearby Hualien where the trains from Taipei arrive and depart. We recommend staying in the park for both the close to nature experience and the convenience for sightseeing.

• Silks Place Taroko: we treated ourselves to a gorge view room in the luxury Silks Place Taroko which is located in the heart of the Taroko National Park. The facilities are amazing: there’s a rooftop outdoor pool (where we enjoyed a movie screening in the evening) and hot tubs, an indoor pool and tennis courts – check prices now!
• Taroko Village Hotel: located less than 1km from Swallow Grotto, the Taroko Village Hotel is a less expensive option to Silks Place for guests wanting to stay inside the Taroko National Park – check prices now!
• Chateau de Chine Hotel Hualien: if you opt for Hualien the Chateau de Chine Hotel is a good choice with its colourful exterior and spacious themed rooms– check prices now!

Click here for the best Taroko Gorge Hotel prices

How to get to Taroko Gorge:

we drove from Taitung to the Taroko National Park (around 4 hours). Public transport services the nearby city of Hualien, a 4-hour bus journey from Taitung. If you are arriving from Alishan you can take the bus to Taroko Gorge. If you are arriving from Taipei, an express train serves Hualien.

How to get around Taroko Gorge: there are a few options for navigating Taroko National Park. We used our rental car to explore. Many guests use a taxi/private car or rent a motorbike. If you are based in Hualien, it’s easy to join a tour – reserve a Taroko Gorge tour here!

Things to do in Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is all about nature and most visitors spend the day hopping between its best short trails, bridges and viewpoints!

Begin the day with a hike through the relatively easy 4km Baiyang Trail which rewards with a stunning water curtain as well as magnificent views of the gorge along the way. Start early to avoid the crowds, bring a flashlight to navigate the tunnels and beware of the monkeys! Due to loose rock visitors are only allowed to the entrance of the first Water Curtain.

The next stop is the ever-popular Swallow Grotto, one of the best places from which to view the gorge. It is a short and flat footpath in the middle of the park and the surrounding river walls are lined with swallow nests

The Taroko Eternal Spring Changchun Shrine is one of the most popular sites in the park. The stunning temple sits atop a natural spring and was built in honour of the many who lost their lives building the highway through Taroko National Park.

We also loved the Chingxi Suspension Bridge and the Cimu Bridge. On the way out of the park make sure to stop at the stunning Qinghui Cliffs where visitors have the opportunity to admire the three distinct color tones that make up the Pacific Ocean

Taiwan itinerary tip: some of the trails in Taroko Gorge are closed due to weather damage so make sure to check the official website for the latest trail availability. There is a Visitor’s Centre at the entrance to the park which also provides trail information.

Day 15: Depart Taipei

Day 15 is a day of leisure until it’s time for your flight from Taipei.

How to get to Taipei: take the bus from Taroko Gorge to Hualien or Xincheng Station and then hop on the train to Taipei. The drive took around 3 hours.

For more on Taiwan

• Check out our round up of the best things to do in Taipei!

16 thoughts on “The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)”

My husband and I are planning a trip to Hong Kong & Taiwan in December. The plan was 7 days each; however, after reading your itinerary it is beginning to look like I’m going to have to wrangle more days in Taiwan. The experience looks amazing!! Also, I really like the layout of your page. It gives me what I’m looking for without having to hunt through the fluff. Thanks!!

Thanks Amy, so happy you liked the post. Taiwan is amazing, Hong Kong too!

Have an awesome trip!

My husband and I are also going to HK & Taiwan at the end of November into mid-December. We are spending 8 days each that’s because we have friends and relatives in HK so we planned 3-4 days meeting people. However, I think 8 days in Taiwan is still too short to explore and enjoy, every where we go is going to be a rush. We are skipping the east side of the island. If you have not finalize your trip, I would suggest to spend less time in HK since it’s a much smaller city, and allocate more days in Taiwan. Enjoy your trip!

How did you find travel with the little one, was it mostly pram friendly or did you use a carrier?

We used a mix of carrier and stroller. Sometimes on the subway it was easier to carry him than search for an elevator!

Overall, it was a really baby friendly trip! We cover our family travels on Show Them the Globe , there’s some Taiwan articles over there too!

Hi Elaine – great blog post! We are thinking of traveling to Taiwan, possibly next Dec and would like to hire a car for convenience, rather than use public transport. Are hotels with cheap/free parking easy to find outside Taipei? How about parking in general at tourist sites (esp. at Taroko Gorge)? Are tourist sites/viewpoints signposted at Taroko Gorge? Many thanks for any info you could supply!

Hi Elizabeth

Parking was included in places like Alishan (the public car park where the hotel shuttles pick up from), Taroko Gorge, Kenting. It was only included in a few hotels in Taichung but i guess that’s to be expected in a city. In Taroko Gorge, parking was easy to find at some viewpoints but there are only a few spaces at the smaller view points so you might have to wait. We did some of our sightseeing before breakfast and had the viewpoints almost to ourselves!

Have a great trip Elaine

Hi Elaine, Great blog. Thanks for sharing all this information on Taiwan. Can you please share something else? Did you book all your accomodation in advance or were you able to just drive into a place and find accom when you got there? I look forward to your reply as we are headed to Taiwan at the end of December this year. Thanks Janie

It was really busy when we were there in September. I’m sure you get accommodation as you go but, for the more popular places, I’d probably reserve in advance.

Great post. A question: what is the best season to tour Taiwan based on your research or experience? Many thanks. I probably will have more question as we go deeper into our planning. Many thanks.

Spring or Autumn. Winter is fine if you don’t mind low temperatures. Summer is hot and humid and avoid typhoon season. We got caught in the tail end of the season in late September but it was ok.

Did you every drive in the taipei city area? Is it easy to drive and to find parking?

Planning to rent car over there since we have elderly with us. Thank you

Hi Nabihah, yes we drove in and around Taipei City during our time in Taiwan. Driving was surprisingly easy and while parking was tricky if you plan it in advance there are parking spaces in most places. Have fun

We are thinking of going with our little one when she turns one in Sept/Oct (hopefully that is okay time,probably Oct though is better?). Since you have 3 little ones, do you have recommendations with traveling with a little one? She is currently 4 months old and we just booked our flight from Canada to Hong Kong. We plan to add Taiwan in there as well. It’s great to hear that your trip was baby friendly!

Oh one more question, is it better to fly with little ones during the day or night!?

I much prefer night flights so the kids can sleep through most of it. We just flew 10 hours from Dublin to LA and back over Christmas and the daytime flight was so hard trying to entertain our one year old! She just wants to be free to run around and explore! The night flight was so much easier as she slept for 90% of it. I’ve always been really lucky with night flights but you do run the risk that they won’t sleep at all – if you think there’s a good chance they won’t sleep I’d probably stick to a daytime flight.

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Taiwan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Taiwan is one of the most underrated budget destinations in Asia. It offers a beautiful — and super affordable — mix of east and west, blending the culture and cuisines of mainland China , Japan , and Hong Kong . And all with a fraction of the crowds.

I don’t think enough people visit Taiwan. I spent time here as an English teacher and have revisited the country since. There is a lot to do there: hiking the mountains, eating at night markets, drinking at tea houses, lounging on beaches, and enjoying the country’s amazing nightlife. No matter your interests, Taiwan won’t disappoint — especially if you’re a foodie. The food here is some of the best in the region!

This travel guide to Taiwan can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this underrated island!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Taiwan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

1. Visit Jiufen

Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations. Founded during the Qing dynasty, Jiufen boomed as a gold mining town in the 1890s. Here, you can find all kinds of historic tea houses built into the hillside. The center of the city and its historic streets and buildings are all preserved and look as they did 100 years ago. Try the snacks on offer, visit one of the many tea houses, and do some hiking if you have time. It’s a pretty easy day trip from Taipei but you should aim to come early to beat the crowds. If your itinerary allows for it, consider spending a night here so you can experience it without the daytripper crowds.

2. Soak in the Hot Springs

Especially fun to visit in winter, the Beitou Hot Springs are just 30 minutes from downtown Taipei and you can get there on the MRT (you need to go to Xinbeitou station). There are lots of resorts, spas, and inns in the area which, with a vast array of wildlife and fauna, really feel like you’ve traveled much further afield. Visit the Hot Springs Museum, the Xinbeitou Historic Station, and Thermal Valley (a sulfurous lake nearby that has walking trails) while you’re here. There are also some really cool temples here, including the tiny wooden Puji Temple.

3. Explore Taroko National Park

Located southeast of Taipei, this national park offers visitors a chance to hike through beautiful mountainous terrain and gorges. It spans almost 250,000 acres and is one of only nine national parks in Taiwan. With loads of cliffs and waterfalls to explore, it’s a really stunning place to visit. Head to the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge for some amazing views and to the Eternal Spring Shrine or to the Changing Temple for a bit of culture and history. Some suggested walking trails include Shakadang, Changchun, Swallow Grotto, and Lushui-Heliu. Entrance to the park is free.

4. Visit Taipei 101

Formerly known as Taipei World Trade Center, this was the tallest building in the world from when it opened in 2004 until 2010 (when the Burj Khalifa took its place). Standing 508-meters (1,667-feet) tall, it towers over Taipei. There is an observation platform on the 89th floor (at 382-meters high). You can also go up to the 91st floor for an outdoor platform. If you’re needing some retail therapy (and can fit anything else in your bags), there’s a shopping mall at the bottom.

5. Explore the night markets

Taipei is home to dozens of night markets. Shulin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Tonghua Night Market, Snake Alley, and Ningxia Night Market are all worth spending some time exploring but there are over 30 to choose from in Taipei alone. The food at these markets is the best (and cheapest) in the city. So much so that a few have even been given Michelin Bib Gourmands!

Other Things to See and Do in Taiwan

1. visit taipei.

Taipei is the epicenter of the country. Here there are sprawling food markets, a wild nightlife, spacious parks, and all kinds of interesting and quirky museums. Plus, the nearby mountains are full of easy and accessible hikes. Be sure to take a free walking tour, visit the National Palace Museum, see some temples (especially Confucius Temple and Bao-an Temple), and visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. I can’t sing the praises of this city highly enough (I lived here when I taught English). For even more on the city, here’s my full list of things to do in Taipei!

2. Go island hopping

The Pescadores Islands (known locally as Penghu) is an archipelago off the west coast between Taiwan and China. There are 90 islands in the region, perfect for exploring on a day trip. You can take a boat tour that visits several islands in the region, allowing you to snorkel, see sea turtles, and wander through traditional aboriginal villages and explore temples galore. Expect to pay around 1,500 TWD for a one-day multi-island tour.

3. See Tianhou Temple

Located in Taipei, this is one of the oldest temples in the city. Tianhou (also known as Mazu Temple, after the deity Mazu, goddess of the sea) was built in 1746 and is one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s a beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creatures, incense, lucky goldfish, and people paying respect to the gods. Admission is free.

4. Hit the beach

The beaches of Kenting on the southern tip of the island are the best place to enjoy the summer weather. White Sand Bay is the most popular beach and a great place to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun. Other beaches worth checking out are Fulong Beach, South Bay, Dawan Beach, Laomei Beach, and Little Bali Bay.

5. See the Lantern Festival

The famous Taiwan Lantern Festival is held every February/March and involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. There’s also a huge parade with floats, most of which relate to the year’s animal (from the Chinese zodiac). Thousands of people gather to watch and take part. To ensure the environment is protected, make sure you use a biodegradable eco-friendly lantern.

6. Hike Jade Mountain

Jade Mountain (also known as Yushan), the highest peak in Taiwan and East Asia with its peak at almost 4,000 meters above sea level, is a popular hike. If you don’t hike, there’s a special train that takes you to the peak before dawn (150 TWD). Most people do the hike over a couple of days, however, you can do it in a single day if you wake up super early and hike but that will mean over 10 hours of hiking. You’ll also need permits in advance so talk to your hotel or hostel staff as they can help you arrange those.

7. Tour Fo Guang Shan Monastery

This Zen monastery in Kaohsiung is a massive complex with eight towering pagodas that flank the monastery’s Big Buddha (which, at 36-meters tall, is the highest seated bronze Buddha in the world). Built in 1967 and spanning over 74 acres, the complex has a spacious outdoor walkway lined by manicured gardens as well as the huge pagodas. There are also over 14,000 statues of the Buddha here. Admission is free (donations are welcome) and there’s a delicious vegetarian restaurant inside with a huge buffet.

8. Visit the National Palace Museum

This museum, located in Taipei, has a collection of over 70,000 artifacts from Imperial China. Most of the collection was brought to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War (1929–1947). In addition to their permanent exhibits, there are also rotating exhibits throughout the year as well as a section for children. There are free daily tours in English as well as a detailed audio guide if you’d rather explore yourself. Admission is 350 TWD.

9. See the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Officially known as Liberty Square, this national monument was built in 1976 in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, former president of the Republic of China. He ruled mainland China from 1928 to 1949, and then in Taiwan from 1949 until his death in 1975. The memorial also houses a library and a museum that documents Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career. Tours in English are available daily but must be booked in advance. Admission is free.

10. Take a cooking class

Taiwan is a foodie’s dream and I always overindulge while I’m here. Noodle soups, incredible rice dishes, amazing buns, dumplings, and scallion pancakes are just some of the tasty local offerings. While cooking classes here are a little pricey, I think they are worth it if you really want to learn about the food. The cooking skills (and recipes) make a great souvenir to take home too. Expect to pay around 2,000 TWD for a class.

11. Go hiking

Taipei has plenty of hiking trails just outside town that are easily accessible. There are easy, moderate, and challenging trails, as well as both short and full-day hikes. Some suggested trails to check out are Xiangshan (easy, 45minutes), Bitoujiao (moderate, 2-3 hours), Jinmianshan (easy, 1.5 hours), Huang Didian (hard, 5 hours), and Pingxi Crag (moderate, 2-3 hours).

12. Visit Orchid Island

Located 64 kilometers (40 miles) off the southeastern coast, this lush, volcanic island offers hiking, swimming, diving, and amazing hot springs. There are also underground houses here, built to avoid the numerous typhoons that ravage the region. The island is home to only 5,000 people too. Visit the Lanyu Flying Fish Cultural Museum to learn about local culture. Flights from Taipei take just over an hour and cost around 4,500 TWD.

13. Hike Wuling Peak

For more hiking, head to Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain. Located in Central Taiwan, it stands 3,275 meters (10,744 feet) above sea level and makes for a good day trip for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. The peak here is so high you can actually look down into a sea of clouds below. A round-trip hike takes around 2-3 hours. Be sure to bring a raincoat as well as water and sunscreen.

14. Explore the Northern Coastline

Head to the coast to see the otherworldly lunar-like landscapes at Yehliu Geopark. There are all kinds of unique rock formations here, including one that looks like Queen Elizabeth (which took over 4,000 years to form). It’s a popular tourist attraction so try to get here early to beat the crowds. Admission is 120 TWD.

15. Visit Tainan

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban area, established by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near Kaohsiung, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple), several night markets, a historic old town, and a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.

16. Explore Taichung

Taichung is located in west-central Taiwan and is the second-largest city in the country. Spend some time walking the Parkway (a corridor of greenery perfect for walking and exploring), visit the Feng Chia Night Market, see the botanical garden, and explore the massive National Museum of Natural Science. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Taichung Folklore Park which is home to several traditional Taiwanese homes and buildings that showcase the country’s history.

Taiwan Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels dorms with 6-8-bed cost between 300-700 TWD per night. A private room costs anything from 1,000-3,000 TWD. Every place has free Wi-Fi and most hostels have self-catering facilities and include free breakfast.

Budget hotels start at 950 TWD for a small room with a double bed. Most rooms have AC but free breakfast is rarely included.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting at 650 TWD per night, though they average at least triple that. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 1,000 TWD (though prices average triple that). Book early to find the best deals.

Wild camping is generally prohibited but there are lots of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay at least 300 TWD for a basic plot without electricity.

Food – Taiwanese cuisine is a mix of influences, from Chinese, Japanese (owing to the Japanese occupation), and Western traditions. Seafood is a huge staple, with squid, crab, and shellfish being especially popular. Braised pork, oyster omelets, fish balls, and stinky tofu are just some of the many dishes you can find around the country.

Food at the outdoor markets costs around 35-100 TWD depending on what you get. An order of dumplings costs around 100 TWD. Noodle soup or a basic rice dish costs around 70 TWD.

A meal at a simple sit-down restaurant serving local cuisine costs around 120 TWD.

Western food costs between 100-400 TWD. Burgers (often made with pork rather than beef) are on the lower end while pizza is on the higher end.

Fast food is pretty popular here. MosBurger (the best fast food joint in the country) costs around 165 TWD for a combo meal. Sushi, one of the most popular food options, costs 300–450 TWD for a meal. (Plates at the conveyor belt places are around 30 TWD each.

A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 500 TWD. A beer or a latte/cappuccino costs around 80 TWD while a bottle of water costs 21 TWD.

For a week’s worth of groceries including staples like rice, seasonal produce, and seafood, expect to pay 2,000-2,500 TWD.

Backpacking Taiwan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 1,050 TWD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food, cook some meals, limit your drinking, do free walking tours, and take public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 2,700 TWD per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, enjoy some Western food, drink more, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and cooking classes.

On a “luxury” budget of 5,600 TWD per day, you can stay in a hotel, rent a car or take the train between cities, take guided tours to the islands, go diving, eat out at any restaurant you want, and visit as many attractions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in TWD.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Taiwan is an affordable country so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank here. As long as you stick to local cuisine and limit your drinking, it’s hard to spend a lot of money. Here are a few tips to keep your spending in check:

• Skip the high-speed trains – The high-speed trains in Taiwan are super convenient but expensive. Stick to the slower local trains, which are about 50% cheaper than the HSR.
• Eat at the food markets – The food in Taiwan is world-class and the best food is at the night markets that dot all the cities.
• Avoid Western food – Western food is twice the price of Taiwanese food. It’s also not amazing so stick to the local cuisine to save money.
• Take free walking tours – Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan, and Kaohsiung all have free walking tours from companies like Like It Formosa . They’re my favorite walking tour company in Taiwan. Their tours are fun, informative, and free. Just remember to tip your guide at the end.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here needs to be boiled before drinking so bring a bottle with a filter to ensure you have safe drinking water. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to you can be sure you water is safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Taiwan

Taiwan has plenty of fun and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Formosa 101 (Taipei)
• Star Hostel (Taipei)
• T-Life Hostel (Taichung)
• Fuqi Hostel-Heping (Tainan)

How to Get Around Taiwan

Public transportation – All of the major cities have public transportation that is fast, safe, and reliable. Fares start at 15 TWD and go up depending on how far you travel. Taipei and Kaohsiung both have metro systems with tickets costing between 20-65 TWD. A single-day pass in Taipei costs 150 TWD, while a day pass in Kaohsiung costs 180 TWD.

Bus – The bus is the cheapest way to get around Taiwan. Intercity coach buses are available to all major cities around Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. They are comfortable, modern, safe, and have air conditioning (too much, usually, so bring a sweater). The two main intercity bus companies are Ubus and Kuo-Kuang Bus. For fares and timetable information, visit taiwanbus.tw.

A bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes around five hours and costs 600-1,000 TWD while the three-hour trip from Taipei to Taichung costs as little as 90 TWD.

Train – The high-speed trains (HSR) in Taiwan are super convenient, however, they only go down the west side of the island and are very expensive. For example, a ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 1,500 TWD.

The “local” trains are much more affordable, often 50% cheaper. The trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung on a local train costs just 845 TWD. It’s also just 515-800 TWD from Taipei to Tainan and 675-800 TWD from Taipei to Taichung via the local train.

The HSR line doesn’t pass through city centers, so you either need to take a bus or train from the HSR station, which also costs more time and money.

Flying – Domestic flights are relatively affordable, however, they are much more expensive than the bus or train. The two-hour flight from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs more than 4,000 TWD.

Flights to neighboring Hong Kong start at 3,600 TWD and take five hours (they can be as much as 6,500 TWD so it’s best if you’re flexible with your dates) while flights to Singapore take five hours and cost around 3,500 TWD.

Car Rental – Driving here is safe, however, car rentals here are expensive, usually costing at least 1,500 TWD per day. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle here. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Taiwan

July and August are the hottest months in the country and the most popular time to visit. Temperatures often hit 35°C (95°F) and prices are a little higher as well. It’s a great time to visit if you want to hit the beach.

The shoulder months of May-June and September-October offer the best balance of crowds, weather, and price. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and do some hiking without getting rained out.

Winters in Taiwan are a little rainy but still warm, with daily highs around 18–20°C (65-68°F). Prices are a bit lower and it’s the perfect time to visit the relaxing (and relatively empty) hot springs. Expect big crowds in Taipei in December-January for the Chinese New Year.

How to Stay Safe in Taiwan

Taiwan is very safe, consistently ranking well on the Global Peace Index as one of the safest destinations in the world. Crimes against tourists are super rare. Overall, you are unlikely to encounter any problems in Taiwan and I never felt unsafe in the country. There are no scams here, everyone is super nice, and crime is super rare. It’s a great place to visit. My friends who live here also never have problems.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here for all those reasons. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply here too (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are numerous solo female travel blogs that can provide more specific tips.

Earthquakes are common in the region so make sure you’re familiar with your accommodation’s emergency exits. Between July and November, typhoons can occur so make sure you stay up to date on the latest weather — especially if you’re near the coast or out hiking.

110 is the emergency number for police while 119 is the emergency number for fire and ambulance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Taiwan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Taiwan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

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• Transportation
• Booking Resources
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Taiwan is a stunning island nation that is smacked right between the countries of  Japan and the Philippines . In fact, as someone who has grown up in the islands of  Batanes   (the northernmost place in the Philippines), Taiwan has since been a destination that I’ve wanted to visit. After all, we are actually closer to its borders so our radios would often pick up their stations; not to mention that our dialect (Ivatan) is even linguistically similar to the Taiwanese aborigine languages — that being said, these were enough reasons to pique my curiosity of Taiwan. (Taiwan Itinerary)

What are the top tours to do in Taiwan?

Check out these activities and tours to do to include in your Taiwan itinerary, and more: [ click ]

Anyhow, I was finally able to visit Taiwan some time ago! I only had 3 days to spare… but, I definitely had a great time as I explored the bustling capital of Taipei as well as the lush terrains that filled up the rest of the island.

With that said and done, let me share with you my 3-day Taiwan itinerary! I’ll pack it together with important info, tips, resources, and other activity suggestions ; so go ahead and copy, customize, shorten or lengthen the below guide as dependent on the length of your stay or the style of traveling that you will do.

I hope this Taiwan itinerary helps! Do let me know.

Top photo by: Shutterstock

Table of Contents

Taiwan Travel Guide

» quick travel planning.

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Taiwan
• Visa requirements
• Best places to stay
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

– – –

» Best Time to Visit

Taiwan enjoys 4 seasons, but they’re not as pronounced given that it generally has a humid subtropical climate. The seasons are divided into the following months and it’s best to either visit in late spring (April to May) or autumn (best in November) if you want comfortable temperatures.

• Spring : Pleasant temperature / Average lows at 15ºC to 22ºC and average highs at 19ºC to 27ºC.
• Summer : Hot and humid and sometimes very wet / Average lows at 24ºC to 28ºC and average highs at 27ºC to 31ºC
• Autumn : Cooler temperatures / Average lows at 18ºC to 27ºC and average highs at 27ºC to 30ºC
• Winter : Foggy and somewhat dry / Average lows at 13ºC to 15ºC and average highs at 17ºC to 19ºC
• WINTER: Dec to Feb
• SPRING: March to May
• SUMMER: June to Aug
• AUTUMN: Sept to Nov

» Getting in to Taiwan

Taiwan’s main international getaway is Taoyuan International Airport which is 40km southwest of Taipei. It is connected to the center via the Taoyuan Airport MRT and HSR Taoyuan Station (single trip price at no more than NT$160 / USD$5 / Php 260~). As such, I highly suggest buying a  Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited Pass  which gives you unlimited rides on Taiwan’s THSR train network — including the train to and fro the airport.

There are also buses linking to the airport (you can buy a discounted roundtrip shuttle bus from the Airport to Taipei and vice versa  here ) , but if you rather want a taxi, a one-way fare can cost a minimum of NT$900.

If you want the utmost convenience and ease, especially without having to lug around your luggage, I suggest booking a  private transfer  to your hotel for only Php 1,000+ (or $23~) . This works best if you’re coming together with other people so that you can share the cost and save more!

For flights, I recommend browsing through  Skyscanner  to find the best flight deals from your point of origin. If you’re from the Philippines like me, Skyscanner also scans through the budget airlines such as Air Asia and Cebu Pacific in order to find which of the 2 has the cheapest rate on the dates you choose.

» Visa for Taiwan

Taiwan has various visa regulations. Depending on your nationality, you can be qualified for visa exemption, visa on arrival, eVisa, or an Online Travel Authorization Certificate (for more info, see  here ).

If you’re from the Philippines, you will be eligible for  visa-free access to Taiwan for 14 days, valid until July 31, 2023 . This visa-free initiative is still a part of a trial period that they have since implemented in 2017, and the only requirements you needed to show at the immigration are:

• An ordinary/regular passport with your signature and with remaining validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry (diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment).
• A return ticket or a ticket to your next destination (and a visa for that destination if it is required).
• No criminal record in Taiwan (the immigration in Taiwan will check this themselves upon your arrival).
• As applicable, proof of accommodation/ hotel booking , host/sponsor’s contact information, or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.
• Check full visa requirements here as per your nationality.

» Where to Stay (Taiwan Accommodations)

To search for the best hotel accommodation in Taiwan at the best prices, I suggest cross-checking hotel prices between  Agoda  and  Booking.com . But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments, you should search through AirBnB .

For a more comprehensive list, see this post on the top ‘ Best Hotels in Taipei ‘.

» Taiwan Currency

New Taiwan Dollar (TWD / NT$) wherein NT$29 is equal to about USD $1~ / €0.85~ / Php 52~ (this is as of June 2022). In the event that you want to exchange your money for TWD, I highly advise that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are not competitive.

• How to best exchange your currency? Either exchange it at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in Taipei’s city center. Better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card — however, you must do one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank. Speaking of cards, a lot of establishments accept credit cards but it’s always advisable to have cash on hand because a lot of smaller shops do not accept international credit cards.

» Cost of Travel in Taiwan

To give you an idea, you should expect to travel to Taiwan with an average daily cost of about USD $35~ per person on a budget, or at least $95~ if you want to experience more comfort in activities, tours, hotels, and more. (Values below show low budget to medium budget ranges).

• Hotels: $20 to $60 USD / day
• Food: $5 to $15 USD / day
• Fun: $5 to $15 USD / day
• Transport: $3 on average per day

» How to Get Around Taiwan

There are domestic flights carried out by EVA, Mandarin Airlines, and UNI Air. However, unless you’re traveling to the smaller islands of Taiwan, the trains are still the best option for going around the country as well as in Taipei.

For high-speed trains all over the island, there are 2 systems: Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR/HSR) and Taiwan Railway Administration.

Within Taipei, the city has an efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system that’s also called Metro Taipei. Other than single journey tickets, there are rechargeable  IC cards   (like  Easy Card ) and there is also the   Taipei Fun Pass . I recommend getting this pass because it gives  unlimited  rides not only on the MRT train but also on public buses (for Taipei City and New Taipei City), as well as gives you discounts on Taiwan’s top attractions like the Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum.

To date, it has 3 options:

Alternatively, you can also get a  Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited Pass .

To better navigate yourself during your Taiwan itinerary, use  Google Maps ‘  directions  feature (signified by a blue icon with an arrow inside it) — I really find it a very helpful tool if I want to reach a certain place from a particular location. However, Google Maps doesn’t work offline if you want routes or transportation schedules, so I recommend that you get a  pocket WiFi  or a  SIM card  to stay connected; or better yet, get an eSIM for a hassle-free experience (use code AILEEN684 to get $3 off) .

» Staying Connected in Taiwan

Taiwan has one of the fastest internet connections in the world so you’re assured of great connections wherever you go. Hotels and most shops (even convenience stores) offer FREE WiFi connections — but in order to stay connected online at all times during your Taiwan itinerary, I recommend getting your own  pocket WiFi  or a  SIM card  to stay connected; or better yet, get an eSIM for a hassle-free experience (use code AILEEN684 to get $3 off) .

» Safety in Taiwan

Crime rate is relatively low in Taiwan and though petty crimes may happen, it is quite rare. As such, it helps to stay street smart at all times. Rest assured, it’s one of the safest countries to travel in even as a solo traveler ; just stay vigilant and you’ll be fine.

• HOW TO: Find the right travel insurance for you

» Helpful Mandarin Phrases

About 80% of the Taiwanese population speaks Mandarin Chinese. Rest assured, English is commonly used by the locals and you won’t have a hard time conversing with it, especially in places like Taipei.

As you venture outside of the capital though, it will become harder; but, it’s nothing that finger-pointing or Google Translate can’t solve. For a start, here are some sample phrases in Mandarin.

• RELATED READ: Best translation apps for travel

Hello:  Nǐ hǎo. Thank you:  Xiè xiè. You’re welcome:  Bú kèqi Goodbye:  Zàijiàn Goodbye (informal):  Bāi-bāi

Excuse me (getting attention):  Qǐng wèn Excuse me (begging pardon):  Dǎrǎo yixià Excuse me (coming through) / I’m sorry:  Duìbùqǐ Is there someone here who speaks English?:  Zhèlĭ yǒu rén hùi shuō Yīngyǔ ma? Help!:  Jiùmìng! Cheers!:  Gānbēi!

Other F.A.Q.

It is not common to tip in Taiwan, especially since if there is ever a “tip” to be taken, it will be in the form of a service charge on your bill amounting to about 10-15% of your total.

Taiwan typically uses type A (two flat parallel pins) and type B (two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin at the bottom). The country operates on a 110V voltage and a frequency of 60Hz.

 Please check their  latest travel advisories  page for more details.

All visitors to Taiwan must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the period of their intended stay (as well as have 2 blank pages).

There is and you can easily claim a tax refund for being a tourist; simply read this page for more info.

It is legal to fly a drone in the country as long as you follow the rules stated here .

Taiwan Itinerary Guide

Before I begin with the itinerary guide, if in case you’re more of a visual person, you can already watch my travel video/vlog below!

Take note that the 3-day Taiwan itinerary below does not take into account your arrival day in Taipei.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• The following Taiwan itinerary section is in a tabbed format; so, in order to see the next day’s contents, just click the headings below.
• if you’re staying longer in the city, you can make use of the last tab called ‘ Extra Days ‘ to see the other activities or trips you can do for filling up the rest of your vacation days.

Taipei Exploration

Once you arrive in the heart of Taipei, go and quickly enjoy its iconic landmarks as well as its busy night markets and colorful culture! With that, I’ll be listing the top attractions in the city; however, it would be  impossible to thoroughly visit EVERYTHING  (unless you swiftly go through every location) .

That’s why, depending on your interests, pick the best places that you’d like to see within the day for your Taiwan itinerary based on the descriptions that I’ll be providing below (my top favorites are marked with a star ★); and then, you can visit the rest during your other free time or during your other trip days if you’re staying longer than 3 days in Taiwan.

◘◘ ★ Taipei 101

Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, Taipei 101 was once called the world’s tallest building in 2004 — until Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010.

Either way, nowadays, it holds the highest award as the tallest and largest green building in the world according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) . By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of this building before; after all, it serves as an icon of modern Taiwan (though it was initially built as a symbol of the evolution of technology and Asian tradition) ; as such, it is a must to include this on your Taiwan itinerary.

Towering at 101 stories, the base of the building houses several shops and restaurants (such as the famous Din Tai Fung chain) but what most visitors aim to do is to access the observatory. To list out the highlights of the building:

• 5F Taipei 101 Mall : The floor where you can purchase tickets and take the Guinness World Record high-speed elevator to the observatory on the 89th floor (it travels at 1,010 meters/min or 60.6kph, taking only 37 seconds total). However, it’s best to purchase online to get a discounted price — I will discuss this in the detail in the ‘ admission ‘ section below.
• 89F Indoor Observatory : Offers unobstructed views of Taipei. It also has a museum where you can learn about the construction of Taipei 101.
• 88F Beauty of Taiwan Multimedia Corridor, Super Big Wind Damper, Treasure Sky : The highlight of this floor is at 5.5m (in diameter) and there’s a 660-ton wind damper that’s built in the core of the tower. Apparently, this amazing technology helps keep the building from swaying and helps keep it stand upright. Meanwhile, Treasure Sky is a place where you can find jewel crafts.
• 91F Outdoor Observatory : This is accessible via the stairs from the 89th floor, but since the winds can get quite strong, this floor is only open on days when the weather is favorable. Anyhow, inside, you will find a small theatre that features films about the annual New Years’ fireworks display set off from Taipei 101.

ADMISSION: General ticket is NT$600 (students are charged NT$540 and children under 115cm are charged free). However, if you book online , you will only pay around NT$400! With this, you not only get a discount but you also don’t have to wait in a long line. HOURS:  9:00AM to 10:00PM NEAREST MRT: Red Line (Xiangshan train) to Taipei 101 station or Blue Line to Taipei City Hall Station

◘◘ Elephant Mountain

This is yet another great place for acquiring great views over Taipei especially if you’re into doing some mild hiking! Also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail or Xiangshan, the hiking trail up to Elephant Mountain is found close to the Xinyi Shopping District and Taipei 101. The whole steep hike takes about 15 to 20 minutes only one way.

ADMISSION: Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join an Elephant Mountain day tour which will already include a trip to Pinglin’s Thousand Island Lake, Bagua Tea Plantation and Shenkeng Old Street. HOURS:  It’s best to avoid coming here during weekends because it can get crowded. For the best times to hike, it will be during the late afternoon so that you can catch the daylight, sunset and nighttime views of Taipei. NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to Xiangshan Station (or if you’re in Taipei 101, walk east on Xinyi Road until you reach Xiangshan Station for 15 minutes)

◘◘ ★ National Palace Museum

This is home to the largest permanent collection of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks (spanning over 700,000 pieces)! They cover about 8,000 years of Chinese art history from the Neolithic to the modern age; plus, most of them are high-quality pieces that were collected by China’s emperors — which means that a lot of them were rooted in the Palace Museum of Beijing’s Forbidden City .

With such a number, it helps to note though that the exhibits continuously rotate because only a small number can be displayed at a time in order to properly preserve them. Still, it’s quite an impressive collection that’s worth visiting if you’re into Chinese culture and history!

Upon admission, you could also access the beautiful garden nearby called Zhishan Garden . Not too far away would also be the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines which could be accessed for free once you pay the entrance for the National Palace Museum. (TIP: The National Palace Museum holds free English tours at 10AM and 3PM;  book online beforehand to reserve your spot. Whereas the Shung Ye features free tours at 2PM every weekend; no booking is required).

ADMISSION:  NT $350 (for students with ID, only NT $150) HOURS:  8:30AM to 6:30PM from Sunday to Thursday (to 9:00PM from Friday to Saturday) PROMO: Book online to purchase your admission ticket since it is cheaper NEAREST MRT:  Red Line Shilin Sation (士林)

◘◘ Presidential Building

This recognizable building in Taipei was originally built to act as the Office of the Governor-General during the Japanese colonial period, but it has since been renovated after it was partially destroyed during World War II. By the end of the Chinese Civil War, it served as the Presidential Office Building of the Kuomintang leadership in the city. As such, this is a great place to stop by for your Taiwan itinerary if you want to learn more about the country’s past in terms of political development.

ADMISSION:  Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei city tour which will include a stop to this attraction HOURS:  9:00AM to 11:30AM from Monday to Friday NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to NTU Hospital Station (pass through Exit 1)

◘◘ ★ Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall

Built in memory of the former President of the Republic of China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek , this monument is a prominent historical landmark in Taiwan that was opened in 1980 as part of the national park. The square is actually officially called Liberty Square but the name was changed due to political motivations, and due to people still commonly referring to it as the CKS Memorial Hall.

TRIVIA : The 8 sides of the octagon-shaped building represent the number 8 which is often traditionally associated with fortune and wealth as per Chinese symbolism. Meanwhile, the 2 sets of 89 steps represent Chiang Kai-shek’s age of death (and you will find a bronze statue of him in the main hall). One of the great spectacles of this hall too is the hourly changing of the guards on either side of the statue.

ADMISSION: Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei city tour which will include a stop at this attraction HOURS: 9:00 AM to 5:00PM daily NEAREST MRT:  Red Line or Green Line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station

◘◘ National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

This is another memorial hall, but this time around, it’s dedicated to the founder of the Republic of China: Dr. Sun Yat-sen . Once you enter the premises, you will find displays showing his accomplishments that spanned from the revolution during and after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. But other than this, the hall is also often used for various performances and exhibitions. You could even enjoy the surrounding park called Zhongshan Park which features gardens, decorative historical walls, and Lake Cui or Emerald Pond which has a nearby exhibition area.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS: 9:00 AM to 6:00PM daily NEAREST MRT: Blue Line to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station

◘◘ Martyrs’ Shrine

Officially called the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, this basically marks the memory of almost 400,000 soldiers who died during the war against the communist in mainland China. The complex, which was built in 1969, is a typical example of the northern ‘palace style’ architecture that was popularised during Chiang Kai-shek’s reign.

For most visitors, much like the CKS Memorial Hall, the Martyrs’ Shrine is known for its changing of the guards or soldiers at the front gate. This event happens every hour until 5PM and lasts for about 20 minutes so it’s worthy to consider for your Taiwan itinerary. Once you’re done watching the guards, just don’t forget to make the most of your stay and explore the surrounding architecture.

ADMISSION: Free TOUR: For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei city tour which will include a stop at this attraction HOURS: 9:00 AM to 5:00PM daily NEAREST MRT: Jiantan Station

◘◘ Dalongdong Bao’an Temple

This is a beautiful Taiwanese Taoist temple that received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for both its restoration and revival qualities of temple rites and festivities. Dedicated to the Taoist saint, Baosheng Dadi , this 900sqm temple is an exquisite structure that is a great example of the traditional decorative arts. If you time your visit from March to June, you could even witness the popular Baoshen Cultural Festival where you can watch parade tours, fire-walking rituals, lion dances, Taiwanese opera performances, puppet shows, and other cultural presentations. For an accurate schedule of the events, see the temple’s website .

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  7:00 AM to 10:00PM daily NEAREST MRT: Red Line to Yuanshan Station

◘◘ ★ Maokong Gondola

The mountain village of Maokong is the best spot in Taipei that offers a stunning panoramic view of the city — not to mention, they also have a wide variety of high-quality local tea.

To reach this village, you must take the Maokong Gondola which is a 4-km scenic cable car ride. With their Crystal Cabins or glass-bottom cars, you will be rewarded with amazing views and angles not only over the metropolis but also over the lush Zhinan River as you make your way up to Maokong (the ride spans about 30 minutes).

ADMISSION: One-way NT$120 for adults and NT$50 for children (FREE if you purchase a  Taipei Pass ) PROMO: Book online to purchase your admission ticket since it is a cheaper package inclusive of roundtrip tickets with FREE Taipei Double-decker Sightseeing Night Bus ticket for only NT$220. HOURS:  Typically open from 9AM to 9PM on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9AM to 10PM on Fridays, 8:30AM to 10PM on Saturdays and 8:30AM to 9PM on Sundays (note that the gondola’s opening hours depend upon the weather situation) NEAREST MRT: Brown Line to the terminus station, Taipei Zoo

◘◘ ★ Mengjia Longshan Temple

This is one of the largest and oldest well-known temples in Taiwan that’s located in the historic Wanhua district. Said to have been built in 1738 by Fujian settlers as a gathering place for Chinese settlers, Longshan Temple has since been rebuilt multiple times after destruction by earthquakes, typhoons, and WWII bombings. Today, it stands as a Taiwanese worship house for a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and deities such as Matsu (or the goddess of the sea).

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  6:00AM to 10:00PM (best times to visit would be at 6AM, 8AM or 5PM when crowds would gather and engage in hypnotic chanting) NEAREST MRT: Blue Line to Longshan Temple

Night Markets

Taiwan is a haven for foodies so when the night starts to creep in, choose from any of the night markets below to stuff yourself full!

TIP : For a hassle-free experience, you can join a Taipei Night Market tour for your Taiwan itinerary in order to get the most out of the city’s top authentic Taiwanese dishes and local flavors with the help of a local guide! Otherwise, check out this list of restaurants that you can book online for scoring special deals and rates.

◘◘ ★ Raohe Street Night Market

This is said to be Taipei’s oldest night market! It’s a single pedestrian lane spanning about 600 meters and it goes along Raohe street between 2 ornate gates. Here, you’ll find an array of quaint shops and stalls that serve food, snacks, and other items. For the must-try food items? Come read my post below:

» READ: Taiwan Street Food in Raohe Street Night Market

Other than eating, you can also shop for clothes if you stroll through the nearby Clothing Shopping Outlet in Wufenpu, or you could also visit the Ciyou Temple which is at the eastern end of the night market.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  5:00PM to midnight NEAREST MRT:  Green Line to Songshan Station

◘◘ Huahsi (or Huaxi) Night Market

Also called “Snake Alley”, Huahsi is conveniently found next to Longshan Temple, as well as 2 other markets namely Guangzhou and Wuzhou. There is a wide range of food items that you can find here but the most famous ones would be the dishes made from snakes and turtles. If you’re up for something this exotic for your Taiwan itinerary, do try the snake soup! For something more ‘normal’, try the famous  Tainan dan-dan noodles.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  4:00PM to midnight NEAREST MRT:  Blue Line to Longshan Temple Station

◘◘ Shilin Night Market

This is one of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan to tourists. With its maze of alleyways, you can find a variety of local, traditional, and international merchandise — local cuisines included, of course! So make sure that you stop by the underground foodie paradise on the western side of the market. Some of the things to try are  oyster vermicelli, fried pork buns, bubble tea, stinky tofu, and oyster omelet .

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  4:00PM to midnight NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to Jiantan Station

◘◘ Tonghua Night Market

This is a short walking distance from Taipei 101 and it’s the best night market to visit if you want something more local and less touristy. Other than clothing and other merchandise, there are food stalls here that sell sushi, steaks, and dumplings among many other things.

ADMISSION: Free HOURS:  6:00PM to 1:00AM NEAREST MRT:  Red Line to Xinyi Anhe Station

Taipei Meals

◘◘ LUNCH: Eatogether Xinyi Restaurant

You must NEVER leave Taiwan without tasting the top local fares of xiaolongbao , beef noodles soup, and bubble tea! To get the best of everything, head over to this highly-rated buffet chain. BOOK: Online

◘◘ DINNER: Any of the night markets

Taipei’s night markets can easily fill you up for dinner; so go and take your pick from any of the previous night markets that I’ve mentioned, and you’re sure to enjoy the night away!

Otherwise, check out this list of Taipei restaurants that you can book online for scoring special deals and rates.

Discover North of Taiwan

After you had your fill of some of Taipei’s key attractions, it’s time to venture out of the city to discover northern Taiwan’s wonders!

◘◘ Day tour to Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen

This is one of the best day tours that I’ve ever experienced for my Taiwan itinerary! For a whole day, you will be exploring the following key locations…

• Geopark : This beautiful limestone cape has a range of interesting rock/geological formations that have been aptly named according to their shape (example: Fairy’s Shoe and Queen’s Head).
• Shifen Old Streets and Shifen Waterfall : Found in the Pingxi area, Shifen is basically a small town that surrounds the Shifen railway station. This place is famous not only for its picturesque train tracks and marketplace but also for its shops that let you release a Chinese sky lantern — in case you can’t make it to their official Sky Lantern Festival (held usually on the 15th day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar). Another nearby attraction that you can find is the 20-meter tall Shifen Waterfall which is said to be the most scenic in Taiwan.
• Jiufen : Once a prosperous gold mining town, Jiufen is now a popular tourist destination for its quaint scenes that relive scenes from the past. Here, you will find picturesque streets and tea houses adorned with red lanterns and some great spots for viewing the Pacific Ocean! If you’re a fan of Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away”, you must visit Jiufen since most of the scenes from the movie were inspired by this place.

DETAILED EXPERIENCE: Read this Jiufen Tour review DURATION:  About 8 hours (return time approximately 5:30PM) BOOKING:   Online

» Want some other day tour options for your Taiwan itinerary?  See here to view a complete list.

◘◘ Ximending Youth Shopping District

Dubbed as the ‘Harajuku’ of Taipei, this is the trendy shopping and nightlife haven in the city that has a wide selection of shops, restaurants, clubs, and bars found all throughout its streets. In fact, the moment that I stepped here, it really made me feel like I visited Shibuya in Japan! That being said, before the day ends, go and shop here ’til you drop — or if you’re more into clubs and bars, there is an array of choices for you.

HOURS:  It’s open all day up to the night, but the best time to go would be starting from 5PM up into the wee hours NEAREST MRT:  Blue or Green Line to Ximen

◘◘ Din Tai Fung Restaurant

This is the internationally-famous Taiwanese restaurant that makes great-tasting  xiaolongbao  (a kind of tasty soup dumpling); therefore, no trip to Taiwan is complete without visiting one of its branches — especially its original Taipei branch found on Xinyi Road. Regrettably… the drawback is that there can be an insanely long wait because a lot of travelers also want to get a taste of this place. My advice? Visit in the morning to try and skip the lines!

TIP:  If you are pressed on time during your Taiwan itinerary and can’t dedicate hours-long of waiting at Din Tai Fung, you can reserve your spot online at either the Xinyi or Taipei 101 branch — or join a Taipei night tour that includes a dinner at Din Tai Fung. For other substitutes, you can get some great tasting xiaolongbao at Kao Chi . NEAREST MRT:  Dongmen Station (for the Xinyi branch)

◘◘ Other options for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

If you want great discounted/packaged meals in Taipei for your Taiwan itinerary, check out these online deals . They have choices from hot pots, lobster sets, beef noodles, and more! Otherwise, you can also revisit the night markets for a meal.

BOOKING: Taipei restaurants

Nature Exploration

This day is for witnessing yet another example of Taiwan’s grandeur when it comes to natural landscapes.

◘◘ Day tour to Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan or “Mount Ali” is Taiwan’s most visited national park. Due to its elevation, you will find interesting flora in its ‘Giant Forest’ that is full of towering 2,000-year-old giant Taiwanese red cypresses. The area also enjoys a cooler climate and an erratic weather pattern so you can experience a cloudless morning with denser clouds of mist or fog in the latter part of the day, and then followed by a lightning storm and some rain (so make sure to pack an umbrella and a jacket).

If you ride the famous Alishan Mountain Railway, you can also visit several key locations in the national park via the Sacred Tree Line, Zhushan Line (for sunrise views over the Jade Mountain), and Mianyuei Line. For hiking-lovers, there are several great trails that you can go through in this location such as the path that leads to the Giant Tree of Mt. Shuishan (the oldest tree in the park at 2,700 years old).

On the way to Alishan with this day tour , you will also get the chance to stop over these additional locations…

• Fenqihu : This is a medieval mountain railroad town near Alishan. Make sure that you visit its old narrow streets to shop for interesting souvenirs to bring back home, see its old railway museum, as well as to eat their famous ‘Fenqihu lunch box’ at the original restaurant that serves it (found underneath 7/11 on the main road — NT$100 only for takeaway or NT$120 for eating it on the spot).
• Alishan Shouzhen Temple: This place enshrines the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven (玄天上帝) as its main deity and it is the highest temple in Taiwan in terms of elevation.

BOOKING:   Online DURATION:  About 8 hours MEETING POINT: In this tour, it is possible to pick you up from any of the hotels found in Kaohsiung, Chiayi and Tainan City. Otherwise, if you’re coming from Taipei, they can pick you up from High Speed Railway stations found in Chiayi or Tainan. To get to these train station locations from Taipei, you need to book an HSR train. Book a  ticket , or you can also book an unlimited pass especially if you’re staying longer in Taiwan and plan to visit other places outside of Taipei). PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:  If you want to explore Alishan by yourself for your Taiwan itinerary, once you reach Chiayi station, take the direct bus to Alishan for about NT$300 (one way) which runs between 10:00AM to 11:30AM. There are also non-direct buses that cost NT$221 each way. Take note that the last bus to Alishan is at 2PM and the last bus back to Chiayi leaves at 5:10PM (found near Alishan’s 7-11 store).

◘◘ Explore the rest of Taipei

Once you’re back in Taipei after your day tour, this would be the perfect time to see the other historical landmarks or night markets that you haven’t managed to visit! (Refer to the list I’ve made under Day #1 to see the number of choices).

If you want great discounted/packaged meals in Taipei during your Taiwan itinerary, check out these online deals . They have choices from hot pots, lobster sets, beef noodles, and more! Otherwise, you can also revisit the night markets for a meal.

Other Taiwan Itinerary Activities

◘◘ Taipei Activities

Double Decker Bus Tour Sightseeing bus pass for a day.

Taipei Pub Crawl The heart of Taipei nightlife!

TaipeiEYE Peking Opera Performances featuring classical Taiwanese opera, Peking opera, Aboriginal dance, and more.

◘◘ Family Fun

Leofoo Village Theme Park Amusement park & safari.

E-Da Theme Park Aegean Sea inspired theme park.

National Aquarium Large museum and aquarium.

Suzuka Circuit Park Circuit rides amusement park.

Yehliu Ocean World Taiwan’s first ocean park.

i-Ride Taipei Flying Cinema Experience a multi-sensory 5D ride!

◘◘ Day Trips

Taroko Gorge Taiwan’s most scenic destination.

Thousand Island Lake & Plantation Stunning landscapes and tea culture.

Gaomei & Rainbow Community Taiwan’s renowned wetland & painted village.

Yangmingshan & Hot Springs Mountain escape & healing springs.

Sun Moon Lake Famous scenic lake.

Hualien Whale Watching Witness dolphins & whales.

Sun Link & Lotus Forest Scenic mountain lake.

Green Grasslands Tour Cingjing Farm, famous for its abundance of sheep!

Taitung Hot Air Balloon Tour Overlooking Luliao River and Beinan River.

Taichung Paragliding 10-15 minute paragliding flight over Nantou.

Tung Blossom Day Trip Taiwan’s renowned tung blossoms.

Taiping Mountain Tour Famous Taiwanese national park.

◘◘ Food & Restaurants

Chia Te Souvenir Award-winning pineapple cakes.

Sugar & Spice Nougat Taiwan’s famous French Nougat.

Zeng Noodles Popular instant noodles of Taiwan.

Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle Authentic Taiwanese noodles.

Beef Noodles & Rice Cooking Class Learn to make taiwan’s famous beef noodles.

Crispy Pork Jerky Popular “kuai che” dried pork jerky.

Taiwan Beef Noodles Famous bowl of savory beef noodles.

Smoothie House Must-try: their popular mango shaved ice!

Lovelycocoa Exquisite raw chocolate quality.

Spicy Hot Pot Red 9’s Sichuan-style hot pots..

Noodle Soups Must-try: Prime Beef Hind Shank Noodle Soup!

OneZo Milk Tea Get your fill of authentic boba tea!

Fu Hang Dou Jiang Top authentic Taiwanese breakfast meals!

Meinong & Aboriginal Village Witness the home of Hakka culture..

Liang Shan Aboriginal Culture Aboriginal culture at Wutai, Sandimen and Majia.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Mix of theme park and aboriginal culture..

◘◘ Water Fun

Bitou Cape Scuba Diving See the Northeast Coast’s underworld.

Hsiukuluan River Rafting Paddle through Hualien’s wild rapids!

Qingshui Cliff Sea Kayaking See views of the Pacific and Hualien’s coast!

Chimei – Wang’an Island Hopping Explore two of Penghu’s beautiful and secluded islands.

Yilan Waiao Surfing The best surfing destination in Northern Taiwan!

SUP at Shenao Elephant Trunk Rock 3 hour guided SUP tour.

Explore other TOP destinations in Taiwan

HUALIEN Eastern Taiwan’s 2nd largest city, Hualien is a natural haven perfect for escapes from the city.

KAOHSIUNG Taiwan’s largest port city, has been gaining popularity as the next top destination in the country.

Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note that a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

The Best Tours in Taipei?

Come and check out this list which features the best activities and tours to do!

Taiwan may be a small country, but it has more than enough amazing activities and attractions to keep you coming back for more!

There’s still so much to see but I believe that my Taiwan itinerary guide here is a great start — with all that said and done, please feel free to tweak this itinerary and make full use of my other activity suggestions in order to make your trip shorter or longer and better fitting for your travel style.

Enjoy and do let me know how your trip goes!

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Home » 7 Day Taiwan Itinerary: Journey with Blogger Shanice Koh

7 Day Taiwan Itinerary: Journey with Blogger Shanice Koh

Figuring out where to go and things to do in Taiwan? Take a tip or two from the 7 day Taiwan itinerary of Singapore blogger Shanice Koh. Here are some highlights of her journey, and you can follow the links to her Taiwan travel diaries below to follow her as she explores Taipei to Kaohsiung. 

My Trip to Taiwan

It isn’t my first time visiting Taiwan , and to be honest, I didn’t really enjoy my first visit. Perhaps it’s because it was with a tour group. My parents always prefer following a tour group, something my brothers and I are horrified by haha. So when this opportunity by Expedia came along, I wanted to give Taiwan a second chance, to see if it’d be a better experience without following a tour group.

And yes, it certainly was.

I was able to plan my own itinerary this time, and skip out the places that I have zero interest in. Own time own target, as we Singaporeans would say. I love the luxury of choosing to sleep in a little more instead of waking up early to board the tour bus everyday at 8 or 9am. I want to be able to decide for myself how long I should spend at each place.

I remember being given only 40 mins to finish the night market when we went with the tour group. That’s just ridiculous. I love being able to explore the local landscapes with various modes of transport, from cabs to the trains and public buses instead of just getting on and off the tour bus the whole trip.

I could go on and on about how one should never join a fixed tour group for an entire trip lol. But the main point here is, with Expedia, it’s easy to research and plan for your own itinerary. Why would you need a packaged tour group for? Booking online gives you everything you need, reviews of the attractions (from places of interest to where to eat, etc), and of course hotels and even tours! You can settle everything you need for your trip on Expedia Singapore. And that was what I used to plan this trip to Taiwan. 😉

Here’s my entire 7-Day Taiwan Itinerary:

Day 1: Taipei 

Land in Taipei > Train to Tainan

Day 2: Tainan 

Explore Tainan : Anping Fort, Anping Treehouse, Anping Old Street, Da Dong Night Market

Day 3: Kaohsiung 

Train to Kaoshiung > Formosa Boulevard Station and Ruifeng Night Market

Day 4: Taichung

Train to Taichung > Sinshe area (lavender cottage/farm, castle), CMP Block Museum of Arts, Fengjia Night Market

Day 5: Taipei 

HSR Train to Taipei > Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, Jiufen, Golden Waterfall, Remains of the 13 Levels, Yin Yang Sea, Shilin Night Market

Day 6: Taipei 

Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Wufenpu, Fujin Street, Raohe Night Market

Day 7: Taipei  

Taroko Marble Gorge Full Day Tour (5am to 7pm), Shida Night Market

My Top Picks of all the Things to do in Taiwan

From the entire Taiwan itinerary over 7 days, my favourite experiences/places would definitely be:

1) Jiufen and Shifen

These two places will not fail to charm and captivate, I promise.

2) Sky Lanterns

Being able to have the sky lantern with the boy was hands down my favourite activity this whole trip. It certainly was memorable and special penning down all our wishes for the future together.

3) Nature in Taiwan

Taiwan is a natural beauty, with so much to show. Such as the Yehliu Geopark and the Taroko Gorge .

4) Cafe and Cake

The cafe at Fujin Street is also one of my favourites. I’ll definitely visit it again the next time I’m in Taipei, and have that delightfully beautiful honey egg cake in this flower wonderland.

And since we’re on the topic of food, but of course! What is Taiwan without its glorious food/night markets yes?

5) Best Taiwan Night Market

Of course, night markets are going to be on everyone’s Taiwan itinerary. But which one is the best?

My favourite night markets for food were Raohe Night Market in Taipei (this one’s a clear winner btw), Fengjia Night Market , Dadong and Ruifeng Night Market (because these are the only two markets that has the Angel Chicken Cutlet, Ruifeng’s tastes just a little better).

6) Shopping in Taiwan

Shopping wise, I’d recommend Raohe, Shida and Fengjia Night Market . My fashion loots were from these three markets.

And if you’re gonna ask me which night market to me is the best, overall? I would say it’s Raohe , without any hesitation!

Thank you Expedia for letting me experience Taiwan again! 🙂

Follow Shanice’s journey through Taiwan with Expedia:

Eva Air Hello Kitty Flight

Tainan Hotel Review: J S Hotel Tainan

Exploring Tainan + Kaosiung

Exploring Taichung

Exploring Taipei (Part 1)

Exploring Taipei (Part 2) Yehliu + Taroko Gorge Tour

Complete Taiwan Itinerary: Highlights of the Whole Trip

Review of My Hotels in Taiwan

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2023 Taiwan travel guide：Help you plan your Taiwan solo travel

Last Updated on 12-30-2023

Taiwan is a little island nation with a big punch. Despite its small size of 36,193 square kilometers, it boasts a population of 23.9 million people.

Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Taiwan, an East Asian treasure, has a rich history, vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful food. Taiwan has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff. In this Taiwan travel guide, we’ll walk you through the top places, experiences, and advice for an unforgettable vacation to Taiwan in 2023, as well as assist you in planning your solo travel in Taiwan.

Why Taipei?

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Now you may ask, “Why Taipei?” As a foreigner coming to Taiwan for a solo trip, you may not know how to speak Mandarin. While Taiwan has many beautiful places, However, for travelers who are non-Chinese speakers, some of the more local places will be more difficult to explore. Therefore, areas like Taipei may be the best option for you for your first stop in Taiwan. It is super safe for both men and women, and moreover, English is fairly widely spoken there. Now let’s start with our recommended extended stay hotels for famous places.It boasts modern shopping malls, ancient temples, beautiful palaces, and night markets. Taipei is not only the political and economic center of Taiwan, but also the cultural hub of the island. There are plenty of attractions for visitors to eat, drink, and have fun.

Weather, festivals , and the operation hours of tourist sites must all be considered when deciding when to visit Taipei. In general, the fall months ( September to November ) and spring months ( March to May ) are regarded as the best periods to visit Taipei.

Autumn weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures, making it excellent for outdoor activities. During this time, Taipei’s bright blue skies and fresh air complement visits to sights such as Elephant Mountain and the Taipei 101 . Spring, on the other hand, is distinguished by the blossoming of flowers. Many parks and gardens organize flower-viewing activities, like as the cherry blossom season on Yangmingshan, which draw tourists to marvel at the magnificent floral displays.

Furthermore, the city’s festive festivities are important factors to consider when visiting Taipei. For example, one of Taipei’s most important traditional celebrations is the Lunar New Year, which is traditionally celebrated in January or February. Visitors may enjoy exciting events, shopping extravaganzas, and night market activities.

Before you pay a visit to Taipei, you must know about the weather in Taipei throughout the year.

Taipei has two airports, Taoyuan International Airport and Songshan Airport. Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport and the gateway to Taipei, while Songshan Airport serves mostly domestic flights and a few international flights. You can reach Taipei from many international cities, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, and more.

There are a wide range of accommodations available in Taipei to suit every budget and preference. From luxury hotels to budget hostels , you can find something that fits your needs. Some popular areas to stay in Taipei include Xinyi District, Zhongzheng District, and Daan District.

The mrhost provides a search tool to help users find the best hotel for their long stay in Taipei!

Taipei has a variety of monthly hotels and serviced apartments. There are several alternatives available, whether you choose a low-cost hotel, a hostel, or a more typical hotel or serviced apartment. Furthermore, Taipei is regarded as a secure city for lone female travelers and is recognized for its low rates, making it an ideal location for budget-conscious solo travelers.

The Denizen

The Denizen contemporary refuge for the modern traveler may be found in the nook of Da’an District. The Denizen redesigned the idea of live-work accommodation into studio spaces that encourage you to dive into the refined luxury of customized home living without sacrificing style, amenities, or personalized service.

Forte Green garden apartment

Forte Green Garden Apartment , located in the Songshan District, has various handy features like as a fitness center, free WiFi, and large rooms with flat-screen TVs. The Green Park Apartment (Business Residence), located in the center of the Dunhua financial area and minutes from the MRT, Zhongshan Expressway, and Songshan Airport, is a calm and lively atmosphere with spacious and comfortable bedrooms, providing you with a high-quality living space.

The transportation system in Taipei is efficient and easy to use. You can take the metro , buses, bike , or taxis to get around the city. The metro system is extensive, with lines that connect all parts of Taipei. To make transportation easier, Taiwan has a rechargeable smart card called the EasyCard . You can also rent a car to explore the city at your own pace.

1. Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is a landmark skyscraper in Taipei and was once the tallest building in the world. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 89th floor.

2. National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum , one of the most popular museums in Taiwan. This museum is home to an extensive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts and artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, jade, and bronze. It’s a great place to learn about Chinese history and culture.

3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Head to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , a famous landmark in Taipei. The hall is dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. You can watch the changing of the guard ceremony or climb to the top of the hall to enjoy a panoramic view of Taipei.

4. Longshan Temple

After that, visit the Longshan Temple , one of the oldest and most famous temples in Taipei. The temple was built in 1738 and is dedicated to various Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities. Take your time to explore the temple’s beautiful architecture and religious relics.

5. Ximending Shopping District

Finish your day by exploring the Ximending Shopping District, a popular pedestrian shopping area in Taipei. You can find everything from trendy clothes to traditional snacks and souvenirs. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in Taipei’s modern culture.

1. Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk

Start your day with breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk , a popular breakfast spot for locals and tourists alike. You can try their signature dish, the crispy scallion pancake, or their delicious soy milk.

2. Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Head to Din Tai Fung , a world-renowned restaurant that specializes in xiaolongbao, or steamed pork dumplings. The restaurant has branches all over the world, but the original store is in Taipei. You won’t regret trying these delicious dumplings.

• Monday to Friday 11:00 AM-8:30 PM
• Weekends 10:30 AM-8:30 PM
• Address: No. 194, Sec. 2, Xinyi Road, Daan District, Taipei City
• Nearby MRT station: 1 minute walk from Dongmen Station

3. Dinner at Maoyuan Restaurant

Maoyuan Restaurant is a well-known Taiwanese cuisine restaurant in Taipei with an almost 50-year history. It received great notice after getting the Bib Gourmand rating from the Taipei Michelin Guide in 2018. The restaurant, located near the Nanjing Fuxing MRT station, is famed for its traditional Taiwanese meals and has established itself as a culinary legend in Taiwan.

4. Night Market Tour

In the evening, go on a night market tour and taste some of Taipei’s best street food. You can visit popular night markets like Shilin Night Market, Raohe Street Night Market, and Ningxia Night Market. Try local favorites like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea.

Refer to our Taipei Night Markets article to learn about each of the most famous night markets in Taipei!

1. Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park , a mountain park with stunning natural scenery. You can hike the various trails, soak in the hot springs, and visit the flower clock and calla lily fields.

2. Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan , is a popular hiking trail in Taipei that offers stunning views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and take photos.

3. Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou Hot Springs is one of the most famous hot springs in Taiwan. You can relax in the various public and private hot spring baths, visit the Thermal Valley, or explore the hot spring museum.

4. Tamsui Old Street

Visiting Tamsui Old Street , a historic district with a scenic waterfront view. You can stroll through the old streets, enjoy local street food, and visit the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf.

Some of the most popular souvenirs to buy in Taipei include pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥), oolong tea (烏龍茶), mini sky lanterns (小天燈), Taiwanese glove puppets (布袋戲偶), Chinese knots (中國結), Chinese paintings (國畫), oil paper umbrellas (油紙傘) and jade (玉). You can buy these souvenirs at many places in Taipei. Some of the most popular places include souvenir shops at tourist attractions such as Taipei 101 and Shilin Night Market. You can also find them at stores such as Chia Te Bakery (佳德糕餅), SunnyHills (微熱山丘), and Ten Ren Tea (天仁茗茶).

If you’re looking for something unique, you can visit a former factory and museum in Taipei dedicated to the art of traditional block printing3. You can also find anime figurines, manga, DVDs and CDs and posters at Taipei Main Station.

In addition to the above mentioned souvenirs, there are many other famous souvenirs from Taiwan that you should bring back to your hometown.

Travel to Taiwan’s largest city in the south: Kaohsiung

Let us tell you all about the fabulous city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan! It’s one of Taiwan’s top three cities, and boy, has it come a long way! From a humble settlement to a bustling metropolis with a whopping 12 districts, Kaohsiung is the place to be!

Kaohsiung was once a total rockstar in the industrial scene, boasting the world’s THIRD largest port. today, it’s not just about industries; Kaohsiung has reinvented itself with a trendy, modern vibe. Kaohsiung is a real player in the trade game too, thanks to its strategic location and the amazing Kaohsiung Port. It’s the beating heart of commerce.

Whether you’re into history, culture, or just looking for some epic adventures, Kaohsiung has it all.

From November to April is the best season to visit Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for perfect weather and a terrific vacation experience. The weather is most pleasant during these months, with moderate temperatures and less possibilities of precipitation. It’s the ideal time to see the city’s attractive attractions, such as Love River, Shoushan, and Sizihwan Bay, which will leave you speechless.

If you prefer milder weather, consider traveling in May, June, or July, but bear in mind that typhoons, also known as tropical cyclones, might occur in July. Due to excessive rainfall, August is the rainiest month and may not be the best time to come.

Consider traveling during the off-season, either during the winter or summer, to avoid crowds and get fantastic hotel discounts. The city provides a one-of-a-kind experience all year, so whether you visit during the lovely winter months or the warmer summer days, you’re in for a treat.

So, plan your trip to Kaohsiung carefully and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable journey in this dynamic city! Travel safely.

Getting to Kaohsiung from other places is easy and convenient due to its well-connected transportation network. Travelers have various options to choose from:

• High-Speed Rail (HSR) : The Taiwan High-Speed Rail offers a quick and efficient way to travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Taipei Main Station to HSR Zuoying Station, located in northern Kaohsiung.
• Train: If you prefer a more affordable option, you can take a regular train from Taipei Main Station to Kaohsiung Main Station. The travel time is approximately 4.5 to 6 hours.
• Bus: Buses provide a cost-effective means of reaching Kaohsiung from Taipei. The travel time is around 5 to 6 hours, and you can catch the bus from Taipei Bus Station.
• Flight: For those coming from farther destinations or seeking a quicker option, flights are available from Taipei Songshan Airport or Taoyuan airport to Kaohsiung International Airport.

You can also refer to our 4 Simple Ways to Travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung article to know the best way to get to Kaohsiung from Taipei.

When planning a trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern harbor city, you’ll find a variety of great places to stay. Whether you prefer the artistic vibe of Pier-2, known for its revitalized warehouses and creative atmosphere, or the convenience of the Kaohsiung Railway Station area, with bustling commercial activity and various hotels, there’s something for everyone.

For those seeking a more relaxed coastal experience, the harbor district offers a delightful blend of urban conveniences and beachfront scenery. Moreover, the Sanduo and Wufu Shopping Districts are excellent choices for travelers who enjoy shopping, entertainment, and a modern cityscape, with plenty of hotels catering to different budgets. Make the most of your Kaohsiung adventure by selecting the accommodation that suits your preferences and offers easy access to the attractions you wish to explore. Enjoy your stay and discover the best of Kaohsiung’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful green spaces!

👉Read more: Where to Stay in Kaohsiung Taiwan

Silks Club in Kaohsiung is a pinnacle of luxury and artistry, a collaboration between Yu-Ming Construction and the Regent Group. With 147 executive-level rooms, the hotel redefines opulence, starting from a minimum room size of 18 ping. The focus on “Visual Creativity,” “Regionalism,” and “Architectural Space” creates an enchanting ambiance. The Michelin-starred UKAI-Tei restaurant offers a remarkable culinary experience, while the infinity pool provides a panoramic harbor view. Silks Club is a sophisticated oasis, epitomizing excellence in Kaohsiung’s hospitality scene, making it a must-visit for those seeking a refined and artistic travel experience.

SaYo Hotel is a stylish and comfortable accommodation located in the elegant historical district of Yanchengpu, Kaohsiung. With its focus on providing a homely atmosphere and impeccable service, Sa-Yo Hotel is an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features 70 spacious rooms and offers leisure facilities, a children’s game room, Wii gaming console, meeting rooms, and self-service laundry. Guests can also enjoy complimentary coffee at the welcome coffee bar from 10 AM to 10 PM. The hotel’s convenient location near Yancheng Public Market and attractions like Pier-2 Art Center and Love River makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.

To explore the city like a local, you can utilize the well-developed mass transportation system, including the MRT (Metro) , LRT (Light Rail Transit) , and buses. The Kaohsiung Metro currently has two routes, the red line and orange line, meeting at Formosa Boulevard Station, and trains operate at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. Smoking, eating, and drinking are strictly prohibited in stations and on trains to maintain a pleasant riding environment.

For a unique experience, consider taking the Kaohsiung sightseeing bus, a double-decker bus, to explore the city’s unique charms. You can also enjoy water recreation facilities in Kaohsiung.

To navigate the city conveniently, it’s recommended to get an iPass or EasyCard, Kaohsiung’s transportation cards, which can be used to pay for fares in buses, MRT, and ferry boats. Additionally, the city aims to increase the percentage of electric buses, promoting low-carbon and green transportation.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s vibrant port city, offers an array of exciting activities and attractions that cater to diverse interests. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a foodie, or an art admirer, Kaohsiung has something for everyone.

1. Explore Lotus Pond

Stroll around the picturesque Lotus Pond, known for its vibrant temples and scenic beauty. Admire the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the Confucius Temple, which create a serene atmosphere.

2. Visit Pier 2 Art Center

Immerse yourself in Kaohsiung’s contemporary art scene at the Pier 2 Art Center . This creative hub showcases various art installations, galleries, and trendy cafes, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.

3. Take a Ferry to Cijin Island

Take a boat to Cijin Island for a taste of culture, history, and beautiful beaches. The Cihou Lighthouse and the seafood booths along the shore, which provide some of the freshest catches, should not be missed.

4. Marvel at the Dome of Light

Witness the stunning Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station, one of the most magnificent metro stations in the world. With its elaborate glasswork, this stunning art piece will leave you speechless.

5. Enjoy Kaohsiung Sunset Cruise

Take a romantic sunset cruise, which provides spectacular views of the city’s cityscape as the sun sets over the horizon. Capture the gorgeous scene while learning about Kaohsiung Port’s history. If you are traveling with your family to Kaohsiung, you can check out 15 Best Things to Do with kids in Kaohsiung article for more tourist attractions for you and your family.

👉Read more: Kaohsiung’s Top Secret Attractions 2023: Sunset and Lakeside Forest

1. Ruifeng Night Market

Ruifeng Night Market , located in Kaohsiung’s Left Camp neighborhood, is a lively and dynamic night market that draws both residents and visitors. It has been a popular destination for more than two decades and provides a varied range of culinary, fashion, and entertainment options. There is a wonderful selection of tasty street cuisine to choose from. Okinawa crispy fried squid, Korean-style pancakes, Japanese teppanyaki, and a unique Taiwanese tea known as “店小二特濃鮮紅茶” are all must-tries. These scrumptious sweets can be enjoyed by visitors while browsing the market’s various stalls and sellers.

Ruifeng Night Market is open from 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It is strategically placed near the Kaohsiung Arena MRT Station, making public transit easy to use.

2. Liuhe Night Market

Liuhe Night Market , also known as Liuohe Tourist Night Market, is a renowned night market in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It offers a wide variety of delectable dishes and snacks, such as Zheng’s papaya milk and Ahma’s grilled rice cake. Visitors can shop for trendy fashion items and souvenirs while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. The market’s strategic location near the Kaohsiung MRT Formosa Boulevard Station makes it easily accessible. Operating from evening till early morning, Liuhe Night Market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and shoppers alike, offering an unforgettable experience of Taiwanese street food and culture.

Besides the two night markets mentioned above, Kaohsiung has many other night markets with their own specialties, so check out our Kaohsiung Night Market Recommendations article to explore more of Kaohsiung’s local specialties.

3. Duck Zhen(鴨肉珍)

“ Duck Zhen ” is a duck meat speciality restaurant in Kaohsiung’s Yancheng District. With a 65-year history, this restaurant has become a traditional neighborhood favorite as well as an iconic street food hotspot in the area. “Duck Jane” is known for its tasty duck dishes, and its menu includes duck rice, duck noodles, duck winter melon soup, mixed offal with duck blood, and more. The duck rice with beautifully seasoned minced meat is the outstanding dish.

Notably, “Duck Jane” received a Michelin Guide endorsement in 2022, confirming its position in the culinary landscape. Locals and tourists alike travel to this business to sample its long-standing heritage of offering exquisite duck dishes, which has earned it a place in Kaohsiung’s culinary canon.

4. Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube (Yancheng)

Kaohsiung Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube is a popular snack restaurant in Kaohsiung’s Yancheng District. It was founded in 1956 and has almost 60 years of history. It is known as a must-try local delicacy. Long lines form outside the business at all hours of the day and night, demonstrating its popularity. The hallmark meals include tube rice cake and steamed egg soup, both of which are highly recommended and available at reasonable costs, giving clients outstanding value for money.

Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube is not only well-known in Kaohsiung, but it has also achieved Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction, making it a symbol of Kaohsiung’s culinary scene. The shop, located beside the Love River in Yancheng District, serves unusual and excellent cuisine. Classics include the tube rice cake, steamed egg soup, and other delicacies such as the Flagfish Ring Soup.

1. Tardyhill Nature Park(漯底山自然公園)

Tardyhill Nature Park, also known as 漯底山 (Lào Dǐ Shān) or 凹底山 (Āo Dǐ Shān), is located in Kaohsiung’s Mituo District. This park has a large green area with woodland pathways. It was formerly an important military post during the Japanese colonial period. Climb up to the observation deck for sweeping views of Kaohsiung’s cityscape and shoreline. The park’s mudstone badland landscape is distinctive, and the park’s meandering pathways allow for observation of different natural biodiversity inside the wooded region. Within the park, there are also observation bridges, basketball courts, and a family play area.

2. Shoushan National Nature Park(壽山國家自然公園)

Shoushan National Nature Park is located in Kaohsiung’s Gushan District. It is a coral mountain on the city’s southern outskirts, near Sizihwan Bay. Shoushan, which has the most green space in Kaohsiung, is a popular natural attraction for locals. The park allows guests to get close to nature by delivering thrilling and natural activities. It is also popular among birdwatchers owing to the park’s rich biodiversity.

If I didn’t tell you, you wouldn’t know that Kaohsiung has many other secret attractions that you should explore!

1. Kaohsiung Bu-Er-Jia Bakery (不二緻果)

Kaohsiung Bu-Er-Jia Bakery (不二緻果) was founded in 1938, and the most well-known signature is the “Real Taro.” Two creamy layers of fresh taro cream mousse are sandwiched between three slices of sponge cake, creating a soft, rich, and sweet but not too sweet flavor. In addition to the “Real Taro,” Kaohsiung Bu-Er-Jia Bakery’s distinctive delights include mille-feuille and mung bean pastry.

2. JOY WELL CAKE SHOP (中外餅鋪)

Joy Well Cake Shop is a classic pastry shop that was founded in 1905; the area’s well-known “Chess Pastry” began here. The 32 pieces of delicious sweets that are generally seen on the chessboard are ideal companions for a good cup of tea. There’s also pineapple cake, yolk pastry, and date paste cake with walnuts.

3. Zhenfang Mullet Roe Experience Factory-Mullet Roe

The Zhenfang Mullet Roe Experience Factory is located in Kaohsiung’s Qianzhen District. It is one of Taiwan’s biggest mullet roe producers. Zhenfang Mullet Roe Experience Factory began almost fifty years ago as a modest business with only two ping of space. With exceptional manufacturing skills and a reputation for excellence, it rapidly evolved into a specialist mullet roe store. The plant, led by the second generation, clings to traditional production methods while also using contemporary professional procedures. Processing sections, a knowledge and culture zone, product areas, a presentation room, interactive zones, DIY schools, and a sunny glass drying area are all part of the facility.

Visitors may get a firsthand look at the mullet roe manufacturing process and history, as well as obtain professional information about mullet roe in an exciting way. This factory is the only themed narrative zone in the world centered on mullet roe, allowing visitors to participate in DIY mullet roe manufacturing and feel the fascination of historic traditional craftsmanship.

4. 志明花生糖 (Zhming Peanut Brittle)

志明花生糖 (Zhming Peanut Brittle) is a well-known local peanut brittle in Kaohsiung. It’s a typical snack that residents and visitors alike enjoy. Peanut brittle is a traditional and delectable memento.

Full List of Taiwan Monthly Hotel for 2024

For more information or queries, join our other platforms, related posts.

15 Best Things to Do with kids in Kaohsiung

15 Fun facts about Taiwan: Unveiling the Wonders of the island nation

The 10 Best Dating Apps & Sites in Taiwan

Overview of the Healthcare System in Taiwan

Where to Stay in Kaohsiung Taiwan ：6 Best Areas for Tourists

Exploring the Serenity of Fo Guang Shan: Taiwan’s Majestic Buddhist Monastery

10 Incredible Landmarks of Taiwan You Can’t Miss

Top 9 Theme Parks And Amusement Parks In Taiwan

10 of the Best hot springs in Taiwan

Need a vacation but you’re too busy to travel?

Jaclynn Seah is The Occasional Traveller, a solo female traveller from Singapore who knows what it’s like to balance work and wanderlust. Short on time? Here are my tips and stories to help you plan your own quick getaways and be inspired to travel more.

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Personal stories and detailed travel guides for the solo indie traveller

Things I enjoy

Street art & murals.

I love hunting for street art in Singapore and on overseas trips – it helps me explore and find unexpected spots in new cities!. Check out my many guides on the best places to find street art around the world.

Offbeat spots in Singapore

Singapore has its well known tourist hotspots, but I enjoy exploring the lesser known bits of my home country. It may be a small country but there’s still lots to learn! See all my Singapore related posts.

Solo travel

I’m a big advocate for everyone trying solo travel at least once in their life! It may not be for everyone, but I love the freedom of doing my own thing and want to encourage everyone to give it a shot!

Travel tips for busy people

Everyone’s busy, but you shouldn’t be too busy to travel if that’s what you love! I share my thoughts on finding time to travel and tips to help busy folk plan for their own trips.

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A 2024 Taiwan Travel Guide for Planning Your Trip

Last updated on Apr. 10, 2024 by Nick Kembel

Taiwan is a small island nation that packs a serious punch. At only 36,193 km², it is about the size of Vancouver Island in my native Canada, but home to a staggering 23.9 million people.

Do not be fooled by its compact size, however. There are many reasons to visit Taiwan : the tallest mountains in Northeast Asia, rich history & culture, welcoming locals, some of the best night markets and street food in the world – the list goes on. To get a better idea, see my ever-growing list of things to do in Taiwan .

I’ve lived in Taiwan for over 10 years. I’m married to a Taiwanese, and my two kids were born and raised in Taiwan. I’ve written articles about Taiwan for CNN, National Geographic Traveller, Discover Taipei, and Taiwan Travel Magazine, as well as my book, Taiwan in the Eyes of a Foreigner , which has sold more than 7000 copies.

This Taiwan travel guide links out to all of my most useful articles for planning a Taiwan trip. Here on my Taiwan travel blog, Spiritual Travels, you’ll find some of the most comprehensive Taiwan travel information Taiwan tourism details available in English online, all based on years of on-the-ground research. 

Let the below be your personal guide to traveling in Taiwan. I’ll be covering a wide variety of topics below, so use the table of contents to jump to the info you need! If you prefer Q&A format, you can find all the same info in these FAQs about Taiwan .

Table of Contents

Travel restrictions and visas.

As of October 13, 2022, Taiwan is totally open for travel. All COVID-related  travel restrictions  are finished.  That brought to an end the 938 days total that Taiwan’s borders were closed to some or all international tourists!

Currently, you just need to find out if your country is eligible for visa-free entry  (most are), and for how many days. If you need a visa for Taiwan, or want to stay for longer than the visa-free period, you’ll need to apply at the Taiwan office in your country before coming. 

Besides the visa, there are no special forms, tests, vaccines (these were never needed) for entering Taiwan. You just need to fill in the normal arrival card when you arrive, or do it online before you come. Note that some people have reported not receiving an email confirmation after filling in the online form, so you may want to just do it when you arrive in Taiwan. You can stay in any hotel or accommodation you want, including hostels (these weren’t allowed until March 20, 2023). 

The outdoor mask mandate ended in late 2022 and the indoor mask mandate ended in early 2023. Now, you only need to wear masks in medical facilities in Taiwan. However, many locals are still wearing them in public.

Following the April 2024 Hualien Earthquake , Taroko Gorge in Hualien is totally closed to visitors for an estimated 6 months to 1 year. Everywhere else in Taiwan is open as normal and fine to visit. Here’s my list of things you can still do in Hualien besides Taroko Gorge .

If you ever have any questions about anything related to traveling in Taiwan, you can call the 24-hour English tourist hotline at 0800-011765 (from outside Taiwan dial 886-800-011765). For COVID-specific questions, dial 1922 (from outside Taiwan dial 886-800-001922). 

A Guide to Taiwan’s Quarantine Hotels and COVID Travel Restrictions

Taiwan travel planning group.

The absolute best place you can go for any questions about planning your Taiwan trip is my free Facebook group, Taiwan Travel Planning .

Literally any question you have about traveling in Taiwan or planning your Taiwan trip will be answered within 1-2 days by me or other members of the group. I’m also happy to look over your itinerary and give you suggestions. Because I do spend a lot of time every day in the group answering questions, I’ve created this Buy Me a Coffee account for anyone who wants to say thanks (my readers requested this!)

Take a Tour or DIY Travel?

The main purpose of this page, my website, and my Facebook group is to help you plan a DIY trip to Taiwan. Taiwan is an incredibly safe and easy country to travel around. However, this does require some advance planning, especially as trains and hotels in popular destinations in Taiwan often sell out. Generally, Taiwan is not a very suitable country for just showing up and figuring it out once you get there. Even more so since COVID, advance bookings for almost everything are the norm. 

If you’re looking for a luxury, fully customized tour of Taiwan, I recommend Life of Taiwan . Their team of experts are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry. They provide personalized tea, food, cultural, or family tours of Taiwan and put you up in some of the country’s most exquisite hotels. If you contact them, please let them know that Nick sent you over!

If you’re in a rush and just want to see the best of Taiwan in a short period, I recommend this Taiwan 5-day tour . It doesn’t include Taipei, which is best visited in a day or two on your own before or after the tour.

What most visitors to Taiwan do, however, is plan their trip on their own. The country’s amazing TRA train (round-island) and High Speed Rail (down the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung) systems are actually faster than driving. 

Then, when you get to your destination city, you can hire drivers for the day or go on guided day trips only when necessary. This is a very common approach, and there are numerous popular day trips and drivers available on Klook (sign up with this link for a TWD 100 credit in your account). You’ll find that I recommend Klook tours, drivers, car/scooter rentals, discounted attraction tickets, train tickets, and more throughout my Taiwan articles. There are many good deals on there, so you can save a lot of money by using the platform for planning your Taiwan trip.

And for truly DIY or budget travelers, you can certainly do it all on your own, especially with all the articles you’ll find on my website, covering how to visit almost every corner of Taiwan.

Renting a car is also a great option – read my tips for driving in Taiwan here and why I rented my car with Klook .

One good idea is to try one of these free Taipei waking tours on Day 1, then take it on your own from there!

Before Your Trip: Flights, Insurance, Apps, Guidebooks

If you’re coming from a country in Asia, there are numerous budget flights to Taiwan. I’ve prepared this list of the cheapest budget flights to Taiwan .

I’ve tried many different flight websites for finding long haul flights to Taiwan (I live in Canada). My two favorites are Kiwi.com and WayAway . I usually try both these sites when booking my Taiwan flights. They are often (but not alway) cheaper than booking directly with the airlines.

What I like about Kiwi.com is special features like searching not only your departure point but other cities nearby and being able to enter “anywhere” as a destination, and “anytime” as a flying time. For flexible travelers, this allows you to find the cheapest possible flights and dates without searching a million times. Unlike other aggregate flight sites, Kiwi includes budget airlines (many of which fly to Taipei!) and routes combining multiple airlines that are not affiliated.

WayAway is an even newer site and is now my favorite. Like Kiwi, it includes budget airlines, plus it displays awesome calendars showing the price of flights on every day. But the really special feature on WayAway, which will appeal to frequent travelers, is WayAway Plus. Basically, for a small annual fee, you can get cashback (like real cash, deposited to your account) not just for your flights but also any hotels you book through their system. Sign up with this link and you’ll get 10% off WayAway Plus !

Having said that, there are benefits to going with the airline directly, such as being able to easily contact them when needed. rather than going through a third party. China Airlines and Eva Airlines (the one with the Hello Kitty planes!) are two of Taiwan’s largest carriers.

For travel insurance , it’s pretty much a must nowadays. I recommend SafetyWing  or Insubuy . Find more details about why in my guide to choosing travel insurance for Taiwan .

Which apps should you download for Taiwan? I’ve got you covered in this guide to the best Taiwan apps for travelers.

Last but not least, I may be old school, but I still love using travel guidebooks for planning my Taiwan trips. My favorite is and always has been the Taiwan Lonely Planet (I have about 5 different issues of it). I also recommend the Bradt Taiwan , written by long-term Taiwan resident Steven Crook. He also co-authored this amazing book covering the history of Taiwanese food, which I highly recommend.

Moving to Taiwan?

If you’re planning on moving to Taiwan for work, family reasons, or simply because Taiwan is an awesome place to live, then you should head over to my novella-sized guide to living in Taiwan . 

In that article, I focus more on visa issues, getting a job in Taiwan, finding an apartment, making friends, and all other aspects of daily life in Taiwan, whereas below, I’ll stick mainly to things you need to know for traveling around Taiwan.

Taiwanese History & Culture

How much do you know about Taiwan? Having lived in Taiwan for many years and married a Taiwanese, I know for a fact that many people around the world know little to nothing about Taiwan. Even some of my friends and family members back home think it is the same as Thailand. For this reasons, I’ve even written this article to explain the differences between Taiwan and Thailand  as this one to share some fun and interesting facts about Taiwan .

Taiwan is a small island nation in East Asia. Culturally, it is usually considered part of Northeast Asia, but geographically, some argue that it is closer to Southeast Asia. Taiwan was the original homeland of the Austronesian people, who went on to populate many islands of the Pacific in canoes. Today, their descendants include the 16 recognized aboriginal tribes of Taiwan .

Taiwan was briefly colonized by the Dutch and Spanish, while the Portuguese famously called it “Formosa”, or “beautiful island”, a name which stuck for centuries. Over the last 500 years, millions of people have migrated to Taiwan from China, especially Fujian province in the southeast. That’s why the local language of Taiwan, “Taiwanese” , is also called Minnan; it is the same as the Chinese dialect spoken in the Minnan region of Fujian. Taiwan remained on the fringe of Chinese imperial influence for centuries, then fell to Japanese occupation from 1895 to 1945.

In the Chinese Civil War, the nationalist KMT party of the Republic of China lost to the Communist Party in 1949 and fled to Taiwan, along with millions of Chinese soldiers and refugees from all over China, bringing their language (Mandarin), food, and culture. They thought they’d take back China someday, but they never did. That’s why Taiwan is still officially (and confusingly) called Republic of China, but their passports now finally say “Taiwan” in bigger letters . In 2000, the DPP were the first non-KMT party to win an election in Taiwan. Current President Tsai Ing-wen belongs to the independence-leaning DPP party.

The relationship between Taiwan and China remains complex and is the source of much tension. China claims that Taiwan is a province of China and bullies Taiwan from entering the UN and WHO, and from using the word “Taiwan” in international events like the Olympics (they have to call their team “Chinese Taipei”. But most Taiwanese consider Taiwan independent, and anyone who has been to both countries knows just how different they are. Few countries officially recognize Taiwan, but it acts as an independent country in virtually every way.

Today Taiwan is a modern, vibrant democracy with a free press. It is known for its welcoming people, efficiency, safety, and incredible street food. It has been chosen as the top country in the world for expats . It was also the first country in Asia to legalize equal (gay) marriage rights. Taiwan was one of the success stories in its handling of the COVID pandemic. Also read about some of the most famous people from Taiwan here .

Should you tip in Taiwan? Most often the answer is no. Learn all about Taiwan’s money and currency here .

Thailand vs. Taiwan: What’s the Difference?

Taiwanese food.

One of the great pleasures of visiting Taiwan is enjoying the country’s incredible food. Indeed, may travelers from Asian country’s come to Taiwan JUST for the food. Taiwanese is especially known for its incredible variety of cheap and delicious street food .

The best place to try Taiwanese street food is in night markets. Every city in the country has a night market (here are the best night markets across Taiwan ), while Taipei has more than 50. Here I introduce the best night markets in Taipei , night markets in Taichung ,  night markets in Tainan , and night markets in Kaohsiung . Also don’t miss my favorite night market in the country, Keelung Night Market !

Besides street food, some restaurant experiences you may want to enjoy in Taiwan are DIY barbecue joints, all-you-can-eat hot pot, quick fry (a kind of local eatery suitable for groups, and with lots of cheap dishes meant for sharing, with lots of beer), and Din Tai Fung, the country’s most famous restaurant, which specializes in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). In this article, I recommend 80+ of my favorite restaurants in Taipei , arranged by style, and the best restaurants open all night in Taipei here !

Seafood lovers should also visit Addiction Aquatic Development , an upscale gourmet seafood market in Taipei, or consider visiting one of the country’s many port markets.

For vegetarians and vegans, you’ll be happy to know you’ll be spoiled for choices in Taiwan. See the vegetarian section of my street foods article, or keep an eye out for the character for vegetarian 素 displayed on Buddhist vegetarian restaurants; many of them are buffet style and you pay by weight. You can also say “I am vegetarian” (wo chi su/我吃素), “Do you have anything vegetarian” (you sude ma?/有素的嗎？) or “Is this vegetarian” (zhe shi sude ma?/這是素的嗎？)

Besides all the articles before, I’ve got several newer  food and night markets guides here  on my other website, TaiwanObsessed.

The Top 9 Night Markets in Kaohsiung (& what to eat at each one!)

A Guide to Feasting at Fengchia Night Market in Taichung

Ximending Food Guide: What to Eat & Best Restaurants (2024 updated)

20 Best Night Markets in Taipei (+ What To Eat at Each One!)

The 80 Best Restaurants in Taipei (by food type!)

The “Big 5” Night Markets in Taichung (+ What to Eat at Each One!)

How to Binge Eat Your Way Through Keelung Night Market

What to Eat at Addiction Aquatic Development, Taipei’s Seafood Mecca

Anping Old Street (& other things to do in Anping, Tainan)

The “Big Five” Night Markets in Tainan & What to Eat at Each One

Shenkeng Old Street: A Food Tour of Taipei’s Stinky Tofu Village

Yongkang Street, Taipei for Foodies: Best Teahouses, Mango Ice, and More

Taiwan Street Food Bucket List: 101 Taiwanese Foods To Try

A Food Tour of Burma Street in Zhonghe, New Taipei City

When to visit taiwan.

Deciding on a season or month for your trip to Taiwan is the first step to planning your Taiwan travels, and thus the first topic to cover in this Taiwan traveling guide. To make things easier, I’ve written this dedicated guide to the best time to visit Taiwan . In it, you’ll find a description of every season and month of the year in Taiwan, and links to my 12 individual guides for visiting Taiwan in every month of the year. I update these articles constantly to add upcoming events and Taiwan travel news.

To summarize that article for you here, there’s no real “high” or “low” season for travel to Taiwan; each season of the year comes with some ups and downs. Summer is extremely hot and humid and comes with the chance of typhoons, but it’s also the best time for Taiwan’s beaches , outlying islands , and water-based activities.

Meanwhile, winter can be gray and chilly, but is the best time for hot springs and seeing cherry blossoms. Be careful if planning a trip around Chinese New Year , as many things will close (see my list of attractions and what days they close ), and it can be really difficult to travel around when half the country is on the road. Spring has warm weather but also a mini rain season, while autumn is my personal favorite for these reasons .

Below you’ll also find my individual guides to each season in Taiwan. But don’t fret too much about it; if you can only visit at a certain time of the year, there’s really no bad time to be in Taiwan!

The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide

2024 Chinese New Year in Taiwan: Tips for Visiting & Things to Do

Summer in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Winter in Taiwan (Xmas, NYE, LNY & Where to See Snow!)

Spring in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Autumn in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Best taiwan travel deal.

Who doesn’t want to find a good deal when traveling to Taiwan? Here are some of the websites and services I regularly use for planning my Taiwan travels:

• Klook : Get big discounts on everything from High Speed Rail & attraction tickets to restaurant vouchers and guided tours. Sign up with this link to get a free TWD100 credit !
• KKday : While Klook is a Hong Kong compared, KKday is the Taiwan version of it. Some activities are the same as Klook, while some are unique. I prefer Klook because KKday sometimes has poor English, but I still sometimes use KKday for things that Klook doesn’t have. 
• Booking : My preferred site for finding the best hotel deals in Taiwan.
• Agoda : Some users say they find cheaper prices on Agoda for Asian destinations, including Taiwan.
• Cookly : Find the best cooking courses in Taiwan.

These are some examples of great travel deals you can find on Klook:

Taiwan Travel Passes

One way to save money on travel around the world nowadays is by using city travel passes. Taiwan has a few available, but in order for them to actually save you money, you have to understand how they work, and get the right one for your needs.

Here are some travel passes in Taiwan that you may consider getting:

Taiwan Fun Passes

These 1 to 3-day passes include all transportation in and around Taipei, entrance fees to a long list of attractions, and some tourist shuttle buses for day trips out of Taipei. The most popular one is the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass , which you can buy here .

Read my detailed review of all the Taipei Fun Passes to see how they work and determine if any of them will be worth it for your Taiwan trip. It only makes sense to get one if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and MRT riding in Taipei in 1-3 days. Otherwise, I recommend just getting an EasyCard.

You’ll get a TWD 100 credit toward your Fun Pass if you sign up for Klook with this link first before booking!

I haven’t reviewed it yet, but there is a new Klook Taipei Pass . This one is for attractions only, but you have more time to use it, so it’s better for people who will have more time in the city.

Don’t confuse Taipei Fun Passes with the EasyCard , which is what everyone in Taipei uses to swipe onto the MRT and city buses. Read my detailed EasyCard guide for more info than I’ll provide here.

Taipei Fun Passes are designed for tourists, while the EasyCard is a reloadable card used by everyone else, including tourists who don’t get a Taipei Fun Pass. They cost TWD 100 (you can no longer get this deposit back), plus whatever money you load onto them. You can swipe them to ride the MRT in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, all city buses in Taiwan, some ferries, and to pay for taxis, items in convenience stores, and more. 

You can get an EasyCard from any MRT station, including the Taoyuan Airport MRT station, and load money onto it.  You can also order an EasyCard for pickup when you arrive in Taiwan . 

Sun Moon Lake Passes

The other place you will find travel passes in Taiwan is at Sun Moon Lake , one of the country’s most popular attractions (we’ll get to those below). There are numerous Sun Moon Lake passes to choose from, and you can buy them from 7-Eleven iBon machines or from train stations in Taichung, the nearest major city.

Like the Taipei Fun Passes, these only save you money if you use them for enough avtivities. Most also include transportation to and from Taichung.

Learn all about the passes and how to use them in my Sun Moon Lake Pass review . Note that these pass prices and what they include are often changing.

Taipei Fun Pass: Is it Worth the Money?

Sun Moon Lake Pass: Is it Worth the Money? (updated 2024)

Best sim card and wifi device.

There’s no doubt that having an Internet connection while traveling in Taiwan is super convenient. You can check GoogleMaps to find the way, communicate with hotels, find bus times, etc. Nowadays, it’s pretty much essential. 

A SIM card is the best idea in my opinion, but some people also go for an eSIM like this or pocket Wifi device . I compare all three in my guides to SIMs for Taiwan and eSIMs for Taiwan . 

I recommend pre-ordering your SIM card for pickup when you arrive at Taoyuan International Airport. If you go with a WiFi device, then I recommend this one . Note the pick up times – if you arrive in the middle of the night, you may have to pick one up in the city.

You’ll get a TWD 100 credit toward your Taiwan SIM card or WiFi device if you  sign up for Klook with this link  first before booking it.

Another option that I have yet to fully understand myself is  eSIMs for Taiwan  – especially considering that the newest iPhones don’t even have SIM card slots anymore. If you are tech-savvy, check them out!

Taipei: The Tantalizing Capital of Taiwan

In some countries, you want to get out of the capital as soon as you arrive. This is not the case with Taipei . For most visitors to Taiwan, I recommend budgeting at least two full days for Taipei City alone, plus add 1-2 more days for day trips from Taipei (even more if you can!)

Taipei is always buzzing with activity; by day, you’ve got atmospheric historical neighborhoods to explore, towering Taipei 101, landmark Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Beitou Hot Springs, Maokong Gondola, Longshan Temple , and hikes in the hills (and volcanoes!) surrounding the city. After the sun goes down, it’s time to eat ’til you drop in the city’s famed night markets : the most famous ones are Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, Tonghua, Nanjichang, and Huaxi Night Market .

As if that weren’t enough, Taipei is incredibly safe, and getting around is a breeze on the MRT, one of the best metro systems in the world.

Things to Do & Taipei Itineraries

Here is the most popular article on my website: 50+ awesome things to do in Taipei . For the less famous spots, see my off-the-beaten-track guide to Taipei . Below I’ve also linked to all my Taipei articles.

Besides the below articles, I’ve also got guides to spending one day in Taipei and how to plan a Taipei layover on my other website, TaiwanObsessed.

50 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei in 2024

How to Spend 2 Awesome Days in Taipei

How to Spend 3 Awesome Days in Taipei

How to Spend 4 Awesome Days in Taipei

The above itineraries will make things easier for those will little time for planning. But my recommendations for Taipei don’t stop there.

For people who want to dig a little deeper and further customize the Taipei portion of their Taiwan trip, here some useful resources that further explore how much Taipei has to offer, including its best temples , night markets , hikes , and beaches .

Also see the my post below for the best times of the year to visit Taipei; the weather of Taipei is quite different to that of other parts of Taiwan, so if your trip to Taiwan is mainly focused on Taipei, you’ll find this article more useful than my “Best time to visit Taiwan” article I linked to above.

The Best Time to Visit Taipei City: An Insider’s Guide

Hiking in Taipei: My 21 Favorite Taipei Hikes

The Best Cat Cafes in Taipei, the Birthplace of Cat Cafe Culture

30 Jaw-Dropping Temples in Taipei and New Taipei City

7 Beaches around Taipei You Can’t Miss

Coolest neighborhoods & where to stay.

Deciding where to stay in Taipei can be rather intimidating, as there are so many cool neighborhoods to choose from.

Let me make life easier for you by breaking it down to the best neighborhoods to stay in Taipei , with my hotel recommendations for each one. For each area of Taipei, I’ve included hotel recommendations for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers, also pointing out which ones are suitable for travelers with kids. I’ve also got specific guides to the best hostels and luxury hotels in Taipei.

Besides my “where to stay in Taipei” article below, I’ve got detailed guides to some of my personal favorite neighborhoods in Taipei: Beitou for hot springs, historic Dadaocheng , and funky, gay-friendly Ximending . Start planning your walking tours with these guides!

If you have a very early or late flight, here are my recommended hotels in and around Taoyuan Airport .

Where to Stay in Taipei in 2024 (by area & budget)

The Ultimate Beitou Hot Spring Guide (2024 info!)

A Guide to Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, Taipei’s Oldest Street

30 Fun (& WEIRD) Things to Do in Ximending, Taipei

Day trips from taipei.

When deciding how long to stay in Taipei, you have to factor in that there some really incredible day trips from the city!

I normally recommend that, if you can, dedicate two full days to exploring Taipei, then another one or two days for day trips. If you only have one day in your Taiwan travel plan to do a day trip from Taipei, I would suggest that you plan it carefully. This way, you’ll be able to squeeze in several of my recommended 40 day trip ideas into one day.

The following five stops are some of the most popular day trips from Taipei, and since they are all fairly close together, you can combine them into one killer day trip from Taipei. There are even some shuttle buses deals like this that can make this even easier to accomplish.

• Jiufen : A former gold mining town on top of a mountain, famous for its atmospheric staircases and teahouses
• Shifen Waterfall : The widest in Taiwan, accessed from a cute train station where people set off sky lanterns
• Houtong : The “Cat Village”, literally a village full of cats
• Keelung : A harbor city with the best night market in Taiwan, forts, beach, and more
• Yehliu Geopark : Odd, wind-blown rock formations on the coast
• Tamsui : A popular riverside promenade with unique foods, beaches, and picturesque colonial forts

If you don’t want to drive or figure out public transportation, there’s an awesome English service called Parkbus Taiwan , which takes guests on day trips from the city for hiking and other activities. Use my discount code “ Spiritual10 ” at checkout to get 10% (may not be available for some events). 

There are practically unlimited day trip possibilities from Taipei. This is why myself and so many other expats love living in Taipei; you get the excitement of the city, but you can go somewhere different every weekend. Because Taiwan is so small, and thanks to its amazing transportation system and the High Speed Rail, you can go almost anywhere in Taiwan in a day or weekend trip. 

20+ Fun Things to Do in Keelung, Northern Taiwan’s Port City

40 Day Trips from Taipei You Can’t Miss

Getting from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen (with pictures and times)

Jiufen Old Street: A 2024 Guide to this Classic Taipei Day Trip

Tamsui, Taiwan: Fishermen’s Wharf, Old Street, & other Things to Do

Wulai Hot Spring & Old Street: A 2024 Guide

Planning your trip around taiwan.

One of the hardest parts of planning a Taiwan trip is mapping out the perfect Taiwan travel itinerary .

What a lot of people do is book their trip first, and then realize they didn’t budget enough time for everything they want to see. Moreover, some of the best things to do in Taiwan are on opposite coasts, with 3000-meter mountains between them!

For example, many people only schedule around one week for their Taiwan trip. Then they decide they want to visit Taipei, Taroko Gorge on the east coast, and Sun Moon Lake and/or Alishan , which are in Central Taiwan but accessed from the west coast. On the map, these three top scenic attractions in Taiwan look fairly close together. But guess what? There are no buses that cross the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. You can do it in a car, but the road is super winding and takes a long time.

So what I see a lot of visitors doing is going from Taipei to Taroko Gorge first (2.5 to 4 hours on the train, one way). Then they have to return to Taipei, and then travel a similar amount of time down the west coast to reach Sun Moon Lake and/or Alishan. It’s certainly possible, but it means you have to use up an entire day of your trip on the road.

How can you resolve this common Taiwan travel dilemma? I feel the answer is in planning your trip better before you book it, so that you can budget enough days to travel all the way around Taiwan and see everything that you want to without rushing. Which leads to the next important question: 

How Long Do I Need to Visit Taiwan?

With a week or less, you will probably only have time to visit Taipei, including some day trips, and perhaps do a 1 or 2-night trip to Taroko Gorge on the East Coast, or Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, and/or Alishan in Central Taiwan (and this would be really rushed).

If you want to do a full circle around Taiwan, these are the most obvious destinations along the way, going in a clockwise direction around Taiwan by riding the train: Taipei, Hualien (Taroko Gorge), Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, and back to Taipei.

To do this, you are going to need two weeks or more . With exactly two weeks, you may even have to cut out one or two of the above stops, otherwise you’ll just be checking in and out of hotels every day or two.

With even more time, you can be less rushed, and potentially add more stops, such as the beaches of Kenting on the southern tip of the island (as a side trip from Kaohsiung), Lukang, spend more time in laid-back Taitung, or visit some of the offshore islands, like Green Island, Orchid Island, or Penghu. This is why I think 3 weeks is a great amount of time for visiting Taiwan, and if you can go even longer, all the better!

Taiwan Travel Itineraries

Here are my recommend itineraries for traveling around Taiwan.

The five-day itinerary is for a very short visit, while the second article provides Taiwan itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. These are tried-and-tested itineraries that I have done in some form or another several times, including with my kids (see more on that below)!

The itineraries for 2 weeks and up involve doing a full circle around Taiwan mostly by train, with a few buses as well. See the end of this article for more information on transportation options for getting around Taiwan.

A Taiwan Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks (Slow & Fast Options!)

A Simple Taipei & Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary

Visiting taiwan with kids.

My kids Sage and Lavender were born and spent the first handful of years of their life in Taiwan. They’ve seen more of the country than most visitors ever will!

Below are my super detailed guides to visiting Taipei with kids and how to plan a complete circle around Taiwan with kids . The latter article is very similar to my above Taiwan itinerary for 1-3 weeks, but with tweaks along the way to focus on sights that my kids loved the most, as well as recommendations for kid-friendly hotels in each stop along the way.

You may also be interested in the best amusement parks in Taiwan , where to see capybaras in Taiwan , and my guide to Yilan, the “kid-friendly county” .

Taiwan with Kids: How to Plan a Round-Island Trip

Taipei with Kids in 2024: Ideas from a Local Family

Best attractions around taiwan.

When trying to decide which destinations in Taiwan to include on your itinerary, it will be useful to take a deeper look at each of them to decide which ones are for you.

I’ll start with a list of some of the top scenic attractions. These five are the most common stops that people include on their Taiwan itineraries. I’ll follow that up with the best cities in Taiwan besides Taipei, best hot springs in Taiwan, best off-the-beaten track places to visit, and finally the  offshore islands of Taiwan . Again, these are described in clockwise order going around Taiwan.

Top Scenic Attractions in Taiwan

• Taroko Gorge : dramatic canyon in beautiful Hualien County  (currently closed indefinitely due to April 2024 earthquake)
• Taitung : Laid-back, rural corner of Taiwan, including the famous Brown Boulevard Cycling Path
• Kenting : Beaches on the southern tip of Taiwan
• Alishan : Mountain resort in Nantou famous for huge trees, high mountain tea, and sunrises above seas of clouds
• Cingjing (Qingjing) Farm : A high mountain farm and resort village that looks like a slice of Europe in Taiwan
• Hehuanshan : The best place to see snow in Taiwan (usually possible in January to March)
• Yushan : Tallest mountain in Taiwan and Northeast Asia, requires permits and planning to climb
• Sun Moon Lake : Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains

Here are my extremely detailed guides to the ones that almost all visitors try to include on their Taiwan travel itinerary:

A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan: A 2024 Visitors’ Guide

A Guide to Chishang, Taitung and Cycling Brown Boulevard

Alishan, Taiwan: A Super Detailed 2024 Guide

40 Unmissable Things to Do in Hualien, Taiwan

30 Incredible Things to Do in Taitung, Southeastern Taiwan

Best cities in taiwan.

Besides Taipei, which is a given, city lovers are going to find there are a few other cities they may want to include on their Taiwan travel itinerary. You can see my above-linked Taiwan travel itineraries to see how to fit these cities into your schedule.

Since there is one only train line around Taiwan, you’ll have to pass through all of them anyway if doing a full circuit around Taiwan. Since most cities in Taiwan are located on the developed west coast, the below are in counter-clockwise order. The varying time to reach them depends on whether you take the regular train/bus or the much faster High Speed Rail.

• New Taipei City : Taiwan’s largest city literally surrounds Taipei and is home to many of the most popular day trips from Taipei .
• Taoyuan : Best known for the international airport, consider stopping here to visit the impressive Xpark Aquarium on the way to/from the airport.
• Taichung : 1 – 2 hours south of Taipei on the west coast and the largest city in central Taiwan. Known for its artistic attractions like Rainbow Village , Gaomei Wetland , and as the birthplace of pearl milk tea.
• Lukang : 2-3 hours south of Taipei. Historic city famous for its traditional culture, food, and Old Street, and home to one of the most important temples in the country.
• Tainan : 1.75 – 5 hours south of Taipei on the west coast of southern Taiwan. Former capital of Taiwan famous for its temples , night markets , and considered by locals as the food capital of Taiwan.
• Kaohsiung : 2 – 6 hours south of Taipei in the southwest of Taiwan and end of the High Speed Rail line. Port city known for its revitalized harbor front, night markets , street art and Pier 2 Art Center , and the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, Foguangshan . Here are my recommended hotels in Kaohsiung .
• Hualien : 2.5 – 4 hours from Taipei, only major city on the wild, scenic east coast of Taiwan. Mostly people stay in the city to visit nearby Taroko Gorge, but the city has a good night market and opportunities to experience Taiwanese aboriginal culture, such as this aboriginal cooking course .
• Taitung : 3.5 – 6 hours from Taipei, small city known for its aboriginal culture and end-point of most road trips down the east coast of Taiwan

Lukang Old Street (& other Things to Do in Lukang, Taiwan)

Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung: A Detailed Visitor’s Guide

A Detailed Hualien Itinerary for 1-4 Days

Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung: How to Visit and Stay at Taiwan’s Biggest Monastery

70 Things to Do in Tainan, Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Our Visit to Rainbow Village Taichung (before it was destroyed)

50+ Things to Do in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan

A Guide to Pier 2 Art Center in Kaohsiung City’s Harbor

25 Unique Things to Do in Taichung, Taiwan

20+ Awe-Inspiring Temples in Tainan, Taiwan

Best hot springs in taiwan.

I happen to be a hot spring lover. Because Taiwan sits on the meeting point of two major tectonic plates, the island is geologically active, with dormant volcanoes and over 100 major hot springs! The most famous is surely Beitou Hot Spring in Taipei , while Wulai , Jiaoxi , and Jinshan can be visited as day trips from Taipei.

Here is my detailed guide to the 20 best hot springs in Taiwan , including information on hot spring etiquette.

The 20 Best Hot Springs in Taiwan for a Blissful Winter Soak

Jiaoxi Hot Spring: A Guide to My Favorite Spa Village in Taiwan

Lovely Tai’an Hot Spring in Miaoli, Taiwan

Wenshan Hot Spring: Taroko Gorge’s Spectacular Secret

Off-the-beaten-track places to visit in taiwan.

Just to make things more difficult for you, besides the many must-see places to visit in Taiwan I mentioned above, which already require at least two weeks to visit, there are loads of off-the-beaten-path destinations that are just as worthwhile.

Serious off-the-beaten track travelers should head to my other site, where I’ve got guides to relatively unexplored cities and counties like Taoyuan , Hsinchu , Yilan , Miaoli , Changhua , Yunlin , and Pingtung . I’ve also got this guide to  off-the-beaten-track things to do in Taipei .

The below are articles cover some of the more remote or less visited (by foreign tourists) places in Taiwan. These are just the tip of the iceberg, but they are some of my personal favorites.

Depending on what kind of traveler you are, these may appeal to you more than the “must see” attractions I covered above!

The Stunning East Coast of Taiwan Part 1: Yilan to Hualien and Taroko Gorge

Is Sicao Green Tunnel in Tainan Worth the Trip?

Strawberry Picking at a Strawberry Farm in Dahu, Taiwan

The Stunning Qigu Salt Mountain and Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields in Tainan

50+ Fun Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan (2024 Updated!)

Quirky Xitou Monster Village in Nantou, Taiwan

A Guide to Luye & the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024

A Guide to Dulan, Taitung: Taiwan’s Coolest Beach Hangout

The Stunning East Coast of Taiwan Part 2: Hualien to Taitung and Kenting

Anping Tree House: How to Visit this Must-See Tainan Attraction

The offshore islands of taiwan.

Yet another list of places you’ll want to visit during your Taiwan travels is the offshore islands. However, a visit to any of the offshore islands is like a trip within a Taiwan trip; visiting most of them involves a little more planning and time. 

There are about half a dozen main ones to choose from. Also, the offshore islands are best visited in spring, summer (high season due to domestic tourists, but can be very hot), and early fall. In winter, they become very windy (especially Penghu) and/or many traveler’s services totally shut down (especially Orchid Island ).

The first four below are most commonly reached by ferry, with Xiao Liuqiu being the closest to the Taiwan mainland. Orchid Island also has the option of flights in very small airplanes from Taitung, while Penghu has regular flights from Taipei and other cities in Taiwan. Kinmen and Matsu are much closer to China than Taiwan (they are so close to it that you can see China from their shores), so they require flights.

Here are the small islands of Taiwan that you may want to visit someday.

• Green Island : Off Taitung’s coast, best for scenery and snorkeling or scuba diving, and a saltwater hot spring.
• Orchid Island : Harder to reach/plan, and home to Taiwan’s most remote aboriginal tribe.
• Xiao Liuqiu : Snorkeling with sea turtles, and easily done as a day trip from Kaohsiung. 
• Cijin : A long, skinny island protecting Kaohsiung’s huge harbor.
• Penghu : Best for beaches, sailing, island hopping and a fireworks festival.
• Kinmen : Much closer to China than Taiwan, known for military history and Kaohliang, a strong liquor.
• Matsu : Also very close to China, known for its tunnels and forts.

Orchid Island, Taiwan: A Detailed 2024 Guide

How to Visit Cijin Island in Kaohsiung City’s Port

A 2024 Guide to Xiaoliuqiu Island, a Turtle Spotting Hot Spot

A 2024 Guide to Penghu Islands, Taiwan’s Offshore Paradise

Transportation: how to get around taiwan.

Taiwan has an amazing transportation system, and getting around the country is a breeze thanks to its extremely reliable metros, buses, and railway systems.

It is still important to understand some things about getting around Taiwan, though, in order to avoid disruptions on your trip (like finding out all the trains to your next stop are sold out!)

If you follow my Taiwan itineraries, you’ll mostly be taking trains around Taiwan, with some exceptions. Getting to Alishan is more complicated, as it can involve a train, bus, or combination of the two. Sun Moon Lake and Kenting are also only accessed by bus. Luckily, you don’t need to book any of these bus rides in advance.

See here if you’d like to find a private driver in Taiwan .

Getting Around Taipei

Upon arriving at Taoyuan International Airport, you can takes a bus (TWD135, 1 hour), the new Airport MRT (TWD 165, 35-50 min), or a taxi (TWD1000-1500, 45 min to 1 hr) to Taipei.

I recommended  pre-booking a private transfer to your hotel , which is usually a little cheaper than taking a taxi. Also see my more detailed guide to getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei . If your flight is very early or late, stay in one of these airport hotels .

The MRT is the lifeline and pride of Taipei. It is considered one of the best metro systems in the world. You’ll love it, and use it to get almost everywhere you go in Taipei.

In order to ride the MRT, it’s best to get an EasyCard from any station (or order it before your trip ) and load some money onto it. This makes it easy to swipe in & out. You have to pay a TWD non-refundable deposit plus however much you want to load onto the card.

The EasyCard also works for buses and taxis in Taipei, ferries in Tamsui, and local buses in cities across the country. It can also be used on the Taichung and Kaohsiung MRT, and regular/local train tickets between cities that don’t require seat reservations. Note that for most long distance buses or trains, you won’t be able to use it.

Taxis are also cheap and plentiful in Taipei. Taipei has Uber, too, but it often isn’t any cheaper than taxis. Taxi drivers speak varying levels of English, and some not at all, so it’s a good idea to have your destination written in Mandarin when taking local taxis. Taxi drivers in Taiwan are honest and won’t try to scam you or rip you off.

Taking the Regular Train (TRA) around Taiwan

The regular (TRA) train does a full circle around Taiwan. Tickets can be booked online  up to exactly 28 days in advance (or 29 days for Saturday trips and 30 days for Sunday trips). See details and screenshots for how to book train tickets online or on the app .

Trains sell out in Taiwan very often, especially on weekends and holidays. Sometimes they even sell out minutes after they go on sale, such as for long weekends, or for very popular rides (like the express train from Taipei to Hualien/Taroko Gorge).

For this reason, it’s very important to book your tickets in advance. Note that 28 days in advance means the tickets go on sale at precisely 12:00 a.m. (midnight). For example, if you want to travel on September 28, you should try to book your ticket at 12:00 a.m. on September 1, which is actually the night of August 31, Taiwan time of course.

If your train sells out, don’t freak out. You can always buy standing tickets on most trains. A lot of people do this, and just stand in the aisle or sit on the floor between train cars (see which ones below). It’s not comfortable for a long ride, but at least you’ll get there. Another option is to try a different time, or take a bus (but beware that there are very few buses running down the east coast).

Note that you are allowed to eat and drink on trains in Taiwan, and they all have toilets on board. You can even discreetly drink a beer on Taiwan trains, although most train station 7-Elevens no longer sell them. But be warned that Taiwanese people tend to be very quiet (and often sleep) on buses and trains, and they don’t appreciate noisy passengers. To be respectful, keep talking to a whisper, or just don’t talk at all. I can’t say how many times we have been “shhed” just for having a conversation at a reasonable volume on buses or trains in Taiwan.

There are different types of TRA trains in Taiwan, and it’s useful to know the names of them when searching for train times. Here they are:

• Local Train (區間車): Slowest, stops at every small stop, cheapest, least comfortable, and you can sit or stand anywhere. Buy ticket at station or swipe with EasyCard.
• Chu Kuang Express (莒光號): Regular trains that circle around Taiwan. Reserved seats, but you can always buy standing tickets from the train station ticket window.
• Tze-Chiang (Express / 自強號 ): Same as the above, but faster and fewer stops. Standing tickets also possible.
• Taroko / Puyuma Express (太魯閣號): Super express train from Taipei to Taroko Gorge/Hualien. Reserved seats only, and always sells out very quickly.
• Tze Chiang Lmt. Express 3000 ( 自強EMU3000 ): A new express train that is also reserved seats only.

The High Speed Rail (HSR)

Taiwan has a Japanese-made high speed rail (HSR) sytem. The single line has 12 stops along the highly developed west coast of Taiwan, from Taipei city in the north to Kaohsiung city (called Zuoying Station) in the south. 

The first station in Taipei is Nangang, while Taipei Main Station is the most useful, and connects to the Taipei City MRT, regular (TRA) trains, and Airport MRT. Banqiao is located in New Taipei City (the large city that surrounds Taipei City), and Taoyuan is close to the Taoyuan International Airport. To get to Taoyuan HSR station from the airport, you have to ride the Airport MRT a few stops in the opposite direction from Taipei.

Generally speaking, HSR tickets costs about twice as much as the regular train, but get you there twice as fast.

It’s important to note, however, that in most cities, the HSR station is located outside of the city center, just like airports tend to be, so you have to factor in time (and money) to get to the city center once you arrive. This is the case for every stop except for Taipei.

In some cases, though, the location of the HSR station can be more useful. For example, in Taichung, the HSR station is closer to Rainbow Village, and has direct buses to Sun Moon Lake. Similarly, in Chiayi, you can catch a bus directly from the HSR station to Alishan, and thus avoid going into Chiayi City. In Kaohsiung, the HSR station is right beside Lotus Lake, one of the city’s top attractions. To get to the Kaohsiung City center, you just have to hop onto the KMRT.

You can buy HSR tickets online up to 28 days in advance, and buying them early usually gets you an early bird price. 

You can also buy discounted HSR tickets on Klook  – buying them here allows you to get the early bird discount even when you’ve missed it on the official site. Note that if you buy your tickets on Klook, you have to follow the instructions provided to actually book your seat after you receive the voucher. You can do this online or in person at the station. You’ll need to show your passport. Note that this Klook deal is for short term tourists only; residents/ARC-holders aren’t supposed to buy them.

Unlike TRA trains, the HSR has three cars (#10-12) of unreserved seats. This means you can show up at an HSR station anytime and buy an unreserved ticket at full price from one of the machines. These never sell out.

You aren’t guaranteed a seat, but you can often get one. The only time when demand is crazy high is Lunar New Year and on long weekends, and even then, we’ve always managed to get on without waiting too long.

Special Trains in Taiwan

Besides MRTs (city metros), TRA trains, and the HSR, there are a few special small-gauge train lines in Taiwan. Mostly these are restored old trains that run along former logging lines, built by the Japanese when they were logging during their colonial rule of Taiwan. They tend to be fun and highly scenic rides for tourists.

Here are some of these special small train lines that you may encounter or seek out on your trip:

• Pingxi Line : this small train line provides access to some of the most popular day trips from Taipei, including Houtong, Shifen, and Pingxi. Most people board it at Ruifang, which has direct connections to Taipei by bus or TRA train.
• Alishan Forest Railway : This is the most interesting way to get from the city of Chiayi to the mountain resort of Alishan. However, the final section was destroyed in a typhoon, so you have to take a bus for the final leg. There are also parts of the train line running to scenic spots within Alishan National Scenic Area. You can find all the relevant information in my guide to getting to Alishan .
• Neiwan, Jiji, and Bong Bong Lines : These are three more scenic small train lines that far few foreign tourists ever make it to. They are in Hsinchu, Changhua, and Yilan (on top of Taipingshan Mountain), respectively. 

Buses in Taiwan

There are some cases where you will need to take buses in Taiwan. Here are a few common routes that many visitors take: 

• In Taipei City, you’ll need to take buses for getting to Yangmingshan National Park or to National Palace Museum
• You’ll also need to ride buses to popular day trip places in New Taipei City, like for getting to Jiufen or Yehliu Geopark. You can swipe EasyCard for all of the above.
• Buses are the only direct way for getting from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake , Sun Moon Lake to Alishan , and Chiayi to Alishan . Click these links to find out how to book them.
• You’ll also need to ride the Kenting Express bus from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park .
• Buses also run between all major cities on the west coast of Taiwan. They are cheaper but usually a little slower than the train. There are no buses from Taipei to Hualien on the east coast.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Taiwan Trip

Well, I hope you’ve found more than enough information in my Taiwan travel blog for planning your trip. Taiwan remains largely closed to international visitors for the time being, but hopefully big changes are on the horizon.

Please feel free to check back again, as I’m constantly updating my Taiwan travel content to reflect the current situation. And if you’ve got any questions, please join my Taiwan Travel Planning group and I’ll answer them there!

A Super Detailed Taipei & Taiwan Itinerary for 5 Days {2024}

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no additional cost to you.

Searching for the perfect 5 days in Taiwan itinerary? In this post, a local travel expert who has lived in Taiwan for over a decade tells us how to plan the best 5-day Taipei and Taiwan itinerary. Read on!

Welcome to Taiwan , one of the most compelling, rewarding, and welcoming countries in East Asia ! Taiwan may look small on the map, but it has loads to offer for every kind of traveler, from foodies & budding historians to lovers of art and the great outdoors.

To be completely honest, five days in Taiwan is not enough. But if that’s what you’ve got, this article will prove to be an invaluable resource for making the absolute best of the time you do have in the country.

This Taiwan 5 day itinerary will begin with two sight-packed days in the capital, Taipei , followed by a choice of several day trips from the city. Next up, you’ll head down to Taichung City, Central Taiwan’s art & food-focused city, before finishing up at visually stunning Sun Moon Lake. 

Note: If you don’t have time to read this full itinerary or prefer that your trip be planned for you, consider booking this 5-day guided tour of Taiwan instead. The tour includes visits to top destinations like Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Taitung, the East Coast, Taroko, and more. Accommodations are provided at 5-star hotels throughout the journey.

If you prefer to adventure on your own, read on for the perfect 5 days in Taiwan itinerary!

Things to Know Before You Go To Taiwan

With only five days in Taiwan, you’ll want to plan your Taiwan trip to a tee in order to make maximum use of what little time you have.

You won’t want to waste half a day figuring out what to do, where to go next, where to eat, and so on!

Let’s begin with some tips for planning five unforgettable days in Taiwan! 

When to Visit Taiwan

First, you’ll want to choose the right season to visit. Taiwan doesn’t have a distinct high or low season, so the best time for you to visit Taiwan is really going to depend on your interests and favorite kind of weather.

Winter has milder weather and is better for hot springs and flower viewing (hello cherry blossoms!), but Taipei in winter can be damp, chilly, and gray.

Summer is extremely hot and humid, by contrast, plus there’s a chance of encountering a typhoon.

Autumn and spring are probably the best times to visit, but you may want to avoid the mini rain season which usually comes in late May and early June, and typhoons can strike as late as October.

Getting Around Taiwan

As soon as you arrive at the Taoyuan International Airport, you can purchase an EasyCard at the airport’s MRT station.

This is the card all locals use to swipe onto the Taipei MRT, city buses in major cities across Taiwan, and short train rides between cities that don’t require seat reservations.

It’s faster than paying each time, and the fares are discounted.

Next, you can hop on the Airport MRT, which will get you to Taipei Main Station in 35 to 50 minutes, from where you can walk, take a taxi, or connect to another MRT line to reach your hotel.

During your stay in Taipei, you can use the MRT to get everywhere described in this itinerary. By the time you leave Taipei, you’ll seriously be in love with the MRT!

If you ever decide to take a taxi, you’ll find they are everywhere and are relatively cheap. The drivers mostly speak a little English, but there may be cases in which you’ll need to show them an address in Mandarin, so it’s best to have that ready.

If you follow this itinerary, you’ll also have a few transportation choices for getting out of Taipei. I’ll mention exactly how to do that in the relevant sections below.

In Taichung, you’ll rely more on buses. They’re totally free for short rides if you swipe with your EasyCard!     

The Perfect Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary

5 days in taiwan itinerary day 1: exploring taipei.

Good morning Taipei! On day one, it’s time to knock off some of the city’s top attractions.

For breakfast, you’ve got to try a local Taiwanese-style breakfast shop.

They’re literally everywhere, but if you want to seek out a particularly famous one, try Yonghe Soy Milk King near Da’An Park, or Yonghe Soy Milk in Taipei.

Go for steamed buns, scallion pancakes with egg & cheese, or flaky shao bing . But you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Pro Tip: If you are a foodie, I suggest taking this Private Street Food Tour with locals which covers food culture and history all in one place. Sample up to 10 street food dishes and Taiwanese specialties + you get to receive personalized recommendations on where to eat in the city.

Next, early birds should visit one of the city’s many temples, which tend to be frequently by elderly worshippers in the early morning. Longshan Temple is Taipei’s most famous.

There you can witness a serene chanting ceremony at 6 a.m. (or again at 8 a.m.) Each one lasts nearly an hour, and visitors are always welcome to explore the temple even while the ceremony is taking place.

Other temples worth checking out include Xingtian Temple, which is incense-free and known for its fortune tellers in an underpass below the main road, and Taipei Tianhou Temple in Ximending, which is sandwiched between two buildings and easy to miss!

Later in the morning, visit Chiang Ka-Shek Memorial Hall, the city’s most impressive historical site.

There you’ll find an enormous square flanked by the National Concert Hall and National Theater, both classical Chinese-style buildings , the beautiful Liberty Square Arch, and the impressive blue & white memorial building itself.

Prefer a guided tour of the city? This classic landmarks day tour is a must-do!

Next, walk (or ride the MRT two stops) to Ximending for lunch. This is Taipei’s coolest neighborhood; some people call it the Harajuku of Taipei for its Japanese-like atmosphere.

It’s also home to Taipei’s largest LGBTQ+ district, which centers on a collection of outdoor bars beside the historic Red House, a former Japanese market & theater.

Stroll the pedestrian-only streets to check out the cute shops, open-air tattoo parlors, and claw-machine arcades.

Take your pick from local street food, Japanese & Korean cuisine , or visit a poo-themed Modern Toilet restaurant.

Tip: If you’d like to experience Taiwanese cuisine after dark, I suggest taking this night tour that will satisfy your appetite. You can then stroll around the lively Raohe Street Night Market, walk across Rainbow Bridge, and see the famous Songshan Ciyou Temple nearby.

In the afternoon, head to Huashan 1914 Creative Park. This former sake distillery dates to the days when Taiwan was a Japanese colony.

Today it is an arts complex featuring rotating exhibits & events, a few cafés & restaurants, cool graffiti, and the perfect lawn for a picnic.

Next up, make your way to Taipei 101 , the country’s most iconic attraction. The 510-meter bamboo stalk-shaped skyscraper was the tallest in the world for six years.

To visit the observation deck, you’ll probably need to wait in line for 15-60 minutes, then you’ll be whisked to the 89 th floor in the world’s fastest elevator.

If you want to avoid the line, purchase this skip-the-line ticket for the observatory in advance.

The 360-degree view from up there is of course mesmerizing. Also don’t miss the huge stabilizing ball in the middle, which prevents the building from toppling in earthquakes, as well as the small outdoor viewing deck on the 91 st floor.

After visiting Taipei 101, walk or ride the MRT one stop to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) station. From there it’s a short walk to the trail which leads up the eponymous mountain.

In less than 30 minutes of uphill stairs, you’ll be afforded the best view that Taipei City has to offer, with Taipei 101 towering right in front of you. The trail is very popular, especially at sunset, but there’s always room for one more.

Finally, it’s time to eat! After descending the mountain, take your choice from one of Taipei’s legendary night markets. Tonghua Night Market is within walking distance.

The other most famous ones include Shilin Night Market (the largest and most popular among tourists), Raohe (a favorite among locals), and Ningxia (great for oyster omelets, sweet potato balls, and shaved ice desserts).

Need more ideas? Check out our article on the top things to do in Taipei !

5 Days in Taiwan Day 2: Exploring Taipei Part 2

Now that you’ve covered the best of Taipei’s famous attractions , it’s time to get a little more off-the-beaten-path on day two.

For breakfast, you’ll likely be itching to get back into a local breakfast shop to try more items on offer.

Continue on by visiting two more impressive temples: Confucius Temple and its neighboring Dalongdong Bao’An Temple.

The former is completely different than typical Taiwanese temples; its design is simple and its large gardens are serene.

The latter is a gorgeous example of traditional design, with super intricate roof carvings; many believe it’s Taipei’s best.

Next, history lovers could try strolling Dihua Street, Taipei’s oldest street, which features still-running Chinese medicinal shops, teahouses, temples, and restaurants that date back to Taipei’s earliest days.

You can get there from Bao’An Temple on foot, by backtracking a little on the MRT, or by taking a short taxi ride (I’d go for the latter).

Dihua Street stretches from near Daqiaotou MRT station in the north to near Beimen MRT station in the south.

If you make it to the far southern end, make sure to see Beimen (North Gate) itself, the only remaining Old Taipei city wall gate that has been restored to its exact former look.

For lunch, head to Addiction Aquatic Development. The name sounds weird, but it’s an insanely cool high-end seafood market housed in what used to be a traditional fish market.

After peering at the largest crabs in the world (Japanese spider crabs) and other sea creatures in the many water tanks, enter the upscale grocery store where you can buy insanely fresh & delicious take-away trays of sashimi, or splurge on the stand-up sushi & oyster bar.

The closest MRT is Xingtian Temple, from where it’s a 15-minute walk.

Filled with sushi, it’s now time for a more relaxing afternoon activity: visiting Taipei’s only Japanese hot spring village.

Connect to the red line and take it for 30 minutes north to Beitou station. From there, connect to the one-stop pink line, which literally goes uphill and smells like hot springs.

If you prefer to go on a guided tour with an expert, we suggest booking this one right here , which takes you to the Beitou Hotsprings, Yangmingshan Volcano, and other noteworthy stops.

Beitou is a lovely neighborhood at the base of Yangmingshan, a dormant volcano.

It has touristy bits, such as the Beitou Hot Spring Museum (still worth a visit!), the outdoor Beitou Public Hot Spring (the cheapest hot spring bathing option; mixed-sex and bathing suits required) in Hot Spring Park, and Beitou Thermal Valley (a huge steaming hot spring).

You can also get off the beaten track by visiting the Japanese-built Puji Temple or the impressive Beitou Museum. You can walk (slightly uphill) for about 20 minutes to get to the latter, or ride bus 230 or S25.

There are also over a dozen hot spring hotels to choose from for a private soak, ranging from the oldest Japanese bathhouse (Longnice Hot Spring or 瀧乃湯) to ultra fancy & expensive options like Gaia Hotel. Heads up: most are nude only and sex-segregated.

While in town, don’t miss the hot spring ramen! There are two shops offering it: Man Lai Hot Spring Ramen (滿来温泉拉麵) near Xinbeitou MRT station, and Mankewu Taiwanese Style Ramen (滿客屋台式拉麵) near Puji Temple.

Finally, if you still have time, you can ride the MRT further north to Danshui and stroll along the riverside promenade. From there you can also take a bus or river ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf to see the sunset.

Alternatively, return to Taipei and have dinner at whichever night markets you missed on day 1.

For a non-touristy night market that serves amazing foods, visit Nanjichang Night Market. The Michelin-rated stinky tofu at Stinky Boss in the market is amazing!

5 Day Taiwan Itinerary Day 3: Day Trip from Taipei

After thoroughly covering Taipei on your first two days, it’s time to get out of the city!

Choosing a day trip from Taipei is not going to be easy, as there are just so many possibilities. I’m going to give you four different options!

1. The most popular day trip from Taipei

The most popular day trip from Taipei includes some or all of the following: Jiufen, Houtong, Shifen Waterfall, Yehliu, & Keelung. You may be able to squeeze them all in if you get an early start!

To begin, swipe your Easy Card to board a local train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang. From there, take the bus to Jiufen, a former gold mining boomtown built on the slope of a mountain.

Explore the atmospheric staircases, shops, & teahouses. Next, return to Ruifang and catch a train to Houtong, Taiwan’s famous “Cat Village”.

After that, catch the Pingxi Small Train to Shifen station for Shifen Waterfall, the widest waterfall in Taiwan.

Return to Ruifang, then take a local train to Keelung. If you have enough time, you can take a return bus to Yeliu Geopark, a coastal landscape with bizarre rock formations.

Otherwise, just stay in Keelung to eat at Keelung Night Market, one of the best night markets in Taiwan.

From there, it’s a 45-minute train ride back to Taipei. You can swipe your EasyCard for all the rides on this day trip.

Tip: If you prefer leaving the planning to the experts, I recommend this organized guided tour which takes you to top attractions like Yehliu Geological Park, Jiufen, and Pingxi. Having a knowledgeable local guide handle logistics allows you to simply focus on experiencing the best of northern Taiwan.

2. Off-the-beaten track

Culture enthusiasts can head southwest of Taipei to Sanxia, a district of New Taipei City famous for its restored Old Street and the incredibly beautiful Sanxia Temple (Zushi Temple).

You can get there by taking numerous local buses, depending on where you’re coming from in Taipei.

Next, hop in a taxi to the neighboring district of Yingge, the largest pottery center in Taiwan. Stroll the Yingge Old Street and its dozens of ceramics shops, try your hand at pottery making, or walk into historic kilns.

Don’t miss the impressive New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum! It’s only 30 minutes back to Taipei by train.

For people interested in hiking, there are several amazing day hikes within easy reach of Taipei.

One of the best is the Caoling Historic Trail, which includes impressive coastal bluffs, and blooming silvergrass in November.

Another good one is Teapot Mountain, in which you can climb into a rocky peak that looks like a teapot.

It starts at Jinguashi Gold Ecological Village, which is near Jiufen (see #1 above) and is also worth visiting.

Yet another is Sandiaoling, which includes three waterfalls, one of which you can climb into a rocky overhang behind.

This one is near Houtong and Shifen (see #1), so it could also be combined with some of the places mentioned in #1.

4. Hot Springs

If you’re visiting in winter, you may want to try even more hot springs than Beitou in Taipei City. Moreover, the ones outside of Taipei City are generally cheaper.

The two best options within easy reach of Taipei are Wulai and Jiaoxi.

Wulai is an aboriginal village south of Taipei City. It has a market street with lots of yummy aboriginal food (try the mountain boar or bamboo tubes stuffed with sticky rice).

There are some free riverside hot spring pools that are rather decaying, or several private options to choose from (mostly private hot tub rooms with river views).

Alternatively, Jiaoxi Hot Spring in Yilan County is only an hour away by bus or local train. It has excellent spas with multi-colored hot spring waters, hot tubs with massage jets, and more.

Chuang Tang is one of the best, while Art Spa Hotel even has a tall hot water slide.

The town also has a hot spring park where you can drink local craft beer while you soak your feet, a few waterfall hikes.

5 days in Taiwan Itinerary Day 4: A Day in Taichung

On day four, it’s time to pack your bags and relocate to Taichung City, the largest city in Central Taiwan.

To maximize your time, you can hop on the High-Speed Rail (HSR), which only takes an hour and doesn’t even require a reservation; just buy a non-reserved ticket from one of the machines at the station and get on the train cars 10-12.

You can also ride the cheaper regular train (TRA), which takes two hours. You can try to reserve a seat, but if it’s fully booked, you’ll need to stand or sit on the floor between cars (many people do this).

One plus of the HSR is that it will get you closer to your first stop, Rainbow Village. From the station, grab a taxi or take bus #617; so long as your luggage isn’t too big, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Rainbow Village is one of Taiwan’s quirkiest attractions. Here a retired soldier painted his entire home in wild colors to save it from destruction. You may even meet the elderly man (“Rainbow Grandpa”) while you’re there!

Next, head into the city center to leave your luggage and/or check into your hotel.

After that, make your way to Chun Shui Tang, the supposed birthplace of pearl milk tea (bubble tea/boba)! They’ve also got decent food on offer.

Your tour of the city center can also include stops at Natural Way Six Arts Cultural Center (a beautifully restored Japanese martial arts hall), Painted Animation Lane, and Cultural Heritage Park.

For dinner, there’s no choice better than Feng Chia Night Market, the largest and best night market in Taichung.

Taiwan Itinerary Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

For the final stop on your Taiwan five day itinerary, you’re going to visit one of Taiwan’s most beautiful landscapes: Sun Moon Lake .

From Gancheng Station, Taichung Station, Daqing Station, or the Taichung High Speed Rail Station, you can catch the Sun Moon Lake shuttle bus, which takes around 90 minutes.

You’ll need to pay in cash for these tickets, or you can book them at any 7-Eleven iBon machine. It’s unusual for them to sell out.

Note: There is a cool tour from Taipei City that lets you explore Nantou and then spend time at the scenic Sun Moon Lake. You get to take in the lake’s mountainside vistas and visit landmarks in the region like Yidashao Wharf and Xuanguang Temple.

You’ll arrive at Shuishe, the main tourist village on the lake. From there, hop on the round-the-lake bus to the huge Wenwu Temple, which has the most stunning views looking down on the lake.

Continue on to the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway for more unbeatable views, and finally Ita Thao, an aboriginal village with an all-day market street offering the best food at Sun Moon Lake.

To return to Shuishe, take the bus back or a scenic boat rides across the lake. Buses back to Taichung leave roughly hourly, and the last one departs at 7:25 p.m.

Return to Taichung Station for the regular train back to Taipei, or the High Speed Rail Station for the fastest option.

If you want to head directly to Taoyuan International Airport, get off at Taoyuan Station and take the 10-minute shuttle bus.

Another Favorite Read: The Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung

In conclusion

Well, that sums up my whirlwind 5-day Taiwan itinerary. I hope you’ve got more than enough ideas for planning an unforgettable trip.

Trust me, after this, you’ll want to come back to Taiwan again as soon as possible!

This is a post by guest contributor, Nick Kembel.

Author’s Bio: Nick Kembel has lived in Taiwan for over 11 years and is the author of Taiwan in the Eyes of a Foreigner . He blogs about Taiwan at nickkembel.com and offers free Taiwan travel planning advice in this group .

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Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA)

• Germaine Koh

If you’re planning your next trip to Taiwan, you’re gonna want to read on. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) and Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) so you can make the most of train travel in Taiwan!

In my opinion, one of the best ways to capture the essence of a city or country is by taking its public transport. You get to catch a glimpse into the daily routines of locals, and for some countries, it’s even considered a reflection of what the place is like. So with that, we’ve come up with an all-rounder Taiwan HSR & TRA 101 guide to help you navigate your way through the land of our favourite night markets and, of course, Taiwan BBT!

💜 Stay Up To Date: – SGD To JPY: How To Capitalise On The Japanese Yen Right Now –  5 Family-Friendly Road Trips In Australia –  Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe

Is Taiwan Safe To Travel To After The Earthquake?

After the magnitude 7.4 major earthquake in Taiwan, followed by a series of aftershocks as strong as 6.4 and 5.7, many of you might be wondering if Taiwan is still safe to travel to right now. Travelling to the country has not been officially advised against and no news of flights to Taiwan has been cancelled so far.

According to Yung-hui Chou, director-general of the Taiwan Tourism Administration, “The current tourism environment and facilities in Taiwan remain safe and intact. International tourists are warmly welcome to visit Taiwan without any concerns.”

He also mentions that Taiwan’s major airports, ports, and railways are all operating as per normal in major cities but noted transit capabilities may vary by region, especially in the eastern mountainous areas.

If you’re travelling to Taiwan for the recent June holidays, do stay updated with official travel advisories to ensure safety and awareness of any disruptions. Travel safe!

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Don’t forget you can still score digital cards and accommodation vouchers worth NT$5,000 in Taiwan!

An Introduction To Taiwan Train Travel

The long history of Taiwan’s railways captures a part of the history it dates back to. The first tracks were built back in 1887 during the Qing dynasty, and have expanded throughout the country ever since. Ever noticed the similarities between Taiwan’s and Japan’s train systems? It’s due to the period when their history intertwined. 

Just like Japan and Korea, Taiwan has two different inter-city train options. One is the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) system, which is basically Taiwan’s equivalent of the bullet train. The other is the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA), also known as the Taiwan Railway Corporation, Ltd (TRC). Both get you around Taiwan, but the main difference is that the TRA covers both the east and west coasts of Taiwan , whereas the THSR only covers the west coast . But more on that below 👇

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — What kind of traveller are you based on your Taiwan Design Expo Innate Personality Traits Quiz ?

Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA):

Image credits: Ta ipei Times

✅ Coverage 

The TRC is considered the more conventional and comprehensive network with 13 lines and 228 stations, covering more than 1,065km of land. It connects major cities, rural areas, and scenic locations and is used for daily transport and providing connectivity to less accessible areas. 

Image credits: CNN

There are different tiers of seating available, but overall trains are focused on accessibility and coverage rather than luxury. This also means that fares are generally more affordable , with tickets ranging from a few hundred TWD to around 700TWD (~S$26.70) for longer trips.

Given the long history of the railway, these trains have evolved and changed over the years. Different systems have different trains in operation ranging from the traditional subway look to retro subway cars which replicate how they looked in the past, to luxury dining cars. 

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Click here for the Taiwan TRA schedule

✅ How To Book Your TRA Tickets

Image credits: Taiwan Railway Administration

Tickets can be booked on the Taiwan Railway website or app. Tickets can also be purchased in convenience stores around the country. If you’re headed to a popular destination on travelling over the holidays, then advanced bookings are recommended since tickets do sell out.

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Click here for a calculation of how much your ticket would cost when travelling from one station to another

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

Image credits: Mott MacDonald

✅ Coverage  

The THSR focus more on high-speed services along the western coast. It links the island’s major metropolitan areas from Taipei in the north of the country all the way to Kaohsiung in the south. It was built to minimise travel time between the two cities, which greatly benefited Taiwan’s economy. 

Image Source: Taiwan High Speed Rail

Derived from the Japanese Shinkansen system, the THSR was built with both speed and comfort in mind. Due to faster service and higher operational costs, TSHR tickets are generally priced higher than the TRA but are still within reason. It’s a great alternative for business class travel and lets you see more of the island within a short amount of time. 

Standard class tickets start from as low as 160 to 200 TWD (~S$6.90 to ~S$8.50) for shorter trips. While longer trips from the two ends of the line could cost between 1,350 to 1,490 TWD (~S$57.12 to ~S$63.10) . A business class ticket for the same trip would be priced between 2,000 to 2,400 TWD (~S$84.60 to S$101.60) . Do take note that train fares will also differ based on reserved and non-reserved seating.

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Here’s how much it would cost based on where you’re travelling from and where you’re headed to next

✅ How To Book Your THSR Train Tickets

Here’s an image of the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) train map:

Image Credits: Klook

Tickets can be purchased on the THSR website and the earlier you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they may be! There are different types of passes available that will be most suited to you depending on your travel plans. You can also purchase the passes on Klook ! All you have to do is head to the ‘Perks’ tab in your YouTrip app, click on Klook, and check out with your YouTrip Card to get up to 5% cashback through YouTrip Perks .

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Check the Taiwan HSR train schedule here

Where To Go In Taiwan: Places To Check Out

1. chiayi (alishan forest railway).

Image credits: KKday

Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most popular attractions, known for its beautiful sunrises, misty forests, and tea. During the months of March and April , the mountain is also known to be one of the best viewing spots for cherry blossom trees. That being said, it can get pretty crowded so you should book your train tickets and accommodation as early as possible. 

You can either take the TRA or THSR to Alishan, which will stop you at the city centre. Bear in mind that the stations for both trains are different. But from the TRA station, opt for the Alishan Forest Railway! It will get you halfway up to Alishan at Fenqihu station, where you can hop onto a bus that will take you to the top. 

Tickets for the Alishan Forest Railway are available 15 days prior to your visit, so be sure to snatch up the tickets fast. It’s a longer ride as compared to just taking a shuttle bus up, but the views are definitely worth it. 

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Get tickets to the Alishan Forest Railway here

⚠️ Due to recent earthquakes, it’s advisable to steer clear of Hualien due to hazardous road conditions and frequent landslides on the coastline and in Taroko Gorge. The railway in Hualien has also suffered “sustained significant damage”. In the case that any travellers are still planning to head there, do remain vigilant and stay updated with official travel advisories to ensure safety and awareness of any disruptions.

Image credits: Klook

Once Hualien is safer to travel to, do drop by! Hualien is one of the stops along the Eastern Line of the TRC that runs between Hualien and Taitung. It gives you one of the most scenic train rides of your life as you thread along the line between the scenic mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The route also takes you through valleys, along the coastline and through different tunnels and bridges.

Hualien is also the way to get to the Taroko Gorge which is part of the Taroko National Park , known for its marble cliffs, deep tunnels and the stunning Liwu River that runs through the park. Do note that as of 12 April 2024, the Taroko National Park is only partially reopened after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the island on 3 April 2024. Do take caution if you’re planning to travel there anytime soon and keep an eye out on their official website for any updates.

Take a stop in Taitung, and enjoy both culture and luxury as you visit hot springs and experience the culture of Taiwan’s indigenous people groups. You can also take trips to the nearby Green Island and Orchid Island from Taitung. 

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Find out more here

3. Taichung

Image credits: Spiritual Travels

Right along the THSR line in the heart of Taiwan is Taichung. There’s plenty to see and a little bit of everything for everyone, regardless of your whims and fancies. Taichung is especially known for its art scene, so you can take a trip down to the National Taichung Theatre, which in itself is already a masterpiece. 

You can also explore Rainbow Village which was once a place for military dependents to live in, and then re-invented by former soldier turned artist, Huang Yung-Fu. 

Taichung is also close to Sun Moon Lake , one of Taiwan’s most popular natural attractions. You can spend a day by the lake on a boat tour, cycle around the park, or just sit and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and landscape.

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — Here are 10 affordable leisure farmstays in Taiwan to check out

4. The Pingxi Line

Image credits: newtaipei.travel

This line isn’t a main line on the TRA, but it’s definitely worth checking out for its beautiful views and historical charm. The ride winds through steep mountains and rivers, as well as through towns and along the coast. 

Pingxi is known for the Shifen Waterfall and the village where visitors can release lanterns into the sky with well-wishes written on them. It’s a great stop especially if you want to experience Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. 

And if you’re interested to know more about the history of the railways in Taiwan, then it’s definitely worth checking out as the line has some of the oldest stations since the start of the railways more than a hundred years ago. 

Navigating Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) And Railway System (TRA) — For more ideas on where to go check out this ultimate 7-day Taiwan itinerary that we’ve got planned out for you!

All Aboard The Choo-choo Train!

What are you waiting for? It’s time for your next adventure to Taiwan! Beyond the usual pit stops and views, why not go on a different adventure and see where each line takes you? Don’t forget to bring along your YouTrip card for the best TWD rates all day with zero fees!

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

Happy Travels!

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3% cashback (Existing Charles & Keith users)

• Valid from 31 December 2023
• We want to help you get your cashback! 1. Ensure that you follow through with your purchase once you click on “Redeem Deal” on YouTrip Perks. 2. If you jump out of the check-out process (even if to check on a message or just happen to close your browser), click through YouTrip Perks again to re-purchase to get your cashback.
• Only purchases made through the Charles & Keith affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Charles & Keith whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchase must be made within the same window.
• Cookies must be enabled on your browser for cashback to be tracked.
• Cashback will not be awarded for cancelled or refunded orders.
• Cashback will be awarded after 45 days from the date of purchase.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected products.
• Cashback rate for Charles & Keith varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Purchases made via the Charles & Keith mobile app will not be eligible for cashback.

8% off at SGPomades!

$8 off min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP8' during checkout
• Enjoy 8% off min S$50 spend upon checkout
• Promo code only applicable when using your YouTrip Mastercard upon checkout.
• 1 redemption per customer only
• Promo codes are not exchangeable for cash.
• Valid only for original price items.
• Not stackable with existing promotions.
• Exclusions Apply.

3% cashback at Dyson!

3% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Dyson affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Dyson whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Dyson accessories will not be eligible for cashback.

4% cashback at UNIQLO!

4% cashback

• Only purchases made through the UNIQLO affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to UNIQLO whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 6% cashback at Trip.com!

Up to 6% cashback

• Receive cashback 45 days after checkout
• Only purchases made through the Trip.com affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Trip.com whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected activities.
• Cashback rate for Trip.com varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for full cashback rates.

25% off at HOUZE!

25% off min $60 spend

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP25' during checkout
• Enjoy 25% off min $60 spend upon checkout
• Only 1 promo code may be used at a time.

25% off at Table Matters!

Up to $260 cashback and KrisShop e-Vouchers at Singapore Airlines!

$20 cashback with min $500 spend

• Valid till 26 November 2021
• Pay using YouTrip at checkout
• Register through YouTrip's campaign registration form
• Enjoy up to 4x cashback rewards per booking
• Receive cashback by 31 December 2021
• Limited to the first 1,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for cashback.
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-cashback-tnc/

$30 KrisShop e-Voucher with min $500 spend

• Enjoy up to 6x KrisShop e-Vouchers per booking
• Limited to the first 4,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for KrisShop e-Voucher rewards
• Offer is strictly applicable to flights to and from the following destinations only: Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, PAris, Rome, San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-krisshop-tnc/

Up to 10% off at Expedia!

Up to 10% off

• Valid till 30 Jun 2023
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MASTER10' during checkout
• Enjoy 10% off (Capped at S$70) upon checkout
• Booking period Now till 30 Jun 2023
• Stay period: Now till 31 September 2023
• Participating “Expedia Rate” hotels refer to hotels labelled “Expedia Rate” and are not on the exclusion list available at the booking page.
• Up to 10% discount coupon on hotel bookings at thousands of participating properties globally. 10% savings with promo code MASTER10 – Singapore: Discount value capped at SGD70 per transaction
• No minimum stay requirement.
• Coupon only applies to first room in the booking.

Up to 6% cashback at JD Sports!

6% cashback (Regular-priced items)

2% cashback (Sale Items)

• Only purchases made through the JD Sports affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to JD Sports whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for JD Sports varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

Up to 5% cashback at ASOS

Up to 5% cashback (New ASOS users)

3% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via Web)

2% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via App)

• Only purchases made through the ASOS affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to ASOS whenever you are making a new transaction.

10% off at SweatSpot!

10% off all packages

• Valid till 12 April 2022
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP' upon checkout
• Enjoy 10% off upon checkout

10% cashback at Taobao!

10% cashback with min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 January 2022
• Register and spend a minimum of $50 and pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Register for promotion here
• For first 750 users only
• 10% cashback with minimum spend of $50.
• Limited to the first 750 users on a first come, first served basis. 
• Payment must be charged to a YouTrip Mastercard. 
• The required minimum spend must be in a single transaction before any other promo codes, vouchers or coupons. Minimum spend excludes all taxes and fees, including but not limited to shipping and handling, unless otherwise stated.
• All purchases made in conjunction with the Offer are subject to prevailing taxes and service charges where applicable. 
• YouTrip makes no warranty or representation as to the quality, merchantability or fitness for purpose of any goods or services purchased from the merchant. Any dispute about the same must be resolved directly with the merchant. 
• YouTrip shall not be responsible for any loss, injury, claim, damage or expense arising from the redemption of the Offer or the use of the goods and services purchased from a merchant.
• YouTrip is not an agent of Taobao or any merchant, or vice versa.
• All information is correct at time of print. YouTrip will not be responsible for any changes which occur after print.
• YouTrip reserves the right to vary the terms and conditions of the Offer or withdraw or discontinue the Offer by providing written notice to the other party at least 7 days in advance and indemnify the direct economic loss of the other party caused by YouTrip’s behavior under the clause.

Up to 10% cashback at Shopee!

Up to 10% cashback (New Shopee users)

3% cashback (Existing Shopee users)

• All cashback will be capped at S$5.00
• Only purchases made through the Shopee affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Shopee whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Shopee varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for product cashback rates

Up to 7% cashback at Sephora!

7% cashback (New Sephora users)

2.5% cashback (Existing Sephora users)

• Only purchases made through the Sephora affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Sephora whenever you are making a new transaction.

$20 cashback at Circles.Life!

$20 cashback (For new Circles.Life customers)

• Only purchases made through the Circles.Life affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Circles.Life whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Not applicable for purchases made via the Circles.Life mobile application

Up to 12% cashback at AirAsia Food

12% cashback (New AirAsia Food Customers)

• Valid till 31 December 2022

6% cashback (Existing AirAsia Food Customers)

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia Food affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia Food whenever you are making a new transaction.

10% cashback (New Lazada users)

• Valid till 31 December 2024

3% cashback (Existing Lazada users)

• Pay with YouTrip on Lazada (LazMall excluded) during checkout
• Only purchases made through the Lazada affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Lazada whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Lazada varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Products not eligible for cashback: Sports shoes and clothing, Electronics Accessories, Groceries.
• Cashback capped at $10

10% cashback at Puma!

10% cashback

• Valid till 30 Dec 2023
• Only purchases made through the Puma affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Puma whenever you are making a new transaction.

15% off at iShopChangi

15% off with no min. spend (For traveller purchases only)

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP15' during checkout
• Enjoy 15% off with no min. spend
• Valid for traveller purchases only.
• Payment must be made with YOUTRIP Mastercard.
• Only one Promo Code may be used at a time.
• Promotion is valid until 31 December 2023.
• Promotion is not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Promotion is not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.
• Chanel and Dior are excluded from this promotion.
• The Shilla Duty Free reserves the right to amend or withdraw any terms & conditions without any prior notice.

S$15 off at The Shilla!

S$15 off min S$150 spend in store

• Flash this at the counter and pay with YouTrip during checkout in store
• Enjoy S$15 off min S$150 nett spend
• Valid until 31 December 2022.
• Limited to one redemption per customer.
• Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the voucher must be paid in full using YouTrip Card
• The promotion must be fully utilised and any unutilised amount will be forfeited.
• Not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.

5% cashback at Chemist Warehouse!

5% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Chemist Warehouse affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Chemist Warehouse whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 10% off at Qatar Airways!

Up to 10% off 

• Click through to Qatar via YouTrip Perks, apply code 'YTQR23' & Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Enjoy up to 10% off upon checkout
• Sales period: 8 May 2023 – 31 December 2023
• Travel period: 8 May 2023 – 31 March 2024
• Booking must be made using promo code YTQR23 to avail of the discount
• Full payment must be made with a YouTrip Card
• Save 10% on Business Class Comfort fares
• Save 10% on Economy Class Convenience fares
• Save 7% on Economy Class and Business Class Classic fares
• Valid only on Qatar Airways flights from Singapore
• Valid to the following destinations: Abu Dhabi, Almaty, Amsterdam, Ankara, Athens, Atlanta, Baku, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Cape Town, Casablanca, Chennai, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dallas, Dar Es Salaam, Doha, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Harare, Helsinki, Houston, Islamabad, Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro, Larnaca, London, Los Angeles, Lusaka, Luxor, Madrid, Malabo, Manchester, Medina, Miami, Milan, Mombasa, Montreal, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Nairobi, New York City, Oslo, Paris, Philadelphia, Pisa, Prague, Rome, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seychelles, Sharjah, Sofia, St Petersburg, Stockholm, Tbilisi, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington, Windhoek, Yerevan, Zagreb, Zanzibar, Zurich
• All-in fares include all taxes, fees, and surcharges which are subject to currency fluctuation
• Blackout dates and surcharges may apply. Please refer to the fare rules for details at the time of booking.
• Blackout Periods: 18 Nov – 20 Dec 2022 (Doha and Middle Eastern Countries), 1 Jan – 10 Jan 2023 (All destinations)
• Peak period surcharges may apply
• Fares are subject to change without prior notice
• Discount applies to return base fare only of selected fare classes
• Discount does not apply to taxes and all other surcharges
• Seats are limited and are subject to availability of the relevant booking class
• Minimum and maximum stay as well as advance purchase rules apply dependent on the booking class
• Please refer to the fare rules at the time of booking for changes, cancellations and no-show conditions
• Any change or cancellation less than 3 hours prior to the stated time of departure will be considered as no-show
• For travel involving multiple booking classes, the most restrictive fare rules apply to the entire itinerary
• Standard child/infant discount apply
• Please note that market-specific promotional fares may be available for selected dates and destinations, and may not be eligible for the discounts under this offer. All available options, together with the applicable terms & conditions for each fare will be displayed at time of booking for you to make your selection
• Qatar Airway’s terms and conditions will also apply to your booking, please review these at the time of booking
• Other terms and conditions apply. Please review at the time of booking

2.1% cashback at Watsons!

2.1% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Watsons affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Watsons whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Watsons varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

3% cashback at 24S!

• Only purchases made through the 24S affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to 24S whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Celine, Louis Vuitton and Dior products are not eligible for cashback.

8% cashback at On The List!

8% cashback

• Only purchases made through the On The List affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to On The List whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchases made via the On The List mobile site or app are not eligible for cashback.

5% cashback at AirAsia Grocer!

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to $12 off at FairPrice Online!

$10 off min $135 spend

• Valid till 22 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MCXMAS21' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off min $135 spend
• First 2,500 redemptions only

$12 off min $150 spend

• Enjoy $12 off min $150 spend
• Redemption of promo code is applicable only for purchases made on FairPrice online at www.fairprice.com.sg and FairPrice Mobile App upon login, and for home delivery only.  
• Only one promo code can be used for each transaction. FairPrice reserves the right to reject any order that has violated this.
• Promo code is to be used for one-time redemption only.
• Promo code cannot be used for the purchase of certain restricted products, for example, certain infant milk formulas. Please visit FairPrice online for more details.
• Qualifying spend refers to a nett spend of at least S$135.00 (excluding delivery fee, service fee, and any other surcharge) in a single transaction at NTUC FairPrice online during the promotional period.
• Using a promo code in conjunction with other free gift promotions, may alter the minimum amount for delivery.
• Additional charges, service fees and minimum nett purchase amount for free home delivery may be required and may differ for promotional periods and will be in accordance to that stated on FairPrice online.
• It is advisable to have at least S$5 nett purchase amount in cart after application of promo code in order to be able to checkout.
• Promo codes are not exchangeable or refundable for cash or other goods and services.
• FairPrice reserves the rights to vary/amend the privileges or terms and conditions of this promotion without prior notice. 
• Other terms and conditions on FairPrice online (https://help.fairprice.com.sg/hc/en us/categories/360001184571-FairPrice-Online) apply.
• Mastercard does not assume any responsibility for the products and services offered under this promotion. The products are sold and services are provided solely by the relevant vendors, under such terms and conditions as determined by such vendors, and Mastercard accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with such products and services. The products and services have not been certified by Mastercard and under no circumstances shall the inclusion of any product or service in this promotion be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of such product or service by Mastercard

2% cashback at Razer!

2% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Razer affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Razer whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Razer varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

20% off at Zoey!

20% off supplements

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'ZOEYYT' during checkout
• Enjoy 20% off supplements upon checkout

20% off at noah!

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'NOAHYT' during checkout

$19 cashback at Starhub!

$19 cashback (For new broadband signups)

• Only purchases made through the Starhub affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Starhub whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Only new broadband sign-ups are eligible for cashback

$10 off at Beauty Emporium!

$10 off (No min spend)

• Valid till 30 November 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUBF10' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off upon checkout
• Limited to one time use per transaction.
• Discount will be given to total bill spend. Discounted products and services are eligible for this redemption.
• Discount cannot be used in Strip Merchandise and Clean Beauty Brands.
• Shipping fees apply if the minimum spend for free shipping is not met.
• Cannot be used in-conjunction with any other voucher, codes or redemption of Beauty Rewards points.
• Promotion ends on 30 Nov 2021 2359 hrs.

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mitsueki ♥ | Singapore Lifestyle Blogger – Food, Fashion, Travel & Random News

I blog about food, fashion, my travelogues and utter randomness – updated daily for your reading pleasure!

Due to overwhelming requests for my Taiwan itinerary, I’ve decided to share my Taiwan travel itinerary with you – to view and download for your Taiwan trip planning(: This itinerary took me months and days to painstakingly prepare for my travel and I hope that you will find it useful! In return, do subscribe to my blog’s mailing list!(: Do note that this resource is for your own PERSONAL usage only!

As much as I can, I do try to follow my itinerary but usually it isn’t 100% as plans change halfway through the trip! Read my full travelogue below for more details !(:

9D8N Taiwan 2014 Travelogue

• Preparation for my Taiwan Trip
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 1  (Taichung)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 2 (Part 1)  (Taichung – Xinshe)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 2 (Part 2)  (Xinshe – Taichung)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 3 (Part 1)  (Taichung – Sun Moon Lake)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 3 (Part 2)  (Sun Moon Lake)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 4 (Part 1)  (Sun Moon Lake – Cingjing)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 4 (Part 2)  (Cingjing)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 5 (Part 1)  (HeHuanShan – Cingjing – Taipei)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 5 (Part 2)  (Taipei)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 6 (Part 1)  (Taipei – Shifen)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 6 (Part 2)  (Shifen – Houtong – Taipei)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 7 (Part 1)  (Taipei)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 7 (Part 2)  (Taipei)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 7 (Part 3)  (Taipei)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 8  (Taipei)
• mitsueki Travels | 9D8N Taiwan February 2014 – Day 9  (Taipei – Singapore)

Taiwan Recommended Accommodations

• Taichung – Effiel Tower Hostel ( 逢甲艾菲爾 ) https://www.agoda.com/en-sg/eiffel-tower-hostel/hotel/taichung-tw.html?cid=1731957
• Sun Moon Lake – DORIS HOME Bed & Breakfast ( 朵麗絲的家 ) https://www.agoda.com/en-sg/doris-home/hotel/nantou-tw.html?cid=1731957
• Cingjing – 清境雲濛仙境 Misty Villa List of other Cingjing hotels: https://www.agoda.com/en-sg/cingjing/maps/nantou-tw.html?cid=1731957
• Taipei – CityInn Branch II https://www.agoda.com/en-sg/cityinn-hotel-taipei-station-branch-ii/hotel/taipei-tw.html?cid=1731957
• Other Alternatives (Airbnb) https://www.airbnb.com.sg/c/mademaro (Get S$40 off your first stay!)

Mitsueki’s Taiwan Itinerary

Sign up with mitsueki’s Blog mailing list for my FREE Taiwan Itinerary download directly in your inbox!

Mitsueki’s Blog Mailing List Subscribers will also enjoy: ✓ Updates on my latest blog posts so you don’t miss out any important information! ✓ FREE giveaways & EXCLUSIVE mitsueki’s Blog readers perks and discount codes!

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Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s  Facebook page  / follow me  @ mitsueki  on  Twitter  &  Instagram   for the latest updates!

Till later, ♥ mitsueki

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