Three Weeks Holiday Itinerary: Taiwan, Philippines, and Laos

Day 1: Arrival in Taipei, Taiwan

Morning: Arrive in Taipei and check into your hotel. Take some time to relax and get acquainted with the bustling city center.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Taipei 101, enjoy panoramic city views and explore the shopping mall beneath.

Evening: Wander through the Shilin Night Market, sampling Taiwanese street food and shopping for souvenirs.

Day 2: Taipei Cultural Exploration

Morning: Explore the historical National Palace Museum housing an extensive collection of Chinese imperial artifacts.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Longshan Temple and stroll through the nearby Bopiliao Historical Block.

Evening: Try local delicacies in the Raohe Street Night Market and enjoy lively local atmosphere.

Day 3: Nature and Hot Springs in Taiwan

Morning: Head to Yangmingshan National Park to experience scenic hiking trails and beautiful flower gardens.

Afternoon: Relax in the therapeutic waters of Beitou Hot Springs and visit the nearby hot spring museum.

Evening: Return to Taipei and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant featuring Taiwanese cuisine.

Day 4: Travel to Manila, Philippines

Morning: Fly from Taipei to Manila. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest briefly.

Afternoon: Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city, including Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.

Evening: Visit the vibrant BGC (Bonifacio Global City) for dinner and nightlife.

Day 5: Manila to Palawan - Island Adventure

Morning: Fly to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Check in and prepare for island adventures.

Afternoon: Take a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening: Dine at a beachfront restaurant and relax by the shore.

Day 6: El Nido Exploration

Morning: Travel to El Nido and embark on island hopping tours to visit stunning lagoons and beaches.

Afternoon: Continue exploring caves, snorkeling spots, and marine biodiversity around Bacuit Bay.

Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local eatery and watch the sunset over the water.

Day 7: Leisure & Return to Manila

Morning: Relax on the pristine beaches of El Nido or explore the town markets.

Afternoon: Return to Puerto Princesa and fly back to Manila.

Evening: Rest at your Manila hotel or explore nearby dining options.

Day 8: Manila to Vientiane, Laos

Morning: Fly from Manila to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Afternoon: Visit the sacred Pha That Luang, Laos' national symbol, and the nearby Patuxai Victory Monument.

Evening: Stroll along the Mekong Riverside Park and enjoy local street food.

Day 9: Vientiane Highlights

Morning: Explore the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), a sculpture park featuring many Buddhist and Hindu statues.

Afternoon: Visit Wat Si Saket and the Ho Phra Keo Museum to learn about Laotian heritage.

Evening: Sample traditional Lao cuisine at one of Vientiane’s charming restaurants.

Day 10: Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Morning: Fly or take a scenic drive to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town.

Afternoon: Visit the Mount Phousi for panoramic views and explore several souvenir markets.

Evening: Attend the night market and try local snacks while browsing artisan crafts.

Day 11: Temples and Waterfalls in Luang Prabang

Morning: Tour the stunning temples including Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai.

Afternoon: Cool off at the Khuang Si Waterfalls, swim in the turquoise pools and enjoy the natural beauty.

Evening: Relax with a riverside dinner along the Mekong River.

Day 12: Leisure Day in Luang Prabang

Morning: Take a slow morning with breakfast at a cafe and optional visit to the local artisan villages.

Afternoon: Optional boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves filled with Buddha statues.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Lao massage or attend a cultural dance performance.

Day 13-21: Optional Extension or Return

Morning: Use these days for extended exploration of additional locations in these countries such as Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake, Palawan’s Coron Islands, or Laos’ Plain of Jars.

Afternoon: Take part in local cooking classes, explore rural villages, or enjoy nature treks and island relaxation.

Evening: Relax and savor regional cuisines and cultural shows tailored to your interests.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Taipei 101: 2 hours, $20
• National Palace Museum: 3 hours, $10
• Shilin Night Market: 2 hours, $15 food & shopping
• Puerto Princesa Underground River: 4 hours, $40
• El Nido Island Hopping: Full day, $50
• Intramuros Tour, Manila: 3 hours, $10
• Pha That Luang, Vientiane: 1 hour, $2
• Buddha Park, Vientiane: 2 hours, $5
• Luang Prabang Temples: 3 hours, $6
• Khuang Si Waterfalls: Half day, $10
• Flights (estimated total for international and domestic): ~ $700
• Total Estimated Cost: $878

Tips

This three-week itinerary offers a balanced experience of cities, culture, nature, and beaches. To extend your trip, consider adding more days in Palawan or exploring northern Taiwan’s mountains and hot springs. For a shorter trip, focus on one or two countries to reduce travel time and fully immerse yourself in the local highlights.