Arrive at Taoyuan Airport and make your way into the city by Taoyuan Airport MRT or an airport bus, enjoying views of Taipei‘s skyline as you approach. Check into your hotel in central Taipei (Ximending, Zhongshan or near Taipei Main Station) and take a short walk to stretch your legs—grab a Taiwanese breakfast like danbing (egg crepe) and soy milk at a local breakfast shop to start the day.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the neighborhood around your hotel—visit the lively Ximending pedestrian zone for street art, boutique shops and the historic Red House, or wander through Dadaocheng‘s narrow lanes to see tea shops and heritage buildings. If jetlag allows, pop into the Taipei 101 area for photos and a quick visit to the observation mall; otherwise enjoy tea at a cozy café and rest before evening activities.
Ease into Taipei‘s culinary scene with a classic night market experience; head to Ningxia Night Market for traditional snacks like oyster omelet, fried taro balls and pearl milk tea, or visit Shilin Night Market for a broader street-food feast and carnival-style games. Finish the night with a stroll along the nearby Tamsui River promenade or a rooftop bar view of Taipei 101 to toast the start of your Taiwan journey.
Start the day with breakfast at a local dingzai or soy milk shop near your hotel, then head to Taipei 101 for panoramic views from the observatory—ride the high-speed elevator, enjoy the skyline, and explore the mall’s designer shops and Din Tai Fung for a taste of famous xiaolongbao. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Elephant Mountain trail (Xiangshan) for a short hike and postcard-perfect vistas of Taipei 101 framed by green ridges.
Return to the city center and visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to wander its grand plaza and changing of the guard, then make your way to the eclectic Zhongxiao Dunhua shopping streets and Yongkang Street for lunch—try beef noodle soup at a local favorite and sample mango shaved ice at Smoothie House. Pop into boutique stores and tea shops in the area or relax in a café before heading to Ximending.
Spend the evening in Ximending’s vibrant pedestrian district—browse quirky fashion stalls, catch street performers, and visit the historic Red House for design markets and small galleries. For dinner, feast on street snacks like fried chicken cutlets and bubble tea, then soak up the neon-lit atmosphere with a leisurely walk through the lanes before returning to your hotel to rest for tomorrow’s coastal excursion.
Leave Taipei after breakfast and take the bus or a private transfer north to Yehliu Geopark to arrive when the light is crisp and the crowds are thinner; wander the boardwalk to marvel at the iconic Queen’s Head, Candle Rock and mushroom-shaped hoodoo formations while the sea sprays rhythmically against the cliffs. Stop at the small visitor area for geological exhibits and grab a coffee or local snack from nearby stalls before continuing along the coast.
Continue the coastal loop with a short drive to the charming fishing village of Keelung for a seafood lunch or head to nearby Nanya Rock Formations for dramatic photographed rock stacks and tide-pooling; alternatively visit Jinshan Old Street to sample local snacks like sweet potato balls and rice cakes. If time allows, detour to Bitou Cape or Longdong for a gentle cliffside walk or sea-view lookout—both offer striking panoramas and short trails ideal for stretching your legs.
Return toward Taipei and stop at Jiufen Old Street on the way back for the lantern-lit atmosphere as dusk falls—browse teahouses like A-Mei Tea House, try taro and peanut treats, and soak up the narrow alleyways and mountain-sea views. Head back to your Taipei hotel after a relaxed dinner of street-food specialties, ready to rest before tomorrow’s Jiufen and Shifen explorations.
Depart Taipei after an early breakfast and take the mountain road to Jiufen, arriving as the village wakes; wander the narrow lanes of Jiufen Old Street, sample taro balls and herbal rice cakes, and pop into A-Mei Tea House for a view over the ocean while sipping oolong and learning about the town’s mining history. Pause for photos at the iconic red lanterns and the lookout above the sea before heading down toward the historic gold-mining museum if you’re curious about local heritage.
Continue to Shifen in Pingxi for a relaxed afternoon: stroll along Shifen Old Street, watch trains pass the tracks, and visit Shifen Waterfall for a refreshing short hike and dramatic river gorge views. Later, join a sky lantern moment on the railway (buy a lantern and write wishes) and release it together with other travelers — a memorable, photogenic experience that ties into Taiwan’s folk traditions.
Return via the scenic Pingxi line or by private transfer and stop back in Jiufen as dusk falls to enjoy the lantern-lit ambience; dine on local specialties such as braised pork rice, steamed seafood or a hot pot in one of the hillside eateries while soaking in the misty mountain-sea panorama. Head back to Taipei afterward, arriving in time to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s morning in Yangmingshan before your transfer to Taichung.
Start early with a refreshing mountain morning in Yangmingshan National Park — hike the Xiaoyoukeng volcanic fumarole area and the short Qingtiangang grassland trail for panoramic views, steam vents and wildflowers (season permitting). Stop at Lengshuikeng for a riverside soak or a quick cup of tea at a roadside café, and snap photos of Taipei spreading below before descending to the city.
Return to Taipei for lunch (try a hearty bowl of beef noodle near Beitou MRT or a local bento) and make your way to Taipei Main Station to catch a high-speed rail (HSR) or express train to Taichung — the HSR takes about an hour and leaves you plenty of time to settle into your Taichung hotel. Upon arrival, explore the colorful Rainbow Village for vibrant street-art photos and stroll the nearby National Taichung Theater exterior to admire its unique architecture.
As night falls, dive into Taichung’s food scene at Fengjia Night Market — sample local favorites like bubble tea, stinky tofu, and giant fried chicken cutlets while browsing stalls and games. If you prefer a quieter evening, dine in the Calligraphy Greenway area at a café or modern Taiwanese bistro and enjoy a relaxed walk through the illuminated streets before turning in for the next day’s Sun Moon Lake adventure.
After breakfast at a nearby café, visit the vibrantly painted Rainbow Village to wander its narrow lanes and snap cheerful street-art photos while learning the story of the veteran-artist resident who saved the neighborhood. From there, stroll to the National Taichung Theater to admire its flowing architectural curves and pop into a lobby café for a light tea or pastry while taking in the building’s dramatic interior.
Head to the National Museum of Natural Science or the nearby CMP Block Museum of Arts for an engaging cultural interlude—explore interactive exhibits or rotating contemporary art shows that give a local context to Taiwan’s creativity. Pause for lunch along Calligraphy Greenway, sampling a signature bento or gourmet Taiwanese small plates, then browse boutique shops and plant-filled lanes as you make your way to the serene Taichung Park with its historic pavilion and lakeside paths.
As daylight fades, dive into Taichung’s famous Fengjia Night Market to feast on local favorites like giant fried chicken cutlets, bubble tea and grilled squid while hopping between lively stalls and game booths. If you prefer a quieter night, choose a riverside or Greenway bistro for a relaxed dinner and an evening stroll under the city lights before returning to your hotel to rest for Sun Moon Lake tomorrow.
Leave Taichung after breakfast and travel by bus or private transfer to Sun Moon Lake, arriving at the Ita Thao pier to begin your day. Board a scenic boat shuttle to the iconic Lalu Island and disembark at Xuanguang or Shuishe for lakeside views; while on the water, listen for stories about the Thao people and photograph the mist rising off the lake framed by mountains.
Rent bicycles at Shuishe or Ita Thao and pedal segments of the well-maintained Sun Moon Lake Bike Path—ride past the Ci'en Pagoda and take a short uphill walk to its panoramic lookout for sweeping vistas. Stop in Ita Thao Village for a relaxed lunch of wild mountain vegetables or aboriginal-style grilled dishes, then visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village if you’d like cultural exhibits and gardens (time permitting).
As dusk falls, return to Shuishe for a lakeside stroll along the promenade and watch the sunset color the water; enjoy tea or a light snack at a café overlooking the lake. For dinner, savor local freshwater fish or a hearty hot pot at a recommended lakeside restaurant, then settle into a nearby guesthouse or hotel to rest before traveling to Kaohsiung the following morning.
After breakfast at your Sun Moon Lake hotel, depart for Taichung HSR station and take the high-speed rail down to Zuoying (Kaohsiung), arriving around midday; enjoy the quick, scenic ride and the convenience of transferring to the local MRT. Once in Kaohsiung, drop your bags at the hotel near the Love River or Zuoying and stretch your legs with a riverside walk past the Love River promenade and the striking 85 Sky Tower, soaking in the city’s relaxed southern vibe.
Spend the afternoon exploring Pier-2 Art Center’s converted warehouses and outdoor installations, browsing contemporary galleries and boutique shops before taking the ferry to Cijin Island to sample fresh seafood and stroll the black-sand beach and Cihou Fort for panoramic harbor views. If you prefer urban history, visit the scenic Fo Guang Shan branch exhibits or the Former British Consulate at Takao for a mix of culture and coastal panorama.
As evening falls, head to the bustling Liuhe Night Market to feast on signature southern Taiwanese street foods—grilled seafood, papaya milk, and stewed beef soup—while browsing stalls and friendly vendors. Cap the night with a leisurely Love River boat ride or a rooftop drink near Lover’s Wharf, enjoying Kaohsiung’s calm nightlights and preparing for tomorrow’s Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum visit.
Set out early for Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum to arrive with fewer crowds and soak in the serene grandeur of the Great Buddha Hall and the surrounding pagodas; wander the immaculately landscaped courtyards, explore the museum galleries that explain Buddhist art and history, and climb the steps for sweeping views of the complex. Take time to visit the reclining Buddha and the ceremonial halls, and if scheduling allows join a short guided meditation or tea ceremony offered on-site for a peaceful cultural immersion.
Return to central Kaohsiung and catch the ferry to Cijin Island for a breezy coastal afternoon—rent a bike at the ferry pier and cycle past the Cijin Windmill Park to Cihou Fort for panoramic harbor and city views. Sample fresh seafood at Cijin’s famous stall-lined street (try grilled squid and seafood noodles), stroll the black-sand beach and lighthouse, and pop into the Cijin Shell Museum or the local markets for small souvenirs and street snacks.
Head back to the mainland as dusk falls for a relaxed evening along the Love River or at Pier-2 Art Center if you fancy more art installations lit up at night, then make your way to Liuhe or Ruifeng Night Market for dinner if you missed anything the previous night—enjoy papaya milk, grilled seafood and Taiwanese desserts. Finish with a gentle Love River boat ride or a rooftop drink near the harbor, savoring Kaohsiung’s warm southern night before turning in for the trip to Tainan tomorrow.
After breakfast in Kaohsiung, take the short HSR or express train to Tainan and check into your hotel near the city center; drop your bags and head straight to Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia) to wander its tranquil courtyards and historic displays while learning about Tainan’s colonial past. From there, stroll to the nearby Confucius Temple to enjoy the serene temple grounds and sample nearby traditional breakfast snacks such as danzai noodles or milkfish porridge at a local stall.
Spend the afternoon exploring Anping District—visit Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia) to trace the island’s Dutch and trading history, then wander Anping Old Street to taste local specialties like oyster omelets, shrimp rolls, and the famous Anping tofu. Don’t miss the tree-house at the old Tait & Co. warehouse and a visit to the Eternal Golden Castle for seaside views and historic cannons that frame Tainan’s maritime past.
As evening falls, return toward the city center and dive into Tainan’s famed night-market culture at Garden Night Market or Dadong Night Market, sampling highlights such as coffin bread, mango shaved ice and braised pork rice while browsing lively stalls and games. Finish the night with a leisurely walk along the canal by Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park or a quiet tea at a local teahouse, soaking in Tainan’s mellow, historic atmosphere before bed.
After breakfast in Tainan, take the HSR back to Taipei and drop your bags at the hotel near Taipei Main Station; enjoy the swift journey and use the morning to settle in before heading out. Walk or take the MRT to the National Taiwan Museum or the nearby Botanical Garden for a gentle, interpretive introduction to Taiwan’s natural and cultural heritage and a refreshing stroll among historic greenhouses.
Spend the afternoon at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, browsing rotating design exhibitions, artisan shops and cafés while soaking up Taipei’s contemporary creative scene—a pleasant contrast to the historic sites you visited in Tainan. From there, stroll through the neighboring Yongkang or Da’an neighborhoods for a late lunch of beef noodle soup or xiaolongbao and pop into specialty tea shops to sample high-mountain oolong or tieguanyin.
As dusk falls, head to the lively Raohe Street Night Market for an evening of street-food exploration—try pepper buns (hu jiao bing), grilled squid and bubble tea while wandering the lantern-lit stalls. Finish the night with a peaceful riverside walk along the nearby Songshan Cultural Park area or a rooftop bar near Xinyi to reflect on the trip so far and recharge for your National Palace Museum day tomorrow.
Begin the day at the National Palace Museum to beat the crowds—wander the permanent collection of jadeite, imperial robes and the famous Qing dynasty treasures, and join a short guided talk or audio tour to bring stories of the emperors and craftsmen to life. After exploring the galleries, relax with a pot of high-mountain oolong and Taiwanese pastries at the museum café while taking in the landscaped grounds and views over northern Taipei.
Descend to nearby Shilin and visit the elegant Zhishan Garden or the Lin An Tai Historical House for a quieter dose of heritage, then head to Shilin Residence and its gardens to stroll amid seasonal blooms and learn about Chiang Kai-shek’s legacy. Pause for lunch at the Shilin neighborhood—try a local tea-house set or a classic Taiwanese bento—and pop into the Shilin Night Market area to preview stalls and snacks you might return to later.
As evening falls, dive into Shilin Night Market’s lively lanes for a feast of oyster omelet, pepper buns and mango shaved ice, sampling stands recommended by locals and hunting for quirky souvenirs. Finish the night with a gentle walk through nearby Tianmu Park or a rooftop bar in the Shilin area to reflect on the trip’s cultural highlights before heading back to your hotel.
Ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast near your hotel, then head to the Xinyi shopping district to browse luxury brands and Taiwanese designers inside Taipei 101 Mall and the adjacent Breeze Xinyi; pop into Din Tai Fung for a mid-morning snack of xiaolongbao or sample local pastries at a boutique bakery. If you’d like a quieter option, walk the nearby Songshan Cultural and Creative Park for independent shops and design stalls to pick up unique souvenirs that contrast with the upscale mall finds.
After lunch, explore the eclectic Zhongxiao Dunhua and EAST District for trendy boutiques, vintage stores and specialty tea shops—stop at a café for a leisurely tea tasting or try specialty bubble tea at a recommended local shop. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at Taipei Main Station’s underground shopping malls and the multilevel Qsquare for more bargains, then relax with a foot massage or spa treatment to recharge ahead of your final evening in Taipei.
For your final full night in Taipei, savor a relaxed dinner at the lively Ningxia or Raohe Street Night Market sampling last-minute favorites like oyster omelet, pepper buns and mango shaved ice, or choose a waterfront restaurant along the Tamsui River to watch the sunset. Cap the evening with a rooftop cocktail near Taipei 101 or a peaceful stroll through Da’an Forest Park, reflecting on the trip’s highlights and preparing your bags for departure tomorrow.
Pack and check out after a final Taiwanese breakfast—stop by a nearby bakery or breakfast shop for danbing or a pineapple cake to take home, then stroll the Ximending or Zhongxiao Dunhua streets one last time to pick up any small souvenirs or specialty teas you missed. If you have time, swing by Taipei 101 Mall or Breeze Xinyi for duty-free-friendly purchases and a final photo of the skyline before heading to your hotel to collect bags and make your transfer to Taoyuan Airport.
Allow plenty of time for the transfer to Taoyuan Airport by Taoyuan Airport MRT or pre-booked airport shuttle; on arrival, use the airport’s duty-free shops and specialty Taiwanese product stores to pick up last-minute gifts such as oolong tea, pineapple cakes or handicrafts. Check in and relax in the departure lounge—grab a bubble tea or a light meal at one of the airport cafés while reviewing photos and reflections from your 14-day Taiwan highlights trip.
Board your flight back to Vietnam with comfortable memories of Taiwan’s temples, night markets and coastal villages; if your flight is evening, enjoy a final toast with a cup of tea or a packet of local snacks from the airport shops and settle in for the journey home, planning which favorite moments you’ll revisit on your next trip. Safe travels—arrive back in Vietnam with souvenirs, photos, and the promise of returning to Taiwan again.