Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Allow roughly 4–5 hours door-to-door from Singapore to central Taipei: the flight itself is usually about 4½ hours, followed by immigration, luggage collection and the Taoyuan Airport MRT. The express train takes about 35–40 minutes to Taipei Main Station; from there, walk or take a short taxi ride to your hotel near Taipei Main Station or Zhongshan. With five adults and luggage, a pre-booked airport transfer can be worthwhile if you arrive tired, but the Airport MRT is the simplest budget option. Leave your bags at the hotel if the room is not ready, and keep the afternoon light rather than trying to fit in another major sight.
After check-in and a short rest, take the MRT from Taipei Main Station via the Red Line toward Xiangshan, alighting at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Spend about two hours at the Taipei 101 Observatory, ideally arriving before sunset so you can see the city in daylight, during blue hour and after the skyline lights come on. Timed admission may be available and is best arranged ahead, especially during the year-end holiday period; allow extra time for queues. Standard admission is commonly around NT$600 per adult, though prices and entry arrangements can change. If everyone still has energy, wander briefly around Xinyi’s illuminated department stores before heading onward.
Travel by MRT or taxi to Songshan Station, where the Raohe Street Night Market entrance is beside the station. Allow around two hours to graze rather than sit down for a full meal: share the famous pepper buns near the entrance, then try grilled seafood, oyster vermicelli, sausages and small desserts as you move along the lantern-lit street. Budget approximately NT$300–600 per person, depending on how generously you sample. The market generally operates into the evening, but individual stalls vary and some may close earlier; cash and small notes are useful. Return by the Songshan–Xindian Green Line toward central Taipei, or use a taxi if the group is tired.
Start at Longshan Temple, ideally around 9:00am, when the incense-filled halls are lively but not yet at their busiest. Allow about an hour to appreciate the carvings, lanterns and side shrines; this is an active place of worship, so keep voices low and avoid blocking worshippers. From Longshan Temple Station, it is an easy MRT stop-and-walk arrival, and entry is free. Walk roughly 8–10 minutes north to Bopiliao Historical Block, where preserved red-brick Qing-era buildings and small educational exhibits make for an unhurried late morning. The buildings generally open from late morning into the afternoon, but exact museum hours can vary, so treat the exterior lanes as the reliable part of the visit.
Take the MRT from Longshan Temple Station toward Dongmen Station, then walk through the Yongkang Street area to Din Tai Fung at Xinyi Road. Allow around 30–40 minutes including the transfer and walking, and expect a queue at peak lunch time. Take a queue number on arrival and order the restaurant’s signature xiaolongbao, fried rice and vegetable dishes; for five adults, budgeting approximately NT$2,500–4,500 total is sensible depending on drinks and extras. After lunch, walk or take a short MRT ride to National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Give yourselves about 1½ hours for the broad plaza, white gates and blue-roofed memorial hall; the ceremonial guard change is usually scheduled hourly during daytime, but confirm the day’s timing locally rather than planning the entire visit around it. The grounds are free and comfortably spacious for a family.
Return by MRT to Ximen Station for an evening in Ximending Walking District, allowing roughly two hours to browse the pedestrian streets, independent boutiques and neon-lit lanes. This is the best time to let the group split briefly according to interest, then regroup for snacks such as pepper buns, grilled skewers or sweet potato balls. The district stays active into the evening, although individual shops have different hours. Wear comfortable shoes: although the main streets are easy to navigate, the most interesting food stalls are scattered through the surrounding lanes. For a less rushed finish, avoid adding another formal attraction and simply wander around The Red House area before returning to the hotel by MRT.
Take the MRT to Xinbeitou Station on the red line, changing at Beitou Station. From Taipei Main Station, allow about 35–45 minutes door to door. Begin at Beitou Thermal Valley, a short uphill walk from the station, ideally around 9:00am; the green-white steam and sulfur smell are strongest in the cool morning air. Stay on the designated paths—parts of the basin are extremely hot—and allow about 45 minutes. Entry is free. Continue downhill to the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a beautifully restored Japanese-era bathhouse. It is usually open Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 9:00am–5:00pm, with free admission, but check its opening day if your flexible itinerary falls on a Monday.
Walk a few minutes to Beitou Public Library, where the timber structure, broad windows and leafy setting make it worth a brief look even for non-readers. Keep this to around 30 minutes, then continue to Xinbeitou Historic Station, the restored wooden station beside the MRT terminus. The station is free to visit and takes about half an hour. For lunch, stay near Xinbeitou Station rather than detouring: Manlai Hot Spring Ramen is a convenient family-friendly choice for noodles and Japanese-style set meals, while the surrounding lanes have simple beef noodles and dumpling shops. Budget about NT$250–450 per person.
From Xinbeitou, take the MRT back to Beitou, change for the red line toward Tamsui, and allow about 45–55 minutes. Wander Tamsui Old Street first, sampling fish balls, iron eggs, grilled seafood and ah-gei; allow roughly NT$300–600 per person if you snack rather than sit down for a full meal. Then take a local bus from the Tamsui waterfront area toward Fisherman’s Wharf—the ride normally takes around 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. Leave enough time for the boardwalk and Lover’s Bridge, especially near sunset. Buses can become crowded late in the afternoon, so use an EasyCard and keep the group together at the stop. Return to Tamsui MRT Station by bus, then take the red line back to Taipei; the ride from Tamsui to central Taipei is about 40–50 minutes.
Take a reserved Taiwan Railways train from Taipei Main Station to Yilan Station, ideally departing between 8:00 and 9:00am. Although the train ride is about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, allow 2½–3½ hours door to door for getting to the station, finding the correct platform, luggage and check-in at your Yilan hotel. Puyuma and Taroko services require reserved seats, so book as soon as tickets open; keep small bags accessible, as the luggage space on these trains is limited.
Leave larger luggage at your hotel or a station locker, then begin at Yilan Railway Station Jimmy Park. The whimsical character sculptures and murals are right around the station and make an easy, low-effort first stop after the journey; allow about 45 minutes for photos and a relaxed wander. It is also a convenient place to pick up a simple lunch nearby—Taiwanese bento, beef noodles or scallion pancakes are more practical than committing to a long restaurant meal before the afternoon visits.
Walk through the city centre to the Yilan Literary Museum, housed in atmospheric Japanese-era buildings. Allow roughly an hour to see the local literary and cultural displays, and take time in the courtyard—the buildings and shaded outdoor spaces are often more interesting than rushing through every exhibit. Opening hours can vary by weekday or public holiday, so check locally before setting out; admission is generally inexpensive, often around NT$20–50. From here, take a taxi to Luodong Forestry Culture Park—about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic—or use a local train from Yilan Station to Luodong Station, followed by a short taxi ride.
At Luodong Forestry Culture Park, slow the pace for a walk around the former timber-industry ponds, rail traces and restored warehouses. Late afternoon gives the park a pleasant golden light and is cooler for walking; allow about 1½ hours. Wear shoes with a little grip, as some paths can be damp after rain. The park is usually best treated as an outdoor visit, so keep a light rain layer handy in winter.
Finish at Luodong Night Market, a short walk from Luodong Station. Arrive around 6:00pm, before the busiest dinner period, and browse rather than ordering everything at once: try local Yilan scallion pancakes, duck dishes, grilled snacks and shaved-ice or sweet potato desserts. Budget approximately NT$300–600 per person for a generous tasting dinner. Crowds build later in the evening, so keep wallets and phones secure and agree on a meeting point before splitting up. Afterward, return to your Yilan hotel by taxi or local train; for five adults with shopping bags, two taxis may be simpler than waiting for a bus.
Take a taxi from Yilan city to the National Center for Traditional Arts in Wujie, allowing roughly 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Buses are possible but infrequent and less convenient for five adults, so a pre-arranged taxi or two taxis is the practical choice; expect approximately NT$500–800 per vehicle each way. Arrive around 9:30am and spend about three hours wandering its traditional-style streets, craft workshops and small museums. Look out for hands-on demonstrations such as wood carving, paper arts and glove puppetry, although performances and workshops vary by day and may require separate tickets or advance registration.
Have lunch within the complex or at one of the nearby local restaurants before leaving. Allow extra time for queues during the year-end holiday period, and check the official opening schedule before setting out, as individual workshops and performances may not operate every day. Wear comfortable shoes—the grounds are spacious, mostly flat, and best enjoyed slowly rather than rushed.
Continue by taxi for around 10–15 minutes to Dongshan River Water Park. This is a pleasant change of pace after the craft center: take an easy walk beside the river, enjoy the open scenery and let everyone have some unstructured time. Around 1½ hours is enough for a relaxed visit, though the atmosphere is more about outdoor strolling than a full amusement-park experience. Admission and activity fees can vary by season, so check locally; bring water and sun protection, as parts of the park are exposed.
From the water park, take a taxi for approximately 15–20 minutes to Luodong Zhongshan Park, ideally arriving in the late afternoon. Traffic can be slower around central Luodong, so allow a little buffer rather than fixing a tight dinner reservation.
Spend about 45 minutes at Luodong Zhongshan Park, an easy central stop with shaded paths, local families and a chance to stretch your legs before eating. Then take a taxi to Yilan Dongmen Night Market, usually around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. For five adults, plan roughly NT$300–600 per person for a generous tasting session: share several small portions rather than ordering one large meal at the first stall. Look for Yilan favourites such as scallion pancakes, grilled snacks, noodle dishes and sweet peanut or taro treats.
The market is liveliest from early evening onward, but individual stalls may close once their food sells out. After dinner, return to your Yilan hotel by taxi; the ride within the city centre is generally short, while a taxi from the market back toward Luodong or the outskirts costs more. Keep small notes and coins handy, and ask the hotel to help arrange a larger vehicle if the five of you are travelling with shopping bags.
Take your reserved Taiwan Railways train from Yilan Station to Hualien Station, ideally around 8:00am. The train ride is roughly 2–2½ hours, but allow 3–4 hours door to door for hotel check-out, getting to the station, luggage and the transfer into town. Reserve five seats together as early as possible for the holiday period; express services can sell out. On arrival, take a taxi to your Hualien hotel—usually 10–15 minutes from the station—or leave luggage with the hotel if your room is not ready. A central base around Zhongzheng Road or Hualien Railway Cultural Park makes the afternoon walkable.
After lunch near the center—Gongzheng Street is convenient for simple noodle shops and dumplings—spend about 1½ hours at Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park. The former wine-factory warehouses now hold small galleries, craft studios and design shops; opening hours vary by tenant, so treat this as a relaxed browsing stop rather than a fixed-entry attraction. It is generally free to walk around, with occasional paid exhibitions.
From there, a taxi of about 10 minutes, or a 20–25-minute uphill walk if everyone is comfortable, brings you to Pine Garden. Set aside about an hour for the Japanese-era buildings, shaded paths and views over the coast. The grounds typically close in the late afternoon, and the hillside can be slippery after rain, so go earlier rather than leaving it until dusk. Admission is usually modest, around NT$50–60 per adult, but check the current schedule locally.
Return by taxi to Dongdamen Night Market for an easy dinner and a couple of hours of grazing. It is a good place for a group of five because everyone can choose differently: look for grilled seafood, scallion pancakes, pepper buns, mochi and Indigenous-style dishes, with around NT$300–600 per person depending on how much you share. Bring cash and arrive before the busiest dinner period, around 5:30–6:00pm; some stalls may close earlier on quieter nights or when weather is poor. It is roughly a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel district, or walkable from central accommodation. Keep the evening unhurried after the train journey—Hualien is best enjoyed at this gentler pace.
Book a licensed Taroko guided tour or private vehicle for a full day, departing Hualien around 7:00–7:30am. Allow 8–10 hours including transfers; a group of five is best served by a private van, while a shared tour is usually cheaper. Public buses are not practical for this sequence, and road conditions can change quickly after earthquakes, typhoons or heavy rain.
Make Qingshui Cliff the first stop, reached via the coastal highway in roughly 45–60 minutes from central Hualien. Allow about 30 minutes at the viewpoint for the sweeping Pacific panorama, but keep expectations flexible: access to individual lookouts may be restricted, and fog or rain can obscure the cliffs. Your guide should confirm the morning’s permitted stopping points before leaving Hualien.
Continue toward Shakadang Trail, allowing around 1½–2 hours if the trail is officially open. The riverside scenery is beautiful and the walking is relatively manageable, but this is an active natural-hazard area: wear shoes with good grip, carry water, and follow every closure sign rather than relying on older online reviews. Pack breakfast or snacks, as food options inside the gorge are limited; your guide can usually arrange a simple lunch stop outside the restricted areas.
After lunch, visit Swallow Grotto or another officially open Taroko Gorge trail, spending about 1–1½ hours. Confirm access with the tour operator shortly before departure and again on the morning itself—routes, shuttle arrangements and viewpoints can change without much notice. Helmets may be required in some areas, and umbrellas are awkward on narrow paths, so bring light rain jackets instead. Return to Hualien by late afternoon or early evening; traffic through the gorge can make the return slower than expected.
After a shower and rest, walk or take a short taxi ride to Hualien Old Street for dinner. Choose a well-reviewed local dumpling, noodle or seafood restaurant rather than trying to fit in several night markets after a long day; budget roughly NT$400–800 per person. Keep the evening relaxed, since many smaller restaurants close once they sell out, and ask your hotel for a current recommendation or help calling ahead for five people.
Leave Hualien around 7:00am for the long rail journey to Kaohsiung. Allow roughly 5–6 hours door to door, including the transfer from your hotel to Hualien Station, luggage handling, the change in Taipei and the onward HSR trip to Zuoying Station. Reserve both train segments as soon as bookings open; the Hualien–Taipei portion is particularly important to secure for five people together. Pack breakfast or buy food at the station, and keep valuables and medication in your day bags rather than checked luggage.
On arrival at Zuoying Station, take the Kaohsiung MRT or a taxi to your hotel near Formosa Boulevard or Yanchengpu. The MRT is straightforward, but with five adults and luggage, two taxis may be worthwhile—especially if your hotel is not immediately beside a station. Allow about 45 minutes for the transfer and check-in. A practical hotel base includes Kindness Hotel Kaohsiung Main Station near Formosa Boulevard or City Suites Kaohsiung Chenai in Yanchengpu; confirm that the room configuration suits five adults, as many Taiwanese hotels require two rooms rather than an extra bed.
After a rest, ride the MRT to Formosa Boulevard Station and spend about 30 minutes viewing the Dome of Light, the huge stained-glass installation in the station’s main concourse. It is free and easiest to see before dinner; use Exit 11 or 1 for the most convenient access, noting that the station is large and involves some walking.
Walk north along Zhongshan 1st Road for a few minutes to Liuhe Tourist Night Market, which is generally liveliest from around 6:00pm onward. Try grilled seafood, pepper-and-salt prawns, oyster omelettes and papaya milk; stalls such as Zheng Lao Pai Papaya Milk are well known, though queues vary. Budget roughly NT$400–800 per person depending on seafood choices. It is a tourist-oriented market, so compare prices before ordering large seafood portions, and carry cash in small notes. Keep the evening relaxed—after the long transfer, two hours here is plenty before returning by MRT or taxi to your hotel.
Start early for Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, as this is the day’s longest outing. From central Kaohsiung, take the MRT red line toward Zuoying, then continue by local bus or taxi toward Dashu; allow roughly 60–90 minutes door to door. For a group of five, a pre-booked taxi or private transfer is often worthwhile and avoids waiting for less frequent connecting buses. The museum complex is expansive, with broad ceremonial avenues, pagodas and the enormous seated Buddha, so allow about four hours including transport and a relaxed visit. Check the current opening arrangements and any religious-ceremony restrictions before setting out; admission is generally free, though donations are welcome.
Return to the city and have lunch near Yancheng, then head to Pier-2 Art Center. From Formosa Boulevard or Kaohsiung Main Station, the light rail or MRT plus a short walk is straightforward; from Dashu, a taxi back to the city saves considerable time. Spend around two hours wandering through the converted warehouses, outdoor installations and rotating exhibitions. The area is deliberately easygoing rather than museum-like—good for browsing design shops, taking photos and stopping for coffee without trying to see every building. Most outdoor artworks can be viewed freely, while indoor exhibitions may charge around NT$50–200 and have differing hours.
From Pier-2, walk or take the light rail to Gushan Ferry Pier, then board the short ferry to Cijin Island. Ferries run frequently during the day, but allow extra time if there is a queue; fares are inexpensive, and an EasyCard is usually convenient. Walk along Cijin Old Street toward the seaside, browsing snacks and temples before continuing to the beach or Cijin Seaside Park. For dinner, choose a busy, well-reviewed seafood restaurant along Cijin Old Street or the nearby waterfront—point to the live seafood and confirm the cooking charge before ordering. Budget roughly NT$600–1,200 per person, depending on the fish and shellfish selected. After dinner, return by ferry to Gushan Ferry Pier, then take the light rail or a taxi to the Love River promenade for an unhurried 45-minute night walk; the riverside lights make this a pleasant final stop and the route is mostly flat.
Keep this morning deliberately simple. After breakfast, check out of your Kaohsiung hotel and allow the hotel to hold your luggage if your flight is later in the day. For Kaohsiung International Airport, the easiest public-transport option is the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to Kaohsiung International Airport Station; from central areas such as Formosa Boulevard, the ride is roughly 15–20 minutes, but allow about 45 minutes door to door with the walk to the station and five adults with luggage. A hotel-arranged taxi or two taxis is more comfortable and usually worthwhile for a group, particularly with large suitcases.
Plan on 3–4 hours door to door from the hotel to the aircraft: transfer time, baggage drop, security, immigration and possible queues are all separate from the MRT or taxi journey. Aim to leave the hotel approximately three hours before the scheduled flight departure, and check your airline’s baggage and check-in cut-off in advance. If you have a late departure, you can use the hotel’s luggage storage and have an unhurried final meal nearby, but avoid travelling far from the airport once your bags are packed.
At the airport, complete any tax-refund or shopping errands before proceeding through security. Kaohsiung International Airport is compact compared with Taipei’s airports, but queues can still build during holiday periods, so keep your passports and booking details accessible and stay together through immigration. The airport MRT station connects directly to the terminal area; for a taxi, ask the hotel to confirm the terminal and arrange enough vehicles for five passengers and luggage. From the city, there is no need to route through Taipei—fly directly from Kaohsiung to Singapore if that is how your ticket is booked.
No packing list attached yet.