12-Day Adventure Itinerary in Taiwan

1. Day 1: Taipei 101
   10 minutes (4.6 km) from Songshan Airport

   Explore Taiwan's tallest skyscraper and enjoy the stunning views from the observatory deck.

2. Day 2: Yangmingshan National Park
   40 minutes (15.9 km) from Taipei 101

   Go on a hiking adventure in the lush forests of Yangmingshan National Park and be amazed by its hot springs and volcanic terrain.

3. Day 3: Yilan County
   1 hour and 30 minutes (57.1 km) from Yangmingshan National Park

   Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Yilan County, including the stunning Taroko Gorge and the scenic Wufengchi Waterfall.

4. Day 4: Hualien
   1 hour and 30 minutes (67.4 km) from Yilan County

   Embark on an adrenaline-pumping river tracing adventure at Chihsingtan Beach, located at the foot of the breathtaking Taroko Gorge.

5. Day 5: Taitung
   2 hours and 30 minutes (152 km) from Hualien

   Get a taste of Taiwan's rural lifestyle and visit the Taitung Forest Park, which offers many opportunities for outdoor activities.

6. Day 6: Kenting
   2 hours and 10 minutes (153 km) from Taitung

   Explore the Kenting National Park, which boasts gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and unique geological formations.

7. Day 7: Kaohsiung
   1 hour and 30 minutes (92 km) from Kenting

   Experience the bustling culture of Taiwan's second-largest city by visiting the lively Liuhe Night Market and the scenic Lotus Pond.

8. Day 8: Sun Moon Lake
   2 hours and 30 minutes (183 km) from Kaohsiung

   Cruise on Taiwan's largest lake and admire the stunning beauty of the Sun Moon Lake, surrounded by lush green mountains.

9. Day 9: Taichung
   1 hour and 30 minutes (56.6 km) from Sun Moon Lake

   Explore the cultural and artistic scene of Taichung at the Rainbow Village, Miyahara Eye Hospital, and many other attractions.

10. Day 10: Taipei Zoo
    1 hour and 20 minutes (76.9 km) from Taichung

    Meet the giant pandas, take a ride on the Maokong Gondola, and explore the lush zoological gardens of the Taipei Zoo.

11. Day 11: Taipei Night Markets
    20 minutes (8 km) from Taipei Zoo

    Indulge in delicious street foods and shop for unique souvenirs at the famous Taipei Night Markets.

12. Day 12: Beitou Hot Springs
    30 minutes (11 km) from Taipei Night Markets

    Relax in the rejuvenating hot springs of Beitou, nestled in the scenic hills of northern Taipei.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Taipei 101 (2 hours, $18)
• Yangmingshan National Park (4-5 hours, free entry)
• Yilan County (1-2 days, $50/day for transportation and meals)
• Hualien (1 day, $70 for river tracing tour)
• Taitung (1-2 days, $60/day for rental car and meals)
• Kenting (2 days, $100 for accommodation and meals)
• Kaohsiung (1-2 days, $100/day for accommodation and meals)
• Sun Moon Lake (1 day, $30 for boat ticket and entrance fee)
• Taichung (1 day, $40 for entrance fees and meals)
• Taipei Zoo (3-4 hours, $8)
• Taipei Night Markets (2-3 hours, $10)
• Beitou Hot Springs (2-3 hours, $20)
Total Estimated Costs: $576

Useful Tips

To add more adventure activities, consider exploring the natural wonders of the East Coast or trying out the many hiking trails in Taiwan's mountainous regions. To save money, opt for public transportation and local street foods over private tours and fancy restaurants. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the destinations on this itinerary or shortening your stay at each location. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels.