Start your Taiwan adventure with a visit to Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world. The observation deck offers stunning views of the city and beyond. The mall inside has plenty of food options and shops selling local souvenirs.
Spend a relaxing day at Beitou Hot Springs, a natural hot spring area located in the mountains near Taipei. You can soak in the hot springs, take a stroll through the Japanese-style gardens, and learn about the history of the hot springs at the local museum.
Experience old-world charm and indulge in local snacks at Jiufen Old Street. This quaint village is famous for its narrow alleyways, red lanterns, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to try the taro balls and pineapple cake!
Explore the unique rock formations at Yehliu Geopark, a geological wonder located on Taiwan’s northern coast. Be amazed by mushroom rocks, honeycomb rocks, and the iconic Queen’s Head. Plan to go early to beat the crowds.
Discover Taiwan’s rich history at Tainan Anping Fort, a 17th-century fortress located in the southern city of Tainan. The fort offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s Dutch colonial past and has great views of the sunset over the Taiwan Strait.
Get spiritual at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, one of the largest Buddhist museums in Asia. The museum hosts a vast collection of artifacts, trinkets, and art from various cultures and religions. Make sure to visit the towering Buddha statue outside, which is made of pure gold.
Enjoy a scenic day at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest alpine lake. Rent a bike or take a boat tour to explore the tranquil waters and hills surrounding the lake. The lake is named after its crescent and round-shaped shores, which resemble the sun and the moon.
Take a day trip to Taroko Gorge, a stunning natural wonder located in eastern Taiwan. Hike the trails, cross the swaying suspension bridges, and see the colorful marble cliffs up close. Don't miss the famous Baiyang Waterfall Trail, which offers a refreshing mist on a hot day.
Relax on the sandy beaches of Kenting National Park, a popular getaway spot in southern Taiwan. The park covers a large area and offers diverse scenery, including coral reefs, limestone caves, and coastal forests. Try some of the fresh seafood dishes and fruit smoothies in the night market.
Marvel at the colorful temples and pagodas at Kaohsiung Lotus Pond, a tranquil stop in the bustling city of Kaohsiung. The pond is surrounded by green hills and is a great place to take a morning stroll or paddle a swan boat. Don’t miss the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas!
Soak in the natural beauty and relaxing hot springs at Taitung Jhiben Hot Spring. The springs are said to contain minerals that have various health benefits. Walk around the gardens, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let your worries melt away.
Immerse yourself in Taiwan’s history and culture at the National Palace Museum, one of the most extensive collections of Chinese art in the world. The museum has over 700,000 ancient artifacts, including calligraphy, pottery, and paintings. See the famous Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone.
No Taiwan trip is complete without visiting one of the bustling night markets. Taipei has several to choose from, including Shilin Night Market and Raohe Street Night Market. Sample traditional street food like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble milk tea.
Take a scenic drive along the east coast of Taiwan to Hualien Qingshui Cliff, one of Taiwan's most stunning coastal views. The view features the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Central Mountain Range on the other side, making it perfect for sunsets.
End your Taiwan trip by walking on the Taipei City Walls, located in the heart of the city. The walls were built during the Qing Dynasty to protect the city from enemy attacks. Along the way, you can see the old gates of Taipei, the modern skyline, and historic landmarks like Dihua Street.
The best way to get around Taiwan is by train, especially if you’re visiting multiple cities. The railway system is efficient, affordable, and comfortable. You can buy tickets online or at the stations. Taxis and buses are also available in major cities. A one-way train ticket from Taipei to Tainan costs around NTD 800 and takes about 3.5 hours.
If you have more time, consider visiting the national parks on the east coast, such as Taroko National Park and Yangmingshan National Park. If you have less time, prioritize the places that interest you the most and skip the ones that are out of the way. It’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Mandarin, but don’t worry too much, as most people in Taiwan speak English. Don’t forget to try the local delicacies and bring back some souvenirs!
Taiwan has two international airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) in Kaohsiung. TPE is the primary airport and is located 40 km west of Taipei city center. KHH is located 10 km south of Kaohsiung city center. Both airports offer a range of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and metro lines.