5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Taiwan

  • Day 1: Taroko Gorge National Park
    2 hours (111 km) from Taipei

    Explore the Taroko Gorge National Park, one of Taiwan's most scenic areas with steep mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams. Highlights include the Swallow Grotto Trail, the Eternal Spring Shrine, and the Baiyang Waterfall Trail.

  • Day 2: Yushan National Park
    4 hours (191 km) from Taroko Gorge National Park

    Discover Taiwan's highest peak, Mount Yushan, in the Yushan National Park. Go on a challenging hike through the mountains and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, rivers, and forests.

  • Day 3: Sun Moon Lake
    3 hours (146 km) from Yushan National Park

    Spend a day relaxing by the picturesque Sun Moon Lake, surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains. Take a boat ride on the lake, visit the Wenwu Temple, and explore the hiking trails in the area.

  • Day 4: Kenting National Park
    5 hours (290 km) from Sun Moon Lake

    Experience the beauty of Taiwan's southern coast in the Kenting National Park. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the coral reefs, hike through the tropical forests, and visit the Eluanbi Lighthouse for panoramic views of the park.

  • Day 5: Taipei 101 and Night Markets
    5 hours (304 km) from Kenting National Park

    End your trip in Taipei, the vibrant capital city of Taiwan. Visit the world-famous Taipei 101 skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and enjoy the views from the observation deck. Then, go on a food tour of the city's bustling night markets and try some of Taiwan's iconic street food.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Taroko Gorge National Park (1 day)
  • Yushan National Park (1 day)
  • Sun Moon Lake (1 day)
  • Kenting National Park (1 day)
  • Taipei 101 and Night Markets (1 day)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $500/person

Transportation

Travelers can rent a car or hire a private driver to get around Taiwan for ease and flexibility. Alternatively, they can take the train and bus, which are affordable and easy to use. The estimated travel cost for a private driver is $150/day, and the train and bus fares range from $5-$50/person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the historic town of Jiufen, famous for its charming old streets and stunning views of the sea. Alternatively, you can visit the Penghu Islands, a tropical paradise in the Taiwan Strait with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. If you have less time, skip Kenting National Park and spend an extra day in Taipei to explore its museums, temples, and parks.

Airports

Taiwan has two international airports: Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH). TPE is located 40 km from Taipei city center, while KHH is located 9 km from Kaohsiung city center. Both airports have a range of domestic and international flights, as well as convenient transportation options, such as buses, taxis, and trains.

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