10-Day Relaxing Itinerary in Taiwan

  • Day 1: Beitou Hot Springs
    1 hour (9.9 miles) from Taoyuan International Airport

    Starting your trip relaxed is essential, and what better way to do it than a visit to Beitou Hot Springs? Surrounded by lush greenery, this location features several hot springs with different mineral qualities believed to have therapeutic benefits. Take a dip, relax and begin your vacation.

  • Day 2: Taroko National Park
    3.5 hours (127 miles) from Beitou Hot Springs

    Taroko National Park is a natural wonder and a must-see attraction in Taiwan, with incredible landscapes boasting waterfalls, hot springs, cliffs, and canyons. Highlights include the Swallow Grotto Trail, Shakadang Trail, and the famous Taroko Gorge. Stop by small outdoor vendors for some delicious street food during your visit.

  • Day 3: Sun Moon Lake
    2.5 hours (94.2 miles) from Taroko National Park

    A tranquil and peaceful retreat, Sun Moon Lake is breathtaking, surrounded by hills and forests with calm emerald waters. Take a gentle boat ride or bike around the lake, and if you're an early riser catch the sunrise as it peaks over the mountains.

  • Day 4: Cingjing Farm
    1 hour 45 minutes (51.7 miles) from Sun Moon Lake

    The perfect day trip for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts, Cingjing Farm is renowned for its picturesque alpine scenery, grassy hills dotted with sheep, and a dairy farm. Take a leisurely stroll around the fields or enjoy horseback riding and some tea in the fresh air.

  • Day 5: East Coast National Scenic Area
    3 hours 20 minutes (112 miles) from Cingjing Farm

    A stunning stretch of coastline, the East Coast National Scenic Area is home to towering cliffs, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. You can't miss places like Dulan or the Coastal Range Exploration Museum which will provide you with a deep cultural immersion experience. It's recommended to time your visit at low tide to take in the view.

  • Day 6: Jiufen Old Street
    2 hours 10 minutes (76.2 miles) from East Coast National Scenic Area

    A cultural trip, Jiufen Old Street is a historic gold-mining town, and the perfect place to enjoy some shopping, try the area's street food and traditional tea. Remnants of the gold rush period can still be seen with Japanese occupation-era buildings scattered throughout the town.

  • Day 7: Yangmingshan National Park
    1 hour 10 minutes (20 miles) from Jiufen Old Street

    Yangmingshan National Park is unique and a place to visit if you have a keen interest in geology, it's riddled with hot springs, fumaroles, and sulfur crystals. The park offers various biking and hiking trails such as Qixing mountain, Lengshuikeng or Xiaoyoukeng. Don't miss the bamboo steamers of the famous beef noodle soup.

  • Day 8: Tainan Flower Night Market
    2 hours 30 minutes (151 miles) from Yangmingshan National Park

    Tainan Flower Night Market comes alive at night with vendors selling all sorts of tantalizing foods, clothing, and accessories. Be sure to try the specialties such as coffin bread, danzai noodles, and oyster omelets.

  • Day 9: Fo Guang Shan Monastery
    1 hour 40 minutes (39 miles) from Tainan Flower Night Market

    The biggest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan is a peaceful and serene location with remarkable architecture and breathtaking scenery. Visit the Prayer Hall or the Universal Gate Hall to see their giant Buddha statues. Don't miss the vegetarian restaurant on-site.

  • Day 10: Kenting National Park
    2 hours 40 minutes (89 miles) from Fo Guang Shan Monastery

    Kenting National Park is the southernmost park on the island of Taiwan, surrounded by spectacular beaches and a diversity of marine life. Relax at the beach, take a dip in the crystal clear waters, snorkel or dive around the coral reefs. Visit the Chuanfan Rock or the Eluanbi Lighthouse while you're there.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Beitou Hot Springs (2 hours, free)
  • Taroko National Park (1 day, free)
  • Sun Moon Lake (1 day, $30 for bike rental)
  • Cingjing Farm (1 day, $20 for horseback riding)
  • East Coast National Scenic Area (1 day, $10 for admission)
  • Jiufen Old Street (1 day, $20 for food and souvenirs)
  • Yangmingshan National Park (1 day, $10 for bike rental)
  • Tainan Flower Night Market (1 night, $25 for food and souvenirs)
  • Fo Guang Shan Monastery (0.5 day, free but donations welcome)
  • Kenting National Park (1 day, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $115

Transportation

Getting around Taiwan is quite easy, with accessible intercity trains, buses, and also car rentals if you prefer to be more independent. Train travel is a more economical and organized option with standard and super-fast trains being available. Taxis and ridesharing services are also available but at a higher cost. A TWD 2,000 budget should be sufficient to cover all transportation costs for this itinerary.

Useful Tips

If you have additional days to spare, consider adding a visit to the Taipei 101 Tower in the capital city or trying bungee jumping at Anshuo Bridge. If you wish to shorten the trip, skipping either Sun Moon Lake or Cingjing Farm can be an option. Do remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as most places require some sightseeing by foot.

Airports

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the most significant international airport in Taiwan, located approximately 25 miles from Taipei. Kaoshiung International Airport (KHH) is the main airport serving Southern Taiwan, and both airports are linked to the public transport network allowing travelers to reach their destination in a convenient and fast way.

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