12-Day India to Taiwan Adventure: Taipei, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, and Tainan

Day 1: Arrival & Taipei Intro

Taipei, Taiwan on May 13, 2025

10:00am

Arrival at Taoyuan International Airport

Land in Taipei and take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station for easy access to the city center.
TWD160, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung, Taipei 101

Enjoy world-famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung located in Taipei 101 mall, open 11am–9:30pm.
TWD450, 1h

1:30pm

Taipei 101 Observatory

Visit the observatory for panoramic city views. Open 9am to 10pm, perfect to see Taipei skyline.
TWD600, 1h30m

3:30pm

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Explore this iconic landmark showcasing Taiwanese history and beautiful gardens. Open 9am–6pm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Shilin Night Market

Taste diverse street foods like stinky tofu, bubble tea, and oyster omelets at Taipei’s largest night market, open until midnight.
TWD300, 2h
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Day 2: Taipei Culture & History

Taipei, Taiwan on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King

Start with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk and dan bing (egg crepe). Open from 5am to 1pm.
TWD100, 45m

9:30am

National Palace Museum

View one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and art, open 8:30am–6:30pm.
TWD350, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Silks Palace (near museum)

Enjoy fine Taiwanese cuisine inspired by the museum’s artifacts. Open 11:30am–2pm.
TWD600, 1h

2:00pm

Lungshan Temple and Bopiliao Historic Block

Visit Taipei’s famous historic temple and nearby preserved Qing dynasty streets, open 7am–10pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Ximending Shopping District

Explore youth culture, trendy shops, and cafes in Ximending, open well into the evening.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

Dine on fresh seafood in a market-style setting, open until 10pm.
TWD700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nature & Tea Culture

Taipei, Taiwan on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a relaxed start with a light breakfast near your accommodation.
TWD150, 45m

8:30am

Yangmingshan National Park

Hike beautiful trails, see hot springs and flower gardens. Park open all day, best early morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jin Shan Old Street

Enjoy local specialties such as radish cakes and seafood snacks in this charming street market.
TWD250, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Maokong Gondola and Tea Plantations

Ride the gondola with scenic views and visit tea houses to taste locally grown oolong tea. Gondola operates 9am–5pm.
TWD120 + tea tasting fees, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Taipei city

Head back to the city center for dinner and relaxation.
TWD120, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at MUME

Experience elevated Taiwanese-European fusion cuisine (open 6pm–10pm); reservation recommended.
TWD2500, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Taipei, Taiwan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk

Popular spot for Taiwanese breakfast dishes like thick soy milk and fried dough sticks, open 5am–12pm.
TWD120, 45m

9:30am

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Explore galleries, shops, and exhibitions in this hip creative arts space, open 10am–6pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Maji Maji Market

Food court style open market offering various Taiwanese and international cuisines, open 11am–8pm.
TWD300, 1h

2:00pm

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Visit the memorial and surrounding grounds, presenting history and cultural events. Open 9am–6pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at Taipei East Metro Mall

Underground shopping mall with fashion, electronics and Taiwanese souvenirs, open 10am–10pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

Sample local street eats like pepper buns and grilled squid; market open until midnight.
TWD350, 2h
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Day 5: Day Trip to Jiufen & Pingxi

Taipei, Taiwan on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near hotel

Quick Taiwanese breakfast before departure.
TWD150, 30m

8:00am

Transit to Jiufen Old Street

Take local train and bus to Jiufen, a charming mountainside village known for tea houses and scenic streets.
TWD150, 2h

10:00am

Explore Jiufen Old Street

Wander the nostalgic streets, try taro balls and local snacks. Shops and tea houses are open from 10am.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Relax at this famous tea house with views and traditional snacks.
TWD400, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Pingxi for Sky Lantern Experience

Travel to Pingxi by train; release sky lanterns with wishes. Shops open until afternoon.
TWD200 (lantern cost), 2h

4:00pm

Return to Taipei

Take train and local transport back to Taipei city center.
TWD150, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Enjoy traditional Taiwanese lu rou fan (braised pork rice), a must-try local dish, open until 8:30pm.
TWD150, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Taipei to Taichung

Taichung, Taiwan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before travel.
TWD150, 30m

8:30am

High-Speed Rail to Taichung

Take the THSR from Taipei Main Station to Taichung Station (~1hr).
TWD700, 1h

10:00am

Visit National Taichung Theater

Architecturally unique performing arts center with tours and exhibitions, opens at 10am.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang

Enjoy the birthplace of bubble tea and Taiwanese cuisine, open 11am–9pm.
TWD400, 1h

1:30pm

Explore National Museum of Natural Science

Discover natural history, human cultures, and botanical gardens, open 9am–5pm.
TWD100, 2h

4:00pm

Wander Calligraphy Greenway

Relax while strolling this artsy urban park connecting shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Fengjia Night Market

Sample extensive street food options at one of Taiwan’s largest night markets, open from 4pm until midnight.
TWD300, 2h
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Day 7: Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Have a quick breakfast before heading out to Sun Moon Lake.
TWD150, 30m

8:00am

Bus to Sun Moon Lake

Take a bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake (~1.5hrs).
TWD180, 1h30m

10:00am

Boat Tour of Sun Moon Lake

Enjoy scenic boat rides to key sights around the lake, boats run 8am–5pm.
TWD300, 1h

11:30am

Hike or bike lakeside trail

Explore beautiful walking or biking paths around the lake. Rentals available nearby.
TWD150 (bike rental), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at a lakeside restaurant

Dine on indigenous-style cuisine with lake views.
TWD450, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Wenwu Temple and Ci-en Pagoda

Explore the ornate temple and peaceful pagoda trails, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Taichung

Bus back to Taichung city.
TWD180, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at a local Taichung restaurant

Enjoy a quieter meal after a full day, try local specialties like sun cakes.
TWD400, 1h
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Day 8: Taichung to Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a pleasant breakfast before the trip south.
TWD150, 30m

8:30am

Train to Tainan

Take Taiwan Railways to Tainan (~1.5 hrs).
TWD250, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Anping Old Street and Fort Zeelandia

Explore Tainan’s oldest district, with historic Dutch fort and lively street food, open 9am–5pm.
TWD80, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Anping Tree House Cafe

Sip coffee and sample Taiwanese snacks in a verdant historic setting.
TWD300, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Chihkan Tower

Ancient castle with gardens and cultural exhibits, open 8:30am–5:30pm.
TWD50, 1h

3:30pm

Walk through Tainan Confucius Temple

Taiwan’s oldest Confucius temple and peaceful grounds, open 8am–9pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Taipei by High-Speed Rail

Travel back to Taipei in the evening, approx 1.5 hours ride.
TWD1250, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner near Taipei Main Station

Grab a quick meal at a popular local restaurant; many close late.
TWD300, 1h
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Day 9: Taipei Leisure & Shopping

Taipei, Taiwan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ice Monster

Try famous shaved ice desserts at the renowned shop, open 12pm–10pm but some locations open earlier.
TWD200, 45m

9:00am

Visit Taipei Zoo

Explore Asia-Pacific’s largest zoo, open 9am–5pm.
TWD60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taipei Zoo nearby cafes

Grab a meal at several available casual eateries near the zoo entrance.
TWD250, 1h

2:00pm

Elephant Mountain Hike

An easy trail with rewarding city views and sunset spots, open anytime.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or nearby cafe

Rest before final dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at RAW

Renowned fine dining showcasing modern Taiwanese cuisine; reservation recommended, open 6pm–10pm.
TWD3000, 2h
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Day 10: Departure

Taipei, Taiwan on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before preparing for airport transfer.
TWD150, 30m

9:00am

Airport MRT to Taoyuan

Travel to Taoyuan International Airport for flight departure.
TWD160, 1h
View Hotel Availability