Ultimate 6-Week Backpacking Adventure Through Taiwan: Culture, Nature, and Cuisine

Day 1: Taipei Arrival

Taipei, Taiwan on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast with fresh soy milk, egg pancakes, and youtiao at this iconic Taipei eatery open from 5am to 12pm.
TWD100, 1h

10:30am

Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Explore the grand plaza and gardens around the iconic landmark, learning about Taiwan's historical leader. Open daily 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Xinyi)

Try the world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other steamed delicacies at the original branch, open 11am-9pm.
TWD400, 1h30m

2:00pm

Taipei 101 Observatory

Head to the top of Taipei 101 for panoramic city views from one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Open 9am-10pm.
TWD600, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll through Elephant Mountain Trail

Enjoy a scenic 30-45 minute hike for sunset views overlooking Taipei’s skyline and Taipei 101.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market

Sample exotic street foods including pepper buns and bubble tea at this lively market open until midnight.
TWD300, 2h
View Hotels

Day 2: Northern Coast Exploration

Keelung and Jiufen, Taiwan on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lingjia Night Market (Early Morning stalls)

Try freshly made Taiwanese breakfast treats before heading north. Many vendors open early around 7am.
TWD150, 1h

9:00am

Visit Keelung Miaokou Night Market (morning visit)

Though famous as a night market, a stroll during the day offers a look at local seafood markets and temples. The market stalls open around 10am.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Jiufen Old Street

Discover the historic mountain town famed for tea houses and narrow alleys along with beautiful coastal views. Shops open by 10am.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at A-Mei Tea House

Savour a traditional Taiwanese tea set paired with local snacks in a charming tea house offering stunning views. Open 9am-6pm.
TWD500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Gold Museum in Jinguashi

Learn about Taiwan’s gold mining history with fascinating exhibits and trails. Open 9am-5pm.
TWD150, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jiufen Local Street Stalls

Try local delicacies like taro balls and herbal rice cakes in the atmospheric evening setting. Vendors mostly open from 4pm onwards.
TWD250, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: East Coast to Hualien

Hualien, Taiwan on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on train or local eatery

Enjoy a quick Taiwanese breakfast either at Taipei Main Station or aboard the train to Hualien.
TWD150, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Taipei to Hualien by train

Take the scenic 2-3 hour train ride along Taiwan’s beautiful east coast with ocean views.
TWD440, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gongzheng Baozi

Indulge in famous Hualien steamed buns and local specialties near the train station. Open till 3pm.
TWD150, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Taroko Gorge National Park

Spend the afternoon hiking scenic trails among marble cliffs, waterfalls, and temples. Park open 24 hours, better to visit before sunset.
Free, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dongdamen Night Market

Sample diverse and fresh aboriginal and local Taiwanese foods at this lively market. Open from 5pm until late.
TWD300, 2h
View Hotels

Day 4: Hualien to Taitung Adventure

Taitung, Taiwan on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local bakery in Hualien

Grab freshly baked pastries and Taiwanese coffee before travelling.
TWD150, 1h

9:00am

Train from Hualien to Taitung

Enjoy the beautiful east coast train route with sea views en route to Taitung. Approximately 2-hour journey.
TWD376, 2h

11:30am

Visit Taitung Forest Park

Relax and explore walking paths, lakes, and natural scenery in this peaceful urban park open 6am-10pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Taitung Tiehua Music Village

Enjoy traditional Taiwanese flavours at eatery stalls combined with live music performances. Open 11am-3pm.
TWD250, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Taitung Art Village

Discover local aboriginal art and crafts in this cultural hub. Open till 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fu Hang Dou Jiang (Taitung branch)

Taste hearty Taiwanese soy milk and breakfast dishes served all day, perfect for an early dinner. Open from 6am to 9pm.
TWD200, 1h
View Hotels

Day 5: Kenting Beach Relaxation

Kenting, Taiwan on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at local cafe in Taitung

Fuel up with Taiwanese tea eggs and soy milk before the journey south.
TWD150, 1h

8:30am

Travel from Taitung to Kenting by bus

Take a 3-4 hour bus ride through Taiwan's scenic southern countryside to its tropical southernmost point.
TWD300, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ah-Bu’s Sandwich

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and juices near Kenting Main Street. Open 10am-8pm.
TWD200, 1h

2:30pm

Relax on Kenting Beach

Spend a few hours swimming or sunbathing at Kenting’s popular beaches open all day.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Explore Kenting Night Market

Sample fresh seafood and a variety of night market treats. Open from 6pm until late.
TWD300, 2h
View Hotels

Day 6: Kaohsiung City Tour

Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near Kenting

Have a quick Taiwanese style breakfast with soy milk and radish cake before departure.
TWD150, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Kenting to Kaohsiung by bus

Take a scenic 2-hour bus ride north to the bustling metropolis of Kaohsiung.
TWD250, 2h

10:30am

Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Explore this impressive Buddhist cultural park with giant Buddha statues and temples. Open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ruifeng Night Market (day stalls)

Enjoy a sampling of Kaohsiung street food even during daytime hours in this large market. Stalls open from 11am.
TWD300, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Pier-2 Art Center

Discover contemporary art installations and creative shops in a revitalised port warehouse district. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Liuhe Night Market

Try famous seafood snacks and traditional Taiwanese dishes. Market open 6pm-midnight.
TWD350, 2h
View Hotels

Day 7: Taichung Culture and Nature

Taichung, Taiwan on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Kaohsiung

Eat noodle soup and soy milk at a local breakfast shop before travelling.
TWD150, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Taichung by train

Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail or regular train for approximately 1.5 hours to Taichung.
TWD700, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Rainbow Village

Witness colourful street art created by a former soldier brightening up a small village. Open daily 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chun Shui Tang Tea House

Savour authentic bubble tea and Taiwanese cuisine at this well-known establishment open 11am-8pm.
TWD350, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore National Taichung Theater

Visit this architectural marvel with exhibitions, performances, and cafes. Open 10am-9pm.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Walk in Taichung Park

Relax by the lake and historic pavilion in this central park open till 9pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fengjia Night Market

Experience one of Taiwan’s largest night markets offering an array of delicious street foods. Open 5pm-late.
TWD400, 2h
View Hotels

Day 8: Return to Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Taichung

Try Taiwanese soy milk and scallion pancakes at a popular local breakfast joint.
TWD150, 1h

9:00am

Travel Taichung to Taipei by High Speed Rail

Return swiftly by HSR for about 1 hour to Taipei city centre.
TWD700, 1h

11:00am

Visit National Palace Museum

Explore one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese imperial artefacts open 8:30am-6:30pm.
TWD350, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Shilin Market Food Court

Try a variety of street foods inside Taiwan’s largest night market open also during daytime hours.
TWD300, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax in Daan Forest Park

Unwind with a walk or paddle boat ride in Taipei’s large urban park open 5am-11pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice

Enjoy classic Taiwanese braised pork rice, a local favourite open from 11am-9pm.
TWD150, 1h
View Hotels