Taiwan is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. It’s a completely gorgeous island nation that’s received a little bit little bit of one thing for each sort of traveller to expertise. If you happen to’re into cities, you’ve received some completely vibrant cities like Taipei and the historic capital Tainan. Not solely that, there’s a large swash of completely unspoilt mountain ranges, nationwide parks, and delightful coastlines with among the finest seashores within the area.
Oh, and let’s not neglect how simple it’s to journey round Taiwan. The high-speed rail system is wonderful. Trains are punctual, clear, and tremendous quick, and we discovered this one of the simplest ways to get between city centres whereas travelling in Taiwan.
It’s additionally tremendous simple to lease a automobile, even when the roads may be busy in cities like Taipei! Fact be advised, I’d in all probability suggest sticking to the MRT (metro system) and cabs or Uber in greater cities. A automobile may be extra of a trouble, and the general public transport system is a dream. Oh yeah, be sure that to recollect: completely no consuming or consuming while driving the MRT. It’s fantastic on the Excessive-Velocity Railway—however not the MRT.
You’ll have the best time getting round Taiwan! So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to to Taiwan, we’re sharing one of the best locations in Taiwan to go to when you arrive. This manner, you’ll be able to focus all of your power on having enjoyable, with out being slowed down within the planning phases when you’re there.
1.) Tainan
Tainan is the previous capital of Taiwan and one metropolis you’ll be able to’t miss when visiting Taiwan. It’s a high-speed practice trip from Taipei and a foodie metropolis full of night time markets, eating places and funky cafes you’ll be able to’t miss.
We’ve spent fairly a little bit of time in Tainan, a type of cities that will get beneath your pores and skin.
From the extremely tasty night time markets, temples and mangrove tunnels – it’s a spot you’ll be able to’t miss when visiting one of the best locations in Taiwan to go to.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Tainan, we’ve jotted down all of the top places you need to visit in Tainan whenever you go to. Tainan is wonderful! You’re going to have one of the best time.
Read more: Best things to do in Tainan
2.) Alishan Forest
The Alishan forest is one in every of my favorite (and unspoilt) areas of Taiwan to go to. It’s gorgeous and located within the excessive mountains of Taiwan, which rise about 2,900 meters.
Now, when you’re planning on going, guide a switch or tour that can drop you off close to or across the Alishan Township. From right here, you’ll be able to comply with a heap of various trails, discover the boardwalk or watch the dawn with the ocean of clouds beneath you.
If the latter is your jam, guide the pre-sunrise practice (round 20 minutes) that takes you to the dawn spot. It’s lovely on a transparent day, although at all times be ready for inclement climate within the mountains of Taiwan.
Additionally, a remaining word: lodge selections within the Alishan Forest space are extra primary than in Taipei. There’s a lot much less selection—lodging are clear however not at all times on the upper finish when you’re used to the Grand Resort or Regent Resort in Taipei (as an illustration).
You possibly can guide tickets for the practice here.
3.) Formosensis Prepare
Departing from the Alishan Township space of Taiwan, the Formosensis Prepare (bookable here) is a newly renovated cedar-clad practice that takes you across the Alishan forest on a half-day journey. The journey is attractive and an effective way to discover the broader rural space, with just a few stops in small cities.
We completely beloved our practice trip, and it’s up there as probably the greatest issues to do in Taiwan that you could’t miss. Be sure to plan effectively upfront – these tickets may be booked rapidly.
Read more: Best things to do in Taipei
4.) Taipei
If you happen to’re visiting Taiwan from a global vacation spot, then it’s more than likely that you’ll land within the capital metropolis of Taipei. It’s effectively value spending at the least 2 days here in Taipei, particularly as there may be a lot to see, do, and eat in the city.
From the unimaginable Taipei Night Markets to among the finest speakeasies and bars within the metropolis, Taipei has all the pieces you could possibly need from a metropolis break.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your visit to Taipei, we’ve created a dedicated post on all the best things to do in Taipei whenever you go to. Our post deep-dives into all of the spots you’ll be able to’t miss in your go to and provides you a full run-down of the place to see and expertise throughout your keep.
Taipei is such an thrilling metropolis in Taiwan. You’ll find it irresistible.
Read more: Best things to do in Taipei
5.) Seashores in Taiwan
Taiwan won’t instantly come to thoughts, nevertheless it has among the finest seashores within the area, and you’ll’t miss them whereas exploring the nation.
Now, for my part, among the finest are on the lesser-developed east coast of Taiwan or the island of Penghu, which is a brief airplane trip away (or ferry trip from Kaohsiung) on the principle island of Taiwan.
At Kenting Baishawan (Google Maps link), you’ll discover how clear and pristine the shoreline is. Like, it seems untouched, and the water is so good and heat. Additionally, don’t neglect about Dongao Seaside (Google Maps link) and Fulong (Google Maps link) seashores, too. They’re gorgeous areas to decelerate and benefit from the pristine shoreline of Taiwan itself.
As at all times, be sure that to pack loads of SPF. The solar could be very robust in Taiwan, particularly on a transparent day.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Yehliu Geopark, too. It’s lovely, particularly round Oyster Rock, Queen’s Head and Fairy’s Shoe.
6.) Taiwan tea plantation
Tea is king in Taiwan! Black tea, oolong tea, you identify it, Taiwan has it! Not solely is tea drunk abundantly in Taiwan, however there are additionally many tea plantations you’ll be able to go to throughout the nation.
We discovered it best to go to some tea plantations on the drive as much as the Alishan Forest space (excessive within the mountains). A lot of the tea plantations we visited have been away from the shoreline and on elevated floor with barely much less intense temperatures.
We beloved visiting the Lin Yuan Tea Manufacturing unit (Google Maps link), a couple of 45-minute drive west of Alishan Township.
Right here, we participated in a tea ceremony, the place we tried some native black tea and even received to strive selecting some tea leaves. The entire space is gorgeous, and it’s simply probably the greatest locations in Taiwan to go to as you enterprise larger into the mountains.
7.) Jiufen Previous Road
Round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei (or a 90-minute public transport trip), Jiufen Previous Road is effectively value visiting when you’re within the northeast of Taiwan.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to discover the tiny streets and alleyways that make the hilly Jiufen space particular. As you discover on foot, you’ll go to so many little foodie stalls, retailers and cafes alongside the best way.
We at all times suggest visiting within the late afternoon. This manner, you’ll get to Jiufen reworked from day to nighttime and see the long-lasting neon lights that make this space so iconic.
To make issues simpler, book this Juifen tour that can take you from Taipei, proper to the center of Jiufen.
It makes all of it really easy and is the right strategy to discover when you’re brief on time. Simply make sure you book this tour in advance; tickets promote out quick at peak occasions.
8.) Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel and Sicao Dazhong Temple
Whereas in Tainan, we took a brief journey to the close by Sicao Green Tunnel and Sicao Dashing Temple. The Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel is a brief, 25-minute trip via the mangrove waterways that crisscross this space round Tainan.
For my part, the inexperienced tunnel itself isn’t one of the iconic spots to go to, nevertheless it’s very easy to incorporate on a trip to Tainan—particularly when you’re within the metropolis for a good few days. Excursions aren’t costly, they usually’re fairly relaxed. One word is that there are not any excursions in English.
Afterwards, go to the Sicao Dazhong Temple, which is a one-minute stroll from the Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel.
Visits take round 45 minutes and are simply included (however not important) when visiting the broader Tainan space of Taiwan.
9.) Taichung
Virtually halfway down the west aspect of Taiwan, Taihchung is one other metropolis to go to whereas exploring the island. Though it doesn’t have the draw of Tainan or Taipei, it’s nonetheless value visiting for a day journey or perhaps a chilled half-day journey down the west coast of Taiwan.
As soon as right here, pop into the Nationwide Taichung Theatre for among the seasonal performances all year long. As at all times, make an observation that performances aren’t in English.
Additionally, be sure that to go to the Nationwide Twain Museum of Superb Artwork and the Nationwide Museum of Pure Science, each inside Taichung. There’s a small entry payment, however it’s not value it.
Within the night, head to the Yizhong Road Night time Market (Google Maps link), which is effectively value spending just a few hours consuming, consuming, and chilling! The entire vibe is so pleasant, and we beloved the shaved mango ice we had right here.
10.) Yuyupas Cultural Park
Yuyupas Cultural Park (Google Maps link) is simple to go to when you’re already heading into the mountains or the forest round Alishan Township.
Now, you would possibly marvel what makes it probably the greatest locations in Taiwan to go to? Effectively, Taiwan isn’t only one unified tradition. Many ethnic teams make up this island nation, and the Yuyupas Cultural Park is the place you’ll be able to study extra about their historical past and tradition in Taiwan.
As soon as right here, you’ll see performances by various cultural teams that showcase Taiwan’s lengthy historical past and heritage.
Simply keep in mind, no performances are in English. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless value visiting as a part of a guided tour or to study extra about Taiwan’s deep cultural heritage. Visits take round 90 minutes.
Read more: Best things to do in Taipei
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