Taiwan is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. It’s a completely beautiful island nation that’s bought a bit little bit of one thing for each kind of traveller to expertise. If you happen to’re into cities, you’ve bought 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 exquisite coastlines with among the finest seashores within the area.
Oh, and let’s not overlook how straightforward 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 best ways to get between city centres whereas travelling in Taiwan.
It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to lease a automobile, even when the roads may be busy in cities like Taipei! Reality be informed, I’d in all probability suggest sticking to the MRT (metro system) and cabs or Uber in larger cities. A automobile may be extra of a trouble, and the general public transport system is a dream. Oh yeah, be certain that to recollect: completely no consuming or consuming while driving the MRT. It’s high-quality on the Excessive-Pace Railway—however not the MRT.
You’ll have the simplest time getting round Taiwan! So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to to Taiwan, we’re sharing the very best locations in Taiwan to go to when you arrive. This fashion, you may focus all of your vitality on having enjoyable, with out being slowed down within the planning levels when you’re there.
1.) Tainan
Tainan is the outdated capital of Taiwan and one metropolis you may’t miss when visiting Taiwan. It’s a high-speed practice trip from Taipei and a foodie metropolis crammed with night time markets, eating places and funky cafes you may’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 may’t miss when visiting the very best locations in Taiwan to go to.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your time in Tainan, we’ve jotted down all of the high locations you might want to go to in Tainan while you go to. Tainan is wonderful! You’re going to have the very best time.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Tainan
2.) Alishan Forest
The Alishan forest is one in all my favorite (and unspoilt) areas of Taiwan to go to. It’s beautiful and located within the excessive mountains of Taiwan, which rise about 2,900 meters.
Now, in case you’re planning on going, e-book a switch or tour that may drop you off close to or across the Alishan Township. From right here, you may observe 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, e-book the pre-sunrise practice (round 20 minutes) that takes you to the dawn spot. It’s stunning on a transparent day, although all the time be ready for inclement climate within the mountains of Taiwan.
Additionally, a last be aware: lodge decisions within the Alishan Forest space are extra primary than in Taipei. There’s a lot much less alternative—lodging are clear however not all the time on the upper finish in case you’re used to the Grand Resort or Regent Resort in Taipei (as an illustration).
You’ll be able to e-book tickets for the practice right here.
3.) Formosensis Prepare
Departing from the Alishan Township space of Taiwan, the Formosensis Prepare (bookable right 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 liked our practice trip, and it’s up there as top-of-the-line issues to do in Taiwan that you may’t miss. Be certain that to plan nicely prematurely – these tickets may be booked rapidly.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Taipei
4.) Taipei
If you happen to’re visiting Taiwan from a world vacation spot, then it’s most definitely that you’ll land within the capital metropolis of Taipei. It’s nicely value spending a minimum of 2 days right here in Taipei, particularly as there’s a lot to see, do, and eat within the metropolis.
From the unbelievable Taipei Night time Markets to among the finest speakeasies and bars within the metropolis, Taipei has every thing you might need from a metropolis break.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to to Taipei, we’ve created a devoted put up on all the very best issues to do in Taipei while you go to. Our put up deep-dives into all of the spots you may’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.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Taipei
5.) Seashores in Taiwan
Taiwan won’t instantly come to thoughts, however it has among the finest seashores within the area, and you may’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 aircraft trip away (or ferry trip from Kaohsiung) on the principle island of Taiwan.
At Kenting Baishawan (Google Maps hyperlink), 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 overlook about Dongao Seashore (Google Maps hyperlink) and Fulong (Google Maps hyperlink) seashores, too. They’re beautiful areas to decelerate and benefit from the pristine shoreline of Taiwan itself.
As all the time, be certain that to pack loads of SPF. The solar could be very sturdy in Taiwan, particularly on a transparent day.
Oh, and don’t overlook about Yehliu Geopark, too. It’s stunning, 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 title it, Taiwan has it! Not solely is tea drunk abundantly in Taiwan, however there are additionally many tea plantations you may 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 had been away from the shoreline and on elevated floor with barely much less intense temperatures.
We liked visiting the Lin Yuan Tea Manufacturing facility (Google Maps hyperlink), 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 bought to attempt choosing some tea leaves. The entire space is beautiful, and it’s simply top-of-the-line 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 nicely value visiting in case you’re within the northeast of Taiwan.
As soon as right here, you may 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, outlets and cafes alongside the way in which.
We all the time suggest visiting within the late afternoon. This fashion, you’ll get to Jiufen remodeled from day to nighttime and see the enduring neon lights that make this space so iconic.
To make issues simpler, e-book this Juifen tour that may take you from Taipei, proper to the guts of Jiufen.
It makes all of it really easy and is the right technique to discover in case you’re quick on time. Simply remember to e-book this tour prematurely; tickets promote out quick at peak instances.
8.) Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel and Sicao Dazhong Temple
Whereas in Tainan, we took a brief journey to the close by Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel and Sicao Dashing Temple. The Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel is a brief, 25-minute trip by means of 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, however it’s very easy to incorporate on a journey to Tainan—particularly in case you’re within the metropolis for a good few days. Excursions aren’t costly, and so they’re fairly relaxed. One be aware 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
Nearly halfway down the west facet 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 all the time, make an observation that performances aren’t in English.
Additionally, be certain that to go to the Nationwide Twain Museum of Tremendous Artwork and the Nationwide Museum of Pure Science, each inside Taichung. There’s a small entry payment, however it isn’t value it.
Within the night, head to the Yizhong Road Night time Market (Google Maps hyperlink), which is nicely value spending just a few hours consuming, consuming, and chilling! The entire vibe is so pleasant, and we liked the shaved mango ice we had right here.
10.) Yuyupas Cultural Park
Yuyupas Cultural Park (Google Maps hyperlink) is simple to go to in case you’re already heading into the mountains or the forest round Alishan Township.
Now, you would possibly surprise what makes it top-of-the-line locations in Taiwan to go to? Nicely, Taiwan isn’t only one unified tradition. Many ethnic teams make up this island nation, and the Yuyupas Cultural Park is the place you may 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. Nonetheless, 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.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Taipei
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