Taiwan is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. It’s a completely beautiful island nation that’s received a bit little bit of one thing for each sort of traveller to expertise. When you’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 greatest seashores within the area.
Oh, and let’s not neglect 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 the easiest way to get between city centres whereas travelling in Taiwan.
It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to lease a automotive, even when the roads may be busy in cities like Taipei! Fact be informed, I’d in all probability suggest sticking to the MRT (metro system) and cabs or Uber in greater cities. A automotive may be extra of a trouble, and the general public transport system is a dream. Oh yeah, be sure to recollect: completely no consuming or consuming while using the MRT. It’s fantastic on the Excessive-Pace Railway—however not the MRT.
You’ll have the best time getting round Taiwan! So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to to Taiwan, we’re sharing the perfect locations in Taiwan to go to when you arrive. This fashion, you possibly can 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 possibly can’t miss when visiting Taiwan. It’s a high-speed practice journey from Taipei and a foodie metropolis crammed with night time markets, eating places and funky cafes you possibly can’t miss.
We’ve spent fairly a little bit of time in Tainan, a kind of cities that will get underneath your pores and skin.
From the extremely tasty night time markets, temples and mangrove tunnels – it’s a spot you possibly can’t miss when visiting the perfect 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 it is advisable to go to in Tainan whenever you go to. Tainan is wonderful! You’re going to have the perfect time.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Tainan
2.) Alishan Forest
The Alishan forest is one among 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, for those who’re planning on going, e-book a switch or tour that can drop you off close to or across the Alishan Township. From right here, you possibly can 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 at all times be ready for inclement climate within the mountains of Taiwan.
Additionally, a closing word: resort selections within the Alishan Forest space are extra fundamental than in Taipei. There may be a lot much less selection—lodging are clear however not at all times on the upper finish for those who’re used to the Grand Lodge or Regent Lodge in Taipei (for example).
You possibly can e-book tickets for the practice right here.
3.) Formosensis Practice
Departing from the Alishan Township space of Taiwan, the Formosensis Practice (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 a number of stops in small cities.
We completely beloved our practice journey, and it’s up there as among the finest issues to do in Taiwan that you would be able to’t miss. Be certain to plan nicely upfront – these tickets may be booked rapidly.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
4.) Taipei
When you’re visiting Taiwan from a global vacation spot, then it’s almost definitely that you’ll land within the capital metropolis of Taipei. It’s nicely value spending at the least 2 days right here in Taipei, particularly as there may be a lot to see, do, and eat within the metropolis.
From the unbelievable Taipei Evening Markets to among the greatest speakeasies and bars within the metropolis, Taipei has every little thing you could possibly 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 publish on all the perfect issues to do in Taipei whenever you go to. Our publish deep-dives into all of the spots you possibly can’t miss in your go to and offers 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 like it.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
5.) Seashores in Taiwan
Taiwan may not instantly come to thoughts, nevertheless it has among the greatest seashores within the area, and you may’t miss them whereas exploring the nation.
Now, in my view, among the greatest are on the lesser-developed east coast of Taiwan or the island of Penghu, which is a brief airplane journey away (or ferry journey from Kaohsiung) on the primary 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 neglect 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 at all times, be sure to pack loads of SPF. The solar may be very robust in Taiwan, particularly on a transparent day.
Oh, and don’t neglect 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 identify it, Taiwan has it! Not solely is tea drunk abundantly in Taiwan, however there are additionally many tea plantations you possibly can 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 beloved visiting the Lin Yuan Tea Manufacturing unit (Google Maps hyperlink), a few 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 attempt selecting some tea leaves. The entire space is beautiful, and it’s simply among the finest locations in Taiwan to go to as you enterprise increased into the mountains.
7.) Jiufen Previous Avenue
Round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei (or a 90-minute public transport journey), Jiufen Previous Avenue is nicely value visiting for those who’re within the northeast of Taiwan.
As soon as right here, you possibly can 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 fashion, 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, e-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 for those who’re brief on time. Simply you’ll want to e-book this tour upfront; 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 Inexperienced Tunnel and Sicao Dashing Temple. The Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel is a brief, 25-minute journey by means of the mangrove waterways that crisscross this space round Tainan.
In my view, the inexperienced tunnel itself isn’t one of the vital iconic spots to go to, nevertheless it’s very easy to incorporate on a journey to Tainan—particularly for those who’re within the metropolis for a good few days. Excursions aren’t costly, and so they’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 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 at all times, make an observation that performances aren’t in English.
Additionally, be sure to go to the Nationwide Twain Museum of High quality Artwork and the Nationwide Museum of Pure Science, each inside Taichung. There’s a small entry charge, however it isn’t value it.
Within the night, head to the Yizhong Avenue Evening Market (Google Maps hyperlink), which is nicely value spending a number of 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 hyperlink) is simple to go to for those who’re already heading into the mountains or the forest round Alishan Township.
Now, you would possibly surprise what makes it among the finest 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 possibly can be taught 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 be taught extra about Taiwan’s deep cultural heritage. Visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
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