Taiwan is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. It’s a very gorgeous island nation that’s received slightly 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 big swash of completely unspoilt mountain ranges, nationwide parks, and exquisite coastlines with a number of 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 automotive, even when the roads could be busy in cities like Taipei! Reality be instructed, I’d most likely advocate sticking to the MRT (metro system) and cabs or Uber in greater cities. A automotive could be extra of a problem, and the general public transport system is a dream. Oh yeah, be certain that to recollect: completely no consuming or ingesting while driving the MRT. It’s nice on the Excessive-Velocity 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 most effective 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 levels 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 experience 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 beneath 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 most effective 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 if you go to. Tainan is wonderful! You’re going to have the most effective time.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 gorgeous and located within the excessive mountains of Taiwan, which rise about 2,900 meters.
Now, should you’re planning on going, guide a switch or tour that may 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, guide the pre-sunrise practice (round 20 minutes) that takes you to the dawn spot. It’s lovely on a transparent day, although all the time be ready for inclement climate within the mountains of Taiwan.
Additionally, a closing be aware: resort selections within the Alishan Forest space are extra primary than in Taipei. There’s a lot much less selection—lodging are clear however not all the time on the upper finish should you’re used to the Grand Resort or Regent Resort in Taipei (as an illustration).
You may guide 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 a good way to discover the broader rural space, with a number of stops in small cities.
We completely cherished our practice experience, and it’s up there as the most effective issues to do in Taiwan which you can’t miss. Be certain to plan properly upfront – these tickets could be booked shortly.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
4.) Taipei
If you happen to’re visiting Taiwan from a world vacation spot, then it’s almost definitely that you’ll land within the capital metropolis of Taipei. It’s properly price spending a minimum of 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 a number of the finest speakeasies and bars within the metropolis, Taipei has all the pieces you possibly can 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 submit on all the most effective issues to do in Taipei if you go to. Our submit 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 find it irresistible.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
5.) Seashores in Taiwan
Taiwan may not instantly come to thoughts, but it surely has a number of the finest seashores within the area, and you may’t miss them whereas exploring the nation.
Now, in my view, a number of the finest are on the lesser-developed east coast of Taiwan or the island of Penghu, which is a brief airplane experience away (or ferry experience 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 neglect about Dongao Seashore (Google Maps hyperlink) and Fulong (Google Maps hyperlink) seashores, too. They’re gorgeous 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 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 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 have been away from the shoreline and on elevated floor with barely much less intense temperatures.
We cherished visiting the Lin Yuan Tea Manufacturing facility (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 strive selecting some tea leaves. The entire space is gorgeous, and it’s simply the most effective locations in Taiwan to go to as you enterprise larger into the mountains.
7.) Jiufen Previous Avenue
Round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei (or a 90-minute public transport experience), Jiufen Previous Avenue is properly price visiting should you’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, outlets and cafes alongside the best way.
We all the time advocate 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, guide this Juifen tour that may take you from Taipei, proper to the center of Jiufen.
It makes all of it really easy and is the right approach to discover should you’re quick on time. Simply you should definitely guide 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 experience by way of the mangrove waterways that crisscross this space round Tainan.
In my view, the inexperienced tunnel itself isn’t one of the crucial iconic spots to go to, but it surely’s very easy to incorporate on a journey to Tainan—particularly should 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
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 price 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 a number of 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 Nice Artwork and the Nationwide Museum of Pure Science, each inside Taichung. There’s a small entry charge, however it isn’t price it.
Within the night, head to the Yizhong Avenue Evening Market (Google Maps hyperlink), which is properly price spending a number of hours consuming, ingesting, and chilling! The entire vibe is so pleasant, and we cherished the shaved mango ice we had right here.
10.) Yuyupas Cultural Park
Yuyupas Cultural Park (Google Maps hyperlink) is simple to go to should you’re already heading into the mountains or the forest round Alishan Township.
Now, you would possibly surprise what makes it the most effective locations in Taiwan to go to? Properly, 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 bear in mind, no performances are in English. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless price 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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