Taiwan is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. It’s a completely beautiful island nation that’s acquired somewhat little bit of one thing for each sort of traveller to expertise. Should you’re into cities, you’ve acquired 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 delightful coastlines with a number of the greatest 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 simplest 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! Fact be advised, 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, ensure that to recollect: completely no consuming or ingesting 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 will help 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’ll be able to focus all of your vitality 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 journey from Taipei and a foodie metropolis crammed with evening 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 kind of cities that will get below your pores and skin.
From the extremely tasty evening markets, temples and mangrove tunnels – it’s a spot you’ll be able to’t miss when visiting the very best locations in Taiwan to go to.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Tainan, we’ve jotted down all of the prime locations it is advisable go to in Tainan while you go to. Tainan is wonderful! You’re going to have the very best time.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Tainan
2.) Alishan Forest
The Alishan forest is certainly one of 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 can drop you off close to or across the Alishan Township. From right here, you’ll be able to observe a heap of various trails, discover the boardwalk or watch the dawn with the ocean of clouds under 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 ultimate notice: lodge selections within the Alishan Forest space are extra fundamental than in Taipei. There’s a lot much less alternative—lodging are clear however not at all times on the upper finish in case you’re used to the Grand Resort or Regent Resort in Taipei (for example).
You may 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 a good way to discover the broader rural space, with a couple of stops in small cities.
We completely cherished our practice journey, and it’s up there as among the best issues to do in Taiwan that you would be able to’t miss. Be certain that to plan properly prematurely – these tickets may be booked rapidly.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
4.) Taipei
Should you’re visiting Taiwan from a global vacation spot, then it’s most certainly that you’ll land within the capital metropolis of Taipei. It’s properly value spending not less than 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 a number of the greatest speakeasies and bars within the metropolis, Taipei has all the things you possibly can need from a metropolis break.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your go to to Taipei, we’ve created a devoted publish on all the very best issues to do in Taipei while you go to. Our publish 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 adore it.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
5.) Seashores in Taiwan
Taiwan won’t instantly come to thoughts, nevertheless it has a number of the greatest seashores within the area, and you’ll’t miss them whereas exploring the nation.
Now, in my view, a number of 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 to be 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 at all times, ensure that to pack loads of SPF. The solar may 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’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 cherished 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 acquired to strive selecting some tea leaves. The entire space is beautiful, and it’s simply among the best locations in Taiwan to go to as you enterprise increased into the mountains.
7.) Jiufen Outdated Avenue
Round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei (or a 90-minute public transport journey), Jiufen Outdated Avenue is properly value visiting in case 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 way in which.
We at all times 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 can take you from Taipei, proper to the center of Jiufen.
It makes all of it really easy and is the right approach to discover in case you’re quick on time. Simply make sure you 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 journey by 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 in case you’re within the metropolis for a good few days. Excursions aren’t costly, they usually’re fairly relaxed. One notice 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 a number of the seasonal performances all year long. As at all times, make an observation that performances aren’t in English.
Additionally, ensure that to go to the Nationwide Twain Museum of Fantastic 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 Night time Market (Google Maps hyperlink), which is properly value spending a couple 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 in case you’re already heading into the mountains or the forest round Alishan Township.
Now, you may surprise what makes it among the best 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’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 bear 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: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
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