Taiwan is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. It’s a very beautiful island nation that’s received a bit of little bit of one thing for each sort of traveller to expertise. Should you’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 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 will be busy in cities like Taipei! Reality be advised, I’d in all probability advocate sticking to the MRT (metro system) and cabs or Uber in greater cities. A automotive will be extra of a problem, and the general public transport system is a dream. Oh yeah, make sure that to recollect: completely no consuming or consuming while using the MRT. It’s positive 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 manner, 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 prepare journey from Taipei and a foodie metropolis full of 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 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 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 prime locations it’s essential 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 considered 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, when you’re planning on going, ebook 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, ebook the pre-sunrise prepare (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 closing observe: resort decisions 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 example).
You’ll be able to ebook tickets for the prepare 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 prepare that takes you across the Alishan forest on a half-day journey. The journey is beautiful and a good way to discover the broader rural space, with just a few stops in small cities.
We completely liked our prepare journey, and it’s up there as among the best issues to do in Taiwan that you could’t miss. Ensure that to plan properly prematurely – these tickets will be booked rapidly.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
4.) Taipei
Should you’re visiting Taiwan from a world vacation spot, then it’s more than likely that you’ll land within the capital metropolis of Taipei. It’s properly price 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 unimaginable Taipei Night time Markets to among the greatest speakeasies and bars within the metropolis, Taipei has the whole lot you would 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 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 may not instantly come to thoughts, however it has among the greatest seashores within the area, and you may’t miss them whereas exploring the nation.
Now, for my part, among the greatest are on the lesser-developed east coast of Taiwan or the island of Penghu, which is a brief aircraft 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 neglect about Dongao Seaside (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, make sure that 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 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 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 received to attempt choosing 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 price visiting when 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 at all times advocate 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, ebook 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 proper approach to discover when you’re quick on time. Simply make sure you ebook 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 means of the mangrove waterways that crisscross this space round Tainan.
In my view, 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 when you’re within the metropolis for a good few days. Excursions aren’t costly, they usually’re fairly relaxed. One observe 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 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 among the seasonal performances all year long. As at all times, make an observation that performances aren’t in English.
Additionally, make sure that to go to the Nationwide Twain Museum of Advantageous Artwork and the Nationwide Museum of Pure Science, each inside Taichung. There’s a small entry payment, however it isn’t price it.
Within the night, head to the Yizhong Avenue Night time Market (Google Maps hyperlink), which is properly price 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 straightforward to go to when 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 possibly can 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 price 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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