tours to taiwan

Taiwan Tours & Vacations

When Portuguese sailors first saw Taiwan off the starboard bow in 1544, they christened it Ilha Formosa, the 'Beautiful Island'.

And can you blame them? For 400 years communists, capitalists, imperialists, and everyone in between have fought over its mist-shrouded forests, soaring peaks, and plunging coastal cliffs. These days it’s definitely a case of ‘come for the adventure, stay for the stir-fries’, with some of the best fusion cuisines around, top road cycling, excellent mountain trekking, and world-class coffee to boot. Also variously known as the Republic of China and Chinese Tapei, Taiwan is a destination that has most definitely come into its own.

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Taiwan at a glance

Capital city.

23.9 million

(GMT+08:00) Taipei

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Taiwan

Best time to visit taiwan.

While there’s really no bad time to visit Taiwan, some months are more predictable than others.

September to November is the best time to visit when you’ll find balmy nights, rich autumn foliage, and off-peak prices.

Traveling in spring (March to May) is down to luck: it could be clear skies, monsoonal rain, or even a sandstorm blown over from   China .

Swimming is best mid-year (June to August) when the weather can heat up, but there is always the small risk of typhoons.

Geography and environment

Taiwan is a little like   South America   with its spine-like ridge of (often impassable) mountains running southwest through the center of the island. The beauty of this setup is that topography and environment can change very quickly.

You can be cycling through low-lying rice paddies around Taitung one day, traversing the high forest passes of Yushan the next, and then finishing up on the white northern beaches around Fuguei Cape.

Generally, the central national parks and east coast are the most spectacular regions; the west coast is flat and highly developed with urban areas spreading over the river basins and flood plains that lead to the sea.

Top 5 attractions in Taiwan

1. sun moon lake.

One of Asia’s best-kept secrets, Sun Moon Lake is easily the equal of any Como, Bled, or Windermere. It’s a huge blue oasis hidden among the green peaks of Taiwan’s central mountain ranges. By day it’s merely beautiful, but in the blue-gold light of dawn, with mists rolling over the water and local fishermen paddling past, it’s like something out of a fairy tale.

2. Taroko Gorge

They have to shoot a James Bond chase scene through here, that’s all there is to it. Taroko Gorge was made for the cinema. It’s a winding maze of looming marble crags, huge cut-out roads tunneling right into the mountains, rushing river gorges, and looping alpine passes. If you are ever being chased by gangsters in your supercar, you want it to be here.

3. Qingshui Cliffs

Just google an image of ‘Qingshui Cliffs’ before we continue. All done? Now you know what we’re talking about. They’re basically a 21 km stretch of sheer jungle-covered cliffs plunging straight into the East China Sea, with a tiny highway clinging on about halfway up. This is not a journey for vertigo sufferers, but for fans of jaw-dropping natural wonders, it’s a must-do.

An easy one to tick off, since it’ll probably be your first stop in Taiwan. The northern city of Taipei is the island’s capital and offers a beating, chaotic counterpoint to the Zen-like beauty of the southern national parks. If you think it’s crazy by day, just wait until night, when a neon glow lights the sky and lantern-lit markets spring up in the colorful Songshan district.

5. Penghu Islands

Penghu is one of Taiwan’s hidden gems, an archipelago of 90 islands between the mainland and China. They’re remote, but worth the journey, with brilliant beaches devoid of crowds, glorious temples, towering basalt columns, and genuine old-fashioned Chinese hospitality. Penghu is also a windsurfing mecca and a nesting ground for rare green sea turtles. Not bad for one tiny volcanic island chain.

Further reading

Taiwan travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?

TAIWAN VISA

Nationals of most countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, which permits a duration of stay of 30-90 days. Please check with your nearest consulate for your specific eligibility.

Is tipping customary in Taiwan?

Tipping is not really common practice in Taiwan, except perhaps in the more high-class hotels. Most restaurants have a service charge built into the price, and taxi drivers will usually return your change to you.

What is the internet access like in Taiwan?

As one of Asia’s more tech-savvy destinations, cyber cafes are common in the major cities. Free Wi-Fi can also usually be found at the local library.

Can I use my cell phone while in Taiwan?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Taiwan, apart from some of the more remote mountain areas. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.

What are the toilets like in Taiwan?

Modern flushing toilets are commonplace in Taiwan, although it can be hard to find a public toilet in large cities.

What will it cost for a…?

Beer = 50 TWD Simple lunch at a cafe = 60 TWD Dinner in a restaurant = 150 TWD Street meal = 40 TWD Train ticket = 20 TWD Bottle of water = 19 TWD

Can I drink the water in Taiwan?

Water in Taiwan is usually filtered, and therefore safe, but use your common sense. Restaurants will generally filter their water, as will most of the drinking fountains. If you can’t find these in the more rural areas, bring some purification tablets to treat the water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Taiwan?

Most hotels and department stores accept VISA and Mastercard, but Diners and AMEX are not usually accepted. For restaurants and small stores, cash is the normal form of payment.

What is ATM access like in Taiwan?

ATM access in Taiwan is exceptional, with most of their ATMs able to withdraw money from anywhere in the world using the Plus or Cirrus system. There is usually a TWD 20,000 limit for cash withdrawals.

What public holidays are celebrated in Taiwan ?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 1 Jan Founding Day of the Republic of China
• 2 Jan New Year's / Republic Day Holiday
• 27 Jan Chinese New Year
• 28 Jan Chinese New Year
• 29 Jan Chinese New Year
• 30 Jan Chinese New Year
• 31 Jan Chinese New Year
• 1 Feb Chinese New Year
• 27 Feb 228 Peace Memorial Day (Additional Holiday)
• 28 Feb 228 Peace Memorial Day
• 3 Apr Qingming Festival /Tomb Sweeping Day (Additional Holiday)
• 4 Apr Qingming Festival /Tomb Sweeping Day
• 4 Apr Children's Day
• 29 May Dragon Boat Festival (Additional Public Holiday)
• 30 May Dragon Boat Festival
• 4 Oct Mid-Autumn / Moon Festival
• 9 Oct ROC National Celebration Day (Additional Holiday)
• 10 Oct ROC National Celebration Day

*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Taiwan go to World Travel Guide's website

Is Taiwan accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We’re committed to making travel accessible for everyone, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Taiwan generally has   accessibility   in mind when building new infrastructure, however, as a mountainous place there are many natural barriers to those with limited mobility. Outdoor activities such as hiking or visiting national parks are common on itineraries and may be off limits to wheelchair users or travelers for who steps or uneven ground are an issue. Wheelchair-accessible tour buses may be able to be booked in advance and taxis are good value. MRT trains have accessible facilities. Many hotels and guesthouses will have barrier-free rooms, but often cafes and restaurants have seating on upper floors without lifts. Outside Taipei and Kaohsiung cities and towns can lack sidewalks.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

THE 10 BEST Taiwan Tours & Excursions

Taiwan tours.

• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi Day Tour from Taipei

2. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Taipei: The 10 Tastings

3. Private Taroko Gorge National Park Day Tour

4. Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour

5. Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup

6. Half Day Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern

7. 4-Hour Morning Cycling Tour in Taipei (incl. breakfast)

8. Taipei Food Tour and Colorful Bubble Tea Making

9. Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei

10. 5-Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Lukang

11. Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi

12. Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class)

13. Classic Taipei Landmarks Day Tour

14. Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour from Taipei

15. 7-Hour Jiufen Night View, Shifen Waterfall & Raohe Market Tour

16. Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Taipei by Train

17. Day Tour to Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower and Anping Castle

18. Full-Day Tour in Shifen, Jiufen and Yehliu of Taipei

19. Taipei Food Tour: Night Market & Convenience Store(Food Included)

20. [Private Tour] Shilin Night Market Walking Tour With a Private Tour Guide (2-hr)

21. Private Car: 8 Hour Highly Customized Taipei City Exploration!

22. Taipei Old Town - Taiwan Introduction Walking Tour

23. Taipei Private Custom Tours with a Local: Highlights & Hidden Gems

24. Private Custom Taipei Airport Layover Tour

25. One-Day Private Guided Tour in Taroko Gorge from Hualien

26. Private Yangmingshan Volcano Tour

27. Full-Day Taroko National Park Tour from Hualien City

28. Keelung Shore Excursion Private 8-Hour Taipei Urban Adventure!

29. Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour

30. Taipei City Tour with National Palace Museum Ticket

What travelers are saying.

#1 Agency for Taiwan Tours in 2024

Lets start planning your Taiwan Tour...

Meet our Taiwan Tour Guides

Winner of World Luxury Travel Awards

We listen closely to your needs to create an experience of Taiwan that is personalized, private and unique.

• We help you plan your trip from initial correspondence to seeing you safely to the airport.
• Perhaps most importantly, we offer you an extra level of comfort where you can rest assured that whatever the situation, you have native English speakers available 24/7 to help resolve any and every issue.

Taiwan’s natural beauty never fails to amaze. We look forward to showing you around.

As seen on TripAdvisor

XIHUA CHENG

“Steven Liu is another of your excellent staff… I will certainly not forget his patience and dedication towards his job. He deserves my family praises – and they really do have a high regard for his dedication in driving us all safely throughout Taiwan.”

“Joe Huang is the best guide. He spoke good English, was a skillful and safe driver on the very narrow and steep roads, and was patient and good humoured.”

“Our driver/guide for the 2 days Mr Xi was absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable and entertaining, even showed us a couple of things we didn’t ask for ( we didn’t even know of them) which was very good of him.” 

"Our extended family visited Taiwan for the holidays. The logistics of trying to book a trip by ourselves were an impossible hurdle. Life of Taiwan did an amazing job! They coordinated pickups for four different groups arriving at different times and effortlessly managed a flight delay caused by weather. Our all encompassing custom tour included Sun Moon Lake, Taroko National Park, Tainan, Alishan, and finishing with a wonderful stop in Taipei. We experienced wonderful hikes, great meals, beautiful sights, and beautiful culture. Everyone had their own favorite place. My favorite was Alishan. The amazing local guides, Corbett and Irene, gave us a wonderful introduction to the indigenous people of Taiwan. The people of the De’enyana Village stole my heart. Our tour bus was comfortable and our driver (Chang) and guide (Steven) were great additions to our experience. Steven really did a wonderful job sharing Taiwan's beauty and keeping us all moving in the right direction."

Private Tours 

Family Tours 

Couple Tours

Custom Tours

Private Drivers

Restaurant Food Tours 

Street Food/ Night Markets

Day/ Night Walking Tours

We are a 5-Star rated, award-winning Taiwan tour agency specializing in private tours for anyone interested in having unique and authentic Taiwan experience.

Explore the rich tapestry of Taiwan's culture through immersive tours that highlight its historical landmarks, traditional arts, bustling night markets, and unique culinary delights. 

Experience a hiking adventure in Taiwan, exploring breathtaking landscapes and national parks, with expert guides leading you through iconic trails and relaxing hot springs. 

Embark on a sensory journey through Taiwan's renowned tea regions, experiencing the art of tea making, tasting exquisite varieties, and immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of tea plantations. 

Delve into Taiwan's storied past with a heritage tour that takes you through ancient temples, historic settlements, and cultural museums, revealing the island's rich history and enduring traditions. 

Culture Tours

Hiking Tours

Heritage Tours

Enjoy a private family tour of Taiwan, starting in Taipei with visits to landmarks like Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, and indulging in the city's vibrant street food culture. 

Discover the hidden treasures of Taiwan with a personalized private tour, tailored to your interests and preferences, offering an intimate exploration of its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. 

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Taiwan's natural wonders, from the majestic Taroko Gorge to the serene Sun Moon Lake, on a tour that showcases the island's diverse landscapes and ecological marvels. 

Explore Taiwan's diverse culinary landscape on a  private food tour, tasting local specialties at bustling night markets and a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Private Family Tours

Custom Private Tours

Natural Wonders Tours

Capture the essence of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures on a photography tour, guiding you to the most picturesque locations and offering expert tips to perfect your shots. 

Enhance team cohesion and experience Taiwan's unique corporate culture with a tailored corporate tour, combining professional development workshops, team-building activities, and insights into local business practices. 

Embark on an educational and adventurous journey through Taiwan with a student youth group travel tour, offering a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and fun activities tailored for young travelers. 

Embark on a 5-day, 7-day  or 9-day luxury tour of Taiwan, featuring opulent accommodations, gourmet dining, and private guided tours of the country's natural wonders and cultural landmarks. 

Photography Tours

Corporate Experience Tour

Student Youth Group Travel Tour

5-Day, 7-Day, 9-Day Private Tours

We can also customize a personalized Taiwan itinerary to create an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

Experience the ultimate private tour of Taiwan with Life of Taiwan and our team of expert tour guides.

We understand that the key to a successful tour is detailed preparation and seamless execution, which is why we only work with the best tour guides in the business. 

Our specialist guides are highly qualified and experienced in a range of tours, including heritage tours, food tours, tea tours, hiking tours, and family tours and much more.

Here is What Travelers had to say About Our Expert Tour Guides!

PATRICK LEE

“Patrick, our guide was very informative, sensitive and aware of our needs. He patiently waited for us to take pictures (he also took our pictures a lot) and showed us the specialty food the cities have to offer. He’s also a very good driver.” 

“Our guide Ron was very good in English and explained, narrated to us the history of each place we go to. He knows the background and history.” 

“Beautiful country and genuinely gracious people. Almost thinking if we should retire there! Then again, the experience would not have been this fulfilling were it not for Life of Taiwan’s detailed planning and choice of guide (Mr Hsu) for us.” 

Magical Life Long memory

Life of Taiwan is a brand owned by Ta Chi Travel Service Co Ltd., a fully licensed tour operator in Taiwan. 

© Copyright 2012 - 2023 Life of Taiwan

Tours in Tawian

Tea Tours 

Hiking Tours 

5-Day, 7-Day, 9-Day Tours

Culture/ Heritage Tours

Corporate Tours

Student Tours

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Customized Private Taiwan Tours:

*Hotel booking assistance available if required.

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What Our Customers Say About Us

Hassle free every penny was worth it..

Brought my senior citizen parents with me and decided to buy tour tickets instead just to make sure that we'll be able to release lanterns at the event... A must-attend festival indeed before you die. Thanks again MyTaiwanTour for this convenient tour!

Angel , U.S.

Great guide and great family tour

Our guide, Esther, was awesome! She was able to give us a bunch of history and was accommodating with our two elementary-age sons. The tour is great for young kids when they won't make the full day. Ending at Din Tai Fung is a great concept.

Matt P. , U.S.

Great Introduction to Taipei With Flexible Itinerary

Jett rearranged the typical itinerary to accommodate our wishes. Provided us with excellent commentary about Taiwan, made sure that we were perfectly placed for the changing of the guard, took us to a great restaurant and then guided us through the museum.

Richard J , U.S.

Seven day private tour

Highly recommended. Debby was easy to deal with and more especially patient as we changed our itinerary constantly. Gordon our driver was fun and friendly and happy to change the itinerary to suit the weather, our changing moods, and levels of tiredness.

Douglas99 , U.K.

Like Good Friends Over a Cup of Tea

The best part of this tour is the people who guided us along this trip. The trip was engaging like we were traveling with good friends whom we just actually met that day. These guys created a memorable experience on our Taiwan trip.

Stephen C. , Philippines

Amazing day with Kevin visiting Jiufen and Taipei!

Kevin picked us up with a big smile and a warm welcome to Taiwan. Kevin kept us so entertained and informed that we almost forgot it was raining. We had to alter our day some because of the rain but Kevin had many options for us. We had the most enjoyable day!

mcguireshanealan , U.S.

Excellent private tour!

Excellent guide, very knowledgeable. And great driver! They were able to give us different routes to get to our destinations! Very friendly and kind, too. We were really able to see the main spots in Jiufen and Yilan. The food they recommended was great as well.

Faus Y. , U.S.

Excellent introduction to Taipei

We had an absolutely excellent visit with David. He was a wealth of knowledge not only about tea but about Taiwan itself. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone spending more than a few days in Taipei.

Andrew W. , U.K.

Recommended Tour Around Taiwan - A Journey of Connection

Read a fantastic story from our customer about her trip across Taiwan, visiting many breathtaking natural sites.

Jiufen - A Place of Remembrance

In the enchanting town of Shifen, a second-generation Chinese family from Aruba found solace and unity as they crafted a lantern in honor of their late son, Jordan. With the lantern's heartfelt message glowing against the night sky, their shared moment of remembrance became a poignant memory etched in time.

5 Best Things To Do Around Taipei 101

After shopping and seeing the view on Taipei 101 and... What are other must-visit places near Taipei 101?

Best Places to Visit in Taipei City

Taipei is a city of contrasts, seamlessly blending the modern with the historical. If you only got one day, Explore these essential destinations that you must visit!

6 Things To Do Around National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Wondering what to do after visiting Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall? How about visiting more local activities nearby?

Discover Taiwan’s hidden gems

Which Part Of Taiwan Would You Like To Visit?

Taiwan is an island with both natural environments and urban cities.

Click on one of the four icons to check each region’s main feature.

NORTHERN REGION

EASTERN REGION

CENTRAL REGION

SOUTHERN REGION

Northern Taiwan is home to the island's capital, Taipei. This vibrant city is the economic heart of the island. Just outside of Taipei are national parks, soaring mountains, cave temples, tea farms, and ceramic towns filled with culture.

Taiwan's Eastern Region is famous for its natural valleys and oceanic spots along the Pacific Ocean. It's also home to Taroko Gorge, the largest marble canyon in the world, and indigenous communities.

Taiwan's Central region is home to Sun Moon Lake, a natural wonder of Taiwan. Taiwan's tea farms, local whisky, and agricultural roots can be explored here.

Taiwan's Southern Region is known for its beach resorts, warm hospitality, and warm weather. Towering religious statues can be seen in this culturally-rich part of the island.

Recommended Tours

Check our what’s popular among travelers.

Taipei 101 Top Floor Tour

Taipei city and Taipei suburbs One day

See Taipei from new heights! MyTaiwanTour is one of the only tour companies in Taiwan that can take you to THE 101th floor of Taipei 101. After meeting at Taipei 101, walk just one block to Four Four South Village and explore how Taiwan preserves its culture and adapts to the new world at this old military village turned young art museum. Then, return to 101 and begin your journey up to one of the tallest buildings in the world. Learn about its state-of-the-art technology and innovative, architectural design along the way. Once at the top, "walk along the clouds" safely with proper saftey equipment and capture the moment with the building's perfectly placed, pre-installed camera. After you've come down from your high, enjoy exclusive entrance to Bar88 where you will sip innovative drinks and enjoy panoramic views from the 88th floor. Finish the evening at Taipei's most iconic restaurant, famous for its soup dumplings (xiaolongbao). Experience the MyTaiwanTour difference!

Rural Tea Tour

One day Culture and History Tour

Experience firsthand how organic Taiwanese tea is grown and produced at a real operating tea farm in Yilan that still uses traditional tea processing methods passed down by generations. Pick leaves with a local tea farmer at the plantation and learn how they are harvested (without modern machines) and prepared to become tasty cups of Oolong. Then, experience a rare, hands-on experience learning how to roll and roast tea leaves. After a lunch of traditional Yilan cuisine, head to a quaint pottery house and coffee shop for some therapeutic ceramics painting. There, you will learn the ancient art of decorating blue and white China in a DIY class and will even take home your very own souvenir! Discover the beauty of the small town of Yilan with this slow travel experience!

Jiufen Night Tour

One day Adventure Tour

Explore Taiwan's northeast coastline and the mountainous town of Jiufen by night! Before the sun sets, stop by Yehliu Geopark, a relaxing seacoast attraction home to a number of unique geological formations. Then, head to Jiufen, where the lantern-lined alleys of this old mining own come alive at night, creating a magical experience said to resemble scenes from the Miyazaki classic, "Spirited Away." After dinner, relax at a traditional tea house and enjoy views of the illuminated and elevated town before returning to your accommodation.

Around Taiwan 8 Day Private Tour (Classic)

Multi-day Adventure Tour

Take a step back in time with a full day tour of Taiwan’s northern villages renowned for their charm, history, and culture: Jinguashi, Jiufen, and Pingxi. Jinguashi is a quaint, coastal town famous for its former gold mines. Tour the Thirteen Ruins, an abandoned refinery high up in the mountains overlooking the gold and blue Yin Yang Sea of Ruifang. The coastal town of Jiufen is said to be the inspiration for the Miyazaki classic Spirited Away, so expect to be similarly enchanted

Taipei city and Taipei suburbs Half day

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The 6 Best Taiwan Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!

Posted on Last updated: March 27, 2024

Categories Taiwan , Asia , Tours

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Taiwan’s strong presence and intense history can be traced back to its indomitable spirit and intensely patriotic people. The distinctive mix of cultures is a clear reminder of Taiwan’s strive t be peaceful. You will see an array of cultures and beliefs here living together in harmony.

Perhaps Taiwan’s most favorable quality is its generosity and distinct kindness towards others. In Taiwan, you will be met with some of the finest hospitality and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

There are several similarities between china and Taiwan but don’t be fooled, taiwan and china are completely different countries. Taiwan has been colonized by several different countries but each time has been able to become free once more. Taiwan was a sovereign state for thousands of years until the mid-17th century when the Netherlands colonized the island which lasted roughly 40 years.

With the strong independent spirit of the people, the country was able to become independent again for another 20 years before China stepped in and began to govern the island for another 200 years. Taken over briefly by Japan, the country was then given back to China again after Japan’s major defeat in World War ll.

Taiwan was then a free nation under the rule of the Chinese Nationalist Party. Once the mainland was taken over by the Communist party of china in 1949, the island of Taiwan remained nationalist. In fact, Nationalist soldiers and other affiliations of the party retreated to Taiwan after mainland china cut Taiwan off from the rest of the country.

Since then, Taiwan has abandoned its ties to mainland china, it has been working tirelessly to become completely recognized as independent by the U.N.

Taiwan remains a center for creativity, individuality, and diversity. With a population of 23.57 million, Taiwan can definitely be seen as very dense for the size of the island.

With some of the most beautiful natural parks spanning across the island and with the big city of Taipei in the north, you will find a variety of different lifestyles and perspectives which you will find truly remarkable. Now let’s look at the top places to visit within the country and later on, the best tours in Taiwan.

• Taipei, Taiwan

The booming capital of Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan and is often considered the heart of the country. Taipei is where your journey should start. This is due to its rich culture, easy navigation, and tons to do! Exploring the city of Taipei can take days as there is just so much to do and see.

Taipei was established when Chinese migrants began to develop the city. It quickly became a significant city and during the 19th century became a part of International trade. This is due to the ports of Tan-Shui and Chi-Lung.

Even after the country was declared part of China, Taiwan did remain the capital. Even when Japan colonized Taiwan it kept Taipei as the capital. Taipei has withstood multiple different leaderships throughout hundreds of years but remains the city of Taipei. 

When visiting Taipei it’s almost impossible to not get lost in the bright lights of the city. There is just so much to see and do within the city. Start your Taipei adventure by touring the Manka neighborhood by visiting Longshan temple.

Built-in 1738 this grand Buddhist temple was built in honor of the Buddhist goddess of mercy. It is one of the oldest Lungshan temples in Taiwan and after visiting, you will be left feeling peaceful or maybe you may gain a whole new perspective by visiting the temple. Either way, it’s one of the most popular spots in Taipei, and it is worth a visit.

 If you’re on the lookout for some more cultural beauties, then take a tour of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. You will find some beautiful temples as well as the royal monument. If you’re lucky, you may even see the changing of the guards which takes place every two hours between 10 AM – 6 PM. The complex is made up of several different monuments and sites that are breathtaking and worth the visit. 

Taipei is a city you don’t want to miss. This concrete jungle will leave you speechless with its intense beauty and even historical strength. Once you visit once, you will most definitely want to return. 

• Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second-largest city and is considered the largest port city in Taiwan. The city is a fusion of several different cultures and traditions to create something truly extraordinary and unique. The city itself is full of things to do and the city which is why it’s considered popular with travelers.

The city is home to several beaches as well as many cafes, bustling restaurants, fun and exciting nightlife, cultural attractions, and some of the best music festivals in the world. Even if you don’t necessarily want to stay in the city itself, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vast variety of wildlife parks and reserves to bring you straight to the magic itself. 

Start in the city by visiting the many museums and exhibits available. You will get lost in the intense history and knowledge waiting to be uncovered in the city. Just a few of the many museums include the National science and technology museum, the museum of fine arts, and the Kaohsiung museum of history. 

Perhaps for those looking to learn more about the culture of the city, take a tour of the dragon and tiger pagodas. The pagodas are situated on lotus lake in the Zuoying district of the city. The temple was built in 1976. Inside two spiral staircases are going up seven stories in each building. The tiger and dragon pagodas are one of the top attractions in the city due to their cultural significance and beauty. 

Kaohsiung is a city to remember. The bright colors, intense but immersive culture, and warm hospitality make it a great place to take a break from the big city of Taipei and enjoy more of the traditions and culture that keep alive. 

You may be asking yourself a few questions. Should I take a group tour to Taiwan? Or perhaps how do I plan my trip to Taiwan? 

It can get confusing quickly, especially if you’re unfamiliar with travel planning or perhaps you just don’t know where to start in terms of planning the perfect Taiwanese getaway. Planning the perfect trip can be tedious and a lot of work.

That’s why it’s always best to leave it to the experts and let them give you the trip of your dreams. By taking an organized tour you are getting a firsthand look at the country through the eyes of a local or expert of the nation who can provide you will almost anything you need while you’re there.

This is especially a good option for those who are not yet adventurous to do it on their own but still want to experience the country in detail. This is also why it’s important to take a group tour or a multi-day organized tour to gain full insight into everything you’ll want to see and do while you’re there. Now let’s take a look at the best tours in Taiwan.

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Explore Taiwan

Taiwan classic southern island fun (private), around formosa taiwan, abandoned taiwan, south taiwan coast by road bike, eastern beauty of taiwan (private), intrepid travel.

On this 11-day adventure, you will get the chance to see the ultimate side of Taiwan with breathtaking views from the Taiwanese shoreline, beautiful ancient temples, and lush greenery.

You will get a chance to observe and connect with the Taiwanese culture by enjoying some of the traditional food, witnessing some of the religious traditions and even learning a bit about the history of the country with your expert guide. You will also enjoy a lesson on Taiwan’s highlands and unmatched scenery. 

Please note that this tour does include a lot of walking. However, the use of private transport and subways will be available for part of your tour. It is also important to note that this tour does require physical activity and may require a moderate to high fitness level.

This tour is not recommended for families with small children however it can be a great option for solo travelers, families with older kids, couples, group travelers, and holiday vacations. 

Your tour will start and end in Taipei and you will have a full 11 days to explore the country of Taiwan. Visiting a total of 8 cities within the country, you will get a chance to see the best cities within the island nation of Taiwan. Your meals, transportation, expert guide, and hotel are all included in the price of your tour. So let’s look at the day-to-day itinerary for this tour. 

Day One: Welcoming where you will get a chance to meet your tour guide.

Day Two: Sweet Potato Mama, Genesis Social Welfare Foundation, Shillin market, Chiang Kai Memorial, and Dihua st. 

Day Three: Visit Hualien Danong Dafu Forest Park.

Day Four: Hualien – visit Qingshui cliff, Taroko National Park, Taroko Gorge, Truku Village, and more.

Day Five: Trip to Yilan to see the spring onion farm, the island’s whisky distillery, and swim in the local hot springs.

Day Six: Turtle Island, Jiufen, and Taipei.

Day Seven: Sun Moon Lake. 

Day Eight: Puli Moon Lake.

Day Nine: Fangyuan and Taichung.

Day Ten: Return to Taiwan

Day Eleven: Departure at any time.

This 11-day Taiwanese adventure tour will give you the ultimate experience in Taiwan by showing you some of the top cities and top attractions within the country. You will get a chance to see some of the top cultural sites while also immersing yourself in the natural beauty and unique wildlife on the island. 

The tour is offered by Intrepid Travel, well known for its multiday tours around the world. This operator works hard to give travelers the most immersive and authentic approach to traveling to each country.

With that being said, Intrepid travel has an overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars and the tour itself has a rating of 4.5 out of five stars. Travelers overall recommend the tour and it is considered one of the best tours in Taiwan. 

MyTaiwanTour

Visiting the south of Taiwan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a region of the country that is not regularly toured. Considered a treasure trove, the south is just a capsule of the country’s culture and history.

Far from the city, the south of Taiwan is known for its beautiful beaches and authentic rural Taiwanese life. The city of Taipei is where most travelers stay in Taiwan but Taipei doesn’t give you the full perspective into the culture of Taiwan. 

On this tour, you will get a chance to see some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches in the world in combination with some of the best resort towns, and historic temples and of course taste some delicious local food. 

You will start and end your journey in Tapei on this active adventure tour around the southern portion of Taiwan. You’ll spend 5 days touring around the country with the ability to visit 4 cities in Taiwan. Your tour includes hotel stays, an expert guide, meals, and transportation. However, it does not include insurance, gratitude, or flights from your country of origin. Here is a look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.

Day One: Taipei – Kenting (arrival day)

Day Two: Kenting 

Day Three: Kenting – Kaohsiung

Day Four: Kaohsiung – Tainan

Day Five: Tainan – Taipei (departure day) This five-day tour includes a one-of-a-kind look into an off-the-beaten path within the country of Taiwan. With some of the most beautiful beaches and underrated beach towns, you will be completely serenaded by the beachy vibes of the south of Taiwan.

With a rating of 4.2 out of five stars. The tour itself is operated by my Taiwan tour local tour company to make travel to Taiwan accessible to all. With a local and authentic outlook, the company strives to give travelers the ultimate experience within the country. Travelers recommend this tour and it is one of the best tours to take within the country.  

Previously known as Formosa, Taiwan’s underrated views and outdoor wildlife are often underlooked but rest assured, the views, stunning coastlines, and the Taroko Gorge, are sites in Taiwan that nature lovers simply can’t miss. Visiting the south of the island gives you time to retreat from the crowds of the city and fully indulge in the natural side of Taiwan.

With this intense nature lovers tour, you will start your journey in Taipei and end your journey there too. You’ll have ten days to visit 9 cities within Taiwan and you can travel at ease knowing almost everything is included. Meals, transportation, an expert guide, and hotel stays.

This is the perfect getaway for solo travelers, travelers with older kids, couples, group travelers, or even holiday vacations. Taking the time to enjoy some of the natural beauty within the country of Taiwan can be considered almost therapeutic and is something well worth doing on your trip to Taiwan. Here is a look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.

Day One: Arrive in Taipei.

Day Two: Visit Puli and Sun Moon Lake

Day Three: Sun Moon Lake and Kaohsiung.

Day Four: Kenting National Park and Taitung

Day Five: East Coast National Scenic Area and Hualien

Day Six: Taroko Gorge.

Day Seven: Taipei.

Day Eight: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Pingxi.

Day Nine: YangMingshan Hot springs.

Day Ten: Departure from Taipei.

This ten-day nature lovers retreat around Taiwan will leave you speechless at the natural beauty and inspiring landmarks within the country. Being able to completely immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Taiwan as you retreat to mother earth for the ultimate relaxation and stress decompression, is simply an experience you will never forget.

This tour is operated by MW Tours an Asian company focused on giving tours the best experience possible at an affordable rate. Being able to enjoy one-of-a-kind countries and locations at an affordable rate. Travelers do agree with MW Tours and have rated the company 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The tour itself, however, is rated five out of five stars so we can confidently say travelers highly recommend this tour for its exceptionally organized tour and a fantastic guide. While reviewing the best tours in Taiwan, this is one you should definitely consider. 

Crooked Compass

Explore some of the forgotten wonders of Taiwan on this 11-day abandoned Taiwan tour. You will get a chance to see some of Taiwan’s forgotten history relics and some very unsettling and almost creepy things too. Get ready for an 11-day jam-packed adventure discovering some of the eeriest but cool places around Taiwan that not many people have seen.

You will get a chance to also see the city of Taipei as well as some of the country’s most beautiful natural parks like Taroko national park. You’ll get a chance to explore a side of Taiwan that few people have seen. Visiting some of the last remains of Taiwanese history can be the ultimate for most and definitely, a bucket list opportunity. 

With this 11-day Taiwanese adventure, you’ll spend your days visiting 6 cities in the country of Taiwan and you will also start and end your tour in the capital, Taipei. You can book this tour with ease knowing that your hotel stay, transportation, knowledgeable guide, meals, and much more are completely included in the cost of your tour.

However, it is important to note that your flights from your country of origin, insurance, or gratitudes are not included at this time. Here is an exciting look into what this tour entails and how you would spend your days here, in Taiwan.

Day One: Arrive in Taipei and meet your guide. 

DayTwo: Treasure Hill artist village, National Taiwan University, Beitou area, and the local night markets.

Day Three: Visit the northern coast, shipyard in Keelung, Layar Ruins, and Jinshan sites.

Day Four: Chiang Shek Status Park, Yutengping bridge ruins, Da Yang Oil Depot in Dadu and Taichung City

Day Five: Spend the day sightseeing around Taichung City.

Day Six: Visit ChungHua, Yunlin, and Chiyai.

Day Seven: Visit the Old Chiyai Jail, Shuiyun Police Station, and Anping. 

Day Eight: Visit Kaohsiun and sightsee for the day.

Day Nine: Visit the WuZhou Theatre in Taitung as well as do more sightseeing and exploring in Hualien and Qingjing.

Day Ten: Visit CheChang in Nantou as well as the Zhen Chang wood factory. You will also get a chance to see Taichung.

Day Eleven: departure at any time. 

On this eleven-day journey through some of the top abandoned sites in the country of Taiwan, you will get a chance to see to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey that few can say they’ve been on. That’s why this tour can be considered unique from the rest.

Being able to show you abandoned pieces of Taiwanese culture firsthand is something truly incredible, something you won’t forget. It is the perfect adventure for history buffs or those looking for an interesting Asian adventure. 

Operated by Crooked Compass, a company aimed at providing tourists with affordable and one-of-a-kind tours you just can’t get anywhere else. Crooked Compass Tours is driven to give each traveler a sense of adventure or perhaps a unique story to tell forever.

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars, Crooked Compass can be considered one of the highest-rated tour companies on Tour Radar. The tour itself has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars as well. With that being said, travelers are over the moon for this tour and we can recommend it as one of the best tours in Taiwan. 

SpiceRoad Cycling

Are you ready to cycle through some of the most beautiful destinations in Taiwan? Perhaps surrounded by some of the best nature you’ve ever seen? This cycling tour is your best opportunity to explore the roaring and underrated beauty of the south.

You’ll see a variety of landscapes, traditions, and people blended to create the unique region of the south of Taiwan. You’ll get a chance to escape the city life of Taipei and indulge in the country life of the south of Taiwan on this tour.

You will start this tour in the beautiful city of Kaohsiung and end in Hualien. On this 7-day discovery biking package you get a chance to see Kaohsiung and 4 other cities in Taiwan. You will get a chance to see some of the best views with little to no crowds which will make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Your tour includes accommodations as well as an expert guide, meals, transportation, road bikes, and more. This is the perfect tour for couples, solo travelers, travelers with families, or group travelers. Here is a look at what your cycling adventure would look like.

Day One: Arrive in Kaohsiung.

Day Two: Visiting Kenting and Kaohsiung. This includes a visit to Bai Sha beach. The beach featured in the movie “Life with Pi”

Day Three: Sightseeing in Jin Lun.

Day Four: Day trip to Rift Valley and An Tong.

Day Five: Visit Hualien and continue the journey down the Rift Valley.

Day Six: Visit Taroko Gorge.

Day Seven: Depart at any time. 

On this one-week tour, you will get a chance to completely submerge yourself in the south of Taiwan while biking on some of the most beautiful roads and witnessing some of the most stunning views and landscapes in the world. If you are an active person or love to bike this is the tour for you and the best tour in Taiwan for you! 

Operated by SpiceRoad Cycling, this tour is designed for some of the craziest biking fanatics out there and some of the most adventurous travelers. SpiceRoad Cycling is committed to giving travelers the best cycling journeys in each country. The operator strives to give cycling fans their operator so they can cycle around the world, without having to plan their journeys or worry about obtaining a bike.

Travelers rate this tour operator 4.5 out of five for their organization, fantastic guides, and fantastic customer service. The tour itself is also rated a 4.5 out of five. with that being said, travelers are raving about this tour and it is one of the best tours in Taiwan. 

The enchanting beauty of Taiwan’s east coast is well known within Taiwan but those abroad lack a visit to this diamond in the rough. With some of the most pristine waters and beautiful wildlife, it’s no wonder locals love this place, and now is the perfect time to see it before it becomes overrun with tourists. On this 5-day tour, you will get a chance to see all of the beauty the east has to offer.

You will be taken to some of the best-undiscovered locations with a chance to witness some of Taiwan’s most beautiful natural wonders. You will get a chance to stop in Rift Valley, and Taroko gorge as well as visit some of the indigenous tribes who lived in the region for thousands of years.

Enjoy the richest and most intense magic that the Taiwanese culture possesses and you will be completely swept away on this tour. Start and end your journey in the capital of Taiwan, Taipei! On this 5-day discovery tour package you will get a chance to witness some of the most unique cultures and traditions of Taiwanese beauty as well as surround yourself with the beauty of the east coast.

You can book this tour with ease knowing your accommodations, knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and much more are completely included in the cost of the tour. Without further adieu, here is a look at your 5-day tours, and let’s take a moment to imagine exactly what you will be doing. 

Day One: Arrive in Taipei and start by visiting Su’ao and Hualien.

Day Two: Coastal cliffs and beach visit, Baxian cave, visit monkeys on Donghe bridge with an option flying experience. 

Day Three: Introduced to Taiwanese indigenous tribes, experience indigenous life, taste Chishang rice for lunch, visit rift valley, and stop at the tropic of cancer marker.

Day Four: Sugar Cane Factory, Clam digging experience, taste local Taiwanese dishes, spend some time at Liyu Lake. 

Day Five: Taroko Gorge and then back to Taipei where you can depart at any time. 

On this 5-day tour through some of the untouched beauty of Taiwan, you will get a chance to explore the country in detail considering the tour only lasts 5 days. Visiting some of the most beautiful sites and getting a chance to experience the local culture will change you and expand your perception of the world. 

The tour is operated by MyTaiwanTour a local company, driven to give travelers the best Taiwanese experience and introduce them to the unique culture of the country. This tour is rated 4.2 out of five stars and the operator is also rated 4.2 out of five stars. With that being said, travelers highly recommend the tour and it is one to consider when looking for the best tour in Taiwan that works for you. 

In conclusion, the country of Taiwan is simply one you can’t miss. Though often outshined by its neighbors the country of Taiwan deserves to be recognized as one of the best countries in the world.

With some of the strongest people, the richest culture, and beautiful, untouched natural landscapes, the country is a hidden gem, a paradise just waiting for you to come and say hello. So come, and visit this one-of-a-kind diamond in the rough nation, you will truly be amazed. Visit Taiwan – Taiwan is the heart of Asia.

If none of these tours work for you in Taiwan, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in Taiwan now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Taiwan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Taiwan is one of the most underrated budget destinations in Asia. It offers a beautiful — and super affordable — mix of east and west, blending the culture and cuisines of mainland China , Japan , and Hong Kong . And all with a fraction of the crowds.

I don’t think enough people visit Taiwan. I spent time here as an English teacher and have revisited the country since. There is a lot to do there: hiking the mountains, eating at night markets, drinking at tea houses, lounging on beaches, and enjoying the country’s amazing nightlife. No matter your interests, Taiwan won’t disappoint — especially if you’re a foodie. The food here is some of the best in the region!

This travel guide to Taiwan can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this underrated island!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Taiwan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

1. Visit Jiufen

Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations. Founded during the Qing dynasty, Jiufen boomed as a gold mining town in the 1890s. Here, you can find all kinds of historic tea houses built into the hillside. The center of the city and its historic streets and buildings are all preserved and look as they did 100 years ago. Try the snacks on offer, visit one of the many tea houses, and do some hiking if you have time. It’s a pretty easy day trip from Taipei but you should aim to come early to beat the crowds. If your itinerary allows for it, consider spending a night here so you can experience it without the daytripper crowds.

2. Soak in the Hot Springs

Especially fun to visit in winter, the Beitou Hot Springs are just 30 minutes from downtown Taipei and you can get there on the MRT (you need to go to Xinbeitou station). There are lots of resorts, spas, and inns in the area which, with a vast array of wildlife and fauna, really feel like you’ve traveled much further afield. Visit the Hot Springs Museum, the Xinbeitou Historic Station, and Thermal Valley (a sulfurous lake nearby that has walking trails) while you’re here. There are also some really cool temples here, including the tiny wooden Puji Temple.

3. Explore Taroko National Park

Located southeast of Taipei, this national park offers visitors a chance to hike through beautiful mountainous terrain and gorges. It spans almost 250,000 acres and is one of only nine national parks in Taiwan. With loads of cliffs and waterfalls to explore, it’s a really stunning place to visit. Head to the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge for some amazing views and to the Eternal Spring Shrine or to the Changing Temple for a bit of culture and history. Some suggested walking trails include Shakadang, Changchun, Swallow Grotto, and Lushui-Heliu. Entrance to the park is free.

4. Visit Taipei 101

Formerly known as Taipei World Trade Center, this was the tallest building in the world from when it opened in 2004 until 2010 (when the Burj Khalifa took its place). Standing 508-meters (1,667-feet) tall, it towers over Taipei. There is an observation platform on the 89th floor (at 382-meters high). You can also go up to the 91st floor for an outdoor platform. If you’re needing some retail therapy (and can fit anything else in your bags), there’s a shopping mall at the bottom.

5. Explore the night markets

Taipei is home to dozens of night markets. Shulin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Tonghua Night Market, Snake Alley, and Ningxia Night Market are all worth spending some time exploring but there are over 30 to choose from in Taipei alone. The food at these markets is the best (and cheapest) in the city. So much so that a few have even been given Michelin Bib Gourmands!

Other Things to See and Do in Taiwan

1. visit taipei.

Taipei is the epicenter of the country. Here there are sprawling food markets, a wild nightlife, spacious parks, and all kinds of interesting and quirky museums. Plus, the nearby mountains are full of easy and accessible hikes. Be sure to take a free walking tour, visit the National Palace Museum, see some temples (especially Confucius Temple and Bao-an Temple), and visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. I can’t sing the praises of this city highly enough (I lived here when I taught English). For even more on the city, here’s my full list of things to do in Taipei!

2. Go island hopping

The Pescadores Islands (known locally as Penghu) is an archipelago off the west coast between Taiwan and China. There are 90 islands in the region, perfect for exploring on a day trip. You can take a boat tour that visits several islands in the region, allowing you to snorkel, see sea turtles, and wander through traditional aboriginal villages and explore temples galore. Expect to pay around 1,500 TWD for a one-day multi-island tour.

3. See Tianhou Temple

Located in Taipei, this is one of the oldest temples in the city. Tianhou (also known as Mazu Temple, after the deity Mazu, goddess of the sea) was built in 1746 and is one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s a beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creatures, incense, lucky goldfish, and people paying respect to the gods. Admission is free.

4. Hit the beach

The beaches of Kenting on the southern tip of the island are the best place to enjoy the summer weather. White Sand Bay is the most popular beach and a great place to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun. Other beaches worth checking out are Fulong Beach, South Bay, Dawan Beach, Laomei Beach, and Little Bali Bay.

5. See the Lantern Festival

The famous Taiwan Lantern Festival is held every February/March and involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. There’s also a huge parade with floats, most of which relate to the year’s animal (from the Chinese zodiac). Thousands of people gather to watch and take part. To ensure the environment is protected, make sure you use a biodegradable eco-friendly lantern.

6. Hike Jade Mountain

Jade Mountain (also known as Yushan), the highest peak in Taiwan and East Asia with its peak at almost 4,000 meters above sea level, is a popular hike. If you don’t hike, there’s a special train that takes you to the peak before dawn (150 TWD). Most people do the hike over a couple of days, however, you can do it in a single day if you wake up super early and hike but that will mean over 10 hours of hiking. You’ll also need permits in advance so talk to your hotel or hostel staff as they can help you arrange those.

7. Tour Fo Guang Shan Monastery

This Zen monastery in Kaohsiung is a massive complex with eight towering pagodas that flank the monastery’s Big Buddha (which, at 36-meters tall, is the highest seated bronze Buddha in the world). Built in 1967 and spanning over 74 acres, the complex has a spacious outdoor walkway lined by manicured gardens as well as the huge pagodas. There are also over 14,000 statues of the Buddha here. Admission is free (donations are welcome) and there’s a delicious vegetarian restaurant inside with a huge buffet.

8. Visit the National Palace Museum

This museum, located in Taipei, has a collection of over 70,000 artifacts from Imperial China. Most of the collection was brought to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War (1929–1947). In addition to their permanent exhibits, there are also rotating exhibits throughout the year as well as a section for children. There are free daily tours in English as well as a detailed audio guide if you’d rather explore yourself. Admission is 350 TWD.

9. See the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Officially known as Liberty Square, this national monument was built in 1976 in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, former president of the Republic of China. He ruled mainland China from 1928 to 1949, and then in Taiwan from 1949 until his death in 1975. The memorial also houses a library and a museum that documents Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career. Tours in English are available daily but must be booked in advance. Admission is free.

10. Take a cooking class

Taiwan is a foodie’s dream and I always overindulge while I’m here. Noodle soups, incredible rice dishes, amazing buns, dumplings, and scallion pancakes are just some of the tasty local offerings. While cooking classes here are a little pricey, I think they are worth it if you really want to learn about the food. The cooking skills (and recipes) make a great souvenir to take home too. Expect to pay around 2,000 TWD for a class.

11. Go hiking

Taipei has plenty of hiking trails just outside town that are easily accessible. There are easy, moderate, and challenging trails, as well as both short and full-day hikes. Some suggested trails to check out are Xiangshan (easy, 45minutes), Bitoujiao (moderate, 2-3 hours), Jinmianshan (easy, 1.5 hours), Huang Didian (hard, 5 hours), and Pingxi Crag (moderate, 2-3 hours).

12. Visit Orchid Island

Located 64 kilometers (40 miles) off the southeastern coast, this lush, volcanic island offers hiking, swimming, diving, and amazing hot springs. There are also underground houses here, built to avoid the numerous typhoons that ravage the region. The island is home to only 5,000 people too. Visit the Lanyu Flying Fish Cultural Museum to learn about local culture. Flights from Taipei take just over an hour and cost around 4,500 TWD.

13. Hike Wuling Peak

For more hiking, head to Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain. Located in Central Taiwan, it stands 3,275 meters (10,744 feet) above sea level and makes for a good day trip for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. The peak here is so high you can actually look down into a sea of clouds below. A round-trip hike takes around 2-3 hours. Be sure to bring a raincoat as well as water and sunscreen.

14. Explore the Northern Coastline

Head to the coast to see the otherworldly lunar-like landscapes at Yehliu Geopark. There are all kinds of unique rock formations here, including one that looks like Queen Elizabeth (which took over 4,000 years to form). It’s a popular tourist attraction so try to get here early to beat the crowds. Admission is 120 TWD.

15. Visit Tainan

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban area, established by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near Kaohsiung, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple), several night markets, a historic old town, and a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.

16. Explore Taichung

Taichung is located in west-central Taiwan and is the second-largest city in the country. Spend some time walking the Parkway (a corridor of greenery perfect for walking and exploring), visit the Feng Chia Night Market, see the botanical garden, and explore the massive National Museum of Natural Science. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Taichung Folklore Park which is home to several traditional Taiwanese homes and buildings that showcase the country’s history.

Taiwan Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels dorms with 6-8-bed cost between 300-700 TWD per night. A private room costs anything from 1,000-3,000 TWD. Every place has free Wi-Fi and most hostels have self-catering facilities and include free breakfast.

Budget hotels start at 950 TWD for a small room with a double bed. Most rooms have AC but free breakfast is rarely included.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting at 650 TWD per night, though they average at least triple that. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 1,000 TWD (though prices average triple that). Book early to find the best deals.

Wild camping is generally prohibited but there are lots of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay at least 300 TWD for a basic plot without electricity.

Food – Taiwanese cuisine is a mix of influences, from Chinese, Japanese (owing to the Japanese occupation), and Western traditions. Seafood is a huge staple, with squid, crab, and shellfish being especially popular. Braised pork, oyster omelets, fish balls, and stinky tofu are just some of the many dishes you can find around the country.

Food at the outdoor markets costs around 35-100 TWD depending on what you get. An order of dumplings costs around 100 TWD. Noodle soup or a basic rice dish costs around 70 TWD.

A meal at a simple sit-down restaurant serving local cuisine costs around 120 TWD.

Western food costs between 100-400 TWD. Burgers (often made with pork rather than beef) are on the lower end while pizza is on the higher end.

Fast food is pretty popular here. MosBurger (the best fast food joint in the country) costs around 165 TWD for a combo meal. Sushi, one of the most popular food options, costs 300–450 TWD for a meal. (Plates at the conveyor belt places are around 30 TWD each.

A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 500 TWD. A beer or a latte/cappuccino costs around 80 TWD while a bottle of water costs 21 TWD.

For a week’s worth of groceries including staples like rice, seasonal produce, and seafood, expect to pay 2,000-2,500 TWD.

Backpacking Taiwan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 1,050 TWD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food, cook some meals, limit your drinking, do free walking tours, and take public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 2,700 TWD per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, enjoy some Western food, drink more, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like museum visits and cooking classes.

On a “luxury” budget of 5,600 TWD per day, you can stay in a hotel, rent a car or take the train between cities, take guided tours to the islands, go diving, eat out at any restaurant you want, and visit as many attractions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in TWD.

Taiwan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Taiwan is an affordable country so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank here. As long as you stick to local cuisine and limit your drinking, it’s hard to spend a lot of money. Here are a few tips to keep your spending in check:

• Skip the high-speed trains – The high-speed trains in Taiwan are super convenient but expensive. Stick to the slower local trains, which are about 50% cheaper than the HSR.
• Eat at the food markets – The food in Taiwan is world-class and the best food is at the night markets that dot all the cities.
• Avoid Western food – Western food is twice the price of Taiwanese food. It’s also not amazing so stick to the local cuisine to save money.
• Take free walking tours – Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan, and Kaohsiung all have free walking tours from companies like Like It Formosa . They’re my favorite walking tour company in Taiwan. Their tours are fun, informative, and free. Just remember to tip your guide at the end.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here needs to be boiled before drinking so bring a bottle with a filter to ensure you have safe drinking water. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to you can be sure you water is safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Taiwan

Taiwan has plenty of fun and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Formosa 101 (Taipei)
• Star Hostel (Taipei)
• T-Life Hostel (Taichung)
• Fuqi Hostel-Heping (Tainan)

How to Get Around Taiwan

Public transportation – All of the major cities have public transportation that is fast, safe, and reliable. Fares start at 15 TWD and go up depending on how far you travel. Taipei and Kaohsiung both have metro systems with tickets costing between 20-65 TWD. A single-day pass in Taipei costs 150 TWD, while a day pass in Kaohsiung costs 180 TWD.

Bus – The bus is the cheapest way to get around Taiwan. Intercity coach buses are available to all major cities around Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. They are comfortable, modern, safe, and have air conditioning (too much, usually, so bring a sweater). The two main intercity bus companies are Ubus and Kuo-Kuang Bus. For fares and timetable information, visit taiwanbus.tw.

A bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes around five hours and costs 600-1,000 TWD while the three-hour trip from Taipei to Taichung costs as little as 90 TWD.

Train – The high-speed trains (HSR) in Taiwan are super convenient, however, they only go down the west side of the island and are very expensive. For example, a ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 1,500 TWD.

The “local” trains are much more affordable, often 50% cheaper. The trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung on a local train costs just 845 TWD. It’s also just 515-800 TWD from Taipei to Tainan and 675-800 TWD from Taipei to Taichung via the local train.

The HSR line doesn’t pass through city centers, so you either need to take a bus or train from the HSR station, which also costs more time and money.

Flying – Domestic flights are relatively affordable, however, they are much more expensive than the bus or train. The two-hour flight from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs more than 4,000 TWD.

Flights to neighboring Hong Kong start at 3,600 TWD and take five hours (they can be as much as 6,500 TWD so it’s best if you’re flexible with your dates) while flights to Singapore take five hours and cost around 3,500 TWD.

Car Rental – Driving here is safe, however, car rentals here are expensive, usually costing at least 1,500 TWD per day. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle here. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Taiwan

July and August are the hottest months in the country and the most popular time to visit. Temperatures often hit 35°C (95°F) and prices are a little higher as well. It’s a great time to visit if you want to hit the beach.

The shoulder months of May-June and September-October offer the best balance of crowds, weather, and price. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and do some hiking without getting rained out.

Winters in Taiwan are a little rainy but still warm, with daily highs around 18–20°C (65-68°F). Prices are a bit lower and it’s the perfect time to visit the relaxing (and relatively empty) hot springs. Expect big crowds in Taipei in December-January for the Chinese New Year.

How to Stay Safe in Taiwan

Taiwan is very safe, consistently ranking well on the Global Peace Index as one of the safest destinations in the world. Crimes against tourists are super rare. Overall, you are unlikely to encounter any problems in Taiwan and I never felt unsafe in the country. There are no scams here, everyone is super nice, and crime is super rare. It’s a great place to visit. My friends who live here also never have problems.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here for all those reasons. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply here too (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are numerous solo female travel blogs that can provide more specific tips.

Earthquakes are common in the region so make sure you’re familiar with your accommodation’s emergency exits. Between July and November, typhoons can occur so make sure you stay up to date on the latest weather — especially if you’re near the coast or out hiking.

110 is the emergency number for police while 119 is the emergency number for fire and ambulance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Taiwan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Taiwan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Travel Planning Guide

The Prices of Tours to Taiwan

• Package Tour Options
• Typical Tour Costs
• The Best Tours
• Luxury Tours
• Three-Day Tours
• Other Types of Tours

Are group tours to Taiwan worth it?

Is a group tour cheaper than solo travel to taiwan.

• Group Tours vs. Indepenent Travel in Taiwan

How far in advance should I book my tour to Taiwan?

How many people are in group tours to taiwan, how much time do i need for a group tour to taiwan.

Recommended

Around taiwan (private), what are the package tour options in taiwan.

You'll be surprised at the array of tours in Taiwan, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 14 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 7 days, with tours ranging from 2 to 15 days long. For physical activity , the tours are marked as easy, moderate, serious, relaxing, and heart-pumping, with a prevalent number on easy tours. With our thorough analysis of 32 tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Taiwan has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

• The length of tours range from 2 to 15 days.
• The maximum group size of tours range from 4 to 50 people.

The tour packages are also categorized as follows:

• Moderate (12)
• Serious (3)
• Relaxing (2)
• Heart-pumping (1)
• Coach / Bus (2)
• Family (20)
• Tours Available 32
• Average Rating 4.54
• Average Group Size 14
• See More See Tours in Taiwan

How much do organized tour packages to Taiwan cost? Are tours expensive?

When we look at all available tours, there's a world of exciting options for travelers. Considering the financial aspect, the average daily price for tours in Taiwan stands at a remarkably economical $341 per day . Analyzing the comprehensive data gathered from 32 tours, the overall average cost of all tours is calculated to be $2,454 . Delving further into the pricing details, the cheapest tour starts at an attractive $516, while the most luxurious experience tops out at an impressive $4,814. So, whether you're looking for a wallet-friendly adventure or aiming to pamper yourself with opulence, Taiwan boasts an array of tours that cater to diverse preferences and ensure an unforgettable experience.

• Tours to Taiwan range in price from $516 to $4,814, based on data from 32 tours.

How much should I pay for a tour through Taiwan?

This table shows the range of guided, organized, and all-inclusive tour prices that visit, start in, or end in Taiwan. If you're trying to figure out how much you should pay for an organized tour, this table breaks down the costs by price range.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. Price costs can also vary by group size, amenities offered, transportation type, promotional sale prices, and addons not inlcuded in the base prices.)

Prices for the Best Tours to Taiwan

What are Taiwan's top rated tour packages? And how much do they cost? These tours are the highest rated tours by previous guests.

Considering only the top 25% highest rated tours, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Taiwan. The average daily price for the highest-rated tours to Taiwan is a surprisingly affordable $275 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $2,199 (based on data from 8 tours). The cheapest tour is $516, and the most expensive tour is $4,309. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.96 out of 5 stars.

What are the best tours to Taiwan?

These are the highest rated tours from previous customers.

Taiwan Tea Culture & Monastic Life

Abandoned taiwan, private 3-day tour to sun moon lake and alishan, prices for the best luxury tours to taiwan.

Considering only luxury level tours, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Taiwan. The average daily price for luxury tours to Taiwan is a surprisingly affordable $318 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $2,400 (based on data from 26 tours). The cheapest tour is $516, and the most expensive tour is $4,814. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.52 out of 5 stars.

What are the best luxury tours to Taiwan?

Prices for the best 3-days or less tours to taiwan.

Considering only the shorter 3-days or less tours, a wide range of terrific options in Taiwan are offered. Based on data from 7 tours, the average daily price for 3-day tours to Taiwan is a surprisingly affordable $353 per day , and the overall average total price is $980 . The cheapest tour is $516, and the most expensive tour is $1,840. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.67 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a 3-day tour to Taiwan, these are some terrific options.

What are the best 3-days or shorter tours to Taiwan?

2-day taroko gorge private tour (classic), 3 daytaroko gorge private hiking adventure, 3-day classic taiwan history and nature private tour, prices for family tours to taiwan.

For just this category, a wide range of terrific options in Taiwan are offered. Based on data from 20 tours, the average daily price for family tours to Taiwan is a surprisingly affordable $345 per day , and the overall average total price is $2,133 . The cheapest tour is $516, and the most expensive tour is $4,814. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.52 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a family tour to Taiwan, these are some terrific options.

What are the best family tours to Taiwan?

Prices for in-depth cultural tours to taiwan.

Looking at this type of tour, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Taiwan. The average daily price for in-depth cultural tours to Taiwan is a surprisingly affordable $338 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $1,997 (based on data from 9 tours). The cheapest tour is $900, and the most expensive tour is $3,657. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 4.86 out of 5 stars.

What are the best in-depth cultural tours to Taiwan?

5-day classic taroko gorge, sun moon lake & alishan (private), prices for historical tours to taiwan.

For just this category, Taiwan has you covered with an array of fantastic options. You'll be thrilled to know that the average daily price for historical tours is a very economical $269 per day . Looking at the bigger picture, the overall average cost of all tours comes in at a reasonable $2,572 , based on data from 8 incredible options. The cheapest tour available is a great deal at just $516, while the most lavish option reaches up to $4,309. Rest assured, these tours have captured the hearts of visitors, as they boast an impressive average guest rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars. So, get ready to explore Taiwan and its amazing destination, and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring experiences.

What are the best historical tours to Taiwan?

Prices for active adventure tours to taiwan.

When we look at this type of tour, the array of tour options available in Taiwan is diverse. The average daily price for active adventure tours stands at a very reasonable $383 per day . Drawing from an extensive analysis of 5 tours, we've determined that the overall average cost of all tours is a modest $2,792 . It's worth noting that among these options, the cheapest tour can be enjoyed for as little as $1,525 per person, while those looking to splurge a bit more can opt for the most expensive tour at $3,868. The popularity of these tours speaks volumes, with an average guest rating of 4.95 out of 5 stars, showcasing the satisfaction and appreciation expressed by previous customers.

What are the best active adventure tours to Taiwan?

Taiwan island - 9 days, prices for sightseeing tours to taiwan.

For this specific type of tour, a wide range of terrific options in Taiwan are offered. Based on data from 4 tours, the average daily price for sightseeing tours to Taiwan is a surprisingly affordable $375 per day , and the overall average total price is $2,123 . The cheapest tour is $1,600, and the most expensive tour is $3,263. Also, previous customers have mostly enjoyed these tours because the average guest rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars. If you're looking for a sightseeing tour to Taiwan, these are some terrific options.

What are the best sightseeing tours to Taiwan?

Explore taiwan, prices for bicycle tours to taiwan.

For these tours, visitors will find a wide range of terrific options when choosing a tour to Taiwan. The average daily price for bicycle tours to Taiwan is a surprisingly affordable $432 per day , with the overall average cost of all tours being $3,044 (based on data from 4 tours). The cheapest tour is $2,340, and the most expensive tour is $3,650. Also, visitors tend to love all of these tours because the average guest rating is 0 out of 5 stars.

What are the best bicycle tours to Taiwan?

Taiwan kom challenge, bike taiwan.

While independent travel is an option in Taiwan, the complexities of planning and navigating the challenging transportation options can make booking a tour a better choice. Considering the convenience and potential challenges of visting the country, most travelers find the investment in a package tour to be well justified. Given the potential difficulties of creating your own itinerary, verses leaving the transportation, lodging, activities, and meals to experienced experts with a tour ensures a stress-free experience, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip.

Navigating the travel costs of Taiwan often reveals that tours can be a pocket-friendly alternative to independent travel, depending on the tour's specifics such as the destinations, travel style, duration, and other factors. Naturally, every tour and independent trip will be different and have its own cost. Typically, tour providers bundle an array of offerings into an attractively competitive price, often rivalling the expenditure of an independent journey with a similar level of luxury. The average daily expenses for a tour in Taiwan is calculated to be approximately $341, yet numerous tours fall below this price. Prices for tours in Taiwan span from $516 to $4,814. When comparing tour costs against independent trips in Taiwan, it's wise to factor in that most organized guided tours include accommodations, transport, guides, meals, entry tickets, and much more. So, when comparing tour packages with trips planned by yourself, keep in mind the differences because it's not always an equal comparison. To paint an accurate picture of the trip and its costs, make sure you know what is included in the tour package before comparing its price against your own trip plans. Also, diving deep into the costs of independent travel in Taiwan is also necessary to find an accurate comparison.

Group Tours vs. Independent Travel in Taiwan

For many travelers, the decision between an organized tour package and independent travel can be quite challenging. However, considering the variety of enticing deals and sales available, traveling in Taiwan during 2024 or 2025 presents an excellent opportunity to explore the benefits of organized tour packages. These packages, which typically cover accommodations, entry tickets, food, and transportation, offer exceptional value. Moreover, the inclusion of knowledgeable guides ensures a seamless and enriching experience, alleviating the need for extensive trip planning. Conversely, independent travel provides the advantage of greater flexibility and control over your travel plans, allowing you to adjust your schedule and budget to suit your preferences. It also facilitates a closer connection with local cultures and enables you to visit destinations that may not be included in organized tours.

What are the benefits of a package tour to Taiwan?

Opting for a tour while traveling brings numerous benefits. One of the best parts of a tour is the unmatched convenience of having every aspect of your journey meticulously arranged. With transportation, accommodations, and activities planned out, you can enjoy a stress-free experience, knowing that all the essentials have been taken care of. This eliminates the need to worry about finding suitable accommodations, organizing logistics, or potentially overlooking any key attractions. Furthermore, the majority of tours offer all-inclusive pricing, allowing you to know the exact cost of your trip beforehand. Benefits of a tour include

• fixed budget
• reliable service and schedule
• knowledgeable guides
• comfortable amenities
• not having to plan
• meeting other like-minded travelers
• eliminating risks

What are the benefits of independent travel in Taiwan?

Independent travel provides freedom, control, and flexibility that that many travelers love. By traveling on your own, you have the freedom to choose your accommodation, visit the attractions that interest you, eat at your preferred times, and explore the destination at your own pace. This level of independence also allows you to have more control over your budget, schedule, itinerary, and the level of comfort you desire during your travels. Benefits also include:

• flexible budget
• flexible schedules
• in-depth cultural opportunities
• off-the-beaten-path destinations

For your tour to Taiwan, it is advisable to plan and book well in advance, ideally a few months or more beforehand. While it is not uncommon for some individuals to secure their tours up to a year in advance, our experience suggests that reserving your spot approximately 6 to 9 months prior to the departure date is usually sufficient. It is important to note that many tours tend to reach full capacity early, so booking early guarantees your place on the trip. Additionally, booking early often comes with the advantage of potentially significant cost savings, as tour companies frequently provide early booking sales and discounted prices. However, it is worth noting that some tour companies may occasionally offer last-minute discounts for tours that have available spots. Yet, waiting for such discounts carries the risk of missing out on a spot if the tour becomes fully booked.

The number of travelers on tours in Taiwan can vary greatly, ranging from 4 to 50 individuals, with an average group size of 14 people. However, it is important to note that the size of the tour does not necessarily determine its quality or price.

You'll likely need around 7 days for a tour to Taiwan, as this is the average length of most organized tour packages. Tours in Taiwan can last anywhere from 2 to 15 days, or sometimes longer. Keep in mind that longer tours tend to cost more money, but will actually get cheaper by the day. Also, longer tours will usually allow you to see more destinations at a reasonable pace, making them a generally better value.

Where do group tours go in Taiwan?

The most popular stops in Taiwan are Taipei, Hualien, Yilan, and Puli, and many of the tours pass through these destinations.

What tour and travel companies offer packages to Taiwan?

A wide range of tour companies offer trips to Taiwan. Some companies are large international brands, while others are more regionally or locally based. The benefits and challenges of each company can vary based on its size and level of experience. International companies often have well-established reputations, and tours are rarely canceled due to low turnout. However, they might not have the same local perspectives and insights that you'll find with a smaller, locally based company.

The most popular companies offering tours in Taiwan are MyTaiwanTour , MW Tours , Agate Travel , Crooked Compass , and Delightful Travel . Some are larger than others, while some are focused on specific regions or types of trips.

More Information

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Taiwan , The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Taiwan , The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Taiwan , The Best Cultural Tours in Taiwan , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Taiwan , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Taipei , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Taipei , or The Best 10-Day Tours from Taipei for more package tour options.

And for more information on Taiwan, see Taiwan Travel Costs and Taiwan Hotel Costs .

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A 2024 Taiwan Travel Guide for Planning Your Trip

Last updated on Apr. 10, 2024 by Nick Kembel

Taiwan is a small island nation that packs a serious punch. At only 36,193 km², it is about the size of Vancouver Island in my native Canada, but home to a staggering 23.9 million people.

Do not be fooled by its compact size, however. There are many reasons to visit Taiwan : the tallest mountains in Northeast Asia, rich history & culture, welcoming locals, some of the best night markets and street food in the world – the list goes on. To get a better idea, see my ever-growing list of things to do in Taiwan .

I’ve lived in Taiwan for over 10 years. I’m married to a Taiwanese, and my two kids were born and raised in Taiwan. I’ve written articles about Taiwan for CNN, National Geographic Traveller, Discover Taipei, and Taiwan Travel Magazine, as well as my book, Taiwan in the Eyes of a Foreigner , which has sold more than 7000 copies.

This Taiwan travel guide links out to all of my most useful articles for planning a Taiwan trip. Here on my Taiwan travel blog, Spiritual Travels, you’ll find some of the most comprehensive Taiwan travel information Taiwan tourism details available in English online, all based on years of on-the-ground research. 

Let the below be your personal guide to traveling in Taiwan. I’ll be covering a wide variety of topics below, so use the table of contents to jump to the info you need! If you prefer Q&A format, you can find all the same info in these FAQs about Taiwan .

Table of Contents

Travel restrictions and visas.

As of October 13, 2022, Taiwan is totally open for travel. All COVID-related  travel restrictions  are finished.  That brought to an end the 938 days total that Taiwan’s borders were closed to some or all international tourists!

Currently, you just need to find out if your country is eligible for visa-free entry  (most are), and for how many days. If you need a visa for Taiwan, or want to stay for longer than the visa-free period, you’ll need to apply at the Taiwan office in your country before coming. 

Besides the visa, there are no special forms, tests, vaccines (these were never needed) for entering Taiwan. You just need to fill in the normal arrival card when you arrive, or do it online before you come. Note that some people have reported not receiving an email confirmation after filling in the online form, so you may want to just do it when you arrive in Taiwan. You can stay in any hotel or accommodation you want, including hostels (these weren’t allowed until March 20, 2023). 

The outdoor mask mandate ended in late 2022 and the indoor mask mandate ended in early 2023. Now, you only need to wear masks in medical facilities in Taiwan. However, many locals are still wearing them in public.

Following the April 2024 Hualien Earthquake , Taroko Gorge in Hualien is totally closed to visitors for an estimated 6 months to 1 year. Everywhere else in Taiwan is open as normal and fine to visit. Here’s my list of things you can still do in Hualien besides Taroko Gorge .

If you ever have any questions about anything related to traveling in Taiwan, you can call the 24-hour English tourist hotline at 0800-011765 (from outside Taiwan dial 886-800-011765). For COVID-specific questions, dial 1922 (from outside Taiwan dial 886-800-001922). 

A Guide to Taiwan’s Quarantine Hotels and COVID Travel Restrictions

Taiwan travel planning group.

The absolute best place you can go for any questions about planning your Taiwan trip is my free Facebook group, Taiwan Travel Planning .

Literally any question you have about traveling in Taiwan or planning your Taiwan trip will be answered within 1-2 days by me or other members of the group. I’m also happy to look over your itinerary and give you suggestions. Because I do spend a lot of time every day in the group answering questions, I’ve created this Buy Me a Coffee account for anyone who wants to say thanks (my readers requested this!)

Take a Tour or DIY Travel?

The main purpose of this page, my website, and my Facebook group is to help you plan a DIY trip to Taiwan. Taiwan is an incredibly safe and easy country to travel around. However, this does require some advance planning, especially as trains and hotels in popular destinations in Taiwan often sell out. Generally, Taiwan is not a very suitable country for just showing up and figuring it out once you get there. Even more so since COVID, advance bookings for almost everything are the norm. 

If you’re looking for a luxury, fully customized tour of Taiwan, I recommend Life of Taiwan . Their team of experts are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry. They provide personalized tea, food, cultural, or family tours of Taiwan and put you up in some of the country’s most exquisite hotels. If you contact them, please let them know that Nick sent you over!

If you’re in a rush and just want to see the best of Taiwan in a short period, I recommend this Taiwan 5-day tour . It doesn’t include Taipei, which is best visited in a day or two on your own before or after the tour.

What most visitors to Taiwan do, however, is plan their trip on their own. The country’s amazing TRA train (round-island) and High Speed Rail (down the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung) systems are actually faster than driving. 

Then, when you get to your destination city, you can hire drivers for the day or go on guided day trips only when necessary. This is a very common approach, and there are numerous popular day trips and drivers available on Klook (sign up with this link for a TWD 100 credit in your account). You’ll find that I recommend Klook tours, drivers, car/scooter rentals, discounted attraction tickets, train tickets, and more throughout my Taiwan articles. There are many good deals on there, so you can save a lot of money by using the platform for planning your Taiwan trip.

And for truly DIY or budget travelers, you can certainly do it all on your own, especially with all the articles you’ll find on my website, covering how to visit almost every corner of Taiwan.

Renting a car is also a great option – read my tips for driving in Taiwan here and why I rented my car with Klook .

One good idea is to try one of these free Taipei waking tours on Day 1, then take it on your own from there!

Before Your Trip: Flights, Insurance, Apps, Guidebooks

If you’re coming from a country in Asia, there are numerous budget flights to Taiwan. I’ve prepared this list of the cheapest budget flights to Taiwan .

I’ve tried many different flight websites for finding long haul flights to Taiwan (I live in Canada). My two favorites are Kiwi.com and WayAway . I usually try both these sites when booking my Taiwan flights. They are often (but not alway) cheaper than booking directly with the airlines.

What I like about Kiwi.com is special features like searching not only your departure point but other cities nearby and being able to enter “anywhere” as a destination, and “anytime” as a flying time. For flexible travelers, this allows you to find the cheapest possible flights and dates without searching a million times. Unlike other aggregate flight sites, Kiwi includes budget airlines (many of which fly to Taipei!) and routes combining multiple airlines that are not affiliated.

WayAway is an even newer site and is now my favorite. Like Kiwi, it includes budget airlines, plus it displays awesome calendars showing the price of flights on every day. But the really special feature on WayAway, which will appeal to frequent travelers, is WayAway Plus. Basically, for a small annual fee, you can get cashback (like real cash, deposited to your account) not just for your flights but also any hotels you book through their system. Sign up with this link and you’ll get 10% off WayAway Plus !

Having said that, there are benefits to going with the airline directly, such as being able to easily contact them when needed. rather than going through a third party. China Airlines and Eva Airlines (the one with the Hello Kitty planes!) are two of Taiwan’s largest carriers.

For travel insurance , it’s pretty much a must nowadays. I recommend SafetyWing  or Insubuy . Find more details about why in my guide to choosing travel insurance for Taiwan .

Which apps should you download for Taiwan? I’ve got you covered in this guide to the best Taiwan apps for travelers.

Last but not least, I may be old school, but I still love using travel guidebooks for planning my Taiwan trips. My favorite is and always has been the Taiwan Lonely Planet (I have about 5 different issues of it). I also recommend the Bradt Taiwan , written by long-term Taiwan resident Steven Crook. He also co-authored this amazing book covering the history of Taiwanese food, which I highly recommend.

Moving to Taiwan?

If you’re planning on moving to Taiwan for work, family reasons, or simply because Taiwan is an awesome place to live, then you should head over to my novella-sized guide to living in Taiwan . 

In that article, I focus more on visa issues, getting a job in Taiwan, finding an apartment, making friends, and all other aspects of daily life in Taiwan, whereas below, I’ll stick mainly to things you need to know for traveling around Taiwan.

Taiwanese History & Culture

How much do you know about Taiwan? Having lived in Taiwan for many years and married a Taiwanese, I know for a fact that many people around the world know little to nothing about Taiwan. Even some of my friends and family members back home think it is the same as Thailand. For this reasons, I’ve even written this article to explain the differences between Taiwan and Thailand  as this one to share some fun and interesting facts about Taiwan .

Taiwan is a small island nation in East Asia. Culturally, it is usually considered part of Northeast Asia, but geographically, some argue that it is closer to Southeast Asia. Taiwan was the original homeland of the Austronesian people, who went on to populate many islands of the Pacific in canoes. Today, their descendants include the 16 recognized aboriginal tribes of Taiwan .

Taiwan was briefly colonized by the Dutch and Spanish, while the Portuguese famously called it “Formosa”, or “beautiful island”, a name which stuck for centuries. Over the last 500 years, millions of people have migrated to Taiwan from China, especially Fujian province in the southeast. That’s why the local language of Taiwan, “Taiwanese” , is also called Minnan; it is the same as the Chinese dialect spoken in the Minnan region of Fujian. Taiwan remained on the fringe of Chinese imperial influence for centuries, then fell to Japanese occupation from 1895 to 1945.

In the Chinese Civil War, the nationalist KMT party of the Republic of China lost to the Communist Party in 1949 and fled to Taiwan, along with millions of Chinese soldiers and refugees from all over China, bringing their language (Mandarin), food, and culture. They thought they’d take back China someday, but they never did. That’s why Taiwan is still officially (and confusingly) called Republic of China, but their passports now finally say “Taiwan” in bigger letters . In 2000, the DPP were the first non-KMT party to win an election in Taiwan. Current President Tsai Ing-wen belongs to the independence-leaning DPP party.

The relationship between Taiwan and China remains complex and is the source of much tension. China claims that Taiwan is a province of China and bullies Taiwan from entering the UN and WHO, and from using the word “Taiwan” in international events like the Olympics (they have to call their team “Chinese Taipei”. But most Taiwanese consider Taiwan independent, and anyone who has been to both countries knows just how different they are. Few countries officially recognize Taiwan, but it acts as an independent country in virtually every way.

Today Taiwan is a modern, vibrant democracy with a free press. It is known for its welcoming people, efficiency, safety, and incredible street food. It has been chosen as the top country in the world for expats . It was also the first country in Asia to legalize equal (gay) marriage rights. Taiwan was one of the success stories in its handling of the COVID pandemic. Also read about some of the most famous people from Taiwan here .

Should you tip in Taiwan? Most often the answer is no. Learn all about Taiwan’s money and currency here .

Thailand vs. Taiwan: What’s the Difference?

Taiwanese food.

One of the great pleasures of visiting Taiwan is enjoying the country’s incredible food. Indeed, may travelers from Asian country’s come to Taiwan JUST for the food. Taiwanese is especially known for its incredible variety of cheap and delicious street food .

The best place to try Taiwanese street food is in night markets. Every city in the country has a night market (here are the best night markets across Taiwan ), while Taipei has more than 50. Here I introduce the best night markets in Taipei , night markets in Taichung ,  night markets in Tainan , and night markets in Kaohsiung . Also don’t miss my favorite night market in the country, Keelung Night Market !

Besides street food, some restaurant experiences you may want to enjoy in Taiwan are DIY barbecue joints, all-you-can-eat hot pot, quick fry (a kind of local eatery suitable for groups, and with lots of cheap dishes meant for sharing, with lots of beer), and Din Tai Fung, the country’s most famous restaurant, which specializes in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). In this article, I recommend 80+ of my favorite restaurants in Taipei , arranged by style, and the best restaurants open all night in Taipei here !

Seafood lovers should also visit Addiction Aquatic Development , an upscale gourmet seafood market in Taipei, or consider visiting one of the country’s many port markets.

For vegetarians and vegans, you’ll be happy to know you’ll be spoiled for choices in Taiwan. See the vegetarian section of my street foods article, or keep an eye out for the character for vegetarian 素 displayed on Buddhist vegetarian restaurants; many of them are buffet style and you pay by weight. You can also say “I am vegetarian” (wo chi su/我吃素), “Do you have anything vegetarian” (you sude ma?/有素的嗎？) or “Is this vegetarian” (zhe shi sude ma?/這是素的嗎？)

Besides all the articles before, I’ve got several newer  food and night markets guides here  on my other website, TaiwanObsessed.

The Top 9 Night Markets in Kaohsiung (& what to eat at each one!)

A Guide to Feasting at Fengchia Night Market in Taichung

Ximending Food Guide: What to Eat & Best Restaurants (2024 updated)

20 Best Night Markets in Taipei (+ What To Eat at Each One!)

The 80 Best Restaurants in Taipei (by food type!)

The “Big 5” Night Markets in Taichung (+ What to Eat at Each One!)

How to Binge Eat Your Way Through Keelung Night Market

What to Eat at Addiction Aquatic Development, Taipei’s Seafood Mecca

Anping Old Street (& other things to do in Anping, Tainan)

The “Big Five” Night Markets in Tainan & What to Eat at Each One

Shenkeng Old Street: A Food Tour of Taipei’s Stinky Tofu Village

Yongkang Street, Taipei for Foodies: Best Teahouses, Mango Ice, and More

Taiwan Street Food Bucket List: 101 Taiwanese Foods To Try

A Food Tour of Burma Street in Zhonghe, New Taipei City

When to visit taiwan.

Deciding on a season or month for your trip to Taiwan is the first step to planning your Taiwan travels, and thus the first topic to cover in this Taiwan traveling guide. To make things easier, I’ve written this dedicated guide to the best time to visit Taiwan . In it, you’ll find a description of every season and month of the year in Taiwan, and links to my 12 individual guides for visiting Taiwan in every month of the year. I update these articles constantly to add upcoming events and Taiwan travel news.

To summarize that article for you here, there’s no real “high” or “low” season for travel to Taiwan; each season of the year comes with some ups and downs. Summer is extremely hot and humid and comes with the chance of typhoons, but it’s also the best time for Taiwan’s beaches , outlying islands , and water-based activities.

Meanwhile, winter can be gray and chilly, but is the best time for hot springs and seeing cherry blossoms. Be careful if planning a trip around Chinese New Year , as many things will close (see my list of attractions and what days they close ), and it can be really difficult to travel around when half the country is on the road. Spring has warm weather but also a mini rain season, while autumn is my personal favorite for these reasons .

Below you’ll also find my individual guides to each season in Taiwan. But don’t fret too much about it; if you can only visit at a certain time of the year, there’s really no bad time to be in Taiwan!

The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide

2024 Chinese New Year in Taiwan: Tips for Visiting & Things to Do

Summer in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Winter in Taiwan (Xmas, NYE, LNY & Where to See Snow!)

Spring in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Autumn in Taiwan: Everything You Need to Know

Best taiwan travel deal.

Who doesn’t want to find a good deal when traveling to Taiwan? Here are some of the websites and services I regularly use for planning my Taiwan travels:

• Klook : Get big discounts on everything from High Speed Rail & attraction tickets to restaurant vouchers and guided tours. Sign up with this link to get a free TWD100 credit !
• KKday : While Klook is a Hong Kong compared, KKday is the Taiwan version of it. Some activities are the same as Klook, while some are unique. I prefer Klook because KKday sometimes has poor English, but I still sometimes use KKday for things that Klook doesn’t have. 
• Booking : My preferred site for finding the best hotel deals in Taiwan.
• Agoda : Some users say they find cheaper prices on Agoda for Asian destinations, including Taiwan.
• Cookly : Find the best cooking courses in Taiwan.

These are some examples of great travel deals you can find on Klook:

Taiwan Travel Passes

One way to save money on travel around the world nowadays is by using city travel passes. Taiwan has a few available, but in order for them to actually save you money, you have to understand how they work, and get the right one for your needs.

Here are some travel passes in Taiwan that you may consider getting:

Taiwan Fun Passes

These 1 to 3-day passes include all transportation in and around Taipei, entrance fees to a long list of attractions, and some tourist shuttle buses for day trips out of Taipei. The most popular one is the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass , which you can buy here .

Read my detailed review of all the Taipei Fun Passes to see how they work and determine if any of them will be worth it for your Taiwan trip. It only makes sense to get one if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and MRT riding in Taipei in 1-3 days. Otherwise, I recommend just getting an EasyCard.

You’ll get a TWD 100 credit toward your Fun Pass if you sign up for Klook with this link first before booking!

I haven’t reviewed it yet, but there is a new Klook Taipei Pass . This one is for attractions only, but you have more time to use it, so it’s better for people who will have more time in the city.

Don’t confuse Taipei Fun Passes with the EasyCard , which is what everyone in Taipei uses to swipe onto the MRT and city buses. Read my detailed EasyCard guide for more info than I’ll provide here.

Taipei Fun Passes are designed for tourists, while the EasyCard is a reloadable card used by everyone else, including tourists who don’t get a Taipei Fun Pass. They cost TWD 100 (you can no longer get this deposit back), plus whatever money you load onto them. You can swipe them to ride the MRT in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, all city buses in Taiwan, some ferries, and to pay for taxis, items in convenience stores, and more. 

You can get an EasyCard from any MRT station, including the Taoyuan Airport MRT station, and load money onto it.  You can also order an EasyCard for pickup when you arrive in Taiwan . 

Sun Moon Lake Passes

The other place you will find travel passes in Taiwan is at Sun Moon Lake , one of the country’s most popular attractions (we’ll get to those below). There are numerous Sun Moon Lake passes to choose from, and you can buy them from 7-Eleven iBon machines or from train stations in Taichung, the nearest major city.

Like the Taipei Fun Passes, these only save you money if you use them for enough avtivities. Most also include transportation to and from Taichung.

Learn all about the passes and how to use them in my Sun Moon Lake Pass review . Note that these pass prices and what they include are often changing.

Taipei Fun Pass: Is it Worth the Money?

Sun Moon Lake Pass: Is it Worth the Money? (updated 2024)

Best sim card and wifi device.

There’s no doubt that having an Internet connection while traveling in Taiwan is super convenient. You can check GoogleMaps to find the way, communicate with hotels, find bus times, etc. Nowadays, it’s pretty much essential. 

A SIM card is the best idea in my opinion, but some people also go for an eSIM like this or pocket Wifi device . I compare all three in my guides to SIMs for Taiwan and eSIMs for Taiwan . 

I recommend pre-ordering your SIM card for pickup when you arrive at Taoyuan International Airport. If you go with a WiFi device, then I recommend this one . Note the pick up times – if you arrive in the middle of the night, you may have to pick one up in the city.

You’ll get a TWD 100 credit toward your Taiwan SIM card or WiFi device if you  sign up for Klook with this link  first before booking it.

Another option that I have yet to fully understand myself is  eSIMs for Taiwan  – especially considering that the newest iPhones don’t even have SIM card slots anymore. If you are tech-savvy, check them out!

Taipei: The Tantalizing Capital of Taiwan

In some countries, you want to get out of the capital as soon as you arrive. This is not the case with Taipei . For most visitors to Taiwan, I recommend budgeting at least two full days for Taipei City alone, plus add 1-2 more days for day trips from Taipei (even more if you can!)

Taipei is always buzzing with activity; by day, you’ve got atmospheric historical neighborhoods to explore, towering Taipei 101, landmark Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Beitou Hot Springs, Maokong Gondola, Longshan Temple , and hikes in the hills (and volcanoes!) surrounding the city. After the sun goes down, it’s time to eat ’til you drop in the city’s famed night markets : the most famous ones are Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia, Tonghua, Nanjichang, and Huaxi Night Market .

As if that weren’t enough, Taipei is incredibly safe, and getting around is a breeze on the MRT, one of the best metro systems in the world.

Things to Do & Taipei Itineraries

Here is the most popular article on my website: 50+ awesome things to do in Taipei . For the less famous spots, see my off-the-beaten-track guide to Taipei . Below I’ve also linked to all my Taipei articles.

Besides the below articles, I’ve also got guides to spending one day in Taipei and how to plan a Taipei layover on my other website, TaiwanObsessed.

50 Unmissable Things to Do in Taipei in 2024

How to Spend 2 Awesome Days in Taipei

How to Spend 3 Awesome Days in Taipei

How to Spend 4 Awesome Days in Taipei

The above itineraries will make things easier for those will little time for planning. But my recommendations for Taipei don’t stop there.

For people who want to dig a little deeper and further customize the Taipei portion of their Taiwan trip, here some useful resources that further explore how much Taipei has to offer, including its best temples , night markets , hikes , and beaches .

Also see the my post below for the best times of the year to visit Taipei; the weather of Taipei is quite different to that of other parts of Taiwan, so if your trip to Taiwan is mainly focused on Taipei, you’ll find this article more useful than my “Best time to visit Taiwan” article I linked to above.

The Best Time to Visit Taipei City: An Insider’s Guide

Hiking in Taipei: My 21 Favorite Taipei Hikes

The Best Cat Cafes in Taipei, the Birthplace of Cat Cafe Culture

30 Jaw-Dropping Temples in Taipei and New Taipei City

7 Beaches around Taipei You Can’t Miss

Coolest neighborhoods & where to stay.

Deciding where to stay in Taipei can be rather intimidating, as there are so many cool neighborhoods to choose from.

Let me make life easier for you by breaking it down to the best neighborhoods to stay in Taipei , with my hotel recommendations for each one. For each area of Taipei, I’ve included hotel recommendations for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers, also pointing out which ones are suitable for travelers with kids. I’ve also got specific guides to the best hostels and luxury hotels in Taipei.

Besides my “where to stay in Taipei” article below, I’ve got detailed guides to some of my personal favorite neighborhoods in Taipei: Beitou for hot springs, historic Dadaocheng , and funky, gay-friendly Ximending . Start planning your walking tours with these guides!

If you have a very early or late flight, here are my recommended hotels in and around Taoyuan Airport .

Where to Stay in Taipei in 2024 (by area & budget)

The Ultimate Beitou Hot Spring Guide (2024 info!)

A Guide to Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, Taipei’s Oldest Street

30 Fun (& WEIRD) Things to Do in Ximending, Taipei

Day trips from taipei.

When deciding how long to stay in Taipei, you have to factor in that there some really incredible day trips from the city!

I normally recommend that, if you can, dedicate two full days to exploring Taipei, then another one or two days for day trips. If you only have one day in your Taiwan travel plan to do a day trip from Taipei, I would suggest that you plan it carefully. This way, you’ll be able to squeeze in several of my recommended 40 day trip ideas into one day.

The following five stops are some of the most popular day trips from Taipei, and since they are all fairly close together, you can combine them into one killer day trip from Taipei. There are even some shuttle buses deals like this that can make this even easier to accomplish.

• Jiufen : A former gold mining town on top of a mountain, famous for its atmospheric staircases and teahouses
• Shifen Waterfall : The widest in Taiwan, accessed from a cute train station where people set off sky lanterns
• Houtong : The “Cat Village”, literally a village full of cats
• Keelung : A harbor city with the best night market in Taiwan, forts, beach, and more
• Yehliu Geopark : Odd, wind-blown rock formations on the coast
• Tamsui : A popular riverside promenade with unique foods, beaches, and picturesque colonial forts

If you don’t want to drive or figure out public transportation, there’s an awesome English service called Parkbus Taiwan , which takes guests on day trips from the city for hiking and other activities. Use my discount code “ Spiritual10 ” at checkout to get 10% (may not be available for some events). 

There are practically unlimited day trip possibilities from Taipei. This is why myself and so many other expats love living in Taipei; you get the excitement of the city, but you can go somewhere different every weekend. Because Taiwan is so small, and thanks to its amazing transportation system and the High Speed Rail, you can go almost anywhere in Taiwan in a day or weekend trip. 

20+ Fun Things to Do in Keelung, Northern Taiwan’s Port City

40 Day Trips from Taipei You Can’t Miss

Getting from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen (with pictures and times)

Jiufen Old Street: A 2024 Guide to this Classic Taipei Day Trip

Tamsui, Taiwan: Fishermen’s Wharf, Old Street, & other Things to Do

Wulai Hot Spring & Old Street: A 2024 Guide

Planning your trip around taiwan.

One of the hardest parts of planning a Taiwan trip is mapping out the perfect Taiwan travel itinerary .

What a lot of people do is book their trip first, and then realize they didn’t budget enough time for everything they want to see. Moreover, some of the best things to do in Taiwan are on opposite coasts, with 3000-meter mountains between them!

For example, many people only schedule around one week for their Taiwan trip. Then they decide they want to visit Taipei, Taroko Gorge on the east coast, and Sun Moon Lake and/or Alishan , which are in Central Taiwan but accessed from the west coast. On the map, these three top scenic attractions in Taiwan look fairly close together. But guess what? There are no buses that cross the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. You can do it in a car, but the road is super winding and takes a long time.

So what I see a lot of visitors doing is going from Taipei to Taroko Gorge first (2.5 to 4 hours on the train, one way). Then they have to return to Taipei, and then travel a similar amount of time down the west coast to reach Sun Moon Lake and/or Alishan. It’s certainly possible, but it means you have to use up an entire day of your trip on the road.

How can you resolve this common Taiwan travel dilemma? I feel the answer is in planning your trip better before you book it, so that you can budget enough days to travel all the way around Taiwan and see everything that you want to without rushing. Which leads to the next important question: 

How Long Do I Need to Visit Taiwan?

With a week or less, you will probably only have time to visit Taipei, including some day trips, and perhaps do a 1 or 2-night trip to Taroko Gorge on the East Coast, or Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, and/or Alishan in Central Taiwan (and this would be really rushed).

If you want to do a full circle around Taiwan, these are the most obvious destinations along the way, going in a clockwise direction around Taiwan by riding the train: Taipei, Hualien (Taroko Gorge), Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, and back to Taipei.

To do this, you are going to need two weeks or more . With exactly two weeks, you may even have to cut out one or two of the above stops, otherwise you’ll just be checking in and out of hotels every day or two.

With even more time, you can be less rushed, and potentially add more stops, such as the beaches of Kenting on the southern tip of the island (as a side trip from Kaohsiung), Lukang, spend more time in laid-back Taitung, or visit some of the offshore islands, like Green Island, Orchid Island, or Penghu. This is why I think 3 weeks is a great amount of time for visiting Taiwan, and if you can go even longer, all the better!

Taiwan Travel Itineraries

Here are my recommend itineraries for traveling around Taiwan.

The five-day itinerary is for a very short visit, while the second article provides Taiwan itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. These are tried-and-tested itineraries that I have done in some form or another several times, including with my kids (see more on that below)!

The itineraries for 2 weeks and up involve doing a full circle around Taiwan mostly by train, with a few buses as well. See the end of this article for more information on transportation options for getting around Taiwan.

A Taiwan Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks (Slow & Fast Options!)

A Simple Taipei & Taiwan 5 Day Itinerary

Visiting taiwan with kids.

My kids Sage and Lavender were born and spent the first handful of years of their life in Taiwan. They’ve seen more of the country than most visitors ever will!

Below are my super detailed guides to visiting Taipei with kids and how to plan a complete circle around Taiwan with kids . The latter article is very similar to my above Taiwan itinerary for 1-3 weeks, but with tweaks along the way to focus on sights that my kids loved the most, as well as recommendations for kid-friendly hotels in each stop along the way.

You may also be interested in the best amusement parks in Taiwan , where to see capybaras in Taiwan , and my guide to Yilan, the “kid-friendly county” .

Taiwan with Kids: How to Plan a Round-Island Trip

Taipei with Kids in 2024: Ideas from a Local Family

Best attractions around taiwan.

When trying to decide which destinations in Taiwan to include on your itinerary, it will be useful to take a deeper look at each of them to decide which ones are for you.

I’ll start with a list of some of the top scenic attractions. These five are the most common stops that people include on their Taiwan itineraries. I’ll follow that up with the best cities in Taiwan besides Taipei, best hot springs in Taiwan, best off-the-beaten track places to visit, and finally the  offshore islands of Taiwan . Again, these are described in clockwise order going around Taiwan.

Top Scenic Attractions in Taiwan

• Taroko Gorge : dramatic canyon in beautiful Hualien County  (currently closed indefinitely due to April 2024 earthquake)
• Taitung : Laid-back, rural corner of Taiwan, including the famous Brown Boulevard Cycling Path
• Kenting : Beaches on the southern tip of Taiwan
• Alishan : Mountain resort in Nantou famous for huge trees, high mountain tea, and sunrises above seas of clouds
• Cingjing (Qingjing) Farm : A high mountain farm and resort village that looks like a slice of Europe in Taiwan
• Hehuanshan : The best place to see snow in Taiwan (usually possible in January to March)
• Yushan : Tallest mountain in Taiwan and Northeast Asia, requires permits and planning to climb
• Sun Moon Lake : Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains

Here are my extremely detailed guides to the ones that almost all visitors try to include on their Taiwan travel itinerary:

A 2024 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan: A 2024 Visitors’ Guide

A Guide to Chishang, Taitung and Cycling Brown Boulevard

Alishan, Taiwan: A Super Detailed 2024 Guide

40 Unmissable Things to Do in Hualien, Taiwan

30 Incredible Things to Do in Taitung, Southeastern Taiwan

Best cities in taiwan.

Besides Taipei, which is a given, city lovers are going to find there are a few other cities they may want to include on their Taiwan travel itinerary. You can see my above-linked Taiwan travel itineraries to see how to fit these cities into your schedule.

Since there is one only train line around Taiwan, you’ll have to pass through all of them anyway if doing a full circuit around Taiwan. Since most cities in Taiwan are located on the developed west coast, the below are in counter-clockwise order. The varying time to reach them depends on whether you take the regular train/bus or the much faster High Speed Rail.

• New Taipei City : Taiwan’s largest city literally surrounds Taipei and is home to many of the most popular day trips from Taipei .
• Taoyuan : Best known for the international airport, consider stopping here to visit the impressive Xpark Aquarium on the way to/from the airport.
• Taichung : 1 – 2 hours south of Taipei on the west coast and the largest city in central Taiwan. Known for its artistic attractions like Rainbow Village , Gaomei Wetland , and as the birthplace of pearl milk tea.
• Lukang : 2-3 hours south of Taipei. Historic city famous for its traditional culture, food, and Old Street, and home to one of the most important temples in the country.
• Tainan : 1.75 – 5 hours south of Taipei on the west coast of southern Taiwan. Former capital of Taiwan famous for its temples , night markets , and considered by locals as the food capital of Taiwan.
• Kaohsiung : 2 – 6 hours south of Taipei in the southwest of Taiwan and end of the High Speed Rail line. Port city known for its revitalized harbor front, night markets , street art and Pier 2 Art Center , and the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, Foguangshan . Here are my recommended hotels in Kaohsiung .
• Hualien : 2.5 – 4 hours from Taipei, only major city on the wild, scenic east coast of Taiwan. Mostly people stay in the city to visit nearby Taroko Gorge, but the city has a good night market and opportunities to experience Taiwanese aboriginal culture, such as this aboriginal cooking course .
• Taitung : 3.5 – 6 hours from Taipei, small city known for its aboriginal culture and end-point of most road trips down the east coast of Taiwan

20 Awe-Inspiring Temples in Tainan, Taiwan

Lukang Old Street (& other Things to Do in Lukang, Taiwan)

Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung: A Detailed Visitor’s Guide

A Detailed Hualien Itinerary for 1-4 Days

Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung: How to Visit and Stay at Taiwan’s Biggest Monastery

70 Things to Do in Tainan, Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Our Visit to Rainbow Village Taichung (before it was destroyed)

50+ Things to Do in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan

A Guide to Pier 2 Art Center in Kaohsiung City’s Harbor

25 Unique Things to Do in Taichung, Taiwan

Best hot springs in taiwan.

I happen to be a hot spring lover. Because Taiwan sits on the meeting point of two major tectonic plates, the island is geologically active, with dormant volcanoes and over 100 major hot springs! The most famous is surely Beitou Hot Spring in Taipei , while Wulai , Jiaoxi , and Jinshan can be visited as day trips from Taipei.

Here is my detailed guide to the 20 best hot springs in Taiwan , including information on hot spring etiquette.

The 20 Best Hot Springs in Taiwan for a Blissful Winter Soak

Jiaoxi Hot Spring: A Guide to My Favorite Spa Village in Taiwan

Lovely Tai’an Hot Spring in Miaoli, Taiwan

Wenshan Hot Spring: Taroko Gorge’s Spectacular Secret

Off-the-beaten-track places to visit in taiwan.

Just to make things more difficult for you, besides the many must-see places to visit in Taiwan I mentioned above, which already require at least two weeks to visit, there are loads of off-the-beaten-path destinations that are just as worthwhile.

Serious off-the-beaten track travelers should head to my other site, where I’ve got guides to relatively unexplored cities and counties like Taoyuan , Hsinchu , Yilan , Miaoli , Changhua , Yunlin , and Pingtung . I’ve also got this guide to  off-the-beaten-track things to do in Taipei .

The below are articles cover some of the more remote or less visited (by foreign tourists) places in Taiwan. These are just the tip of the iceberg, but they are some of my personal favorites.

Depending on what kind of traveler you are, these may appeal to you more than the “must see” attractions I covered above!

The Stunning East Coast of Taiwan Part 1: Yilan to Hualien and Taroko Gorge

Is Sicao Green Tunnel in Tainan Worth the Trip?

Strawberry Picking at a Strawberry Farm in Dahu, Taiwan

The Stunning Qigu Salt Mountain and Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields in Tainan

50+ Fun Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan (2024 Updated!)

Quirky Xitou Monster Village in Nantou, Taiwan

A Guide to Luye & the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024

A Guide to Dulan, Taitung: Taiwan’s Coolest Beach Hangout

The Stunning East Coast of Taiwan Part 2: Hualien to Taitung and Kenting

Anping Tree House: How to Visit this Must-See Tainan Attraction

The offshore islands of taiwan.

Yet another list of places you’ll want to visit during your Taiwan travels is the offshore islands. However, a visit to any of the offshore islands is like a trip within a Taiwan trip; visiting most of them involves a little more planning and time. 

There are about half a dozen main ones to choose from. Also, the offshore islands are best visited in spring, summer (high season due to domestic tourists, but can be very hot), and early fall. In winter, they become very windy (especially Penghu) and/or many traveler’s services totally shut down (especially Orchid Island ).

The first four below are most commonly reached by ferry, with Xiao Liuqiu being the closest to the Taiwan mainland. Orchid Island also has the option of flights in very small airplanes from Taitung, while Penghu has regular flights from Taipei and other cities in Taiwan. Kinmen and Matsu are much closer to China than Taiwan (they are so close to it that you can see China from their shores), so they require flights.

Here are the small islands of Taiwan that you may want to visit someday.

• Green Island : Off Taitung’s coast, best for scenery and snorkeling or scuba diving, and a saltwater hot spring.
• Orchid Island : Harder to reach/plan, and home to Taiwan’s most remote aboriginal tribe.
• Xiao Liuqiu : Snorkeling with sea turtles, and easily done as a day trip from Kaohsiung. 
• Cijin : A long, skinny island protecting Kaohsiung’s huge harbor.
• Penghu : Best for beaches, sailing, island hopping and a fireworks festival.
• Kinmen : Much closer to China than Taiwan, known for military history and Kaohliang, a strong liquor.
• Matsu : Also very close to China, known for its tunnels and forts.

Orchid Island, Taiwan: A Detailed 2024 Guide

How to Visit Cijin Island in Kaohsiung City’s Port

A 2024 Guide to Xiaoliuqiu Island, a Turtle Spotting Hot Spot

A 2024 Guide to Penghu Islands, Taiwan’s Offshore Paradise

Transportation: how to get around taiwan.

Taiwan has an amazing transportation system, and getting around the country is a breeze thanks to its extremely reliable metros, buses, and railway systems.

It is still important to understand some things about getting around Taiwan, though, in order to avoid disruptions on your trip (like finding out all the trains to your next stop are sold out!)

If you follow my Taiwan itineraries, you’ll mostly be taking trains around Taiwan, with some exceptions. Getting to Alishan is more complicated, as it can involve a train, bus, or combination of the two. Sun Moon Lake and Kenting are also only accessed by bus. Luckily, you don’t need to book any of these bus rides in advance.

See here if you’d like to find a private driver in Taiwan .

Getting Around Taipei

Upon arriving at Taoyuan International Airport, you can takes a bus (TWD135, 1 hour), the new Airport MRT (TWD 165, 35-50 min), or a taxi (TWD1000-1500, 45 min to 1 hr) to Taipei.

I recommended  pre-booking a private transfer to your hotel , which is usually a little cheaper than taking a taxi. Also see my more detailed guide to getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei . If your flight is very early or late, stay in one of these airport hotels .

The MRT is the lifeline and pride of Taipei. It is considered one of the best metro systems in the world. You’ll love it, and use it to get almost everywhere you go in Taipei.

In order to ride the MRT, it’s best to get an EasyCard from any station (or order it before your trip ) and load some money onto it. This makes it easy to swipe in & out. You have to pay a TWD non-refundable deposit plus however much you want to load onto the card.

The EasyCard also works for buses and taxis in Taipei, ferries in Tamsui, and local buses in cities across the country. It can also be used on the Taichung and Kaohsiung MRT, and regular/local train tickets between cities that don’t require seat reservations. Note that for most long distance buses or trains, you won’t be able to use it.

Taxis are also cheap and plentiful in Taipei. Taipei has Uber, too, but it often isn’t any cheaper than taxis. Taxi drivers speak varying levels of English, and some not at all, so it’s a good idea to have your destination written in Mandarin when taking local taxis. Taxi drivers in Taiwan are honest and won’t try to scam you or rip you off.

Taking the Regular Train (TRA) around Taiwan

The regular (TRA) train does a full circle around Taiwan. Tickets can be booked online  up to exactly 28 days in advance (or 29 days for Saturday trips and 30 days for Sunday trips). See details and screenshots for how to book train tickets online or on the app .

Trains sell out in Taiwan very often, especially on weekends and holidays. Sometimes they even sell out minutes after they go on sale, such as for long weekends, or for very popular rides (like the express train from Taipei to Hualien/Taroko Gorge).

For this reason, it’s very important to book your tickets in advance. Note that 28 days in advance means the tickets go on sale at precisely 12:00 a.m. (midnight). For example, if you want to travel on September 28, you should try to book your ticket at 12:00 a.m. on September 1, which is actually the night of August 31, Taiwan time of course.

If your train sells out, don’t freak out. You can always buy standing tickets on most trains. A lot of people do this, and just stand in the aisle or sit on the floor between train cars (see which ones below). It’s not comfortable for a long ride, but at least you’ll get there. Another option is to try a different time, or take a bus (but beware that there are very few buses running down the east coast).

Note that you are allowed to eat and drink on trains in Taiwan, and they all have toilets on board. You can even discreetly drink a beer on Taiwan trains, although most train station 7-Elevens no longer sell them. But be warned that Taiwanese people tend to be very quiet (and often sleep) on buses and trains, and they don’t appreciate noisy passengers. To be respectful, keep talking to a whisper, or just don’t talk at all. I can’t say how many times we have been “shhed” just for having a conversation at a reasonable volume on buses or trains in Taiwan.

There are different types of TRA trains in Taiwan, and it’s useful to know the names of them when searching for train times. Here they are:

• Local Train (區間車): Slowest, stops at every small stop, cheapest, least comfortable, and you can sit or stand anywhere. Buy ticket at station or swipe with EasyCard.
• Chu Kuang Express (莒光號): Regular trains that circle around Taiwan. Reserved seats, but you can always buy standing tickets from the train station ticket window.
• Tze-Chiang (Express / 自強號 ): Same as the above, but faster and fewer stops. Standing tickets also possible.
• Taroko / Puyuma Express (太魯閣號): Super express train from Taipei to Taroko Gorge/Hualien. Reserved seats only, and always sells out very quickly.
• Tze Chiang Lmt. Express 3000 ( 自強EMU3000 ): A new express train that is also reserved seats only.

The High Speed Rail (HSR)

Taiwan has a Japanese-made high speed rail (HSR) sytem. The single line has 12 stops along the highly developed west coast of Taiwan, from Taipei city in the north to Kaohsiung city (called Zuoying Station) in the south. 

The first station in Taipei is Nangang, while Taipei Main Station is the most useful, and connects to the Taipei City MRT, regular (TRA) trains, and Airport MRT. Banqiao is located in New Taipei City (the large city that surrounds Taipei City), and Taoyuan is close to the Taoyuan International Airport. To get to Taoyuan HSR station from the airport, you have to ride the Airport MRT a few stops in the opposite direction from Taipei.

Generally speaking, HSR tickets costs about twice as much as the regular train, but get you there twice as fast.

It’s important to note, however, that in most cities, the HSR station is located outside of the city center, just like airports tend to be, so you have to factor in time (and money) to get to the city center once you arrive. This is the case for every stop except for Taipei.

In some cases, though, the location of the HSR station can be more useful. For example, in Taichung, the HSR station is closer to Rainbow Village, and has direct buses to Sun Moon Lake. Similarly, in Chiayi, you can catch a bus directly from the HSR station to Alishan, and thus avoid going into Chiayi City. In Kaohsiung, the HSR station is right beside Lotus Lake, one of the city’s top attractions. To get to the Kaohsiung City center, you just have to hop onto the KMRT.

You can buy HSR tickets online up to 28 days in advance, and buying them early usually gets you an early bird price. 

You can also buy discounted HSR tickets on Klook  – buying them here allows you to get the early bird discount even when you’ve missed it on the official site. Note that if you buy your tickets on Klook, you have to follow the instructions provided to actually book your seat after you receive the voucher. You can do this online or in person at the station. You’ll need to show your passport. Note that this Klook deal is for short term tourists only; residents/ARC-holders aren’t supposed to buy them.

Unlike TRA trains, the HSR has three cars (#10-12) of unreserved seats. This means you can show up at an HSR station anytime and buy an unreserved ticket at full price from one of the machines. These never sell out.

You aren’t guaranteed a seat, but you can often get one. The only time when demand is crazy high is Lunar New Year and on long weekends, and even then, we’ve always managed to get on without waiting too long.

Special Trains in Taiwan

Besides MRTs (city metros), TRA trains, and the HSR, there are a few special small-gauge train lines in Taiwan. Mostly these are restored old trains that run along former logging lines, built by the Japanese when they were logging during their colonial rule of Taiwan. They tend to be fun and highly scenic rides for tourists.

Here are some of these special small train lines that you may encounter or seek out on your trip:

• Pingxi Line : this small train line provides access to some of the most popular day trips from Taipei, including Houtong, Shifen, and Pingxi. Most people board it at Ruifang, which has direct connections to Taipei by bus or TRA train.
• Alishan Forest Railway : This is the most interesting way to get from the city of Chiayi to the mountain resort of Alishan. However, the final section was destroyed in a typhoon, so you have to take a bus for the final leg. There are also parts of the train line running to scenic spots within Alishan National Scenic Area. You can find all the relevant information in my guide to getting to Alishan .
• Neiwan, Jiji, and Bong Bong Lines : These are three more scenic small train lines that far few foreign tourists ever make it to. They are in Hsinchu, Changhua, and Yilan (on top of Taipingshan Mountain), respectively. 

Buses in Taiwan

There are some cases where you will need to take buses in Taiwan. Here are a few common routes that many visitors take: 

• In Taipei City, you’ll need to take buses for getting to Yangmingshan National Park or to National Palace Museum
• You’ll also need to ride buses to popular day trip places in New Taipei City, like for getting to Jiufen or Yehliu Geopark. You can swipe EasyCard for all of the above.
• Buses are the only direct way for getting from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake , Sun Moon Lake to Alishan , and Chiayi to Alishan . Click these links to find out how to book them.
• You’ll also need to ride the Kenting Express bus from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park .
• Buses also run between all major cities on the west coast of Taiwan. They are cheaper but usually a little slower than the train. There are no buses from Taipei to Hualien on the east coast.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Taiwan Trip

Well, I hope you’ve found more than enough information in my Taiwan travel blog for planning your trip. Taiwan remains largely closed to international visitors for the time being, but hopefully big changes are on the horizon.

Please feel free to check back again, as I’m constantly updating my Taiwan travel content to reflect the current situation. And if you’ve got any questions, please join my Taiwan Travel Planning group and I’ll answer them there!

Why Taiwan Is A Perfect Location For An Epic Road Trip With Mountains, Rainforests, & Hot Springs

Quick links, why taiwan is perfect for mountainous road trips, what to know about renting a moped in taiwan, getting around taiwan by public transportation.

Taiwan is a lush tropical island paradise. When the Portuguese landed there hundreds of years ago, they called it "Formosa" or 'beautiful'. It doesn't take very long exploring the island before travelers understand why it earned itself the name Formosa. Today Taiwan is little visited by Western travelers who tend to head to Japan in East Asia or Bali and Thailand in Southeast Asia.

Much like the north of Thailand around Chiang Mai , Taiwan is perfect for road-tripping on a motorbike. Take two weeks to complete the circuit around Taiwan , and then take the time to explore the mountainous interior and discover why it is one of the most beautiful places in East Asia. The mountains and forests, with the excellent alpine roads, make Taiwan one of the best places for a road trip (especially with motorbikes or mopeds).

The western coastal plain of Taiwan is densely populated, with many major cities stretching along the coast. But the east coast is sparsely populated, and in the interior of the island, there are mostly just village settlements and small towns. Many of these small towns in Taiwan are very scenic - but the real beauty is the mountains, forests, and lakes themselves.

• Drives On The: Right
• Road Condition: Well Maintained

The mountains in Taiwan rise to over 3,000 meters (9,000 feet) and are often shrouded in clouds. The roads often all the way to the tops of these mountains in places. It is possible to drive from tropical and humid coastal cities to the cool and misty mountain peaks in just a couple of hours. One of the top destinations to drive to in the interior of the island is Mount Hehuanshan (where the road rises to around 3,300 meters or 10,000 feet).

Taiwan is very wet, so always be prepared for rain in the mountains

The roads are well maintained in Taiwan, and most people drive responsibly. There are a number of popular routes, but adventurous travelers look at the map and see steep winding roads and explore them too.

The mountains are some of the main attractions for the Taiwanese, and there is typically a range of attractions along the roads leading to the tops of the mountains. There are farms (that for the Taiwanese may be exotic as they are not tropical), waterfalls, hiking trails, skywalks, restaurants, B&Bs, extravagant accommodation options, remote Buddhist temples, and more.

Taiwan is full of hot water springs as well. They are found all over the island. Perhaps the most famous destination for hot springs in Taiwan is the hot spring resort town of Beitou, just out of Taipei. But there are plenty of other destinations as well, including near the mountain town of Puli in the center of the island.

Related: 10 Things To Do In Taipei City: Complete Guide To Taiwan's Cultural Capital

One option is to rent a car and explore Taiwan. Another option is to rent motorbikes (mopeds or scooters). It is required to have an international driver's license to drive in Taiwan, and it should state include riding small motorbikes (mopeds). But that being said, most motorbike/moped rental companies in Taiwan do not care too much and will rent to foreigners regardless (although foreigners typically need to pay a premium for the bikes relative to the locals).

• International Driver's License: Required (Typically Not Enforced by Rental Companies)
• Rental Fees: Typically $10-20 Per Day
• Where: By Train & Bus Stations

Moped rental fees vary by outlet around the island but typically range from $10 to $20 per day.

It is not necessary to rent a moped from Taipei (although that is very much an option). There are plenty of moped rentals all around the country, and they are normally located directly outside the bus station or train station.

Related: Taipei Travel Guide: What First-Time Travelers Shouldn't Miss

It is possible to get to any point in Taiwan in one day by public transportation (public transportation is very convenient, fast, affordable, and efficient). Seemingly every corner of Taiwan is knit together by buses and trains. This means that visitors can easily rent a new moped at every destination.

The first thing visitors should do in Taiwan is buy an EasyCard. The EasyCard is what is used for public transportation in the cities, for the intercity buses, and for most regional and local trains (although tickets for high-speed and fast trains are normally booked separately). Traveling around Taiwan doesn't need to be expensive ; done properly, it can be quite affordable.

English is hit and miss in Taiwan (especially outside of the capital Taipei) but the Taiwanese are extremely welcoming of Western tourists into their country and are very happy to help out.

Visitors can take guided tours to discover Taiwan , although Taiwan is extremely easy to explore on a self-guided tour.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Taiwan Small Group Tours

Uncover new and exciting adventures in Taiwan by taking part in our small group tours. Go sightseeing at your own pace surrounded by travellers like you. Provided by top tour operators & travel companies, our small group tours in Taiwan will offer you the perfect balance between spending time on your own and group activities. View all small group tours .

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23 taiwan small group tours with 29 reviews.

• Sightseeing

Explore Taiwan

Logan was a great tour guide and helpful in any moment.You’ll learn so much about local culture, Current events and helpful ideas to make you stay better.

• In-depth Cultural
• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

5-day Classic Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan (Private)

This tour was an amazing glimpse into the vast landscapes of Taiwan from seascapes, gorges, high mountains and lakes. Arriving just after an earthquake, we had to improvise the early parts of the tour. Zoe was an amazing tour guide who was filled with useful facts about Taiwan, and the same passion for nature, food and wildlife that we had. Highly recommended!

• Coach / Bus

Around Taiwan 8 day Private Tour (Premium)

We had a slightly rocky start. After paying for the tour, I had to write back to check that our tour was confirmed. This was 48 hours after booking. After it was agreed to be confirmed we then received an email a couple of days later saying that two of the hotels were booked out and would we upgrade, costing another 50% on top of the entirety of the tour. After disagreeing I personally had to email examples of hotels that I could find that had availability and were similar in quality. This was agreed but interestingly when on the tour, one of the original hotels we stayed in anyway. We were also booked in a king side bed on the first two nights and strangely found that every hotel was then twin singles. Originally we thought this was the availability issue but this became the norm for all the hotels even those that had no capacity issues. The positive however was our driver and tour guide, Bill. He was polite, insightful and very professional. He genuinely felt like part of the family at the end of the tour. The quality of the hotels were good. Alishan is tougher but there really isn't another option. Language can be a real challenge so having Bill was very important in the Southern and Eastern parts of Taiwan. It's also hard to get to some of the best places like Alishan, Taroko Gorge etc by public transport. Overall Id give the booking experience 2 stars. But the tour itself and Bill 5 stars. Taiwan is a beautiful and very safe place. A great place to visit.

Taiwan Explorer 11 Days Panorama Tour

Customized Private Taiwan Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Best Taiwan Tour with Daily Departure & Private Guide

Bike Taiwan

Private 3-Day Tour to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan

Such a magical experience! Our driver was really friendly as well as our guide, with great recommendations for local-fare for the time away from the tour. Mr. Chang made sure to introduce us to a special Taiwanese tea ceremony since the museum from the tour did not have such an exhibit. He was also really friendly with the locals that made our group feel really welcomed to the environment. He expertly lead the way through the Alishan terrain and knew the best places to take photos. He not only kept up with but outpaced an entire flock of 20-somethings!

• Self-Guided Cycling

East Taiwan Self-Guided Cycle Tour

• Intl. Flights Included

Ilha Formosa - Between Confucius and Jade Mountain

• Flights included

Taiwan Tea Culture & Monastic Life

We really enjoyed our vacation in Taiwan with Moskito Adventures. The tour was excellently organized. We saw a lot and the hikes in the Taroko Gorge and the bike tours were our personal highlights. Our guide was very caring and always made sure we were comfortable. Thank you very much, dear Chris ???? We will definitely book again, as Korea is still on our list. Best regards Jonathan and Petra

Around Taiwan (Private)

Die gesamte Reise war sehr gut organisiert. Unser Guide Nicolas hat dich perfekt im alles gekümmert und unsere individuellen Anforderungen erfüllt. Auch einen Umweg über eine für uns interessierte Sehenswürdigkeit konnte er spontan einplanen. Seine Essensempfehlungen waren meist sehr gut, da wir vegetarisches Essen bevorzugen, war es scheinbar nicht immer einfach. Aber sehr gut. Vielen Dank für alles.

Around Taiwan 8 Day Private Tour (Classic)

The 8-day private tour of Taiwan was everything we were hoping for and more... This was largely due to our guide Ken who was truly excellent, Easy to converse with, flexible as to starting hours and itinerary, very informative and super helpful in dealing with non-english speakers, e.g. in hotels, restaurants etc.

2-day Taroko Gorge Private Tour (Classic)

I very much enjoyed my two day/one night tour to Taroko Gorge with Jaron. He was a wonderful guide and driver. Got to see a lot in the two days and had perfect weather, I really lucked out! Enjoyed the night market and the food we tried on the first day and the Gorge all the 2nd day. Thanks!

3 DayTaroko Gorge Private Hiking Adventure

As we have been to Taroko Gorge the previous week, the itinerary was adjusted for us to hike other trails that we had not been to. The last day was sunny and the itinerary was changed so that we can enjoy the Snow Mountain, almost the highest point of Taiwan. Our guide Zoe knew the hikes very well and overall we had great time for this tour which is highly recommend for others who like hiking.

Reviews of Small Group tours to Taiwan

This was such a wonderful trip. Our itinerary was changed last minute due to a devastating earthquake that occurred just a week before, and the steps taken to ensure that we’d be safe while still having a lovely trip were amazing. There was a lot of communication with the changes, which my group and I very much appreciated. Our tour guide, Jaren, was beyond phenomenal. He was very knowledgeable, professional, personable, and hilarious, and he carefully listened and asked about our preferences to make a very tailored experience. I highly recommend anyone to use this company, and pray that you get Jaren! It’s really the best way to see my happy place on Earth: Taiwan!

We had a slightly rocky start. After paying for the tour, I had to write back to check that our tour was confirmed. This was 48 hours after booking. After it was agreed to be confirmed we then received an email a couple of days later saying that two of the hotels were booked out and would we upgrade, costing another 50% on top of the entirety of the tour. After disagreeing I personally had to email examples of hotels that I could find that had availability and were similar in quality. This was agreed but interestingly when on the tour, one of the original hotels we stayed in anyway. We were also booked in a king side bed on the first two nights and strangely found that every hotel was then twin singles. Originally we thought this was the availability issue but this became the norm for all the hotels even those that had no capacity issues. The positive however was our driver and tour guide, Bill. He was polite, insightful and very professional. He genuinely felt like part of the family at the end of the tour. The quality of the hotels were good. Alishan is tougher but there really isn't another option. Language can be a real challenge so having Bill was very important in the Southern and Eastern parts of Taiwan. It's also hard to get to some of the best places like Alishan, Taroko Gorge etc by public transport. Overall Id give the booking experience 2 stars. But the tour itself and Bill 5 stars. Taiwan is a beautiful and very safe place. A great place to visit.

• Taiwan Travel Guide

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