visit taiwan or south korea

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taipei vs. Seoul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

• Which is Cheaper, Taipei or Seoul? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Taipei or Seoul?

Should you visit taipei or seoul, which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Taipei and Seoul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Taipei or Seoul?

Few cities in the world are full of more diverse opportunities than the cultural crosshairs city of Taipei . As the capital of Taiwan, this 300-year-old city is the financial, cultural and governmental center of Taiwan. Located in the northern part of the island between the Yangming Mountains and Central Mountains, this city of 2.6 million people is always ready to welcome more visitors.

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Taiwan , The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan , The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea , and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea .

Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Taipei?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Taipei Prices Taiwan Prices Seoul Prices South Korea Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Taipei $ 182 Seoul $ 107

The average daily cost (per person) in Taipei is $182, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $107. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Taipei and Seoul in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Taipei $ 145 Seoul $ 54
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Taipei $ 290 Seoul $ 108

Compare Hotels in Taipei and Seoul

Looking for a hotel in Taipei or Seoul? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Taipei

Hotels in Seoul

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Taipei $ 10 Seoul $ 15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Taipei

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Taipei:

• Easycard $ 2.01
• Easycard $ 9.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taipei

Also for Taipei, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Return Bus Transfer: $8.59
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Taipei APT-HTL (TSA): $28
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Taipei HTL-APT (TSA): $28
• Private Transfer from Taipei city to Keelung (Taipei) Cruise Port: $38
• Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taoyuan/Taipei hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
• Bicycle transfer (Taipei - Hualien) 4 persons: $40
• Private Transfer：Taoyuan International Airport to Hotel: $40
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Taipei APT- HTL (TPE): $41
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Taipei HTL- APT (TPE): $41
• Private Transfer from Taoyuan airport Taiwan to Taipei: $52
• [Chinese driver charter sedan] 1 to 4 people ☆ Taoyuan Airport ⇔ Taipei City Hotel Airport Transfer [one way]: $53
• Taipei Arrival Private Transfer: Taoyuan International Airport to Hotel: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:

• Subway Card $ 3.62
• Short Taxi Ride $ 5.07
• Metro Ride $ 0.98
• Seoul City Pass Plus $ 7.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

• Private Transfer l Airport to/from Seoul: $100
• Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $99
• Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $47
• Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
• Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
• Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
• Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $204
• Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
• Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $167
• Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-5 pax): $80
• Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
• Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Taipei or Seoul?

Prices for flights to both Seoul and Taipei change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Taipei $ 16 Seoul $ 30

Typical Food Prices in Taipei

For Taipei, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

• EasyCard $ 15
• Lunch at The Can $ 6.81
• EasyCard $ 31
• Lunch $ 2.94
• Lunch $ 1.86
• Dinner $ 6.19
• Lunch $ 3.56
• Lunch $ 4.64
• Louisa coffee $ 2.94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taipei

For Taipei, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Historic Night Market Food Tour with Tastings: $45
• Ximending Vegan Food Tour Snack, Dessert & Main!: $46
• Taipei Food Tour: Yongkang Street for Foodies: $58
• Yansan Night Market Food Tour: $62
• Turnip cake, Pork thick soup, Tofu pudding. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-C (Taipei Cooking Class): $65
• Taipei Food Tour and Colorful Bubble Tea Making: $65
• Taipei Food Tour and Colorful Bubble Tea Making: $70
• Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $74
• Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun: $75
• Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77

Typical Food Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:

• Rice with Kimchi & Bacon $ 4.34
• Waffle $ 0.72
• Dippin' Dots $ 1.45
• Chicken Fried Rice $ 3.98
• Chicken Stick $ 1.45
• Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew $ 1.38
• Lunch Buffet $ 4.34
• Donut $ 0.72
• Mushroom Burger $ 3.76
• Green Tea Ice Cream $ 2.39
• Udon & Sushi $ 5.07
• Fresh Burger $ 3.48
• Soba Noodles Lunch $ 3.26
• Bibimbap Lunch $ 3.62
• Fried Rice $ 3.98
• Vietnamese Dinner $ 6.88
• Breakfast and Coffee for 2 $ 6.88
• Donut $ 1.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $36
• Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
• Grandma's Home Cooking Class at Korean House l Seoul: $45
• Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $46
• Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $47
• Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
• Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
• Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $57
• Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $59
• Night Market Food Tour: $70
• Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
• Night Market Food Tour: $72

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Taipei $ 17 Seoul $ 26

Tours and Activities in Taipei

For Taipei, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• Old Town Walking Tour: $1.00
• Taipei's Origin & Longshan Temple - Taiwan Cultural Walking Tour: $1.00
• Taipei Old Town - Taiwan Introduction Walking Tour: $1.00
• Taipei's Origin & Longshan Temple - Taiwan Cultural Tour: $1.00
• Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence Ticket: $3.07
• Miramar Ferris Wheel Ticket: $6.14
• Scavenger Hunt and City Exploration Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
• Taipei Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
• Taipei Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
• Taipei Makong Cable Car: Ticket & Combos: $10
• National Palace Museum E-Ticket: $11
• Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:

• Palace Tickets $ 5.79
• Movie Ticket $ 5.79
• Kimchi Museum $ 2.17

Tours and Activities in Seoul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:

• Full Day Tour Jeonju Hanok Village, Wansan Park and Gakwonsa: $72
• Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
• (Private tour) Nami Island + Railbike + Garden of morning calm: $220
• 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $37
• 2-Hour Private Kayaking and Paddleboarding Experience in Hanriver: $30
• 3 Hour Walking Tour in Songpa Seoul: $49
• 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $33
• 365-day DMZ Special Tour including Monday & National Holiday: $55
• ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $55
• Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
• Afternoon Half Day Seoul City Tour, visit Queen's dorm: $67
• All in One Full Day Tour 2 (Palace & Korean Folk Village): $125
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Taipei $ 18 Seoul $ 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Taipei

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taipei:

• Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes): $28
• Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes): $30
• Private Tour Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery from Taipei : $207

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
• The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
• Pub Crawl: $25
• The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $25
• Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42
• Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $42

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taipei and Seoul, we can see that Taipei is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Taipei would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taipei than you might in Seoul.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Taipei Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive? .

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Taipei. When comparing the sizes of Taipei and Seoul, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

Related Articles for Taipei

Related articles for seoul.

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I'm thinking of going to either of these Asian countries for a holiday, but at a much later date when travel is not inclusive to Business/Returned Travellers and Quarantine rules.

My favorite Holiday Destination is Japan , with Singapore a close second as an indicatorm

Between South Korea & Taiwan, Which has overall better:

Public Transport?

Cleanliness?

Urban Life?

Natural Beauty?

Ask the same question in Taiwan forum.

Taiwan aka TAIPEI has night markets for food, but boring nightlife IMO. Decent subways and buses, but not as comprehensive as Seoul. It's just a smaller city. Seoul is massive. Taiwan also has excellent nature (mountains and beaches) but it IMO feels way more remote and not as easy to get to.

In terms of your specific criteria, we loved the food in both countries, whether in street markets or restaurants but for individual cities, I think Taipei has some of the best street food in all of Asia.

South Korea seemed to have the better, mor comprehensive public transport systems, though only marginally and I would base a decísion on that alone.

Both are clean countries and whilst I am not sure what you mean by "amenities" I can’t say either places lacked for anything.

If by "urban life" you mean nightlife, then possibly Seoul has the edge. For natural beauty , there is little to choose. Plenty of hiking close to Taipei.

Japan neither country is really comparable with Japan so I would manage your expectations accordingly. They are very different countries with nothing like the sheer number of cultural sights but both are still full of sights to enjoy and bot( are arguably considerably cheaper countries in which to travel.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Taiwan Vs Korea: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

• July 24, 2013
• 32 Comments

We get a lot of questions a lot about how teaching English in Taiwan compares to other countries in Asia, like Korea, Japan and China. I thought it would be a great time to bring in a guest poster who has experience teaching in Taiwan and elsewhere. I asked my friend TJ to write about his experiences teaching English in Taiwan and Korea and how they compare and contrast.

In his post below, TJ gives some great insight into why he first moved abroad and on the differences between teaching English in Taiwan and Korea. As you can see from TJ’s story, he didn’t get very good advice before coming to Taiwan, which is one of the reasons we started this blog.

For example, we’ve covered important topics like how much money  you should save before you come to Taiwan, when you should come , and much more. If you have any questions for us or for TJ, leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to respond.

Why I decided to teach abroad

When my friend asked me to write about the differences between life in Taiwan vs. Korea I instantly had writers block brought on by the difficulty of sifting through the massive stockpile of data I’ve accumulated throughout the 5 years since I left The States. I just didn’t know where to start. I decided to think back to what was most important to me when I made the decision to pack my bags for parts unknown.

I was in my late 20’s and wanted to do something crazy with my life.  Something nobody I knew had ever done. You’re reading this, so I can imagine you’re about to do something equally as crazy. But is moving to another country really crazy?  You be the judge.

It really didn’t take me long to narrow my search to two countries: Korea and Taiwan.  The reason was simple and can be summed up in one word  M-O-N-E-Y. Unless you were fortunate enough to be a genetic lottery winner by virtue of well-off parents, worked your way through college, or had a rich uncle who went bungee jumping in Mexico; you probably have a financial ankle bracelet in the form of student loans, credit card bills, and the like.

If you are like I was, you probably need money and quick in order to loosen that ankle bracelet ever so slightly or remove it all together.

Life in Korea

After doing extensive research I decided that Korea was the way to go. Recruiters were all over the internet to help me every step of the way. My flight to Korea was to be reimbursed by my school when I arrived, and I was to be given an apartment rent free for the duration of my contract. Couldn’t argue with that.   It just seemed like the safer option at the time, yet still nerve-racking for a greenhorn like myself.

I had a rough time at first, but after slipping into a routine it was great. Most schools there might have you working 40 hours a week. My school, on the other hand, had me doing 50+. In a regular job 50+ is not that big of a deal, but when teaching kids it really wears on you.

However, when my paycheck arrived every month, my stress dissipated. I made about $2,500 USD a month for a salary, but most new people will bring in about $2,100 or so. Working 10 more hours per week was nice money-wise, but not at all worth the extra stress involved.

For reference, in Taiwan you can expect to make $2,000 starting out working 25 teaching hours per week. You will have to pay rent and a 2 month deposit, and you will likely have to sign a one year rental contract. In Korea you also get a bonus of one month’s pay at the end the contract. This is pretty universal. All of this said, you can stretch your buck more in Taiwan. A good deal of foreigners like to travel to Southeast Asian countries during holidays. Taiwan is much closer to Southeast Asia, and thus a more convenient home base.

Moving to Taiwan

When my year was almost up, and my countdown for returning to The States had begun I started thinking, “Hey. Korea is cool. Why not take the next step and try Taiwan?” I met a few people in Korea with knowledge of teaching in Taiwan.

After interrogating them extensively about how best to make the jump to Taiwan, my mind was made up that the best thing to do is get on a flight to Taipei without a job and find one when I get there. My advice to you as someone who has done this is as follows:   DON’T DO THIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!

I was thrilled to hear that a foreigner could just arrive in Taiwan and get a job. You see in Korea, you need to procure a visa prior to landing at which time your new employer sponsors your visa. This means you have to do paperwork that can be difficult depending on where you live.

You also need a criminal background check and you have to do an interview with a representative at a Korean embassy . As a guy from Northern Michigan, this meant a 7+ hour drive to Chicago. Taiwan doesn’t require you to do all of these shenanigans!

Unfortunately, I took bad advice and just got on a plane with my anemic bankroll. I arrived in Taipei and spent a day in the city before moving on to Kaohsiung on the super-awesome High Speed Train.  Why Kaohsiung? The beach, of course.

I spent a week there looking for a job. Sending emails, walking around with resume in hand, inquiring with local foreigners at bars in hostels just wasn’t effective. I had had enough of this runaround and I made the decision to take my talents back north to Taipei.

Upon arrival back in Taipei, it quickly became clear to me that the job market here was not good either. I figured out quite quickly that the best time to come to Taiwan is over the summer (June-August) or in January/February (before Chinese New Year). This was November. Ouch. My job hunt was rough and ended after almost a month when I finally found something.

So, if the job market in Taiwan isn’t as simple and easy as Korea, why have I been here 4 years and only stayed in Korea for just 1 year? Let me tell you. The people.

Taiwanese are much more inviting and polite in my opinion. Also, Korean schools hire anyone with a heartbeat and a degree. Sight unseen. That leads to…well…let’s just say you’re odds of working with someone who might not be socially accepted in their home country are pretty good. Taiwanese schools interview people in person, so they know what they’re getting.

Differences between Taiwan and Korea

Korean is spoken by 80 million people. Mandarin ? Roughly 1.3 billion with a “b”. Do the math. Taiwanese people also have a bit better English to guide you around. Still, it can be frustrating at times in both countries to say the least.

In Korea you have a lot of paperwork and it’s difficult to change jobs. You sign your contract the day your school has imported you. Getting teaching hours in Taiwan can be difficult. If you are new to teaching abroad, or don’t have a lot of money saved, then I recommend contacting one of the bigger schools like HESS and having things ready for you when you arrive.

Remember, the summer and January/February (before Chinese New Year) are the best times to come. If you don’t enjoy your initial school, you can always move on to another school during the two peak hiring seasons.

I have to say, the jobs themselves are about the same inside the classroom for both countries. Perhaps the Korean classroom is more serious, but business is business, so private schools just want to make money no matter what country you’re in. I was always warned that teaching private classes in Korea was policed heavily and could get you deported if caught, whereas this doesn’t seem to be an issue in Taiwan.

Korea and Taiwan both have great healthcare run by the government. Although I have to give the edge to Taiwan on this one, as it’s just plain dirt cheap while not lacking in quality.

As mentioned before, Taiwan is better situated geographically to tourist hotspots . It also has great domestic travel. The train system can get you to an array of great places in a short time and it’s cheap. Although, both countries have High Speed Rail.

Food and Drinks

Korea has great food and the people are not afraid to lift a glass to mourn the loss of fallen loved ones, celebrate a wedding, or celebrate just being alive. What I’m trying to say is alcoholism runs rampant in Korea. Many people (particularly business men in suits) binge drink like frat boys on spring break. This was never an issue for me, as I enjoy lifting 12 ounce weights myself. That’s not to say Taiwanese don’t drink, but in moderation for the most part.

The bars here are great and stay open all night in many cases. I love Korean food, and eating it with a large group of friends is great. This is all well and good, but I prefer the selection of food in Taipei: Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai, Korean, Indian, American, etc. This cosmopolitan city has it all.

I think I’ve shown that both countries have a lot to offer, but let me leave you with this, as it could be the deciding factor in your decision of which country to choose. As I mentioned earlier, if you don’t have a lot of cash saved up and want a job when you land then you probably should seriously consider Korea.

If you can save up some money before you come and can arrive at one of the peak hiring periods then Taiwan can be a great option. To wrap up, I’ll just say that I lived in Korea for one year and was ready to leave, while I’ve lived in Taiwan for four years and have no plans to relocate .

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One thought on “ Taiwan Vs Korea: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly ”

Hi I believe both Korea & Taiwan are nice countries to live in. I am a Taiwanese staying abroad. After reading your article above, I am so agree with you about the differences of people in different countries. Taiwanese are very friendly and very polite, yes very true. I actually got alot of friends saying the same thing about people in Taiwan after they travelled there.

I wish you have a great stay in Taiwan. Enjoy the food!

i think taiwan is slightly better for foreigners

Sounds like the best thing to do if you are low on savings is to go to Korea first, save some money then relocate to Taiwan.

Really interesting article, im going the motions now with Korean schools but i got start up money so Taiwan is an alternative option.

Glad I ended up here. As a longtime Montrealer (the Brooklyn of Canada), I might be more of a Taipei-type-of-guy… Though I’m not completely broke, my funds are limited. I’m considering a job downtown Seoul (great location) but remains unsure about rigid 40-hour contracts. I have another offer on the table, a waiting list for Taipei through a recruiter referred by my TEFL program. The offer is for a min. of 18 hours x NT 580… so I’m worried about money, which sucks cause it’s the only thing stopping me. I really need to save money (post-taxes in Taiwan and Canada), it’s the main goal of moving abroad. Can I easily get more hours? Can I easily tutor? Can I switch jobs easily? Could I make money with a second language (French)? Most importantly, should I accept the job? No one seems to know. Thanks for your future reply and, hopefully, for making my Taiwanese dream possible…

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=chvKPwbZsj0 This video explains korea the way it is.

Sure, if you don’t do your research and pick a bad Hagawon.

I spent 3.5 years in Korea and 2 in Taiwan. Korea is better for money for the most part. There’s a lot of benefits and you can save a lot. Taiwan has a crappy tax situation and more expenses. Korea is a little cleaner.

Aside from the that I think Taiwan is just better. Language, culture, environment…

I think in Korea, only Seoul is clean, the rest of the cities looks like worse than small town of Taiwan, especially Busan has very serious air pollution.

Well, I’ve been to Korea, Seoul is not really clean as you would expect – but I have to say Seoul seems a bit more clean than backward city of Toronto where I live. Seoul has too many people and tourists and if I decide to live in Korea, I prefer NOT to live in Seoul. Smaller cities like Daegu and Deajun (There was LITERALLY NOT A SINGLE piece of garbage; surprised revelation when I was roaming in the city of Daegu) and even a tiny remote rural town is extremely clean and well organized. I was pleasantly surprised to find the near the DMZ border rural town called “Yaang-gu” was so meticulously organized and clean and so modern that it left an indelible memory and I lament how Toronto seems to backward compared to even rural town of Korea. Even some Japanese tourists say that they feel like they are still in Japan considering the similar outer façades. When I went to Busan for the first time in my life, I did not find it air polluted at all especially considering I was there in the hot sticky damp summer. South Korea and part of Japan have serious problem of smog issues coming from the mainland China. Seoul is constantly (almost every year in the summer) bombarded with serious air haze smog being wafted from mainland China and this polluted air in gigantic magnitude now drifts into Japan.

Really? I believe cities in Korea can be better than Toronto, but I don’t think it can be compare with Japan. Consider the public manners and government effectiveness … Korea is still way behind Japan.

Thanks for the reply. You’re right. Korea is behind Japan, but as a visitor to the country myself in recent years not a way behind Japan though. I’ve been to Taiwan and Japan as a Child with my parents and I remember Taiwan to be quite clean in the cultural tendency of Taiwanese people compared to the mainland China; Japan is also maintained very clean. Some non-Koreans including a past acquaintance at work said that on the “outer façade” Japan and Korea there was not so much difference to him during his visits to the both countries as a foreign worker. I believe Japan is about a decade ahead of most of the developed western countries, and I feel that Korea is also at least about a few years ahead of many western countries too. So Japan seems a way more advanced than Toronto or Canada, but Korea is also quite more advanced in many aspects than Canada where I live as Canadian. I used to snub on the Korean people & immigrants myself. but when I went to the country some time ago in recent years, I was just blown away by such high and efficient infra structure. I found Koreans to have extremely high standard of living and this is no exaggeration. Yes, sometimes I am very angry at their xenophobic comments and rude attitude towards non-Korean visitors, but otherwise my visit to Korea visit impressed me a lot. Koreans I find sometimes very obnoxious, crude and snobby. As a foreigner though I noticed they normally do not eat food on streets while walking which they themselves I heard considered uncivilized; so eating a hotdog while walking could be a rare sight in korea.

Ha ha, nice to meet you Jonathan, You are Korean Canadian right ? Well, I do believe East Asia area like Japan, Korea and Taiwan are more advanced than Canada. I’m living in Vancouver and I hate their traffic so much, they can’t even manage or update skytrain system ( subway ) or any other transportation properly . I do like to hangout with Koreans in Vancouver, somehow I feel they are more friendly than Japanese and Chinese.

Thanks for the reply again. Yes, I am Korean Canadian. Speaking of the public transit as you said about Vancouver, Toronto’s TTC is also not the greatest service either. I also had a very close friend (like a big brother) who was of Taiwanese origin but of mixed with Japanese blood on maternal side. I used get along better with Chinese counterparts than Korean peers. Koreans I find sometimes are notorious of making enemies instead of friends over the internet – ethnocentric view of things is creating havoc on themselves which I feel so grievous as a Korean background myself.

your mention of Korea still way behind Japan is a little irritating to hear. It’s same as saying Taiwan has no position of power between Korea, Japan, and China.

I agree with you in regards to Busan. That’s true some places in Korea like Seoul get that yellow dust from China.

I lived in Busan for 2.5 years and then Changwon for about a year. I never thought Busan was that polluted. It’s on the ocean too. One of the first impressions I had when I went there was that it was cleaner. Smog days are not that common there.

Busan is around 3.5 million and I thought it was cleaner then the cities I lived in Taiwan that were only around a million (Taichung and Tainan). Scooters are the problem in Taiwan.

Taichung and Tainan are old cities, You should compare Busan to Kaohsiung, they are both second largest cities in South Korean and Taiwan.

My roommate is from Busan. From what I’ve heard, it is the cleanest city in South Korea

Not true at all. in fact, the smaller cities are cleaner because there is so much new development.

That picture looks a little like Taichung.

I prefer Korea. Taiwan ( food and weather) are lousy. If you want Chinese food go to Hong Kong, If you like hot humid weather. Go to Taiwan. If you want shopping, sight seeing, Urban Nomad. Go to Korea!!!!

taiwanese food is way better than hong kong food. not everyone loves cantonese food you know. although i do love hong kong food, lets make that clear!

hi 40 hours a week? that’s horrible . do you mean teaching 40 hours a week or the 40 hrs include the preparation time ? In mainland china, you can easily find a teaching job with 12000 RMB minimum with 25 hours max

I would say Taiwan is better for advanced transportation system, and Taiwanese are way too polite.

For advanced transportation system around metro, Korea and Japan is the best. Taiwan has a nice one too, however, it is only because its small.

Lol free healthcare :3

I prefer Korea over Taiwan. You are comparing State of Massachusetts to State of Guam.

Koreans are very ignorant, and short minded. They are addicted to thinking high of themselves. It’s because of the memorizing based education system. They don’t know how to think. They don’t like to think. That’s why the society is so messed up.

This is utterly slanted and is one person view. Koreans are rude? That’s not what I experienced. There are a few that do prefer other countries. But most folks I have come across end up going to korea, getting addicted to it, and staying their many years.

I taught in Whasun, South Korea and I’m now in Taiwan for 5 years. Cultural differences are huge in both countries but I find it easier in Taiwan. Sadly some foreigners come to these countries to fool around and made it difficult for everyone. Do your homework about schools before you apply for work.

The food in Taiwan is seriously shit the country is small bland and unremarkable, on the other hand Thailand Japan and Indonesia are big countries lots of unique cultures histories lots of diverse islands etc, I found life in Taiwan really boring like asmall microcosm of China (but without the filthy rude people who spit and shit everywhere), Ive not been to Korea yet so couldnt abide you with that.

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Itinerary Planning Cheatsheet For East Asia — Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (incl. deals and pro-tips)

1-for-1 flash deals, promo codes, and other exclusive deals for those travelling to Taiwan, Japan or Korea this year-end!

First it was Korea, then Japan and finally, Taiwan opened its borders on 13 October. Stretch out those fingers — now all that’s left to do is to book that holiday you’ve been waiting for!

Yet the thing with holiday-planning, there’s just so many bookings to account for. Hotels, transport passes, SIM cards, attraction tickets — the list goes on. 

If you’re having trouble creating your “List of things to book”, we’ve collated a checklist of travel essentials and highly recommended activities for that East Asia trip. Bookmark this article for your next holiday to any of these East Asian countries!

There are also attractive deals to score this weekend at Klook’s Travel Fest — more details at the end !

Jump to: Japan | Taiwan | Korea

Travel Necessities

Before diving head-first into the exciting activities, let’s get the important stuff out of the way.

Travel insurance: Be sure to find a plan that has Covid coverage, covers adventurous activities you might be planning to do, and worldwide travel assistance — TravelCare

SIM Card and Hotel Transfers: Get connected once you land by pre-booking your SIM Card. Book your hotel transfer too, if you usually struggle to find your bearings in a new place, and want to save that hassle when travelling with family.

Transport Passes

Photo credit: Central Japan Area

Japan’s transport networks are extensive but can be disorienting for first-timers. Save yourself some confusion by booking transport passes pre-trip and checking out this Japan Rail JR Pass guide .

Do some research before booking your passes as they vary in coverage categorised by prefecture. Some options include the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (~S$95), JR West Kansai Pass (~S$23), Hokkaido Rail Pass (~S$237), JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)  (~S$192) and more.

Read also: 10-Day Japan Rail Itinerary For First Timers Under S$900 — Tokyo to Osaka

Alternatively, the Whole Japan Rail Pass (from S$284) is great for travellers exploring the whole of Japan. For your choice of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, it covers travel along the Hokkaido Shinkansen, Tokyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, and more. 

All-inclusive/Activity Passes

A good budget tip when exploring city areas is to purchase activity passes. These passes cover a range of tourist essentials including unlimited trips on subways, buses, free entry to attractions, redeemable vouchers, and more. 

Each pass varies in coverage. For example, some operate on a day-basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while others work on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options). Some cover transport rides while others do not, so double check these details.

Some activity passes to consider in Japan:

Theme Parks

Japan’s theme parks are notoriously crowded all year round. While you can purchase tickets on-site, save time on queueing by pre-booking these tickets — more time chasing rides!

Consider pre-booking these if they’re in your Japan itinerary: – Universal Studios Japan (USJ) (~S$80) — with 1, 1.5 and 2-day studio passes – USJ Express Pass 4 (from S$65) or Express Pass 7 (from S$103) – 1-Day Passports to Disneyland or DisneySea (from S$85)

Check out our ultimate USJ guide and Disneyland and DisneySea guide to find your way around!

Cultural Experiences

Check out lesser-known cultural experiences like this Sumo Morning Training Visit (~S$144) where you’ll get a sneak peek into the lives of professional Sumo wrestlers.

If you love dressing up, check out the Kyoto Kimono Rental and Maiko Dinner Show (~S$670), or this Ninja Experience in Tokyo (S$74) — learn ninja tricks like the shuriken and blowgun as you visit some of Japan’s iconic shrines in a ninja outfit.

Guided/Day Tours

Remember to explore other neighbouring cities too! If you’re short on time to plan, consider booking day tours. They offer both the flexibility of a self-planned trip together with the convenience of guided tours. Some options include the Nara Park Half-day Bus Tour from Kyoto (~S$77), the Hakkoda Ice/Snow Monsters Snowshoeing Guide Tour (~S$74), or a Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip (~S$122).

Limited-time Exhibitions

Photo credit: Klook

If you’re travelling before the end of 2023, check out TeamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu (S$30). This is a limited-time exhibition offering visitors a barefoot museum experience with a collection of 9 artworks discovering teamLab’s concept of “Body Immersive”.

Taiwan’s transport system includes three types of train services: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and Taipei Metro (MRT) train services.

The THSR travels up to 300km/h across Taiwan, connecting travellers from the Northern end of Taipei to the Southern tip of Kaohsiung. The slower TRA connects smaller cities uncovered by the THSR. Lastly, the Taipei Metro serves areas in New Taipei.

Choose transport passes that best suits your Taiwan itinerary best:

You can also get discounted individual tickets for the THSR starting from Taipei , Taichung , Taoyuan , Zuoying , Tainan , Banqiao , Chiayi , Hsinchu or Nangang  

One of the best ways to discover the best food in a country is to ask a local! If you’re too shy to talk to strangers, consider a Shihlin Night Market Food Walking Tour (~S$15) for a blend of food and vibrant culture!

Travelling solo? Meet up with other like-minded travellers by signing up for a Taipei Pub Crawl (~S$30).

After a night of alcohol, consider detoxing with a Taipei Tea Culture Day Tour (~S$120) at Bagua Tea Plantation.

Iconic Attractions

Catch Taipei’s famous night view from the Taipei 101 Observatory Tower (or the sky lounge) (~S$24).

Then head to Yehliu Geopark for its natural landscapes (~S$5) showcasing an array of unique rock formations. While you’re there, also stop by the Yehliu Ocean World (~S$16) for a fascinating water show with underwater animals.

Transport Passes & T Card

The Korea Tour Card (T-card) also offers discounts at tourist spots and allows payment at retail outlets. Any unused balance at the end of your visit can be refunded.

*Note: The Discover Seoul Pass acts as a T-money transportation card as well, so you won’t have to purchase the Korea Tour Card separately if getting the Discover Seoul Pass.

All-inclusive/Activity Passes 

With many tourist attractions to visit in Seoul, you’ll want to grab activity passes to enjoy additional discounts when touring the city. There are two options for touring Seoul: one operates on a day basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while the other works on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options).

Attractions

Korea’s theme parks too are often packed with long queues. Pre-booking entrance tickets help you skip queues and save time. If these are in your Korea itinerary, definitely have them pre-booked: – Everland (~S$30) – Lotte World (from S$40)

A Korean holiday must-do — don a Hanbok with Korean hairstyling (~S$6.50) as you stroll Gyeongbukgong Palace. For a closer look into Korea’s culture, check out the Nami Island and Gwangjang Market tour (~S$144). For Hallyu fans, there’s also a Seoul Hallyu Kpop tour (~S$45) for a chance to meet your favourite idols!

Seasonal winter experiences

For those heading over during Winter, check out the Cheongyang Ice Fountain Festival (~S$60) or the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (~S$80).

Score attractive travel deals at Klook’s Travel Fest from 29th – 30th Oct 2022

Alright, if you’re heading to East Asia this year-end, Klook’s Travel Fest is the event you won’t want to miss.

This includes event-exclusive 1-for-1 flash deals for top attractions like Everland, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Amazing Pass, Taiwan High-Speed Rail, and other items mentioned in this article.

Not only can you redeem event-exclusive promo codes offering up to $80 off , but the first 100 visitors for each day also win goodie bags with extra promo codes. One lucky visitor will also find a golden ticket in the goodie bag to redeem a 3D2N Genting Dream cruise! Other prizes to redeem include $800 Klook e-Gift Card, a Swiss Travel Pass, etc.

Prepare yourself and check out the full list of deals and promotions before heading down!

Meet us there

The Klook Travel Fest will be held at Suntec City West Atrium on 29 and 30 October 2022, from 11am to 9pm. Entry is free, but note that registration is required .

On 30 October, TTI will be sharing a Japan spotlight at 3:30pm — join us for an overview on travelling with the JR Pass and car rental! Check the full schedule for sessions with other travel gurus as well.

Make a note on your calendars, and be sure to say hi when you catch us there!

Which East Asian country are you visiting this year-end? Share with us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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The best cities for first-time visitors to Asia

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Asia is huge and diverse, with so many attractive travel destinations. From Indonesia to China, Nepal to Cambodia, and Vietnam to Japan, there's so much to love about this fascinating and vibrant continent. But with almost 60% of the world's population (yes, you read that right) and some seriously crowded cities, all but the most experienced of travelers may feel daunted considering where to start for a first-time visit to the continent.

All visitors to Asia's major cities must come to terms with the fact that they are very crowded, with an almost endless amount to see and do. But that doesn't automatically mean that they're difficult to navigate or stressful places to spend time.

Certain East and Southeast Asian cities are best suited to first-time travelers to Asia, as they're highly organized, generally very safe for travelers and you don't need to know much (if any) of the local language to get around, while other South and Southeast Asian destinations (such as India or the Philippines) are probably better left until you have more travel experience in the region.

We've identified a few of the best cities for first-time travelers to Asia to check out. They're all worth a city-break vacation in their own right, or can be used as jumping-off points for exploring other parts of the country and region.

Tokyo, Japan

Major airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), Haneda International Airport (HND)

Related: Tokyo Narita vs. Haneda: Which airport should I fly to?

Who flies there: Many major international airlines fly to Tokyo's airports, including United, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines , Qantas and Singapore Airlines. ( Both ANA and Japan Airlines have announced that many of their flights will move from Narita to Haneda. )

Related: 3 ways to do Tokyo on points

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Tokyo: Tokyo is the definition of a mega-city, with around 10 million inhabitants, but it's not intimidating. Everything from the public transit to the garbage disposal runs smoothly and efficiently, Japanese people are generally very polite and introverted in public spaces, the crime rate is very low and tourists are highly unlikely to be a target. There's an enormous amount to see and do, whatever your interests. And if crowds aren't your thing, there are many peaceful parks and temples to which you can retreat.

While Tokyo is generally an expensive destination to visit, there are many ways to keep spending in check. Lots of attractions in Japan are free, including some parks and temples. Transportation is not very expensive, and you can make it even more affordable by buying a pass corresponding to the length of your stay.

Language(s) spoken: Japanese. English is spoken and understood by many in the travel industry, and English signs can be found in most public transportation situations. In general, though, the use and comprehension of English is not high, and the average Japanese person on the street won't understand you if you stop them to ask for directions in English.

How to get around: Tokyo has an extremely extensive network of public transportation, so there's no need to rent a car or take taxis most of the time. Overland and subway trains are generally more useful and user-friendly to international visitors than buses. There are many train lines run by different companies, and while tickets are not always interchangeable between these networks, you can buy daily or weekly transport passes to reduce costs. The subway is handy for getting around the central city, as is the circular above-ground JR Yamanote line.

Top sites: Whatever your interests, Tokyo will satisfy you. The neighborhood of Asakusa is a great place to start your Tokyo exploration, as it has a more traditional feel than most other parts of the city. In July and August 2020, the Olympics will be held in Tokyo. To experience quintessential neon Tokyo, head to Shinjuku and Shibuya. For a glimpse into the future, check out the artificial island of Odaiba. For a peaceful temple experience, visit Hikawa Jinja. For high-end shopping (or browsing), don't miss Ginza.

Top points hotels: Tokyo is an expensive destination, but there are many points options to reduce the cost of your stay. Here are a few:

• Courtyard Tokyo Station (Category 5, 35k Marriott points on standard nights or use a 35k free night certificate )
• Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Category 3, standard rooms from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night or 17k for a room with Club Lounge access. Or, use a Category 1–4 free night certificate .)
• ANA Intercontinental Tokyo (From 55k IHG Rewards Club points per night)
• Conrad Tokyo (95k Hilton Honors points per night or use a Free Weekend Night certificate )
• Park Hyatt Tokyo (Category 7, standard rooms from 30k points per night)
• Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho (Category 8, 85k Marriott points on standard nights)

Related: 3 of the best-value points hotels in Tokyo

If you're looking for a more affordable stay in Tokyo, look for business hotels. They are generally not spacious and lack character, but come with all the basics and are a decent place to lay your head for the night in a lower price point. You could also try a capsule hotel; here's what it's like to stay in a capsule hotel with kids .

Major airport: Changi International Airport (SIN)

Who flies there: Many major international airlines fly to Singapore, including United, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Emirates and Qantas. East Coast-based travelers can even take what is currently the world's longest flight , from Newark to Changi.

Related: How to book Singapore Airlines awards using Alaska miles

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Singapore: The city-state is a major financial hub in the region, which is evident in its glitzy high-rises and waterfront developments, but you can also find pockets of older, more traditional Southeast Asian culture, as well as green spaces both within the city and just outside. It's a very safe city (the country's notoriously strict punishments play a major part in this), and English is one of its four languages, so you won't have trouble being understood. Plus, Singapore's reputation for orderliness and cleanliness is not a myth.

Singapore is also an excellent destination for first-time family travelers to Asia, as the mix of indoor, cultural, and nature-oriented attractions should appeal to all members of the family (not to mention the general cleanliness).

Related: 3 ways to do Singapore on points

Language(s) spoken: Malay is the official language of Singapore, and Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and English are also widely spoken. Most Singaporeans are either fluent or conversant in English, even if it's not their first language, as it's the language of instruction in schools. All public signs are in English as well as Malay, Chinese and Tamil.

How to get around: Singapore has a good network of trains (the MRT) and buses, plus taxis are very affordable.

Top sites: A bumboat cruise down the Singapore River is a good and relaxing way to get an overview of the central city area, as is a circuit on the Singapore Flyer, an enormous Ferris wheel. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay could entertain you for an hour or a day. Don't miss the famous Merlion Statue. The Singapore Zoo is highly respected. To get out of the concrete jungle, head to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for a hot and steamy forest hike. Note that Singapore is a tropical country, so it's hot and humid year-round, which may affect your sightseeing plans depending on how you like your weather.

Top points hotels: Singapore is a major business hub, so there is a huge range of hotels catering to different types of traveler. Some great hotels where you can use and earn points include:

• JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach (Category 7, from 60k points per night on standard dates)
• The Westin Singapore (Category 6, from 50k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 50k free night certificate )
• Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong (From 35k IHG Rewards Club points or use an Anniversary Night certificate from the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card)
• Six Senses Duxton (Pay with a card like the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card that allows you to "erase" travel purchases from your statement using your Capital One miles .)

Related: These are the best times to visit Singapore

Bangkok, Thailand

Major airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK, mainly for regional low-cost carriers).

Who flies there: A large number of international airlines fly to Bangkok, but travelers coming from the U.S. may need to stop elsewhere first, or board a code-share flight. Airlines that fly to Suvarnabhumi include Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates and Cathay Pacific .

Related: The best ways to get to Thailand using points and miles

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Bangkok: Bangkok offers an enticing mix of glitzy modernity and traditional Thai culture. The spectacular, sparkling temples and palaces are unlike anything that most first-time visitors to Asia will have seen before, and the shopping experiences combine high-end glamor, outlet bargains and traditional markets. Plus, once you've had your fill of big-city Thai life, it's easy to get to the beautiful islands and beaches of Thailand from Bangkok. Although you should keep your wits about you, as you would in any large city, Bangkok is relatively safe.

A very, very important thing for first-time visitors (or, any visitors for that matter) to understand is Thailand's strict lese majeste laws. Saying or writing anything that could be understood as insulting the king is a highly punishable offense. If you have opinions on the monarchy, keep them to yourself while in Thailand. Read more in the following article: 11 Mistakes Tourists Make in Bangkok and Beyond

Language(s) spoken: Thai. English is not commonly understood, although it is used by people working in tourism and at restaurants frequented by tourists. Road and transport signs are also usually in English. You can't expect taxi drivers or other Thais not working in tourism to understand or read English: ask your hotel for a business card in Thai in case they have trouble understanding where you want to go. (Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find taxi drivers who can't read Thai either, which is a good reason to opt for the Skytrain when you can).

How to get around: While taxis and tuk-tuks are abundant in Bangkok, the traffic is often gridlocked, so a better way of getting around is the elevated Skytrain system. While you can't get everywhere in the city on the Skytrain, it does criss-cross much of Bangkok, so if you combine it with shorter taxi or tuk-tuk rides you'll save yourself a lot of time. Water taxis are a convenient way of getting between parts of the city located along the river.

Top sites: Bangkok's temples and palaces should be a first port of call for first-time visitors to the city. The Grand Palace complex is absolutely dazzling -- literally and figuratively -- and contains many temples within its walls. Other unmissable temples include Wat Pho and Wat Arun. If you're in Bangkok at the weekend, head to the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Markets. If you're interested in Thai art and culture, head to the beautiful Jim Thompson's House. To get out of the city for a day, make a day trip to Ayutthaya, the old capital, dotted with ruined temples.

Top points hotels: Bangkok has a huge range of hotels to suit any budget, from backpacker to boutique to luxury. Here are a few of the best points hotels in the city:

• St. Regis Bangkok (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 35k free night certificate )
• Waldorf Astoria Bangkok (From 74k–80k Hilton Honors points per night or use a Free Weekend Night certificate )
• The Athenee Hotel (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 35k free night certificate)
• Park Hyatt Bangkok (Category 5, from 20k World of Hyatt points per night)

Taipei, Taiwan

Major airport(s): Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Who flies there: Several international airlines fly to Taipei, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, All Nippon Airways (ANA), EVA Air , China Airlines , Emirates and Cathay Pacific.

Related: 8 things to know before you go to Taipei

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Taipei: Taiwan's capital is often overlooked by travelers in favor of other East Asian giants like Tokyo or Hong Kong, but that's all the more reason to visit. Infrastructure is well set up for tourists, without the city being "touristy." Plus, Taipei is more affordable than, say, Tokyo or Singapore. First-time travelers to Asia shouldn't just stick to Taipei, as the small island of Taiwan is underrated, with beautiful outdoor attractions like mountains, beaches, forests and interesting indigenous cultures within easy reach of the city.

Language(s) spoken: Mandarin Chinese, and other dialects of Chinese (Hokkien and Haka). While many Taiwanese people don't speak or understand English, traveling to Taipei without any knowledge of Chinese isn't a problem. Major signs usually have an English translation, and in many places you'll be able to find an English speaker if you really need one.

How to get around: The extensive Taipei Metro is the best way to get around the city. Most points of interest to travelers are reasonably close to a station, and it's fast and efficient. There are also buses if you want to go somewhere a little further afield that's not covered by the metro, but they can be harder to navigate if you don't read or understand Chinese.

Top sites: Night markets are a big deal in Taipei, and they're both a great way to try tasty local food on the cheap and experience local culture. For a literal overview of the city from what was, for a few years, the tallest building in the world, head on up to the 89th-floor observatory of Taipei 101.

Top points hotels: Taipei is an affordable city, so if you can't (or won't) use points to book a hotel, you can easily find a central-city room in a decent hotel for a very good price. But, here are a couple of points hotel suggestions:

• Grand Hyatt Taipei (Category 4, from 15k World of Hyatt points per night for a standard room or from 21k points for a room with Club access, or use a Category 1–4 free night certificate)
• Hotel Eclat Taipei (Category 3, from 12k Hyatt points per night, or use a Category 1–4 free night certificate)
• Le Meridien Taipei and W Taipei (Both are Category 6, from 50k points per night on standard dates, or use a 50k free night certificate)
• Holiday Inn Express Taoyuan (not actually in Taipei per se, but conveniently close to the airport)

Seoul, South Korea

Major airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN), Gimpo International Airport (GMP, mainly for short-haul flights to China and Japan).

Who flies there: Many international airports fly to Incheon, including United, Hawaiian Airlines, Korean Air , Qantas and Emirates.

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Seoul: Like Taipei, Seoul is not as well-known to international travelers as Tokyo, but it's just as big and vibrant. The capital city of South Korea is a great first-time-Asia travel destination if you're looking for somewhere a little different. Korean food is distinct from that of its neighbors and growing in popularity around the world. Seoul is a very modern city in many respects, but some of the most beautiful and fascinating attractions here are historic, including numerous palaces and temples. Plus, for a change of pace, Seoul's nightlife is fun.

Language(s) spoken: Korean. English is not widely spoken in Korea, although many people in Seoul will understand some, and transportation signs are usually in English as well as Korean. You will usually be able to find someone who can understand you in Seoul, although less so in other parts of Korea. Some restaurants have an English menu or one with pictures that you can point to. Hotel staff will likely speak and understand some English.

How to get around: The subway is the easiest way to get around Seoul. It's extensive, and most places of interest to travelers are within walking distance of a station.

Top sites: Seoul is heavy on history and culture, which to the uninitiated will appear as a mix of Chinese and Japanese elements, since Korea's two giant neighbors have had a lot of influence on the country over the centuries. Some top sites to check out include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and Gardens, and the National Folk Museum of Korea. If you're interested in 20th-century history and contemporary global politics, day trips to the DMZ, the border with North Korea, can be taken from Seoul. The city's markets and shopping districts are also fun, whether you're shopping or not; check out the Myeong-dong neighborhood, Insa-dong neighborhood, and Namdaemun Market.

Top points hotels: Because Seoul isn't as popular as neighboring Tokyo, fewer points will get you further in the South Korean capital. Here are some top picks:

• The Westin Seoul Chosun (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night, or use a 35k free night certificate)
• Grand Hyatt Seoul (Category 3, from 15k World of Hyatt points for a standard room, or from 21k points for Club access)
• Park Hyatt Seoul (Category 6, from 25k World of Hyatt points per night)
• Four Seasons Seoul (Book using Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal)

Bottom line

We've included these top cities but, of course, there are many other destinations across Asia that would also suit first-time visitors to the region. There's no need to feel overwhelmed by planning a first trip to Asia, as there are experiences, sights and price points to suit all needs. Selecting one of these entry points and then exploring the country or region from there is a great way to start. Have fun!

Note: Hong Kong is not on this list but it's a fabulous city to visit. Just be aware that protests at the airport and throughout the city have been an issue for the past several months . Now might not be the best time for timid or nervous travelers to explore the city.

East Asia Two Weeks Itinerary: South Korea, Taiwan and Japan

East Asia Essentials: Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

An epic 15-day adventure through some of East Asia’s most exciting destinations! Explore the bustling streets of Seoul and Busan, soak up the culture and history of Taipei and Kyoto, experience the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and much more! This itinerary will take you on a journey through three diverse and fascinating countries: South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Get ready to fire up your wanderlust, eat amazing food, and make unforgettable memories on this trip of a lifetime!

Days 1-2: Seoul, South Korea

After your visit to the palace, head to nearby Bukchon Hanok Village , a charming traditional Korean neighborhood filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses). You can wander the streets and admire the architecture, and even try on traditional Korean clothing, called hanbok, for a fun photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, head to Namsan Tower , a landmark tower atop Namsan Mountain reachable by cable car that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and also several attractions and restaurants to explore.

▽More things to do in Seoul!▽

After shopping, visit the nearby Gwangjang Market , one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Be sure to try some Korean street food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes). 

In the evening, dive into one of Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods for nightlife, such as Hongdae or Gangnam . Hongdae is known for its indie music scene, street performances, and clubs, while Gangnam is known for its upscale bars and clubs.

Days 3-5: Busan, South Korea

In the afternoon, head to Busan Tower , a landmark tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the view, and there is also a museum and observation deck to explore.

After visiting Gamcheon, go to Beomeosa Temple , a historic Buddhist temple located in the foothills of Geumjeongsan Mountain , which can be accessed by cable car. The temple was first built in the 7th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. You can explore the different halls and buildings, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the temple.

In the afternoon, you can go to one of Busan’s other attractions, such as Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje Market , to experience the local culture and cuisine. Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea, and you can try fresh seafood at one of the on-site restaurants. Gukje Market is a traditional market with a variety of goods, from clothing to food to electronics. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and ssiat hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds).

Days 6-8: Taipei, Taiwan

After your visit to Taipei 101, head to the nearby Elephant Mountain for a hike and even better views of the city. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

In the evening, visit Shilin Night Market , one of Taipei’s most famous and lively night markets. You can find a variety of food, from stinky tofu to fried chicken cutlets, as well as games and souvenirs.

After your visit to the memorial hall, head to Longshan Temple , one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples. The temple was first built in the 18th century and features a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. You can explore the different halls and courtyards, and even make a wish at the wishing pond.

In the afternoon, visit the trendy Ximending neighborhood for shopping and entertainment. You can find a variety of shops, from local boutiques to international brands, as well as restaurants and cafes. Be sure to also check out the street performers and live music.

Start your day by visiting the National Palace Museum , one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The museum houses over 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and jade.

In the afternoon, visit Beitou Hot Springs , a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hot springs are located in a scenic area surrounded by mountains and forests. You can soak in the natural hot springs or visit one of the public or private hot spring spas in the area.

In the evening, visit the Raohe Night Market , another popular and bustling night market in Taipei. You can find a variety of food, from oyster omelets to pork buns, as well as games and souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as black pepper buns and Taiwanese-style fried chicken.

Days 9-11: Osaka-Kyoto, Japan

Afterward make your way to Dotonbori , a famous shopping and entertainment district in Osaka. This area is known for its bright neon lights, large billboards, and a wide variety of street food vendors where you can eat to your heart’s content the local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and shop for souvenirs.

Make sure you visit Umeda Sky Building before sunset, so you can enjoy the stunning views of the city and see the sunset from the observatory deck. You can finish the day at the nearby Hankyu Umeda Station, with an enormous underground shopping center with lots of restaurants and entertainment options. 

For more information about the best things you can do in Osaka, check the following article:

Then, head to Arashiyama , a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. You can walk through the picturesque bamboo forest, visit the Tenryu-ji temple, and take a boat ride down the Hozu River. The district also has a popular shopping street with local souvenirs and snacks.

In the evening, visit the Gion district to experience Kyoto’s traditional geisha culture. You can stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, and try to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to a performance.

For more information about what to do around Gion, check the following article:

After your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, head to Nishiki Market , a long and narrow covered market in central Kyoto. You can find a variety of local foods and goods, including fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Kyoto-style sushi and matcha-flavored snacks.

In the afternoon, visit the Higashiyama district to see more of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and culture. You can walk through the historic streets, visit the Kiyomizu-dera temple, and enjoy the view from the temple’s wooden balcony.

For more information about what to do in Kyoto, check the following article:

Days 12-14: Tokyo, Japan

After your visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, go to Ginza , Tokyo’s famous shopping mecca. It’s a chic and upscale district famous for its high-end boutiques, restaurants and department stores. There are also historic landmarks such as the Kabuki-za theater and the Imperial Palace is within walking distance. 

In the evening, visit the Roppongi district, a popular nightlife spot with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can also visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills or the Tokyo Tower for a panoramic view of the city at night.

After your visit to Senso-ji, go to Akihabara , also known as Electric Town, famous for its many electronics shops and anime/manga merchandise stores. You can visit one of the many themed pop-up cafes and explore the different shops for quirky and fun items.

In the evening, visit the Odaiba district, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay with a variety of shopping malls, amusement parks, and museums. You can also enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from the waterfront.

If the energy allows it, try to go as early as possible, after daybreak, to Meiji Shrine , a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. The peaceful surroundings with the sound of the morning prayers will be worth it. The shrine is located in a large forested park, and you can walk through the woods and see the traditional architecture of the shrine buildings.

After your visit to the Meiji Shrine, head to Shibuya , a bustling commercial and entertainment district famous for its Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. You can also visit the Hachiko statue, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku , another popular entertainment district with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has observation decks with panoramic views of the city.

For more information about the best things to do in Tokyo, check the following article:

Day 15: Depart from Tokyo, Japan

If you have some time in the morning, you could visit the Tokyo National Museum , which houses a large collection of Japanese art and artifacts or just take a relaxing stroll around Ueno Park . 

After your final activities in Tokyo, make your way to the airport to catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may need to leave for the airport quite early, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Overall, this 15-day itinerary should give you a great overview of some of the best sights and experiences that South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan have to offer. Of course, there are many other great destinations to explore in each country, so if you have more time, be sure to check out some additional places as well!

For more information about traveling around Japan, check out the following articles!

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼

Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.

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

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

20+ Awe-Inspiring Temples in Tainan, 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!

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Taiwan Travel Tips: 24 Essential Things To Know Before You Go

30 May 2020.

Exceptionally beautiful, well organised and unfailingly friendly, Taiwan is a wonderfully easy place to travel.

With spectacular hiking trails and fairytale forests, tastebud-tingling street eats and world-class tea, a rich culture and fascinating history, mindboggling mountains and remote natural hot springs, along with the warmest welcome I’ve ever encountered, my five weeks in Taiwan made for one of my favourite trips of 2019. 

From traveller safety and sticking to your budget to local food and avoiding the crowds, these are my top Taiwan travel tips to help you fall in love with this place just as much as I did. 

* This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. *

1  |  Download These Useful Apps For Your Trip

From breaking through the language barrier and deciphering streetside menus to figuring out the train network and finding the right hiking trails, these apps will make travelling in Taiwan a whole lot easier and can all be used offline.

Google Translate   |   Normally I just muddle way through any language difficulties with a few key phrases, an awkward smile and plenty of charades, but given many of us won’t be able to read the alphabet here, Google Translate is an absolute lifesaver. Make sure you download the Chinese dictionary before arriving and you’ll be able to use the instant translate option by hovering your phone over any sign or menu. It’s not always entirely accurate, but it’s better than nothing.

Google Maps Offline  |   You can download a map of the entire island of Taiwan offline which is incredibly useful for navigation and includes all train stations, bus stops, MRT routes, restaurants and attractions. Litter your map with stars to keep track of your top destinations.  

Maps.Me  |  While Google Maps is great for cities, Maps.Me is perfect for any hiking adventures. The island is a veritable maze of tiny tracks and many of them are captured on this app. It also often has the Chinese place names written in English characters which can be very useful. 

2  |  You probably won’t need a visa to visit Taiwan

Unlike China which has a complicated visa application process, many nationalities are able to visit Taiwan visa free.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, the USA, the EU and the UK, among others, are able to visit for up to 90 days without a visa, while a number of other nations are eligible to visit visa-free for shorter periods of 14 to 30 days or apply for an e-visa.

Nationals from most countries in South America, Africa and Southern Asia will require a visa. See here for further information.

3  |  Taiwan Is Not Technically A Country

Officially, Taiwan is called the Republic of China and exists as a province of the People’s Republic of China (aka China), but it has many of the hallmarks of an independent nation, including a democratically elected President, military forces and a constitution.

In short, it’s a little complicated.

On the international stage, Taiwan is not widely recognised, in large part because this would severely disrupt any political relationship with China. Taiwan has been barred from having a seat at the UN and for major international events where China is also participating, it is either refused as an independent participant or allowed to participate under the name of ‘Chinese Taipei’, such as in the Olympic Games.

Today, the discussion around Taiwanese independence or unification is a polarising one with tensions escalating in recent months, though surveys show the majority of locals believe leaving things as they are is the best way forward. 

That said, to simplify things I have referred to Taiwan as a country throughout these guides.

READ NEXT:  17 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN TAIWAN  

4  |  outside of the cities, english is not widely spoken.

The language barrier was definitely something I was concerned about before arriving in Taiwan, especially as I wouldn’t be able to read the language either.

But I really needn’t have worried.

In general, English is not widely spoken, but virtually everyone I met was so wonderfully warm and welcoming that they would go out of their way to help you and if all else failed it was Google Translate to the rescue.

That said, at the very least learning a few basic phrases like ‘Nihao’ or ‘She She’ is always worthwhile .

5  |  You will feel welcomed

‘Welcome to Taiwan!’

This was a phrase I was greeted with countless times during my trip, often accompanied by open arms, a toothy grin, a handshake and the occasional selfie. 

As a blonde-haired, blue-eyed traveller, I never had any hope of blending in in these parts, but I certainly never expected to be welcomed with such genuine warmth at every step of the way.

There was that couple who walked me to the correct bus stop in Taipei when they saw I was visibly lost, the fellow hiker that spent hours chatting about her favourite trails to ensure I got to experience the best of the mountains, the passengers who jumped up without question to help me retrieve my heavy bags off the train and the many, many people who would stop me during the day just to say hello and wish me a pleasant trip. 

Perhaps sweetest of all though was on one of the rare occasions when I had hitched a ride through the mountains with a fellow traveller instead oh waiting several hours for the bus. The couple who had kindly taken us had reached their final destination at a busy viewpoint, but instead of just dropping us by the roadside to continue on our way, they ran around the car park asking every single person if they were heading in our direction. When that failed they stood on the roadside and flagged down each passing car until they found one that would take us.

Of all the things I loved about Taiwan, and there were many, the unwavering kindness in ways both big and small was what left me truly humbled and made the place an absolute joy to explore. This kind of hospitality is not something I’ll be forgetting in a hurry.

6  |  It’s a reasonably affordable destination

Taiwan falls somewhere between expensive Japan and wallet-friendly South East Asia. 

For a five-week trip that mostly involved street food and hostels, along with the odd luxury like a couple of days of diving, a foot massage and a handful of hotel stays thrown in for good measure, my daily budget came out to €32.  

Prices for a hostel dorm bed generally start at around €10 but can be considerably higher in more remote areas like Green Island or Hehuanshan . Popular destinations like Alishan will also command higher rates, especially over weekends and during cherry blossom season. For private rooms, family-run homestays or small guesthouses usually present the best value rather than hotels.  

Street food and local dishes are slightly more expensive than elsewhere in Asia, but munching your way around a night market is unlikely to break the bank (and should not be missed!). 

Local long-distance transport is very reasonably priced and will get you virtually anywhere in the country, while the west coast’s High Speed Rail is a fast and efficient option for anyone not on a tight travel budget. 

GET PLANNING:  HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT DAY TRIP TO TAROKO NATIONAL PARK

7  |  avoid popular spots on weekends and holidays.

Locals and weekenders absolutely love getting out of the city to explore the countryside and with such astounding natural beauty at every turn, why wouldn’t you.

This does however mean that some of Taiwan’s most beloved spots can become exceptionally crowded on weekends and holidays which can detract somewhat what from their beauty so are best avoided during these periods if you can manage. 

Places that are easily accessible from Taipei, such as Taroko Gorge , Yangmingshan National Park , Jiufen and Shifen, generally receive the most visitors, but destinations that lie further afield and make for an excellent overnight trip ( Sun Moon Lake and Alishan , for example) can also become very busy with visitors. 

Of course, planning your trip around the day of the week isn’t always possible, but if you can, I’d suggest visiting during the week. If weekends are your only option, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and make an early start when you arrive.

8  |  There are many ways to spell things in English

Translating complex Chinese characters phonetically into English words isn’t always straightforward and often leads to places having several different spellings.

The ‘Zh’ sound is one of the most confusing as it is widely used and can also be written using variations of ‘Sh’, ‘Ch’ or ‘J’ characters.

Just know that if it looks vaguely correct and seems to be in the right location, there’s a good chance it’s the same place.

Well, except for Taichung and Taitung, they’re completely different.

9  |  It’s a perfect destination for solo female travel

Travelling to a new destination as a solo female never fails to bring with it a host of questions.

Is it normal for women to be out alone? How conservatively do I need to dress? Is it safe to wander around at night?

Thankfully, I have never felt quite so safe in a place as I did in Taiwan. Everyone I encountered was nothing short of welcoming, extremely kind and respectful. No gawking stares. No catcalling. No creepy whispers as you walk by.

Though I always take the usual precautions when I travel, here I felt comfortable enough to loosen the reigns a little which was wonderfully refreshing and meant I could confidently explore cities alone at night, go hiking solo and even went as far as to hitchhike in the mountains rather than wait for a bus which is something I never normally do.

Taiwan is the highest-ranking nation in Asia and among the top in the world overall when it comes to gender equality and it really shows.

10  |  You’ll Always Find A Bargain Online

For some of Taiwan’s most popular and iconic experiences, you’ll find some excellent deals online on anything from transport to dining out.

If it’s something you’re planning to do anyway, why wait needlessly in a queue or pay more than you need to!

Popular choices include early-bird discounts for the High Speed Rail , skip-the-line access to the Taipei 101 Observatory , pre-ordered meals at the incredibly popular Din Tai Fung , one of Taipei’s best restaurants, or discounted boba milk tea from the always busy Xing Fu Tang . 

For more great deals on transport, tours, foodie adventures and day trips, check here . 

READ NEXT:  THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ALISHAN | TAIWAN’S MAGICAL ANCIENT FOREST

11  |  it’s an incredible destination for hiking, just don’t forget your permit.

For avid hikers and lovers of the outdoors, Taiwan is an absolute dream destination.

From dramatic emerald hills that cascade toward the windswept sea, to dense bamboo forests that feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook, to high alpine peaks that reward you with unparalleled vistas, there’s really no better way to experience Taiwan than with a pair of dusty boots and the trail at your feet.

You’ll find a vast network of hiking trails that crisscross the island and make it incredibly easy to get off the beaten path, and while many are well-marked and free to access, there are a handful of more challenging tracks or those where numbers are restricted that do require you to have a permit.

Some are easy to secure just a few weeks in advance, whereas others involve a slightly complicated application process and need to be applied for months in advance. There are also occasionally two different permits required for a hike – a National Park Entry Permit and Mountain Entry Permit (sometimes called a Police Permit).

If you’re a keen hiker hoping to head into the mountains, I’d highly, highly recommend locking your plans in early so that you can acquire the appropriate paperwork on time and avoid being disappointed.

Popular hiking trails that will require a permit are the Zhuilu Old Trail in Taroko Gorge , Yushan, Taiwan’s highest peak, and Shei Pa National Park which is famous for its high ridge trail.

17 Incredible Things To Do In Taiwan

Cycling Sun Moon Lake – Is It Worth It?

What To Do In Jiufen + Jinguashi | Lanterns, Mountains + Pretty Streets

4 Beautiful Hiking Trails From Taipei

54 Photos That Will Make You Want To Get Your Butt To Taiwan NOW!

Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail: An Easy Half-Day Hike From Taipei

Taroko Gorge: How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip + Essential Tips For Your Visit

A Short Guide To Shizhao + Fenchihu | Two Serene Alternatives For Visiting Alishan

The Ultimate Guide To Alishan | Taiwan’s Magical Ancient Forest Area

Beitou Hot Springs: How To Handle A Traditional Taiwanese Bath Experience Like A Pro

How To Get To Kenting National Park From Anywhere In Taiwan

Teapot Mountain: A Fantastic Day Hike In Northern Taiwan

Hehuanshan: A Comprehensive Guide To Taiwan’s Alpine Paradise (That Doesn’t Require A Permit!)

12  |  get an easycard as soon as you arrive.

Do yourself a favour and pick up an EasyCard as soon as you arrive in Taiwan.

They’re available at the airport and convenience stores like 7-11 and Family Mart and can be used on public transport throughout the country, often giving a reduced fare.

Most importantly, it will also save you from having to rummage around for the correct change every time you need to jump on the metro or bus.

The card itself is $100 (€3) and you can top up your balance as needed. Then, simply tap on and off for every trip.

If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, you also can order your EasyCard in advance for collection at the airport here . When I bought mine in Taipei, it was cash only so buying it in advance means you can collect your card directly from the counter rather than searching for an ATM in your post-flight sleep-deprived state.

13  |  Public Transport Is Excellent

Public transport in Taiwan is efficient and widespread making travelling across the country a breeze. 

In Taipei, the metro or MRT is frequent, cheap and easy to use, while the vast web of local trains and buses make a number of day trip destinations in northern Taiwan easily accessible. Within other major cities, buses will be your bread and butter of getting around.

For travel further afield, local trains ( TRA ) are cheaper, slower and more frequent than the high-speed trains and cover a much wider network in Taiwan, travelling up and down both sides of the country and often rewarding you with incredible scenery along the way, particularly on the mountainous east coast. Check fares and timetables here .

Travelling down the west coast only, the Taiwan High Speed Rail ( THSR ) runs between Taipei and Kaohsiung’s Zuoying Station in just 2 hours. Though they’re quite a bit more expensive than the slower local trains, they’re incredibly efficient for anyone short on time and offer generous discounts for multi-day tickets and early bird purchases (sometimes up to 35%). Check the timetable here or get a discount for advance bookings here .

Taiwan’s mountainous heart is the only place that is somewhat challenging to reach. For popular destinations, there are generally dedicated ‘tourist shuttles’ or long-distance buses though services are often infrequent and reliable timetables hard to find. Your guesthouse should be able to point you in the right direction.

DON’T MISS:  WHAT TO DO IN ENCHANTING JIUFEN + JINGUASHI

14  |  take care when renting a scooter.

Travelling by scooter is a way of life for locals and a rite of passage for travellers in virtually all of Asia. But while many countries may turn a blind eye to unlicensed and inexperienced foreigners, Taiwan generally takes a stricter stance.

Officially, you are required to have either a motorbike license or an International Drivers License that covers motorbikes. A regular driver’s license isn’t good enough.

That said, there are exceptions and not every operator is stringent in following regulations, but after a series of tragic accidents involving tourists over the years, enforcing of the rules is becoming more common.

The good news is that you’ll virtually always find electric scooters available for rent alongside the usual petrol variety, and while these tend to be slightly more expensive and slower, they can be hired without an official license as well as being better for the environment.

15  |  Prices increase during weekends and flower season

Another darn good reason to avoid travel on the weekends is that as Friday and Saturday roll around, it’s not uncommon for accommodation prices to double, capitalising on the many of weekend tourists heading out to explore more of this beautiful island.

Destinations that become wrapped up in cherry blossom fever can also command far higher prices than usual during peak times.

If you’re on a tight budget, plan ahead and try to avoid key tourist areas during these times, or find accommodation that won’t hit you with a price hike.

HIT THE TRAIL:  EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING HEHUANSHAN

16  |  there’s a great hostel scene.

As a budget traveller, you’ll have no issue finding affordable, high-quality hostels in every major city in Taiwan.

From modest and homely hideaways to trendy well-designed spaces, most hostels have embraced the capsule-style of bed with a light, power socket and shelf, and a roll down blind or curtain to offer an extra level of privacy.

Many hostels are also surprisingly roomy, with some even providing double dorm beds as the norm, making it far too easy to escape into your own little bubble at the end of a busy day, separate from the noisy packers and late-night light-turner-on-erers.

Search for your Taiwan accommodation here.

17  |  Don’t Miss The Night Markets

Tightly packed bodies jostle between food stalls, smoke billows into narrow laneways, large woks simmer away with century-old recipes and intoxicating aromas fill the air.

You can’t possibly visit Taiwan and not spend at least an evening or two absorbed in the clamour of its night markets. Aside from being a feast for the senses, they’re one of the best places to sample Taiwan’s street food and local delicacies. 

Taiwanese cuisine is very much a melting pot derived from various ethnicities with Japanese and Chinese flavours being prominent, alongside the influence of indigenous and Hakka communities. These were some of my favourite dishes.  

Beef Noodle Soup   |    Taiwan’s national dish, this hearty concoction of braised beef, noodles and a flavour-packed spiced broth is one not to miss.  

Dumplings   |   Steam ’em, fry ’em, stick ’em in a soup, there are a hundred different ways to enjoy the humble dumpling, all of them delicious and sure to put you into a blissful food coma many times during your trip. The standard filling contains pork, but there are numerous restaurants that offer veggie options as well.   

Scallion Pancakes   |    This was the very first thing I ate in Taiwan and I’m still craving one all these months later! A flaky, crispy roti-style flatbread woven with finely chopped green onions, this simple street snack can be found across Taiwan and is so damn good. You can choose your own fillings like cheese, smoked chicken or peppered beef, but my go-to was fried egg, Thai basil and spicy sauce. Yum!

Peanut Ice Cream Roll   |   A wafer-thin crepe filled with a generous sprinkle of shaved peanut brittle, vibrant fruity ice cream and garnish of fresh coriander (cilantro). The lot is bundled into a small burrito and is a textural sensation. Some stalls try to skip over the coriander bit, but in my humble opinion, this is where the real genius lies.        

Stinky Tofu   |    Ok, so this wasn’t exactly one of my favourites, but you kinda can’t leave Taiwan without giving it a go. While it’s an acquired taste and the stench can be… overwhelming – it’s certainly a dish that you’ll smell long before you see – it’s also one of Taiwan’s most beloved delicacies. The tofu is prepared in a brine of fermented milk, vegetables, meat and aromatics where it may sit for months before being served.

Taiwanese Hamburgers  |    A fluffy steamed bun stuffed with sticky pork belly and some greenery, these tasty handfuls will leaving you wanting just another bite. Though this is the typical version, many shops also offer veggie options with either mushroom, tofu or egg as the main filling.      

There are dozens of night markets scattered around Taiwan, so be sure to arrive with an empty belly, wander slowly and munch your way through all the things! 

18  |  Bring a set of reusable cutlery

Between the chaotic night markets, ancient hole-in-the-wall eateries and fantastic sit-down restaurants, dining out in Taiwan is an experience in itself.

Unfortunately, many places prioritise convenience over all else and will often only provide you with disposable single-use plastic cutlery, even if you’re eating in.

Instead of churning your way through what will literally be hundreds of unnecessary and completely avoidable pieces of plastic by the end of your trip, pack a set of reusable utensils in your day bag ready to be used at any occasion.

I carryied around a pair of chopsticks, a metal fork and a tablespoon in my handbag and used them on a daily basis. If you’re a lover of takeaway drinks, adding a thick reusable straw and/or a collapsible cup is also a good idea.

GET HIKING:  A COMPLETE GUIDE TO YANGMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK

19  |  boba tea is life.

I had my first ever boba milk tea on my second day in Taipei and it was love at first sip.

So, naturally, I dove straight into making up for lost time. 

Though now popular across the world, this delectably creamy and deliciously refreshing drink originated in Taiwan and you can’t walk a block here without passing several tea shops. Some specialise in green tea and fruit infusions, some focus on flavoured tapioca pearls and others strictly serve up the milky varieties. 

They’re all well-loved, they’re all found everywhere and the only thing for it is to try them all for yourself. 

My favourite was the signature brown sugar boba milk tea from perennially popular Xing Fu Tang. The mix of luxuriously creamy tea and not-too-sweet sticky caramel tapioca balls had me craving one every single day.

20  |  It’s not the best for vegetarians, but you can make it work

Full disclosure, I’m not a vegetarian, but I do try to limit my meat consumption to just a couple of times a week. In Taiwan, however, that wasn’t always easy with night markets being particularly challenging.

All major cities have dedicated vegetarian restaurants, but in small towns and mountains villages you may need to plan ahead.

In case your body is crying out for a vitamin kick and a healthy dose of fresh produce which the cuisine decidedly lacks, be sure to stock up with everything you’ll need for hiking and road snacks in the city as supplies in the countryside are often limited.

21  |  You’ll probably end up eating at a convenience store (and that’s totally fine!)

With so many delicious street eats to choose from, it may sound a little nutty to dine in a 7-11, but chances are it will happen at least once during your trip.

I had read a lot about the ubiquitous convenience stores before arriving in Taiwan and had quietly scoffed thinking I would never actually eat there while I had one of the world’s best foodie destinations on my doorstep.

Turns out, these shops are actually pretty bloody, well, convenient, and I, like many, many other travellers ended up eating here on more than one occasion.

Of course, sampling local delicacies from unassuming hole-in-the-wall eateries is an experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Taiwan, but when you’re running late for the train, are craving a familiar dish (hello green curry!), or just need a cheap eat in an expensive tourist town, these stores can be a lifesaver.

They’re always an affordable and reliable choice and I also heard from several vegetarian travellers that in smaller towns where veggie restaurants were limited, these were often the best option.

22  |  Typhoon Season is June to October

Typhoons generally hit Taiwan between June and October when a deluge of rain is dumped across the country accompanied by strong winds.

Surprisingly, this is peak tourist season and one of the most popular times for travel across the region, but expect to be met by gloomy skies, frequent rainy days and hot, humid conditions.

DON’T MISS:  THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT THE DREAMY SUN MOON LAKE  

23  |  when to go petal peeping.

Cherry blossom fever has become a global phenomenon in recent years and Taiwan is no exception. But along with these delicate white florals, the country also plays host to a number of other blooms that attract hoards of visitors to witness the landscapes erupting in a riot of colour.

With flower festivals in full swing, these tend to be the busiest time of year for certain regions so be sure to plan accordingly.

Cherry Blossoms  |   Springtime means cherry blossoms! In Yangmingshan National Park , blooms can arrive as early as February usually peaking by early March, while the higher altitude of Alishan means a later season between March and April. Other popular spots for cherry blossoms include Wuling Farm in the heart of the mountains and around Tianyuan Temple in New Taipei.

Rhododendrons  |  Next up on the flower enthusiast calendar is the rhododendron season where thousands of tiny florals unfurl across Taiwan’s landscapes and high mountains peaks. Taroko National Park and Hehuanshan are popular places to see the blooms with the peak viewing period lasting from April to June.

Daylilies  |   Arriving in late summer, golden daylilies blanket the lush plateau of Liushishishan or Sixty Stone Mountain that rises from the vast checkered plains of the East Rift Valley . Visit between August and September for the best of the blooms.

24  |  The Best Time To Visit Taiwan

Between the monsoonal rains, cherry blossom fever and oppressive summer mugginess, it can be hard to determine when the best time to visit Taiwan actually is.

While summer is when tourism booms across the country, the searing heat, crowds and high chance of storms mean this isn’t an ideal time to plan your trip.

Anytime between late autumn and spring are far more pleasant when you’ll be welcomed with comfortable temperatures, fewer visitors and low season prices for accommodation and tours. The only downside is that some tour operators or transport routes to popular summer destinations may not be running at full capacity.

Avid hikers should prepare for chilly conditions in the mountains outside of summer, while flower enthusiasts should consider visiting in spring when much of Taiwan bursts into colour.

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Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary For 2 Weeks – Cities, Nature & Food

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Looking for a Taiwan itinerary that includes cities, street art, hiking, food markets and culture? Whether you’re browsing for a potential future trip or already have it booked, I’m extremely jealous. My 2 weeks in Taiwan were spectacular: full of hiking, eating and culture. In fact, Taiwan was favourite new destination of 2019 and it had South Korea, Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic to compete with. Not only is Taiwan colourful, friendly and extremely beautiful, but it’s also very affordable. Oh, and Taiwanese food is to die for! In this guide, I’m going to share my Taiwan itinerary including the best destinations around the island. I’ll tell you what to see, do and eat in each place and share my transport tips for getting around, as well as general Taiwan tips and inspo.

Check out my other 2 week Asia itineraries to Malaysia , Vietnam , Bali and South Korea .

Planning your Taiwan itinerary

As you can see from the map, the majority of the popular locations are on the coast. For that reason, I’d recommend travelling around Taiwan in a circular direction . I flew into and out of Taipei, visiting the attractions on the east coast first, reaching Kaohsiung (Taiwan’s second-biggest city) in the south midway through my trip, and finally seeing the west coast attractions en route back to Taipei. Another option is starting in Taipei and leaving from Kaohsiung, or vice versa.

TAIWAN ESSENTIALS Accommodation  – Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting around – car hire / bus / train ( 12Go ) Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Guidebook: Lonely Planet Taiwan Staying connected: Taiwan e-SIM card / Asia e-SIM (inc Taiwan)

How long to spend in Taiwan?

With two major cities, several historic smaller cities, beaches and hiking opportunities aplenty, I’d suggest spending 2 weeks in Taiwan to see a bit of everything. If you have less time, it’s probably better to base in Taiwan then Kaohsiung and take day trips to the other destinations mentioned.

2 week Taiwan itinerary overview

• Days 1-5 – Taipei 
• Days 6-7 – Hualien and Taroko National Park
• Days 8-9 – Kaohsiung
• Dys 10-11 – Kenting National Park OR Tainan
• Days 12-14 – Taichung.

How to get around Taiwan

When spending 2 weeks in Taiwan, you’ll probably wonder how to get around. Taiwan is a relatively small island and, thanks to the speedy rail network , it’s easy to move about. Unlike other Asian countries where gruelling night buses are the norm, you’ll never spend more than a few hours in transit. Train is the best way to get around during your Taiwan itinerary. They’re modern, clean and efficient. You can book regular trains on the Taiwan Railways website but personally I could never get it to accept my payment card. While you can usually turn up at the train station on the day and get a seat, you’ll want to be careful during peak periods and weekends. To avoid disappointment, book your tickets the day before at the train station. High-Speed Trains in Taiwan are more expensive but faster. Unlike regular trains, these can easily be booked online using 12Go , my favourite website for Asia travel.

As of 2024, Klook also have 30% discount voucher on fast trains!

How to get around cities

Metro: the MRT is the best way to get around Taipei. There are 6 lines servicing 83 stops. Journeys cost between 20 and 65 NT$, payable by cash or card at ticket machines. You’ll receive a blue token to access the barriers. Alternatively, you can get multi-day Taiwan metro passes or an EasyCard to reduce the hassle of buying a ticket each time. 

Bus: this is another convenient way to explore Taiwanese cities especially outside of Taipei where there’s no Metro system. 

Taxi: these are readily available in Taiwanese cities and not overly expensive, although certainly more than public transport. You can go to an ibon machine in any 7-11 store to order one. 

Tip – get an EasyCard before you begin your Taiwan itinerary. You’ll get a discount on MRT, bus and ferry journeys plus you can pre-load credit to save time on buying individual tickets. Buy yours now to pick up at the airport.

Stay connected with a Taiwan SIM card

Especially as a solo traveller in Taiwan , you may want to stay connected. I recommend an Airalo e-SIM that you can download to connect as soon as you land. Browse packages from 7-30 days from $4.50 or, if you’re visiting other countries on your trip, check out Airalo’s Asialink card covering 18 countries including Taiwan.

Days 1-5: Taipei

Does five days in one city sound excessive? Trust me, you’re going to need it if you want to see Taipei to its fullest and explore the surrounding area. There are some awesome day trips so it’s worth basing there for a good few nights. If you’re tight on time, I’d recommend tours with GetYourGuide or Viator as you can visit several places during one day. The same places will take multiple days to explore via public transport.

Where to stay in Taipei

• Hostel: For a top-rated hostel in Taipei centre, it doesn’t get much better than Flip Flop Hostel Garden. This spacious hostel is filled with natural light and includes a shared lounge, sun terrace, tour desk and kitchenette. Check availability from $21 .
• Budget hotel: for a clean and conveniently located budget hotel in the heart of Taipei, stay at Iff In. Rooms come with daily housekeeping, coffee makers, a desk and a TV.  Check availability from US$45 .
• Mid-range: Just 5 minutes from Taipei Main Station and the Artist Village, K Hotel Tianjin features air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour front desk, delicious breakfast, and facilities for disabled guests. Check availability from US$72 .
• Splash-out: With a fabulous outdoor pool, lounge area, fitness centre, terrace, bar, and restaurant, the views alone make a stay at Hilton Taipei Sinban worth it. Each modern room has a city view and includes an abundant buffet breakfast. Check availability from US$222 .

Read next: 3 and 5 day Taipei itinerary for first-timers

Taipei is such a colourful and diverse city. I didn’t have huge expectations simply because it’s not as well known as other Asian capitals like Seoul and Bangkok . However, I ended up liking it as much if not more. Exploring the gaming arcades and quirky cafes of Ximending couldn’t be more different to hiking in Yangmingshan National Park and visiting old-fashioned Jiufen Village. In Taiwan , the modern and traditional meet perfectly. Foodies will also be impressed by the number of night markets, authentic Taiwanese restaurants and modern, hipster cafes. I could easily imagine living in Taipei and not running out of things to do.

Getting to Taipei

Fly into Taoyuan International Airport . I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights.

From the airport to the city, catch the Taoyuan Airport MRT (6am-11pm) to Taipei Main Station on the purple Jichang Line (40 minutes) for NT$160. Alternatively, take the 1968 or 1962 bus for NT$120 (up to 1 hour 20 minutes) or the 1819 night bus.

This is how I would recommend spending the first 5 days of your Taiwan itinerary…

Day 1 – explore Taipei

• Take a free walking tour with Tour Me Away to learn about Taiwan’s rich history. Before this informative tour, I had no idea that Taiwan had been ruled by China, Japan and briefly Holland.
• Wander quirky Ximending neighbourhood often called the Harajuku of Taiwan , alive with street performers, boutiques, street food and neon billboards. It feels quirky and high-tech all at once.
• Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple , two of Taipei’s most famous temples. Longshan Temple is a traditional folk temple where you’ll see locals at worship.
• Eat at Huaxi Night Market for dinner, also known as Snake Alley after the famous dish served there. If you don’t fancy trying reptile, there are plenty of other tasty Taiwanese street foods to sample instead!
• Head up Taipei 101 for cityscape views. Entrance is NT$ 600 ($20) so a little steep. To reduce queuing, get a ticket in advance .
• If you’d rather save your money, head for a free skyline view by hiking Elephant Mountain for sunset . This isn’t a hard hike however it’s very busy and crowded at this time of day.

Day 2 – Jiufen Village

Visit Jiufen Village , an iconic village dating back to the gold mining days of Japanese rule. Not only is the quaint village fun to explore with a fantastic food market, but it’s surrounded by mountains and beautiful countryside not far from the coast. If you have time, explore the surroundings including Jinguashi known for its geopark and shrine , or hike up Teapot Mountain if you’re feeling energetic. Factor in lunch at Jiufen Market; I can personally vouch for the bubble tea, peanut ice cream rolls and taro ball dessert. It’s easy to take a day trip to Jiufen by bus from Taipei from NT$90 each way, book a private transfer for US$30 or opt for a guided tour visiting Jiufen and the northeast coast highlights inc Jinguashi (great for meeting other travellers and learning from your local guide).

Alternative option – take a guided tour visiting Jiufen, Pingxi and Yehliu Geopark (below, days 3 and 5) for just US$35. Although you’ll have limited time in each place, you’ll free up two days to do extra things such as visit Tainan city later in this Taiwan itinerary. Another variation is to visit both Jiufen and the Pinxi Line (inc Houtong & Shifen) during one day by public transport rather than spreading them across two days.

Read next: my Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen day trip

Day 3 – Pingxi Line

An adventure along the Pingxi Line is recommended while spending 2 weeks in Taiwan. The penultimate stop is Shifen , a village set along a railway line where people release colourful lanterns and make wishes. Take a walk or e-bike ride to Shifen Waterfall . On the way to Shifen, you can stop at Houtong Cat Village which is exactly what it says on the tin: a village where cats rule the roost! Afterwards, you can continue further to Pingxi Village . Make it back to Taipei in time for sunset and hike Elephant Mountain or check out another food market.

Related activity: Pingxi sky lantern & Shifen Waterfall tour from Taipei

Day 4 – Yangmingshan & Beitou

Get lost in nature at Yangmingshan National Park north of Taipei by hiring a car or taking a day tour . Highlights of the park include exploring Qingtiangang grasslands, Lenshuikeng Hot Spring and climbing Mt Datun. To relax on the way home, swing by Beitou Hot Springs on the outskirts of Taipei. Relax in the hot pools, learn about the region’s history at the neighbouring museum and marvel at the Thermal Valley. When back in Taipei, stop for dinner at Shilin Night Market . This is a modern and vibey night market where you can try everything from noodles to bubble tea and the national dish of stinky tofu (I’m not a fan).

Day 5 – Yehliu Geopark

Take a half-day trip to Yehliu Geopark , an amazing area of natural geology where the rock formations look like something from a different planet.

There are lots of fun rock sculptures including one named The Queen’s Head due to its resemblance to a women’s side profile wearing a crown. It’s easy to catch a bus to Yehliu or take a day tour . In the afternoon or evening, you could catch a 2-hour train to Hualien. Since the journeys are so short in Taiwan, it makes sense to save yourself a day and travel after sightseeing.

Food experiences in Taipei

The food in Taipei is fantastic and there are so many affordable, world-class food markets like Raohe , Shilin , Linjiang and Jingmei . If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are countless food experiences run by local guides. Here are a few of the best:

• Private food tasting with 10 tastings ($70)
• Night food tour with famous Din Tai Fung xiao long bao dumplings ($50)
• Cooking class: xiao long bao, beef noodle soup & bubble tea ($65)

Read next: the best Taiwanese foods to try

Day 6-7: Hualian & Taroko National Park

To experience Taiwan’s nature, you need to add Taroko National Park to your Taiwan itinerary. Before my trip, I had no idea it was so beautiful and untouched. Now when I think of the most naturally beautiful places in Asia, one of the first places that comes to my mind is Taiwan. There’s nowhere to stay in Taroko National Park so I would suggest spending two nights in Hualien city with a day to go hiking in the middle.

Where to stay in Hualien

• Hostel: For a convenient base right beside the train station and the bus stop for Taroko, you can’t do better than the On My Way Hostel. The staff are so kind and friendly (even walking me to the train station with a hostel umbrella when it was raining) and host evening movie nights in the common area. Check availability from US$15 .
• Budget hotel: Most air-conditioned rooms at Fly House have a sea view and balcony. This cosy homestay is just moments away from the beach and Dongdamen Night Market. Check availability from US$36 .
• Mid-range:  Each spotless room at Near B&B has a city or mountain view. The homestay is spacious and conveniently located, with a shared lounge and kitchen. Check availability from US$60 .
• Splash-out: Hualien isn’t known for its luxury hotels, but you’ll find space to unwind in a deluxe room with a garden, river and mountain view at Happiness is Coming. The property has a barbecue, sun terrace, and bike rental available. Check availability from US$163 .

In a rush? Take a guided day trip to Taroko from Taipei rather than staying overnight

Getting to Hualien

Take a Taiwan Railways train in 2-3 hours from Taipei Main Station. There’s no fast train yet but watch this space. Tickets cost between NT$250 and 500. For a cheaper, slower way to travel (3.5 hours), you can also take a bus from Nangang Bus Station.

Day 6 – Taroko Gorge

Head off hiking in Taroko National Park. It’s easy to catch a shuttle bus from Hualien into the park and back. Alternatively, you could drive or take an organised day tour with a guide . Add an extra day if you’re a big hiking fan. I spent one day hiking in the park which was enough for me but I spoke to a guy who’d spent more than a week travelling to Taroko each day for hiking!

Read next? my guide to visiting Taroko National Park

For the evening you can head to Dongdamen Market which is a lively night market in Hualien. It’s enormous with several alleyways of stalls serving everything from noodles to sushi to stinky tofu. The highlight was a Taiwanese delicacy called coffin toast. This is a deep-fried sandwich stuffed with meaty curry. It was delicious and, better yet, the prices were super low, probably due to the lack of foreign tourists.

Day 7 – travel day

Your longest travel journey during this 2 week itinerary in Taiwan will be from Hualien down south. It takes 6 hours by train to Kaohsiung or 8 hours to Kenting on the bottom tip of the island. Pack a good book and spend the day soaking up Taiwan’s impressive scenery.

Days 8-9: Kaohsiung

For such an awesome city, Kaohsiung is relatively unknown. That’s generally the case with much of Taiwan but I can’t imagine it staying that way for long. Kaohsiung was one of my favourite places during my 2 weeks in Taiwan. The second-largest city in Taiwan will impress art and culture lovers with its vibrant pagodas, quirky outdoor galleries and colourful street art.

Where to stay in Kaohsiung

• Hostel: I enjoyed my stay at Dreamwell Hostel . Not only are there comfy double rooms if you don’t fancy a dorm, there are also language exchange evenings that help you get to know the locals. Check availability from US$12 .
• Budget hotel: The Cloud Hotel is an excellent option in the city centre for simple but elegant accommodation with a buffet breakfast. Air-conditioned rooms include a TV and minibar. Check availability from US$36 . 
• Mid-range: For a centrally located 4* hotel which doesn’t break the bank, Harbour 10 Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, fitness centre, modern rooms, and restaurant with a delicious breakfast. Check availability from US$68 .
• Splash-out: Book a stylish room with a view at Silks Club. This 5* hotel features an infinity pool, gourmet restaurant, SPA and wellness centre, and a gym with a dedicated personal trainer. Rooms include a capsule coffee machine, motorised electric curtains and luxurious bedding. Check availability from US$235 .

Read next: Things to do in Kaohsiung

Getting to Kaohsiung 

Arrive into Kaohsiung Main Station via Taiwan Railways or Zuoying Station by High-Speed Railway train. If you’re travelling on a budget, there are also buses which are slower and cheaper than the train. As of 2023, Klook are offering 30% off HS trains from Kaohsiung; grab your voucher here .

Day 8 – Kaohsiung

Spend a day exploring the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas which, unsurprisingly, are a set of two twin pagodas, one shaped like a dragon and one like a tiger. For good luck, you must enter via the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s. You can also climb to the top of the pagoda and look out over the peaceful lily pad lake.

If you have time during your Taiwan itinerary, another option in Kaohsiung is visiting Fo Guang Shan Temple and Buddha Museum . This Buddhist cultural centre and museum is 30km from Kaohsiung and takes 45 minutes to reach by bus. The 36-metre Buddha statue at the centre is one of the largest in Taiwan. Don’t miss Ruifeng Night Market one evening while visiting Kaohsiung. This atmospheric street market is visited by young Taiwanese people as well as whole families. Here I tried scallion pancakes, seafood takoyaki balls and waffles.

Day 9 – Cijin Island

Spend the morning visiting Cijin Island which is connected to Kaohsiung by boat and bridge. I caught the bus there as it was cheaper and quicker, then caught the ferry home. Cijin Island is best known for the Rainbow Church , a colourful art installation that’s become popular on Instagram. Nearby are a few other installations like the giant shell beside the Cijin Shell Museum.

Pier 2 Art Center : The benefit of catching the ferry back to the mainland is that you’ll arrive near Pier 2 Art Center, one of the most colourful places in Kaohsiung. Unlike most galleries, the art isn’t on the walls but all through the streets. Grab a map at the tourist office then spend a couple of hours wandering the neighbourhood where you’ll see giant modern art sculptures as well as urban murals and hidden details. Linya Street Art Village : Stop here before the end of the day. Again, this isn’t a specific location but a whole neighbourhood full of art. Even if you’re not a street art fan, it’s very impressive. Catch the orange metro line to Weiwuying Station  and you’ll find the art as soon as you exit.

Alternative option – combine your preferred Kaohsiung attractions into 1 day and visit Tainan , the ancient capital, on day 9.

Days 10-11: Kenting National Park

Beautiful beaches in Taiwan? This really is the island that has everything. In Kenting National Park you can expect palm trees, sunshine and sea views. If you’re in need of some beach chills during your 2 week Taiwan itinerary, this is the place. The best place to stay in Kenting National Park is Hengchun which is a pleasant town with four well-preserved city gates. However, it’s more of a place to stay while exploring the national park. As well as scenic lakes, you can relax on one of the many beautiful beaches in Kenting. After a day of exploring, have dinner at Hengchun Night Market. Of course it wouldn’t be Taiwan without a night market!

Getting to Kenting

Most travellers come from Kaohsiung on the Kenting Express bus. Board it from Kaohsiung Main Station (where regular trains arrive) or Zuoying Station (where the High-Speed Railway arrives). If coming from Hualien , get off the train after 4 hours in Fangliao rather than staying on ’til Kaohsiung. Walk a block to the bus station and catch a 1-hour bus to Kenting. Buses take 2-3 hours and leave every 30 minutes. 

Alternative day 10-11 – Tainan

Taiwan’s oldest city is full of cultural treasures dating back to its days as the Qing dynasty capital from 1683–1887. Temples and fortresses – most of which can be seen during a day – make it worth a visit.

Where to stay in Tainan

• Budget hotel: At Home In Tainan, guests love the bright and clean interior, cute indoor plants, friendly host, and convenient location just moments from Tainan Central. There is a shared lounge and kitchen onsite. Check availability from US$34 .
• Mid-range: If you’re looking for a 4* hotel, Fushin Hotel Tainan includes a restaurant, fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, and top-rated breakfast. Rooms have a city view, TV, desk, sofa and complimentary toiletries. Check availability from US$78 .
• Splash-out: Located in downtown Tainan, Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel is a 5* hotel with two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a sauna, a hot tub, and four different food and bar options ranging from cosy to elegant. Choose your own pillow before winding down in a spacious room with Asian-inspired decor. Check availability from US$129 .

Things to do in Tainan include :

• Marvel at Amping Treehouse near the small, historic town of Anping. This abandoned warehouse overgrown with banyan tree roots will remind you of Angkor Wat! Nearby, soak up views from Anping Fort.
• Visit Luermen Mazu Temple – this shrine dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea holds great significance to Taiwanese people, dating back 300 years. It can be reached by train from Tainan South Station. Free entry.
• Seek out quirky shops, street art and sculptures at Blueprint Creative Park . This is a fun and colourful stop.

Note – if you spent 3 days in Taipei rather than 5, you may be able to squeeze in Kenting AND Tainan.

Getting to Tainan

Catch a 1-hour Taiwan Railways train from Kaohsiung Main Station to Tainan Railway Station or a High-Speed Trains in just 15 minutes(!) from Kaohsiung Zuoying. Book on 12go or use Klook’s 30% discount voucher .

Day 12-13: Taichung

My final stop during 2 weeks in Taiwan was Taichung, an awesome city on the west coast of Taiwan, around 3 hours from Taipei. The colourful Rainbow Village has put it on the map but there are a couple of other things to do including day trips to scenic Sun Moon Lake. If you like Instagrammable spots, Taichung is well worth adding to your Taiwan itinerary. Even if you don’t, Taichung is worth a quick visit.

Where to stay in Taichung

• Hostel: For cosy private pods and a stylish bistro area to relax in, I would recommend Getcha Hostel & Bistro . If you don’t want bistro food, it’s near to one of the city’s biggest and most atmospheric night markets, Yizhong Street Market, as well as the bus stop to the Rainbow Village. Check availability from US$12 .
• Budget hotel: Conveniently located within walking distance to the downtown train station, stays at Sparrow Hotel also include room service and a helpful 24-hour front desk. Rooms have air-con, complimentary toiletries, a TV, and a refrigerator. Check availability from US$32 .
• Mid-range: Just 0.8km from Taichung Train Station, Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park is a comfortable and contemporary hotel featuring a fitness centre and 24-hour front desk. The onsite restaurant serves local cuisines and a buffet breakfast. Modern rooms highlight the views over Taichung Park with floor-to-ceiling windows. Check availability from US$69 .
• Splash-out: For a stylish 5* hotel in the centre of Taichung, you won’t find better than Le Méridien Taichung. The hotel offers a 24-hour gym, bar, onsite ATM and tour desk. Guests love the comfortable dining space at breakfast, executive lounge, huge windows with an excellent view, and modern design. Check availability from US$222 .

Day 12 – Rainbow Village

Explore the Rainbow Village of Taichung . Rather than an intended urban art gallery like those in Kaohsiung, this wasn’t invented as a photo opportunity but by a local man trying to see his home from demolition. The heartwarming story of the Rainbow Grandpa will tell you all you need to know about Taiwanese people. He began drawing on walls of the village after demolition was planned, hoping to cheer up local children. Some local artists heard his story and helped decorate the village with colourful murals which eventually ended up saving the village. If you’re very lucky, you might visit the Rainbow Grandpa as he still lives nearby!

This should take half a day so why not head into town afterwards and sample local food and the original bubble tea cafe? Check out my guide to the best food in Taichung which includes Instagrammable ice creams at Miyahara. For the rest of the day, you can wander the shops and parks of Taichung before the day at Yizhong Street Market . Here I tried stinky tofu and, while I never will again, I loved this busy and bustling market.

Getting to Taichung

Taichung Station serves Taiwan Rail services while Taichung HSR station serves High-Speed trains. Whether you’re coming from Tainan, Kaohsiung or Taipei, it’s easy to catch a train to Taichung. Book on 12go if getting the High-Speed train.

Day 13 – Sun Moon Lake

Take a day trip to Sun Moon Lake to end your Taiwan itinerary. I had to miss this due to terrible weather but it looks gorgeous. It takes 2 hours each way to get to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei so I would recommend setting off as early as possible so you can spend a whole day there. You can board the Sun Moon Lake Shuttle Boat and explore the island at the heart of the lake. You can also swoop over it upon a cableway or admire the scenery by cycling around the 12km bike path running around the lake.

Day 14: Head back to Taipei and fly away!

Leaving was a sad day for me because I’d had the best 2 weeks in T aiwan. The greenery and natural beauty of this little island blew me away, as did the quirky, colourful cities and the friendly people. I know I’ll be back someday to eat more dumplings and take more photos of the colourful street art.

Best season to visit Taiwan 

Spring and autumn (March-April and October-November) are great times for your Taiwan itinerary with pleasant weather and little rain.

Summer (June-August) is hot and humid while rainy season from May-September sees strong showers. However, Taiwan is a year-round destination and, even though I visited in May, I managed to avoid rain for the most part or at least plan my activities around it.

Winter (December-February) may be low season but it’s never freezing so you can take advantage of the cheaper prices and lack of crowds. Just pack warm clothes.

Tips for visiting Taiwan

• It can be a tough country for vegetarians but look out for cheap & cheerful buffet restaurants where you can fill your plate with veggies. 
• Although tap water is technically ok to drink, it’s better to be safe. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can replenish with filtered water at your accommodation.
• Many younger people and those working in tourism speak English. However, there will be times when no one does… So have the Google translate app to hand or pack a Mandarin dictionary .
• Read all my Taiwan travel tips !

Is Taiwan worth visiting?

Absolutely! Taiwan is worth visiting for the nature, hiking, cool cities, colourful temples, vibrant night markets and xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to name just a few things. It’s one of my favourite places I’ve travelled and I’d certainly recommend visiting sooner rather than later.

How much to budget for 2 weeks in Taiwan?

Taiwan is certainly an affordable destination. Accommodation is more expensive than other Asian destinations like Taiwan and Vietnam but cheaper than South Korea and Japan. Luckily, transport and food is VERY affordable; on a parr with Southeast Asia. You can get a fantastic meal for a couple of dollars especially if you eat at night markets!

Read next: complete guide to Taiwan budget travel

During two weeks in Taiwan I spent $400 USD or $30 USD a day! This was a hostel, street food and public transport budget so increase it to stay in hotels, eat at nice restaurants and take taxis.  Average prices:

• Accommodation: hostels dorms from US$15, hostel private rooms from US$35, hotel rooms from US$40
• Food and drink: street food meals for around US$2.50, sit-down restaurant meals for US$5, bubble tea & coffees for US$2.50
• Public transport journeys : 20-80 NT$ ($1) for Metro journeys, 15 NT$ (50 cents) for bus journeys, 300-700 NT$ ($10-25) for inter-country train journeys. 

Taiwan essentials

• Copy of Lonely Planet Taiwan
• A Lonely Planet Mandarin phrasebook
• A power bank to keep your devices alive
• Sustainability: stainless steel reusable water bottle to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water.

Thanks for reading Taiwan itinerary

Check out some of my other Taiwan posts:

• 17 Taiwan tips for travellers
• Solo female travel in Taiwan
• Complete Taiwan budget guide & spending tips
• How to spend 5 days in Taipei
• The best Taiwanese foods to try
• Things to do in Jiufen and Shifen
• How to visit the Rainbow Village, Taichung
• How to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei
• Taichung food guide
• 10 fun facts about Taiwan

See you next time for more adventures,

For more content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked my 2 week Taiwan itinerary? Pin this for later!

TAIWAN QUICK LINKS Getting there – it’s easy to arrive by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. To stay connected, buy an e-SIM with Airalo and use data as normal. Browse their Korea SIM packages . In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Taiwan . Car hire – I recommend RentalCars.com for car hire in Taiwan and around the world. For Taiwan High Speed Trains , use 12Go . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they both have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

3 thoughts on “ Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary For 2 Weeks – Cities, Nature & Food ”

This sounds like a fab itinerary! The day at Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Springs sounds especially awesome, but I would love all those hikes and natural areas.

I already wanted to visit to Taiwan for the food, but it sounds like there is sooo much more that I would love!

I really want to visit Taiwan one day. It wasn’t on the top of my list (I really wanted to check out more of Europe) but your images definitely just moved it up A LOT. It looks gorgeous there.

Taiwan seems to be an awesome country. It has everything: beautiful cities, awesome nature and even great street art. Thank you for great tips and tempting itinerary.

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• Taiwan News
• Editorial & Opinion
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• All Front Page Taiwan News Business Editorial & Opinion Sports World News Features Bilingual Pages

Fri, Jul 01, 2022 page2

Taiwan and south korea eye 3m tourist exchanges, travel conference: representatives from the two countries exchanged views on how to increase tourist numbers, with one identifying individual travel as a trend.

• By Shelley Shan / Staff Reporter

Taiwan and South Korea aim to increase the number of tourists traveling between the two countries to 3 million, government and tourism industry representatives said at a conference in Hsinchu City yesterday.

The annual event was attended by Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Yen-po (陳彥伯); Tourism Bureau Director-General Chang Shi-chung (張錫聰); Taiwan Visitors Association chairwoman Yeh Chu-lan (葉菊蘭); South Korean Representative to Taiwan Chung Byung-won; Yoon Ji-sook, an official at the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Korea Association of Travel Agents chairman Oh Chang-hee.

Global tourism is expected to soon rebound to between 55 and 70 percent of 2019 levels after growth in the first quarter of this year exceeded expectations, Yeh said, citing data from the UN World Tourism Organization.

Visitors walk through a lantern installation at the Royal Culture Festival in Seoul on Oct. 19 last year.

Although tourism in Asia has recovered slower than elsewhere, many tourist destinations in Asia have gradually lifted travel restrictions, Yeh said.

“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tourists traveling between Taiwan and South Korea had grown annually,” she said. “The conference will surely lay a good foundation for the reopening of tourism exchanges between the two countries.”

Seoul has eased quarantine requirements for international travelers and on June 1 began accepting applications for tourism visas.

The main goal of the conference is to talk about practical ways to boost traveler numbers between the two countries to 3 million next year, Oh said.

Taiwan has many tourist attractions that South Korean travelers like to visit, and vice versa, he said, adding that the two countries should take into account the latest tourism trends and prepare for the arrival of visitors.

Chung said the conference would define the criteria for hosting physical meetings between tourism representatives in the post-pandemic era.

“Through the efforts of travel agents in both countries, we hope that travelers could reach 3 million next year and 5 million in 2023,” he added.

Yoon said the tourism industry has increasingly digitalized over the past two years, with more tourists preferring to travel independently than joining tour groups.

Chen said the Tourism Bureau has identified six scenic areas across the country — Nantou County’s Sun Moon Lake (日月潭), Alishan (阿里山), Penghu County, the north coast, the northeast coast and the east coast — as tourism focus areas.

“The bureau has also organized 16 cycling tour routes,” Chen said. “We want to tell the world that Taiwan is ready to host international visitors.”

In other news, the number of air travelers arriving at or departing from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is expected to reach close to 2 million this year, as the government has gradually eased disease prevention measures for inbound travelers, Taoyuan International Airport Corp said yesterday.

The pandemic has caused the number of air travelers accessing the nation’s largest airport to drop from about 48 million in 2019 to about 909,000 last year, the airport operator said.

However, the airport has seen a slow, but steady return of air travelers since June 15, when the Central Epidemic Command Center eased the quarantine requirement to three days followed by four days of disease self-monitoring.

On Wednesday, 10,047 air travelers accessed the airport, the first time that the daily number of travelers exceeded 10,000 since April 2020, the company said.

The airport’s passenger volume reached 530,000 from January to May, marking a growth of 37.7 percent compared with the same period last year, it said.

Eased disease prevention measures are expected to boost the number of air travelers at the airport to 1.93 million by the end of this year, it said.

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• How to Plan Your Trip to South Korea 2024/2025 (6 Easy Steps)

South Korea is a popular destination for many travelers, especially for families with teenagers and couples. Besides its history, nature, and modernity, South Korea offers unique and lively experiences, such as K-pop, the hanbok, Hanok hotels, bibimbap, and more, which continue to draw travelers from all over the world.

In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know to plan a wonderful trip to South Korea, including the top places to visit, how long you should spend there, the best times to visit, and the costs.

• 1. Do I Need a Visa to Visit South Korea
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• 3. Best Times to Visit South Korea
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• 6. How to Get To and Around South Korea

Do I Need a Visa to Visit South Korea?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter South Korea, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers could stay in South Korea without a visa for 90 days.

Top 4 Places to Visit in South Korea

With so many wonderful destinations in South Korea, we know it could be difficult to narrow down where to visit. Below are some recommended places to visit for your first trip, based on our knowledge and feedback from our clients.

1) Seoul — Capital City with a Perfect Blend of History and Modernity

As the bustling capital city of South Korea, Seoul is a must-see city when planning a first trip to South Korea. It offers plenty of experiences that would enrich your trip.

If you want to explore history-filled attractions to deepen your understanding of South Korea, don't miss a visit to one of the oldest royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung, and the quiet Korean traditional village of Bukchon Hanok.

Beyond the representative attractions, you could also wear a traditional hanbok and stay in Korean-style accommodation to enrich your trip.

If your children are interested in K-pop, you could see the idols at the famous broadcasting buildings and visit the renowned Korean Wave music companies.

2) Busan — Bustling Seaside City

Busan is a charming seaside city known for its glistening beaches. You could enjoy the comfortable sea breeze and feed seagulls at Haeundae Beach and sample fresh seafood.

As well as beautiful sea views, Busan has many culture-rich attractions. Visit Korean Buddhist temples with stunning sea views, such as Haedong Yonggung Temple, and enjoy the unique art of Gamcheon Culture Village with its multicolored houses.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a tour for you.

3) Gyeongju — Ancient Capital with a Long History

Gyeongju, the ancient and medieval capital of South Korea , has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has well-preserved ancient buildings. There, you could explore some UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Bulguksa Temple, which has stood for over a millennium, and Yangdong Folk Village, which is home to the largest hanok village in Korea with Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) buildings.

4) Jeju Island — Formed by Volcanic Activity and Suitable for Relaxation

Known all over the country for its picturesque natural views, Jeju Island is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to escape from the country's larger cities and relax for a few days.

Jeju Island was formed by volcanic activity, resulting in various natural landscapes, such as the Manjanggul lava tube, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You could enjoy exciting sea outdoor sports, such as surfing, deep diving, and snorkeling. Additionally, you could relax by basking in the wonderful sunrise or sunset on the sandy beaches.

Best Times to Visit South Korea

South Korea has four distinct seasons and it's suitable to visit all year round.

The best times to travel to South Korea are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) , when you could enjoy pleasant weather, clearer days, and the best scenery. In spring, you could admire the blooming cherry blossoms and in autumn, you could view the vibrant red foliage.

Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in South Korea, and it is the rainy season as well. But it does not rain every day and you could still enjoy a flexibly planned trip. Compared with July and August (the summer vacation months), June is cooler and less crowded, which makes it a better time for families to visit South Korea.

Winter (December to February) is cold and dry in South Korea, making it a good time to bathe in the hot springs. Christmas and New Year are two of the busiest periods to travel so we suggest that you plan ahead at least 3–6 months in advance as hotels are easily booked up.

Just contact us  if you are thinking of a trip to South Korea. We'd like to create a wonderful trip based on your needs and interests, whatever the weather.

How Many Days to Spend in South Korea

For a first trip to South Korea, we recommend a 10-day trip to explore the highlights in the top cities from north to south covering Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island.

Below are three well-selected South Korea itineraries ideal for vacations of three popular lengths (7, 10, and 14 days), each offering authentic activities to enrich your trip.

1) 7-Day Essence Itinerary: Explore Seoul and Busan

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Seoul
• Days 5–7: Busan

7 days are enough to explore South Korea's top two cities of Seoul and Busan. You could wear a traditional hanbok to stroll around culturally-rich Bukchon Hanok Village and stay at a traditional Hanok hotel in Seoul, take a day trip to explore well-preserved UNESCO sites in Gyeongju, and relax with the sea breeze in Busan.

2) 10-Day Classic Itinerary: the Most Chosen Korea Tour Plan

• Days 1–3: Seoul
• Days 4–5: Gyeongju
• Days 6–7: Busan
• Days 8–9: Jeju Island
• Day 10: Departure

This 10-day itinerary is based on the 7-day itinerary with the addition of Jeju Island. It's perfect for first-timers to explore the best of South Korea without rushing and to enjoy its natural beauty.

On Jeju Island, you could explore unique volcanic landscapes, enjoy sunrise or sunset on a sandy beach, and enjoy some free time doing outdoor activities such as snorkeling and surfing.

3) 14-Day South Korea and Japan Itinerary

14 days is ideal for a trip to both South Korea and the neighboring country of Japan, spending 1 week in each country. Not only could you immerse yourself in Korean culture, but also you could experience kid-favored anime elements, stay at a ryokan with an onsen, and watch a geisha performance in Japan.

• Days 4–5: Busan
• Day 6: Fly to Osaka in Japan
• Days 7–9: Kyoto
• Days 10–11: Hakone
• Days 12–14: Tokyo

Week 1 in South Korea: Seoul–Busan

Start your wonderful trip in South Korea. Experience traditional activities in Seoul, such as trying on a hanbok to meander around Bukchon Hanok Village, and relax on a sandy beach and feed some seagulls in Busan.

Week 2 in Japan: Osaka–Kyoto–Hakone–Tokyo

Fly to Osaka to continue your trip in Japan. In the impressive medieval capital of Kyoto , you could dress up like a ninja to learn techniques from a ninja master, wear a kimono to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

Take the Shinkansen to Hakone , the well-known home to hot springs, and stay at a Japanese-style ryokan with an onsen.

In Tokyo, the capital city perfectly combines history and modernity. You could meander around the Asakusa district with its Edo-era vibe, make sushi with an experienced chef, and buy your favorite anime products at Pokémon Center.

Check more details about plan a 12-Day or 2 Week Itinerary in South Korea and Japan.

How Much Does a Trip to South Korea Cost?

The private tour cost in South Korea is about US$400–500 per day per person based on a family of 3–5 people , including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, private cars, and private guides.

Travel costs are typically one or two times higher in peak times such as the cherry blossom season in March to April, Christmas, and New Year. Therefore, we recommend that you plan your trip at least 3–6 months in advance.

How to Get To and Around South Korea

Most flights from international starting points, such as North America, Europe, and Australia, land at Incheon International Airport in Seoul or Gimhae International Airport in Busan . These airports are conveniently close to their corresponding cities and are international hubs for some of South Korea's leading airlines.

Most cities in South Korea are conveniently connected by the KTX (South Korea's high-speed railway) , which is the most comfortable and efficient way of traveling. For instance, the journey from Seoul to Busan takes approximately 2½ hours.

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• 16-Day South Korea and Japan Cultural Adventure Tour
• 8-Day South Korea Tour to Visit Highlights of Seoul, Busan and Jeju
• 10-Day South Korea Tour to Visit Seoul, Sokcho, Andong and Suncheon
• 17-Day Classic South Korea and Taiwan Tour
• How to Plan a 12-Day Trip in Japan and South Korea
• How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Japan and South Korea
• 10 Days in South Korea: Best 4 Itineraries for a First Visit 2024/2025
• Japan Weather in January: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in February 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in April 2024, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
• Japan Weather in May 2024: Travel Tips for a First Visit
• Japan Weather in June 2024: Coolest Summer Month, Travel Tips for First Visit
• Japan Weather in July 2024: Full of Festivals, Travel Tips for First Visit
• Japan Weather in August 2024: Travel Tips for First Visit
• Japan Weather in September, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
• Japan Weather in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in November 2024: Best Autumn Month, Travel Tips
• Japan Weather in December 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy seoul.

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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South Korea ETA for Taiwanese Citizens

Apply online for the k-eta from taiwan.

Taiwanese tourists can apply online for the K-ETA for faster entry to South Korea. Travelers with a K-ETA do not have to submit their information using an arrival card when they get to the airport.

This page explains everything Taiwanese nationals need to know about the South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization and other entry documents on this page.

Do I Need a K-ETA to Travel to South Korea From Taiwan?

The K-ETA is not mandatory for travelers from Taiwan. The requirement has been temporarily waived for citizens of several countries, including Taiwan , in celebration of ‘Visit Korea’ year.

While not mandatory, applying is still recommended. Taiwanese nationals with K-ETA approval do not need to submit an arrival card, speeding up immigration processes.

Benefits of the ETA Korea for Taiwanese visitors

By applying for a K-ETA before traveling from Taiwan to South Korea, passengers can:

• Spend less time at the airport —no arrival card requirements
• Avoid extra paperwork —submit your information electronically before traveling
• Travel multiple times —your K-ETA is valid for 3 years and multiple trips

Request Your K-ETA Online from Taiwain

Taiwanese nationals can apply for the South Korea Visa Waiver online.

The 3-step application process is quick and easy to complete:

• 1. Fill out the electronic K-ETA application form
• 2. Pay the Korean visa waiver fee and submit the request
• 3. Receive the approved K-ETA by email

Conveniently, Taiwanese citizens do not need to visit the South Korean embassy at any stage. The K-ETA application process is 100% online and can be completed from home.

To apply for the South Korea visa waiver from Taiwan, travelers need the following:

• Taiwanese passport
• Debit or credit card
• Recent photograph
• Email address

Taiwanese applicants need to fill out the online form with their passport information , basic personal details, and basic information about their trip.

Passengers who do not provide these details in advance need to do so on arrival at the airport using an arrival card.

Do I Need a Visa for South Korea from Taiwan?

Taiwanese tourists and business travelers do not need a visa to go to South Korea for up to 90 days . Travelers can visit spend up to 3 months in South Korea short term for tourism, to visit friends and family, attend events and meetings, or on business. They must meet all the conditions for visa-free entry.

A South Korean visa for Taiwanese citizens is required to stay longer or for other purposes. South Korea visa applications are made through the South Korean Representative Office in Taipei .

Visiting South Korea from Taiwan

There are direct flights to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) from Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The non-stop journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Depending on the time of year, direct flights to Busan in South Korea depart from Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Flights with one or more stops depart from Taipei and Kaohsiung to other South Korean destinations including Daegu, Gwangju, and Jeju Island .

Taiwanese passport holders with a K-ETA no longer need to complete a South Korea arrival card. Border checks are more efficient meaning travelers will spend less time at the airport.

South Korean Border: Checklist for the Taiwanese

These are the documents Republic of China passport holders need to visit Korea.

• Taiwan passport —must be valid for the entire stay in South Korea
• K-ETA or arrival card —passengers submit basic information either before departure (K-ETA) or on arrival (arrival card)
• Customs declaration —all passengers need to fill out this form and declare restricted items
• Quarantine questionnaire —travelers need to submit health information, this can be done online using the Q-code system

Note that holding these documents does not guarantee entry to the Republic of Korea . Border authorities verify passengers meet the entry conditions.

Where is the South Korea Embassy in Taiwan?

There is a South Korea Representative Office in Taipei. Taiwanese who are traveling to South Korea with a K-ETA should not need to visit the office at any stage. The online ETA application can be completed from home.

Passport holders who do not meet all the visa-free entry requirements need to apply for a South Korea visa from Taiwan.

Visa applications should contact the South Korea Representative Office located at the following address:

Room 1506, 15F, No. 333, Sec 1, Keelung Road, Taipei, Taiwan

FAQs About Traveling from Taiwan to South Korea

Can the taiwanese go to south korea.

Yes, citizens of Taiwan are welcome to visit South Korea provided they have the relevant travel documents.

Visitors need a valid Taiwanese passport . Other documents include either a K-ETA or arrival card, customs declaration, and health questionnaire.

Can Taiwanese nationals work in South Korea without a visa?

No, Taiwanese nationals cannot work in South Korea without a visa. Visa-free entry is permitted for leisure and business purposes.

To work in Korea, Taiwanese passport holders need to apply for the relevant visa.

Different South Korea visa types are available including Short-Term Employee (C-4), Job Seeker (D-10-1), and Foreign Language Instructor (E-2-1).

Are there any specific customs regulations I should be aware of when traveling from Taiwan to South Korea?

Travelers should be aware of restrictions on items such as agricultural products, meat, and dairy products, as well as limitations on the amount of cash they can bring into the country.

To avoid any issues, consult the official customs guidelines before departure.

What is the time difference between Taiwan and South Korea?

South Korea is 1 hour ahead of Taiwan . Keep this time difference in mind when planning your trip, especially when scheduling flights and planning activities. When it is 9 AM in Taiwan it is 10 AM in South Korea.

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Taiwan, South Korea & Japan-by-rail TOURCODE: TA5

Duration: 27 Days

Activity Level: 2

When To Go: Mar, Sep, Oct

Countries Visited: 3

Arrive In / Depart From: Taipei / Hiroshima

Max Group Size: 18

Tour Style: Cultural

Price From:

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

• Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
• Authentic local experiences with lots of inclusions.

Prices below are per person , twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD) . Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here .

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

PLEASE NOTE that, due to logistical challenges and high costs in Japan, we offer customization services only for groups of minimum 10 participants plus a mandatory tour leader.

Optional Single Supplement: $3250 CAD (number of singles limited). This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $1630 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.

Day 1 Arrive in Taipei Arrival in Taipei -- welcome to Taiwan! Lying off the south-eastern coast of mainland Asia, and across the Taiwan Strait from China, Taiwan is an island truly on the edge of the Pacific. One of the most densely-populated places on earth, this is also a natural wonderland with steep mountains, magnificent forests and an array of scenic attractions. Being situated on the western edge of the Pacific "ring of fire", continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, spectacular coastlines, and other natural wonders. 8 national parks and 13 national scenic areas preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and cultural sites. Overnight in Taipei. Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Taipei: City Tour We will spend today exploring vibrant Taipei, modern and old, where Taoist temples sit alongside shopping malls. Many have rated Taipei as one of the region's most dynamic, comfortable and liveable cities. Situated at the northern tip of the island, the capital is located on the Tamsui River, about 25 km southwest of the Pacific Ocean. This is the political, economic, and cultural center of Taiwan. Originally founded in the early 18th century, Taiwan quickly became an important center for overseas trade in the 19th century. Today this truly is one of Asia's most dynamic and fascinating cities. Taipei is the thriving heart of Taiwan and the bustling centre of commerce, government and culture. Our sightseeing will first take us to the world-famous National Palace Museum, the world's largest collection of Chinese artifacts. Here we will see porcelain, paintings, jade, bronze, tapestries and other art objects that once belonged to the emperors of China. This truly is a breathtaking selection of Chinese Imperial Art. In 1949, the collection was brought to Taiwan by Chiang Kai Shek's armies. Nearby is the wonderful Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines. This museum houses exhibits relating to the cultures and histories of the Taiwanese aborigines. These Austronesian peoples are related through blood or linguistic ties to people across precolonial Oceania, as far away as Madagascar. The tribes developed pottery, basketry, woodcarvings, musical instruments and colourful costumes. We will view some fine examples of Taiwanese aboriginal handicrafts and learn about the history of these people. After a break for lunch we will continue with our tour of the city. A must is a visit to the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, located in the heart of the city. This Memorial Hall (C.K.S. Memorial Hall) was constructed in memory of the former president of R.O.C. During our touring of the city we will pass by the Presidential Buildings Presidential Square. Originally built by the Japanese, it originally served as the governor's mansion. A must during the tour will of course be a visit to Taipei 101, with its outstanding views over the city. Taipei 101 is a 101-floor landmark skyscraper that claimed the title of world's tallest building when it opened in 2004. Overnight in Taipei. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Taipei - Taroko Gorge This morning we will depart Taipei and travel to the famous Taroko Gorge. Our route will take us to the hilly suburbs of Taipei, and through the Hsuehshan Tunnel ("Snow Mountain" tunnel), the longest tunnel in Taiwan. From the coastal city of Yilan we will continue along the coast via the Suao Highway. The eastern coast of Taiwan is the least populated region and yet covers more than a fifth of the landscape. In every sense, nature is less tamed on this side of the island. Our drive will take us past the Qingshui Cliffs, located on a section of the highway that provides some of the most spectacular sights on Taiwan's Pacific coast. The cliffs here are more than 1000 meters high and they drop almost vertically into the sea. The highway snakes along its curving face, with the sheer cliffs rising on one side and a sheer drop to the ocean on the other. The Taroko Gorge is the undisputed scenic highlight of Taiwan, the jewel of the beautiful national park of the same name. The gorge itself is a marble canyon featuring a rushing white water river, towering cliffs, hiking trails and even the odd hot spring. The most phenomenal aspect of the park is the amazing relief and change in terrain. In a single afternoon we will travel from the rugged coastal cliffs through a maze of subtropical forest. The road is carved into the sheer walls of rock, winding its way past forested peaks and cliffs towering thousands of feet above it, while hundreds of feet below a river roars past gigantic marble boulders. Many consider this area to be the most attractive region of Taiwan. This steep ravine, with its high marble cliffs, is permeated with a network of tunnels. Shrines, waterfalls and grottoes are found throughout the area. We will spend the afternoon touring the gorge, with plenty of scenic viewpoints and trails to explore. Overnight at Taroko Gorge. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Taroko Gorge - Sun Moon Lake This morning we will drive out of the Taroko Gorge region and travel southwest to Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan's most famous and most beautiful vacation spots, situated in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range. Our route will take us from the gorge through a high elevation sub alpine coniferous forest. We travel via Puli, a town in the heart of Taiwan and surrounded by mountains. We will have a guided tour of the spectacular Chung Tai Chan Monastery located on the outskirts of Puli. This massive temple is more than just another modern temple - it is an international centre of Buddhist academic research, culture and the arts. This afternoon we continue with our journey to Sun Moon Lake. The surrounding region is dotted with temples and pagodas, and on arrival we will have the opportunity to visit Wenwu Temple. This region has also been a center of aboriginal life for thousands of years, with aboriginal people involved in its tourist industry since the 1930s. Overnight at Sun Moon Lake. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 Sun Moon Lake - Tainan After breakfast we will continue exploring the Sun Moon Lake area. In this idyllic environment we will see the deep blue waters of the lake and the mountainous surroundings from different perspectives. We will begin by enjoying a cruise across the lake, where we will benefit from fantastic views of the neighbouring mountains. Then, we will take in the lake from above as we experience the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. This afternoon we continue our journey south to Tainan. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, and was its capital for over 200 years. This city has managed to maintain much of its historical character, and its many historical sites make for some great exploration. Most of the Han migrants who sailed for Taiwan in the 17th and early 18th centuries landed on the islands southwest coastline, an area of flat land suitable for rice cultivation. Often compared to Kyoto, Tainan is an essential destination for those interested in history, religion and traditional ways of life. Upon arrival in the city we may enjoy some sightseeing this afternoon. Overnight in Tainan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Tainan Sightseeing Today we will enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Tainan. This is an enticing city and a true highlight on the west coast of Taiwan. Tainan retains a stronghold of traditional Taiwanese culture, with frequent Buddhist parades and ceremonies. Our exploration will take us to several of Tainan’s historic sites and temples, as well as the Dutch fort of Anping on the coast. We will explore both the Chihkan Cultural Zone and the Confucius Temple Cultural Zone. The Chihkan Cultural Zone covers the northern part of the old city, and highlights here include several temples and the Chihkan Tower. This was the site of Fort Provintia, built by the Dutch in the 1650’s. Meaning ‘eternity’ in Dutch, the Chihkan Tower has been a significant administration centre of Tainan ever since the Dutch invaded the country. The tower has been through various periods of Chinese rule, such as the Ching and Ming Dynasties, as well as a period of Japanese Colonization. Many of its original architectural features can still be seen today. Anping is considered to be the cradle of Han Chinese civilization in Taiwan, and the first European base on the island. It took the Dutch nearly 10 years of hard work to construct the impressive Fort Zeelandia (Anping Old Fort) in the town of Anping. This noteworthy fortress is a clear reminder of colonial rule in the country. When constructing the fortress the Dutch selected a sandy peninsula in Tainan, and the strategic location was aimed at providing direct access for various supplies and support from Batavia (now known as Jakarta, Indonesia). Yanping Street is one of the oldest streets in Tainan. Also known as Anping Old Street or Taiwan’s 1st Street, it was the first established merchant street in the area. We will walk along the narrow and winding streets with their little shops and food stalls that cover a full range of souvenirs and handmade products. As well as these sites we will also explore the southern half of the old city of Tainan where we see the well-preserved Great South Gate and the Confucius Temple. Built in 1665, the Confucius Temple is believed to be the oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan. Overnight in Tainan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 Tainan - High-speed train to Taipei - Taipei Sightseeing Today we will leave Tainan and travel back to Taipei by high-speed train. This high-speed line opened for service in 2007, using trains with a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The journey time from Tainan to Taipei will take just over 90 minutes! This afternoon we will complete our sightseeing of Taipei. A visit to the Taoist Lungshan Temple provides some insight into the local culture. Dedicated to Kuanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, this is one of the city’s most popular and busiest temples. Like most temples in Taiwan, the Temple worships a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities such as Matsu. We will walk through the Dihua Street Area, where one can get a true feel for the city’s past. The old-town market has dozens of shops selling a variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and herbs, temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colourful bolts of cloth, and bamboo and wooden crafts. This is a fascinating patch of the past. Built on a green hillside in 1969, the impressive Taipei Martyrs Shrine was architecturally inspired by the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City. The shrine is dedicated to the 390,000 soldiers killed in the service of their country during the War of Resistance against Japan and the civil war between the Chinese Republican and communist forces. Overnight in Taipei. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Taipei, Taiwan - Seoul, South Korea Today we fly to Seoul/Incheon, South Korea and transfer to our hotel. Seoul is a city of contrasts. In this rapidly evolving metropolis, the traditional exists with the modern in a state of harmony. For over 500 years the seat of Joseon Dynasty kings, Seoul is now the beating heart of modern Korea, the centre to which all else in the country is drawn. Overnight in Seoul. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 Seoul: The DMZ & Seoul City Touring This morning we hit the ground running with a full highlight-packed day. After an early departure we travel along the Jayuro (Freedom Road) to Imjingak, the northernmost point bordering North Korea.* On the way, we will be able to view barbed wire fences and military guards on duty all the way along the river. At Imjingak, we visit the Mangbaedan Memorial ritual altar which was established in 1985 for those who were separated from their families or displaced from home during the Korean War. It is a symbolic spot used to hold traditional memorial services for ancestors or to pray for separated family members living in the North and for reunification of the country. We will see the Freedom Bridge, the very locale where 12,773 Korean War prisoners walked to freedom to South Korea in 1953. We then board a tour bus that will take us to the 3rd infiltration tunnel dug up by North Koreans. On the 20-minute ride to the tunnel, we pass through the check points, military camps, and mine fields. Before going down to the tunnel, we will view a short video presentation and visit exhibition hall for information on the divided Koreas. A seven-minute tram ride (if available) or a walk down a steep access through a narrow and steep interception tunnel, leads us to the lower platform, a point where we are only 170 meters from the Military Demarcation Line. Our next stop is the Dora Observatory where we can see the whole expanse of the Demilitarized Zone, North Korean propaganda village, Gijeong-dong, where the world's largest flag hangs on a 160 meter-tall flagpole, South Korea's northernmost village of Daeseong-dong and Panmunjom where the ceasefire that ended hostilities was signed. We return to Seoul in time for a break for lunch in Insadong, a lively district known for it's vast array of restaurants, small museums, and shopping. Insadong was originally two towns whose names ended in the syllables "In" and "Sa". They were divided by a stream which ran along Insadong's current main street. Insadong began 500 years ago as an area of residence for government officials. Today Insadong has some of the tastiest food vendors in all of Seoul. One of the main attractions in the area is the ‘Kings Dessert’ or the ‘Dragons Beard Candy’, 16,000 strings of honey wrapped multiple times with a flavouring of either almond, peanut or chocolate on the inside. There are also gooey pancakes and spicy Korean dumplings to sample. From here we proceed to the War Memorial of Korea, an excellent tie-in with what we experienced at the DMZ. This huge museum documents the history of the Korean War (1950–53) with documentary footage (with English commentary) of the main battles and events. Along with photos, maps and artefacts, the films give a fascinating insight into what the war was like. There's also plenty of military hardware outside – tanks, helicopters, missiles and planes, plus stirring war memorials. * Due to an ever-changing security situation, our activities today may be altered, re-routed, or curtailed without notice. Overnight in Seoul. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Seoul: City Touring This morning we start with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where we plan to arrive in time for the very colourful changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Of all the tourist attractions in Seoul, the Joseon Dynasty Palaces and, particularly Gyeongbokgung Palace, are the most tangible link between modern Korea and its not-too-distant monarchical past. Not merely inert relics, they are symbols of a deep history and rich culture. Although substantially reduced in number, the remaining palace buildings provide a glimpse of traditional architecture and the overall organization of a palace grounds. As part of our visit, we also include the National Folk Museum, contained within the palace. This excellent museum presents historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the displays, visitors can learn about the domestic and agricultural lifestyles, as well as Korea’s cultural beliefs. After a break for lunch, we proceed to Jongmyo, a royal shrine dedicated to the performance of ancestral rites for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Being the place where the royal ancestral tablets are enshrined, Jongmyo's atmosphere is solemn and sacred rather than splendid like the royal palaces. The simple and elegant buildings of this shrine have faithfully kept their original forms since the 16th century. We finish our day at Namsan Seoul Tower, built in 1969 as Korea's first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has become a much-loved Seoul landmark. The tower's main attractions include multi-coloured digital art projected onto the tower at night, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, and a number of viewing platforms where visitors can enjoy the cityscape. 32 LCD screens recount the 600-year history of Seoul. This evening we'll have our dinner at the top of the tower and enjoy a typical Korean meal and nighttime views of the city. Overnight in Seoul. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 Seoul - Fly to Jeju Island This morning we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Jeju Island. Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners; indeed it remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds. The island is known for beaches, rugged coastal scenery, volcanic geography, and a unique culture which stands in stark contrast to the mainland (and much of Asia) as being matriarchal. Stemming from this basis, and some odd tax reasons, the role of seafood gathering on the island has been dominated by women. As such, a common sight around Jeju's coastline is that of the "haenyo" or "woman diver", a figure that has become somewhat iconic of the island. After our arrival we'll have a break for lunch and then visit the informative Folklore and History Museum, an excellent introduction to the island. Flight/arrival time-permitting, we can also visit Yakcheonsa Buddhist Temple, a relatively new structure built in the style of Buddhist temples of the early Joseon Dynasty. Overnight on Jeju Island. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 Jeju Island Touring Early this morning we head to Sunrise Peak for a spectacular view of/from this unique caldera/mountain and surrounds. After a break for lunch we'll visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, dedicated to the women divers of Jeju before heading to Ilchul Land, a park offering themed gardens, sculptures, and walks in Micheon Cave, a large lava tunnel. Jeju has an extensive system of lava tubes, natural conduits through which magma once flowed, now empty caves that are some of the largest in the world. The insides of the tube is adorned with multi-coloured carbonate decorations and innumerable cave formations commonly found in lava tubes. They include lava stalactites and lava stalagmites, lava columns, lava flowstone, lava helictites and lava blister, cave corals, benches, lava raft, lava bridges, lava shelves and striations. Our last stop is Dol Hareubang, a small park featuring stone sculptures associated with local legends, plus a traditional garden. Overnight on Jeju. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13 Jeju Island - Fly to Busan: City Touring This morning we fly to Busan, South Korea's second largest city and largest seaport. Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves, and events such as the city's renowned international film festival held each fall. Busan is a good destination for those seeking a more laid back atmosphere than Seoul. Located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan's important port gives the city an international flair, with sailors from around the world trooping through and a growing number of tourists. On arrival we'll visit the Gamcheon Cultural Village (a UNESCO site), spread out in a panorama of endless rows of low-rise cubicle homes climbing up the steep hillsides, earning it the nickname "Santorini of the East." The cheerful blue, yellow and pink hues a delight to the eye. Narrow stone and concrete alleyways wind their way through the homes, yielding something new at every turn. The village used to house the city’s poorest people, but during the Korean War, refugees fled their homes for Busan, which was the only area which was free from fighting. We'll head to the Jagalchi Fish Market for a break for lunch, followed by a visit to the impressive UN Cemetery. Overnight in Busan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 Busan: Gyeongju Excursion This morning we head out of the city to Gyeongju, located on Korea's southeast coast. This was the capital of the 1,000-year Silla dynasty, and is known for its extensive historical remains. We'll visit the 8th-century Bulguksa Temple featuring twin stone pagodas, a series of wooden staircases, and a large bronze Buddha. Afer a break for lunch in Hwanglidan-gil we'll continue to Tumuli Park, which contains 23 of the over 200 royal tombs found in Gyeongju. At times, the sense of history, and of secrets buried along with the royals, is almost palpable in the quiet between the large grass-covered mounds. We'll visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in all of Asia The 362 stones that make up the 27-level structure represent each day of the lunar year. Built during the reign of Shilla Queen Seon-deok, it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. Our last stops include Gyeongju National Museum, largely devoted to relics of the Silla Kingdom; and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once part of the palace complex of ancient Silla. Return to Busan. PLEASE NOTE: owing to the length of the day and the probability of a busy trave day tomorrow, your Tour Leader may choose to include lunch today and leave dinner to yourselves this evening. Overnight in Busan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15 Busan, South Korea - Fly to Tokyo, Japan Today we fly from Busan to Tokyo. Tokyo is Japan's capital and the country's largest city. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. Overnight in Tokyo. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16 Tokyo: City Touring Tokyo is a dazzling modern metropolis rich in history and tradition. While the pace and the glitz of the city can be overwhelming, we will do our best to also showcase the tranquil, traditional side of the world's most populous city. We have a private bus at our disposal today, though we may, during our time in the city, also make use of its legendarily efficient public transit system, an excellent way to observe the locals going about their daily lives in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. We’ll kick off our morning with a visit to one of Tokyo’s venerable department stores, the earliest of which were founded during the early 1900s. Their predecessors were kimono stores, which supplied various types of luxurious goods during the Edo and Meiji periods. Japanese department stores are famous for their unparalleled customer service; we’ll aim to be there just before it opens when we will see its employees lined up neatly, waiting to welcome customers. The moment the second hand of the clock hits the opening time, the doors punctually open and customers can make a grand entrance being flanked by bowing and greeting staff. We’ll take some time to stroll through the food halls, where you will see the amazing variety of beautifully-presented foods being sold at unbelievably high prices. Seeing where and how the Japanese shop, what they buy, for whom and for what occasion, offers instructive glimpses into a highly sophisticated social strata where conventions of human interaction and presentation are minutely-defined. Whether it be for a wedding, business meeting or returning from a trip, the culture of gift giving in Japan is one of the most prevalent in the world. However, unlike in some other cultures, in Japan the emphasis is more on the ritual of gift giving than the gift itself. This dates back to the Edo period when a lucky few would go on pilgrimages and bring back souvenirs for the villagers who weren’t able to go. You’ll have time here to pick up supplies for a picnic lunch at our next stop (a “bento box” is an excellent and convenient option). We then move on to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, part of the inner palace area. The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo, built on the site of the Edo-jo Castle, is an impregnable fortress that housed the Tokugawa Shogunate for 265 years until Emperor Meiji moved the court here in 1860's. Surrounded by moats, the original outer walls extended for over 16 km (10 miles) and were thick enough for a squad of samurai to walk six abreast on top. Even in its original state, it deceptively looked more like an administrative villa than a fortress. The buildings survived until they were all but obliterated by the fire bombings of WWII. You’ll have time to explore a bit, see the iconic bridge, and to enjoy your picnic lunch in a relatively peaceful setting. Our next stop is Meiji Shrine. Entry into the shrine grounds (a ten minute walk) is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. The approximately 100,000 trees that make up Meiji Jingu's forest were planted during the shrine's construction and were donated from regions across the entire country. At the middle of the forest, Meiji Jingu's buildings also have an air of tranquility distinct from the surrounding city. While in the vicinity of the shrine, time- and weather-permitting, we may be able to take a stroll down nearby Takeshita Street, possibly the busiest and definitely the most colourful pedestrianized shopping street in Tokyo. Our last stop is Ueno Park and the National Museum which, among other things, features the finest collection of Japanese art in the country. After our guided tour of the museum we will return to our hotel before our evening meal at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tokyo. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17 Tokyo: Sushi Making Class This morning we take a fascinating dive into Japanese seafood cuisine during a 3-hour combination walking tour of a local fishmarket and cooking class, where we can learn to prepare traditional style 'washoku' food items like sushi and a Japanese omelette. We meet up with our guide in front of Tsukiji Honganji Temple, located just outside the market. Then we step inside this temple to all things seafood for an in-depth shopping session including plenty of time for photography and exploration. As you wander the aisles of this colourful and chaotic market, you’ll observe everything from giant tuna to sea urchins to octopus arranged for sale. We'll then proceed with our guide to the gourmet cooking studio of one of Asia's largest culinary schools, boasting more than 150 studios throughout the region. Following the instruction of an experienced cooking teacher, we'll learn to prepare two 'washoku' recipes, a style of Japanese cuisine emphasizing traditional and homemade techniques. This typically includes a sushi roll along with a Japanese style omelette called Tamagoyaki, plus side dishes. This will be an excellent and fun introduction to Japanese cuisine, definitely a highlight of any trip to Japan. We finish our session by digging into our tasty creations for lunch. We'll leave with full stomachs and a new-found appreciation for the wondrous world of Japanese cuisine and its top-notch ingredients. Because of our late/filling lunch and full day tomorrow, and because you may be planning an evening activity before we leave Tokyo, we will leave dinner on your own account tonight. Your Tour Leader can help you plan. Tomorrow our large luggage is transported to Hakone for us -- please pack an OVERNIGHT BAG for ONE NIGHT. Your larger bags (one per person) will be shipped ahead to Takayama, and you will need to pack an overnight bag to carry with you for the the one overnight in Hakone. Your Tour Leader will advise in advance re recommended items to have with you for the next two days. Overnight in Tokyo. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 18 Tokyo - Lake Ashi - Hakone This morning we take a short metro (train) ride* to Odawara Station where we connect with our private coach towards Lake Ashi near Hakone. Shortly after we leave the station, we'll make a brief stop to see Odawara Castle (exterior visit only). Wedged between Mt Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, Hakone is a large region encircled by several forested mountains with a beauty accented by deep glens and ravines. In the feudal era, Hakone was a very important checkpoint that safeguarded the security of Edo (now Tokyo) as the seat of the Shogunate. This onsen (hotspring) area has been popular since the 1500s, when Hideyoshi Toyotomi came here to relax in an open-air bath after the hard fought Battle of Odawara. From the castle town of Odawara we board a bus that takes us into the National Park. We then board a lake cruiser on Lake Ashi for scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Weather permitting, we can enjoy views of Mt Fuji. One of the highlights today will be our visit to the Hakone Outdoor Museum, or Chokoku-no-mori, a beautiful park filled with sculptures by renowned Japanese and international artists such as Rodin, Bourdelle, Moore, Zadkine, and Picasso. Tonight we will enjoy a Keiseki-type meal at our ryokan-style hotel. Originally this type of dining was to accompany tea ceremony and is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. You can feel free to wear your "yukata" (bathrobe - provided by the hotel) to the dining room as many of the Japanese do when they stay in ryokan, a perfectly wonderful place to relax after leaving busy Tokyo behind. Our rooms are traditional style with tatami flooring and futon beds. * OUR LUGGAGE will be sent ahead to Takayama for us -- please pack an overight bag for today/this evening/tomorrow (the cost of this is included in your tour). Our luggage will be waiting for us tomorrow afternoon. Please note that this service may be available elsewhere; your Tour Leader can advise/assist and payment can be made directly. Overnight in Hakone. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 19 Hakone - Train to Takayama Today we travel by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Takayama.* The region known as Hida, which surrounds Takayama, was cut off from the rest of Japan by almost impregnable encircling mountains. Hida lacked good farmland, which made taxpaying from an agricultural livelihood an impossible burden upon the people. Necessity caused them to diversify, so the craftsmen of Takayama honed their tools to a sharpness matched by their skills and became known as the finest woodworkers in the land. The mountains yielded the most coveted lumber in the empire, which Takayama's artisans fashioned into magnificent works worthy to adorn Japan's finest temples, shrines and palaces. During the Nara period, the central government, in lieu of taxes, required ten Takayama craftsmen to relocate to the capital, where their considerable talents were employed. During the Tokugawa era, the ancestral daimyo of Takayama was reassigned to the far north. Our train journey today takes us through the scenic Hida River Valley. We arrive in the late afternoon and will have time to wander through the lovely town of Takayama and the merchant quarter of San-machi with its historic wooden structures. * PLEASE NOTE: For our 2024 tour on which this day falls on 09 October, we will be in Takayama for the yearly Autumn Festival, which will impact the sightseeing program as published for today and tomorrow. Your Tour Leader will advise on our exact program prior to our arrival. The Takayama Autumn Festival is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals and was registered as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in late 2016. The festival has continued to be protected and cherished by the local people, who demonstrate their traditional folk arts during the event. Because it honours Hachiman Shrine in the old town, the festival is also known as Hachiman Festival. The festival is about giving thanks while also marking the beginning of preparations for winter. Perhaps more than anything else, the focal point and must-see attraction of the Takayama Festival is the beautiful festival floats, which are products of the fabulous craftsmanship of the Hida masters. With elaborate, artistic ornaments, masterfully designed marionettes who exhibit incredibly dexterous movements, and clever contraptions for manoeuvring them around town, the floats are really masterpieces in their own right! At nighttime, the floats are covered with lanterns, and the parade of these floats creates a beautiful fantasy world completely different from the daytime procession and is considered the festival's highlight by many visitors. Overnight in Takayama. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 20 Takayama: City Tour This morning we will visit the colourful early morning market before heading to the Hida Folk Village, consisting of over 30 unique houses which had been scattered in the Hida region.* The houses are attractively laid out around a small lake and display valuable articles showing the way of life and culture of the past. The style of architecture is called gassho-zukuri, or "praying hand" houses, because of the steep pitch of the roofs reminiscent of two clasped hands in prayer. This was to protect the occupants from the large amounts of snow that fall here over the winter months. Upon our return to the town centre we will visit the Yatai Kaikan, or Float Museum. Your afternoon is at leisure. Takayama is a small, interesting and manageable place for those who enjoy easy-going, on-foot exploration. * 10 October 2024: Please note that this day will operate differently for our Fall 2024 tour that coincides with the Takayama Autumn Festival. Overnight in Takayama. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 21 Takayama - Train to Kyoto Our journey continues back through the Hida Valley to connect with the Shinkansen train in Nagoya. Kyoto vibrates with creative energy. For 1,000 years, skilled craftsmen, wise masters, and the nation's most promising fine artists have been lured here. The deep impress of culture and the refinement is indelible; it's in the soul of the city. A long line of Japanese emperors was enthroned here, and the city retains this regal bearing through myriad festivals and commemorative customs preserved from feudal times. In diminutive home workshops along cobblestone alleyways no wider than a footpath, lacquerware, cloisonne, damascene, kimono fabrics, pottery, porcelain, fans, dolls, embroideries, and bamboo ware are still expertly turned out by hand. Kyoto attracts a sophisticated crowd to its vibrant Noh and Kabuki theatres, while the last geisha finishing schools are found in the lantern-lit side streets of the Pontocho and Gion sections of the city. Thankfully, Kyoto's treasures were spared from bombing during WW II, when American scholars persuaded the military to leave this masterpiece of a city alone. Though Kyoto is now a thoroughly modern city, much of its spirit is intact, with over 200 Shinto shrines; 1,600 temples, 30 of which administer to the major sects of Buddhism throughout Japan; three Imperial palaces, nine major museums, and countless classic gardens. We arrive in this fascinating city mid-afternoon. Tonight we will venture to the Pontocho District, one of the traditional geisha quarters of Kyoto and next door to its rival, Gion. Wandering down the narrow lanes with the Kama River flowing alongside gives a sense to what this city was like long ago. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 22 Kyoto: City Tour Today we have a highlight-packed full day of sightseeing in this spectacular city. Please note that the actual order of sites visited may vary from what is listed below, depending on how your Tour Leader and local guide for the day determine what is the best way to deliver the program. We start with a quick stop at Nishi Honganji (West Honganji), a designated UNESCO world heritage site, built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of the Honganji faction of the Jodo-Shin sect with over 10,000 sub-temples across the country and 200 temples overseas. The two largest structures are the Goeido Hall, dedicated to Shinran, the sect's founder, and the Amidado Hall dedicated to the Amida Buddha, the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. We then visit Heian Shrine, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the capital. It is a replica to three-fifths of the size of the first imperial palace in the ancient capital Heiankyo. We also visit the beautiful "go-round" style garden with a total area of 30,000 sq metres, which is well-known for the beauty of its weeping cherry trees, Japanese iris, and waterlilies. At some point we will make a stop to acquire some picnic lunch items followed by a break, possibly combined with a walk on Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi), a pleasant route through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. We continue to Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavillion, and then proceed to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, one of Japan's most famous architectural and historical icons. We also visit Ryoan-ji, the famous raked gravel Zen Garden, for which the Zen Buddhists are renowned. The essential dichotomy and harmony of the universe, which lies at the heart of this belief system, is symbolized in these tranquil gardens. After a busy day, we’ll have a break before reconvening for our evening meal at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 23 Kyoto & Nara Today we travel by local train to Nara. The crest of every mountain, the slope of every hill, the mute testimony of every rock, the waterfall, rivulet, and the valley of Nara are infused with the intangible spiritual energy that accompanied the birth of the Japanese civilization. Nara, meaning "level land, " occupies the great basin of what was Yamoto, or the Land of Great Peace. Here was the centre of the half-real, half mythical kingdom of Japan before it became a nation. Jimmu Tenno, the first emperor of Japan, was purportedly buried at Nara, the Imperial Japan, the oldest existing dynasty in the world, established its first permanent court within the city in 710. Arts, culture, and literature also bloomed in this fertile valley. The earliest histories of the nation were compiled in Nara by noble court ladies in colloquial Japanese, and from the ancient city Buddhism spread throughout the land. In its glory days, Nara covered an expansive area linked by palaces, temples, shrines, public buildings, and nobles' villas. The temples were massive and extremely powerful, almost like independent city-states. Numerous fires, the ravages of time, war, and pestilence have reduced many of the ancient structures, but plenty remain in their original states, especially in the eastern sections of the city. Part of this legacy is the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Otera, the largest bronze statue in the world, tipping the scales at over 500 tonnes. Nara Koen, at over 500 ha (1235 acres), is Japan's largest park and is home to the sacred deer of nearby Kasuga Taisha. This shrine, moss-covered and illuminated by over 3000 stone lanterns, was first erected in 768 and is second in importance only to the Grand shrines of Ise. As we walk through this park dotted with temples and deer wandering about, you will be struck at how the sublime cultural richness of the quiet past lingers on. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 24 Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Leisure time This morning we visit Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. The balance of the day is yours to explore Kyoto on your own. A good place to start may be the small Japanese garden named Shoseien, located another few street blocks east of Higashi Honganji. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your afternoon. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 25 Kyoto - Train to Hiroshima Today we take the Shinkansen train to Hiroshima. Passing through Osaka and Kobe, just minutes from Kyoto on this fast train, we will arrive at our destination in just a couple of hours. Modern Hiroshima rose like a phoenix from its own ashes. Less than five decades since its obliteration, it is once again the most vital city of San-Yo with a population of one million and growing. Hiroshima is referred to as the "River City." In its confines, the Ota-gawa River fans out into six delta tributaries that flow into the immense and very busy bay. In the years just following the A-bomb blast, scientists doubted if Hiroshima could ever live again. Today the streets hum with activity, trees and flowers grow, and birds sing. Nature may not forget, but it does forgive! On the morning of August 6, 1945, the people of war-torn Japan hurried to begin the day. Then suddenly buildings melted, people evaporated, and humankind lost the first battle of the atomic age. Seventy thousand buildings were flattened and 200,000 people perished, the lucky ones quickly; the unlucky lingered. Hiroshima, fringed by mountains forming a natural amphitheatre, seethed and fumed. Our visit takes us to the Peace Memorial Park (Heiwa Kinen Koen). Here the Cenotaph, shaped like an ancient tomb, holds the names of the dead. The prayer, the hope, the Japanese reads "Repose ye in peace, for the error shall not be repeated." The skeleton of the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Domu) turns green with age against a blue sky. Until all nuclear arms are banned and destroyed, the Eternal Flame will flicker. We will visit the Peace Memorial Museum and walk to the A-Bomb Dome, passing the many monuments, memorials, and statues. Overnight Hiroshima. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 26 Hiroshima & Miyajima Today we travel by train and ferry to Miyajima where we spend the day. Since ancient times, Miyajima has been regarded as one of the "Three Most Beautiful Spots" of Japan and, as part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, it has received several distinctions, such as a place of extraordinary scenic beauty, exceptional history, and a natural monument. The virgin forests neighbouring Mt. Misen are representative of the lush greenery and abundance of nature which still covers the entire island even now. A surprisingly large number of southwestern Japan native botanical specimens can still be found on Miyajima. The island is like a miniature model of Japan, showing the harmonious ecology of all living things from the ocean depth to the top of mountains. Our walking tour of the island will include a visit to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, which together with its large wooden tori, stands in the ocean during high tide.* You will also have some free time to admire this World Heritage Site before returning to Hiroshima. * Please be advised that the tori may be undergoing regular maintenance at the time of our visit. This occurs every 30 years and can, depending on its needs, take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete. Please be prepared for the gate to be either partially or completely covered by scoffolding during this time. Overnight in Hiroshima. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 27 Hiroshima - Departure Departure for home. LAND ONLY CLIENTS: You could book your return flight from Osaka or Fukuoka instead of Hiroshima, though you would have to make it late enough in the day to allow for your arrival by train on the same day. Trains are very regular and your Tour Leader will assist. Your flight from Fukuoka or Osaka should be no earlier than 4pm. YOU MAY also fly directly from Hiroshima to Tokyo and connect to homeward flights if this is easier/more economical for you (though beware of possible change of airport). Land & Air passengers may be offered this option. Departure from Hiroshima. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Inclusions Full-time Tour Leader services with local guide support. Breakfast and most dinners dinner (mostly at local restaurants) are included daily. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving/departing on tour dates.

Exclusions International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals.

Seasonality and Weather Our autumn tour can expect warm temperatures with moderate humidity. For our fall (Sep/Oct) departures, temperatures range from 20-25C (68-76 F). Rain showers can occur at any time, though their likelihood decreases the later we get into the fall. Spring will experience slightly cooler temperatures and the same possibility of rainfall. Our spring date may feature annual cherry blossoms at some locations.

Transport and Travel Conditions TAIWAN & KOREA: Private air-conditioned bus; internal flight via scheduled carrier. JAPAN: Our primary means of transportation throughout Japan is via the very efficient rail system, including the famous Shinkansen, or Bullet Train. Distances are not great and most journeys are only a few hours duration. A combination of buses and taxis will be used elsewhere as part of our local sightseeing program. The tour is physical in that it is busy and that YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MANAGE YOUR OWN BAGS ONTO/OFF TRAINS AND IN TRAIN STATIONS. You must pack VERY lightly, preferably in wheeled soft-sided baggage plus a day-bag that you can fit into the overhead luggage compartments in the trains. You must also be steady on your feet and be able to endure some long days; we have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces. There is also a very strong culinary element to this trip. Breakfasts feature Asian as well as Western items, but our dinners out at local restaurants will feature a wide range of local specialties. Eating is very much a cultural experience in this part of the world, and this aspect of our program is an integral part of the overall experience. Though individual tastes and requirements will be taken into account by your leader who will be organizing our evening meals on-the-go, if you are strictly a meat-and-potatoes person, or a strict vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free etc, you may find your needs/preferences significantly challenged on this tour.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form .

Accommodation All hotels are centrally-located, air-conditioned, 3-4 star standard with private bath facilities. We spend one night at a traditional Ryokan (in Hakone), which features tatami rooms and futon bedding. Laundry service is available at most hotels (except Hakone) for a rather high price. All hotel rooms are well equipped and usually include coffee/tea making facilities. Most hotels have hairdryers and irons. Some hotels have indoor/outdoor swimming pools. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Porters are generally available (see 'Inclusions').

Staff and Support Tour Leader throughout, local guides at various locations.

Group Size Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

Tour Extensions This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

Tourism Partners

Regions visited: Far East Countries visited: Taiwan ; South Korea and Japan

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Reservation Summary

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22 Day Japan, South Korea And Taiwan

This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Day 1 Seoul

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Upon arrival at Seoul Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of East Asia's financial and cultural hubs filled with a mix of traditional and modern elements which attract visitors from all over the world.

It is the centre of fascinating ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, home to multitudes of street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, serene Buddhist temples and extraodinary modern architecture.

Day 2 Seoul Mt Seoraksan Sokcho

This morning we travel to Mount Seoraksan National Park. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found here, Mount Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea's most famous national parks. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of one of the park's inhabitants, including deer, otters, squirrels and bears. First we will visit Sinheungsa Temple and then take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress to see the castle ruins and the spectacular views of the National Park. We then continue on to Sokcho, a small fishing village known for its fresh seafood.

Day 3 Sokcho Andong Daegu

Today, we head to the village of Andong, known for its well-preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing performances. Afterwards, relax with some retail therapy in Dongseongno Shopping District, one of the major fashion districts in Daegu city

Day 4 Daegu Gyeongju

Today, explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs and monuments of Gyeongju. During the time when ancient Korea was divided into three seperate kingdoms (Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo), Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom.

Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory which was constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok in the 7th century and Gyeongju National Museum, home to many Silla Kingdom stone relics. Stop and admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The Bulguska Temple complex includes a number of national treasures, while the Seokuram Grotto is home to a masterful sculpture of Buddha looking out to sea.

Finally, we will visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. After the Silla Kingdom fell, the site was abandoned and forgotten for many centuries. Excavation and reconstruction began in the 1970s and the site was once more restored to its former glory. Lastly, we visit Gyeongju National Park, which features a palace complex of the ancient Silla kingdom and beautiful forests.

Day 5 Gyeongju Seoul

Today we will visit North Korea's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour.

Visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the history of the Korean War. View North Korean territory from the Dora Observation Platform, including the spooky Propaganda Village, People School and Kaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom.

Day 6 Seoul

The Blue House, otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, is the residence of the South Korean president. It is an icon of South Korea, set against the back drop of Bugaksan Mountain. Today, we have the chance to visit the Blue House before making our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

We then visit the famous Amethyst Store and later stroll through the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong, a historical entertainment districts. Step back in time in Bukchon Village before jumping back to the present day to walk along the elevated sky garden of Seoullo 7017.

Day 7 Seoul Tokyo

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel

Day 8 Tokyo

Today we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Libery replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free time for lunch. Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in Nakamise Shopping Street.

Day 9 Tokyo Mt Fuji Hamamatsu

This morning we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area. En route, we stop for a tour at a beer factory, before a visit to the Gotemba Peace Park, known for it's majestic views of Mt Fuji. Time permitting, we will head for another famous vantage point of Mt Fuji at Miho no Matsubara.

We then continue to Hamamatsu where we spend the evening at leisure.

Day 10 Hamamatsu Osaka

Today, we visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. This fascinating complex is home to a ninja residence complete with revolving walls, trap doors, and exhibition halls. Afterwards, we continue to one of Japan's most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.

Built in 1583 as a centre of a new, unufied Japan, Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese architecture. We then continue to our centrally located hotel in Osaka for a night at leisure. You may wish to head out to experience the famous Osaka nightlife in the Dotonbori district.

Day 11 Osaka Kyoto Osaka

This morning, we board the technological marvel, the shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h, the shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside. Out first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with it's thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. We spend time here strolling through the gates and visiting the various shrines and temples. Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Our last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion. This three-storey Buddhist Temple was built in the 14th century as a villa for a powerful shogun and is almost entirely covered in golf leaf. Afterwards, we make our way back to Osaka.

Day 12 Osaka

Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka. Your Tour Director can give you some tips on how to make the most of your day.

Day 13 Osaka Himeji Hiroshima

After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. On route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its imposing size and artistc design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan. Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima.

Day 14 Hiroshima Osaka

After breakfast, we visit the Peace Park Memorial and the Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the atrocities of the atom bomb disaster in Hiroshima. We will then travel to mystical Miyajima. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island is probably one of the most well-known icons of Japan, and is officially classed as one of Japan's "3 best views". After exploring the island, we head back to Osaka.

Day 15 Osaka Taipei

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Taipei. 

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Day 16 Taipei

After breakfast, use your 1 Day Taipei Double-Decker sightseeing Bus ticket to explore Taipei!

The Red Route takes in Taipei 101, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, etc. The Blue Route takes in the Shilin Official Residence, National Palace Museum, etc. There is onboard English audio-guide information.

Day 17 Taipei Taroko

After breakfast, we make our way to Taroko Gorge via the world’s fifth longest highway tunnel (12.9km) and the breathtaking east coast cliff highway. We make a photo stop at the remarkable Chinshui Cliff, rising 2408 meters directly from the Pacific Ocean. Within the Taroko National Park, see the Taroko Gorge Gateway, Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto.

Day 18 Taroko Sun Moon Lake

After breakfast, we drive to Sun Moon Lake via the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway and Wuling on Mt. Hehuan, the highest point (3275m above sea level) of the highway and the best place to get a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges.

Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around, before visiting Wen-wu Temple with its beautiful lake views.

Day 19 Sun Moon Lake Tainan

Today, enjoy a trip from the beautiful Sun Moon Lake to the ancient capital of Tainan. Along the way we will stop at the Holy Monk Shrine, Tehua Village and Tse En Pagoda. Continue on to the Tehua village to learn the history of the Tsao tribe. Then, we will finish up our day by visiting Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan. Tainan city displays a mix of western and Chinese culture, and you can see this influence in the Anping Old Fort as well as the quaint shops and museums.

Day 20 Tainan Kaohsiung

This morning, we head to Kaohsiung to visit the Chihkan Tower and the first Confucian Temple to be built in Taiwan to get an insight into the ancient Confucian ceremonies and rituals. 

Afterwards, enjoy a light vegetarian lunch at the Fonguanshan Monastery with a tour through the main shrine and Buddhist museum as well as a tour through downtown Kaohsiung City.

Tonight, stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood on offer. Bring your appetite and enjoy the downtown energy!

Day 21 Kaohsiung Lukang Taipei

Today, visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake.

Afterwards, visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions to capture the beautiful reflection of this unique building over the lake.

Then, visit Lukang which is famous for the Longshan Temple and markets. Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese styled houses, the narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods.

Day 22 Taipei Home

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. At the appropriate time, join your included transfer to Taipei Airport for your onward journey.

What's Included

• Incredible sightseeing, visit the DMZ on the border of North Korea, marvel at breathtaking Mount Fuji, and ride the shinkansen bullet train, Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 
• 20 nights centrally located 3 and 4 star accommodation
• Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner
• Included flights from Seoul to Tokyo and Osaka to Taipei
• Ride the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto
• Professional English-speaking tour guides throughout
• Dedicated coach transportation
• Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
• In-depth sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary

Sightseeing Highlights

• Explore the Seoraksan National Park in South Korea
• Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone on the border of South and North Korea
• Wander down Nakamise Street for a glimpse at one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping arcades, and explore the traditional Asakusa district
• Ride the bullet train (Shinkansen) between Osaka and Kyoto, which offers an exceptionally unique and efficient travel experience
• Enjoy a guided visit of Osaka castle which was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo
• Get a birds eye view of Tokyo from the 200m observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
• See the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Park Memorial in Hiroshima
• Enjoy a day sightseeing in Taipei at your own pace aboard the Taipei Double Decker bus
• Visit Taroko National Park and see the Taroko Gorge Gateway, Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto
• Discover Wen-wu Temple on the shores of the idyllic Sun Moon Lake 
• Visit the Tehua village to learn the history of the Tsao tribe
• Stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood 
• Visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake
• Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese style houses, narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods

Payment Terms

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options. Instalment Schedule:

• At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
• Pay a 1st installment of $571.00 per person within 28 days.
• Pay a 2nd installment of $1,142.00 per person within 90 days.
• You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Flight Information & Booking Options

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

Visa & Passport

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here .

Important Information

Fitness Requirements While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available. Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.

Twin Share Bedding Configuration At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays. Single Supplement Single supplement is $2,468.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price. Triple Share Available upon request. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Group Size Minimum of 20, Maximum of 45 people in Japan and South Korea. Maximum 18 in Taiwan. Trip Style - Group Tour Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page. Children Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.

Cherry Blossoms Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.  

Health & Mobility Requirements

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation & Extra Services

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $255.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $255.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

• International airfares
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

What Climate to Expect

Click HERE for more information on weather in Japan

Click HERE for more information on weather in South Korea

Departure Dates for 22 Day Japan, South Korea And Taiwan

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Mending Historical Memory: Improving People-to-People Ties Between Japan and South Korea

• Ryan Ashley
• May 1, 2024
• Asia Program

Bottom Line

Despite widespread cultural exchange, there is a disconnect in people-to-people ties between japan and south korea., attempts at political reconciliation, like the 2015 comfort women deal, have faced mixed reactions, implementation issues, and controversies., improving japanese and south korean relations come at a time when both nations face existential security concerns from shared adversaries and seek greater security ties with washington..

Japan-Korea relations, historically strained by disputes over historical memory, seem to be experiencing a cautious upswing. Despite the lingering effects of historical, political, and economic disagreements, the rapprochement best seen in 2023’s Camp David summit between the leaders of South Korea, Japan, and the United States points to a noticeable shift. Beyond geopolitics, observers of Japan and Korea have long noted an intriguing cultural exchange among the youth of both nations. In Japan, Korean music, television dramas, and cuisine are deeply popular, while in South Korea, Japanese anime, manga, and culinary delights are equally embraced.

However, this cultural affinity has not translated into a significant increase in regular people-to-people connections between the two countries, especially in the realms of political and security cooperation. Why does this disconnect exist, and what steps can be taken to bridge this gap? While the deeply rooted historical disputes that shadow Seoul-Tokyo relations are unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, fostering stronger interpersonal connections through formal policies is essential for building a foundation that can support future dialogue and mutual understanding.

Japan and South Korea’s cultural disconnect is not a surprising one to those conscious of the extensive and contentious history between the two countries. Under Imperial Japanese rule, the Korean people were subject to brutality and atrocities. From 1910 to 1945, Tokyo enforced policies that included the forced conscription and labor of Korean men, compelling them to fight and work for their oppressors. During this period, Japan also established a “comfort women” system that subjected women to sexual slavery and implemented nationwide practices aimed at eradicating Korean culture, history, and languages.

In the wake of this history, a majority of Koreans feel that Japan has failed to properly atone for and recognize the scale of their historical actions. To many in Japan, in contrast, these disputes are best left in the past and have been adequately handled through diplomacy. An instructive example of the interplay of these forces can be seen in the 2015 deal surrounding comfort women announced by then Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Abe agreed to the pact, which included Japan’s official acknowledgement and apology for the comfort women issue and provided financial compensation to the victims, largely thanks to its inclusion of the statement: “The Government of Japan confirms that this issue is resolved finally and irreversibly with this announcement.” Despite this concession from Seoul, conservatives within Abe’s party hounded him for acceding to an unnecessary agreement, as they believed the dispute had already been settled. Alternatively, in South Korea, Park experienced broad public backlash thanks to accusations that the agreement was selling out the victims. This backlash, in turn, led to Abe making comments in the Japanese parliament which dismissed claims of the nature of the comfort women stating that , “There was no document found that the comfort women were forcibly taken away,” which only further angered Koreans. When the South Korean government once again asked Abe to apologize for his statement, he declined. Finally, in 2019 the Japanese-funded organization established to compensate the victims was shut down .

However, simultaneous with these tensions, both Japanese and South Korean culture have taken the world, and each other, by storm. Japanese “manga” (comic books) sales are sharing the market with their South Korean “manhwa” equivalents, while at the same time Japanese anime movies are taking first place in Korean box offices. Japan is now the leading consumer of the top-100 K-Pop groups, while Japanese restaurants in Korea have surged in the past years.

Yet, while a cross-sea cultural exchange has boomed, a multitude of reasons have kept their respective populations from making the trip. While by some standards tourism is surging, the pattern is somewhat one-sided, with South Koreans leading the charge in comparison to their Japanese counterparts. In 2023, 5.25 million Koreans visited Japan while only 2.32 million Japanese visited Korea in return. Furthermore, Japan has the highest number of self-proclaimed “never travelers” at 35 percent . This complex interplay of historical grievances and contemporary cultural exchanges illustrates the well-known paradox of Japan-South Korea relations. While pop culture creates bridges, the deep scars of the past and differing perspectives on historical accountability continue to hinder the development of interpersonal connections between the two nations.

The Challenge

Enhancing people-to-people ties between Japan and South Korea is a complex challenge, yet it remains crucial for fostering a more cooperative relationship between Seoul and Tokyo. While there have been various attempts to strengthen these ties, most of these have fallen short due to several key factors.

First, the dynamics are changing within younger generations in both nations. Unlike their predecessors, who were directly affected by wartime atrocities, today’s youth are growing up in an environment that is increasingly distant from these historical grievances. Despite this, it would be a misunderstanding to say the youth have “forgotten,” as these grievances still heavily influence public opinion amongst the younger generations—regardless of many contemporary Japanese and Korean youth forming new memories rooted in cooperation and shared cultural touchstones. This shift is evident in recent surveys, such as the joint study by Genron NPO and the East Asia Research Institute, which revealed a significant improvement in youth mutual perceptions when compared to older ones, but still pointed to a looming gap. In particular, political ideology seems to play a role here, as wartime memory is taking on an increasingly important role in left-leaning South Korea and right-leaning nationalism in Japan, further complicating the picture.

Next, Japan-Korean relations have often been exacerbated rather than ameliorated by government actions on both sides. Political leaders in both Japan and South Korea have sometimes responded to disputes with resolutions and statements that escalate tensions, seeking domestic political appeal over bilateral reconciliation. The 2018 Korean Supreme Court ruling on forced labor, followed by Japan’s retaliatory export controls , exemplifies this pattern. More recent developments, such as the lifting of trade sanctions and attempts at diplomatic reconciliation, show promise but still lack the depth needed for sustainable improvement. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s local funding initiative to compensate forced labor victims and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s apologies , while steps in the right direction, fall short of a formal, legal acknowledgment of past events.

Another significant hurdle is Japan’s approach to historical education. The tendency to downplay or whitewash certain aspects of wartime history in Japan, while not as dire as some in Seoul would have commentators believe, still stands in stark contrast to countries like Germany’s handling of its past. An example of this can be seen in the persistent issue of the Dokdo/Takeshima islands. Young people in Japan and Korea, who embrace a combative relationship with their counterparts across the Tsushima Strait, particularly depend on this issue to define their animosity, with their exposure to the issue typically originating in nationalist-leaning educational materials on the subject.

Proposals: Tourism

A first step to bridge the gap centers on actively promoting deeper tourism between Japan and South Korea. While niche tourism has benefited from cross-cultural exchanges, there has not been a significant increase in broader tourism. Targeting two key demographics could boost these numbers. Firstly, the younger generations, spanning from early Millennials to late Gen Z, in both countries show potential for increased travel interest. Secondly, addressing the phenomenon of the Japanese “never traveler”—individuals who rarely or never travel abroad—could tap into a significant, yet unexplored market segment within Japanese society.

In 2017 and 2018, the Japanese Tourism Board cited that roughly 7.1 to 7.5 million inbound Korean tourists had visited Japan. During the pandemic, these numbers dramatically fell, with no full rebound to pre-pandemic numbers since. As noted previously, Japan also retains a unique cultural and nationwide trend of dramatically low passport-holding rates with just 15 percent of citizens holding a passport. Japan has the highest number of self-proclaimed “never travelers” at 35 percent . Many have cited a preference for readily available domestic trips within Japan due to a variety of reasons. Changing long-standing cultural practices is not possible overnight, however, promotion and ease of access from a dual private-public approach could be a huge leap forward. The respective governments have an opportunity to promote inbound tourism to support local economic growth, while private sector companies stand to benefit from increased passenger travel through more sales.

To address the tourism gap and promote tourism among the identified subgroups above, several concrete proposals show promise. For the younger generations in Japan and South Korea, creating government-sponsored tailored travel packages that align with their interests, such as technology, pop culture, and ecotourism, could be highly effective. These packages could be promoted through social media platforms and influencer partnerships, leveraging the digital landscape that resonates with these age groups. For the Japanese “never traveler,” a targeted campaign that highlights the ease and benefits of international travel could be beneficial. Simplifying visa procedures, providing language support, and offering introductory international travel packages can lower the barriers to entry. Collaborative efforts between the Japanese and South Korean governments to promote cultural exchange events and festivals could also pique interest. By addressing these specific needs and interests, both countries can significantly boost cross-cultural tourism and bridge the current gap.

In 1987, the European Union established a program named Erasmus meant to foster greater cooperation between universities within the European Union. By 2014, the program had become so successful it was expanded to include education, work training, teaching opportunities, and sports education. Between 2014 and 2021, over 13 million people participated in the program in some capacity. It still stands as a respected program to foster greater unity amongst EU nations and develop their own workforces for a European market. In turn, Japan and South Korea should create a similar program tentatively titled East Asian Student Exchange Program (EASTEP) to provide opportunities for students in university programs to study in, learn about, and experience each other’s nations first-hand.

Logistically, both Japan and South Korea host a fair number of prestigious universities that already support robust international study abroad programs, which could provide the initial knowledge to support a fledgling program. Schools in Japan such as Tokyo, Waseda, and Osaka Universities all hold student bodies made up of at least 10 percent international students. In Korea, schools like Yonsei and Seoul National University support roughly 15 percent and 7 percent international student population. While not all-encompassing, these universities demonstrate that higher education in both nations can support a robust international student body.

Within an exchange program such as this, certain areas of focus should be emphasized. First, any exchange program would be either a semester or an entire academic year abroad for students to gain as much exposure and experience as possible within each other’s nations. Given the immense political dynamics and extensive contentious history, this program would have a strong co-curricular focus on cultural and historical education to expose students to historical narratives and perspectives often dismissed within their home countries. Museum visits, historical site visits, and in-class education are all methods that could help expand students’ perspectives. The proposed EASTEP program, drawing inspiration from the European Union’s successful Erasmus scheme, aims to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between Japan and South Korea through comprehensive academic exchanges, leveraging their strong university networks to facilitate deep connections for students.

Job Credentials

Finally, the liberalization of professional and educational credentials between Japan and South Korea presents a compelling opportunity to strengthen ties and address labor shortages in both countries. Japan and South Korea, with similar educational and governance standards, are well-positioned to mutually recognize professional qualifications and university credits. This would facilitate a smoother flow of skilled labor between the two nations, particularly benefiting Japan, which is grappling with acute labor shortages in skilled, white-collar industries —a domain where South Korea has a surplus of talent.

However, the issue extends beyond the realm of professional and educated sectors. Both countries also face critical shortages in less educationally intensive, or blue-collar, sectors. Here, the mutual recognition of educational and professional standards may not be as directly impactful. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that considers various sectors and their unique requirements.

One significant barrier to this collaboration is the notoriously demanding work culture prevalent in both Japan and South Korea. The prospect of moving from one strenuous work environment to another, potentially leaving years of previous efforts behind, might not appeal to many potential participants. While the primary goal is not to overhaul the work cultures of these nations, it is crucial to acknowledge this aspect when advocating for increased professional and educational exchange.

A potential solution to make this transition more attractive could be the introduction of incentives such as temporarily expanded salaries and benefits for participants in programs like EASTEP. This approach could help ease the initial challenges of working in a foreign environment. However, this raises concerns about how domestic populations might perceive foreign workers receiving higher compensation. Addressing these perceptions requires a delicate balance, ensuring fairness and avoiding any resentment or backlash from the local workforce.

Implications

While the above recommendations presented for enhancing Japan-South Korea relations are not novel, their re-evaluation is timely due to a unique convergence of political will in both Seoul and Tokyo. The current leadership in both countries exhibits an openness to improving ties, creating a critical window of opportunity. It is imperative to capitalize on this moment to solidify advancements in tourism, cultural exchanges, and professional collaboration.

However, these initiatives are not without challenges. Historically, political frictions between Japan and South Korea have hindered similar efforts. The complexity of these relations, steeped in a contentious history, requires sensitive handling. Progress will demand not only governmental will but also societal acceptance. The successful implementation of these proposals hinges on their ability to resonate with the public, a task easier said than done given the deep-seated historical grievances.

The role of external actors, such as the United States, in this context, is minimal. The intricacies of Japan-South Korea relations are primarily regional and should be addressed bilaterally. External intervention, especially from distant powers, might not be beneficial and could potentially be seen as intrusive. The focus should remain on fostering a self-sustaining dialogue and collaboration between Japan and South Korea.

Despite historical tensions and recent political and economic challenges, there is a growing cultural affinity among the youth of Japan and South Korea. However, this has not significantly increased interpersonal connections, creating implications for political and security cooperation. This article suggests several avenues to enhance these ties, including promoting tourism, establishing an academic exchange program similar to Erasmus, and mutually recognizing professional and educational credentials. These proposals aim to bridge the gap between cultural affinity and actual people-to-people connections, acknowledging youth potential and the necessity of bilateral efforts to aid, if not overcome, issues over historical memory. The success of these initiatives hinges on both governmental will and societal acceptance in navigating the sensitive history and current dynamics of Japan-South Korea relations.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a non-partisan organization that seeks to publish well-argued, policy-oriented articles on American foreign policy and national security priorities.

Image: Office of the Prime Minister of Japan 

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