Taiwan is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. It’s a completely gorgeous island nation that’s acquired a little bit little bit of one thing for each kind of traveller to expertise. For those who’re into cities, you’ve acquired some completely vibrant cities like Taipei and the historic capital Tainan. Not solely that, there’s a large swash of completely unspoilt mountain ranges, nationwide parks, and delightful coastlines with a number of the greatest seashores within the area.
Oh, and let’s not neglect how simple it’s to journey round Taiwan. The high-speed rail system is superb. Trains are punctual, clear, and tremendous quick, and we discovered this the easiest way to get between city centres whereas travelling in Taiwan.
It’s additionally tremendous simple to lease a automotive, even when the roads may be busy in cities like Taipei! Fact be advised, I’d in all probability suggest sticking to the MRT (metro system) and cabs or Uber in greater cities. A automotive may be extra of a problem, and the general public transport system is a dream. Oh yeah, ensure to recollect: completely no consuming or consuming while driving the MRT. It’s wonderful on the Excessive-Pace Railway—however not the MRT.
You’ll have the best time getting round Taiwan! So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to to Taiwan, we’re sharing one of the best locations in Taiwan to go to when you arrive. This fashion, you possibly can focus all of your power on having enjoyable, with out being slowed down within the planning phases when you’re there.
1.) Tainan
Tainan is the previous capital of Taiwan and one metropolis you possibly can’t miss when visiting Taiwan. It’s a high-speed prepare experience from Taipei and a foodie metropolis stuffed with evening markets, eating places and funky cafes you possibly can’t miss.
We’ve spent fairly a little bit of time in Tainan, a type of cities that will get beneath your pores and skin.
From the extremely tasty evening markets, temples and mangrove tunnels – it’s a spot you possibly can’t miss when visiting one of the best locations in Taiwan to go to.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Tainan, we’ve jotted down all of the prime locations you could go to in Tainan if you go to. Tainan is superb! You’re going to have one of the best time.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Tainan
2.) Alishan Forest
The Alishan forest is one in all my favorite (and unspoilt) areas of Taiwan to go to. It’s gorgeous and located within the excessive mountains of Taiwan, which rise about 2,900 meters.
Now, for those who’re planning on going, ebook a switch or tour that may drop you off close to or across the Alishan Township. From right here, you possibly can observe a heap of various trails, discover the boardwalk or watch the dawn with the ocean of clouds beneath you.
If the latter is your jam, ebook the pre-sunrise prepare (round 20 minutes) that takes you to the dawn spot. It’s stunning on a transparent day, although at all times be ready for inclement climate within the mountains of Taiwan.
Additionally, a last notice: lodge decisions within the Alishan Forest space are extra primary than in Taipei. There’s a lot much less selection—lodging are clear however not at all times on the upper finish for those who’re used to the Grand Resort or Regent Resort in Taipei (as an example).
You may ebook tickets for the prepare right here.
3.) Formosensis Practice
Departing from the Alishan Township space of Taiwan, the Formosensis Practice (bookable right here) is a newly renovated cedar-clad prepare that takes you across the Alishan forest on a half-day journey. The journey is beautiful and an effective way to discover the broader rural space, with a number of stops in small cities.
We completely cherished our prepare experience, and it’s up there as among the best issues to do in Taiwan that you would be able to’t miss. Be sure that to plan effectively prematurely – these tickets may be booked shortly.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Taipei
4.) Taipei
For those who’re visiting Taiwan from a global vacation spot, then it’s more than likely that you’ll land within the capital metropolis of Taipei. It’s effectively price spending not less than 2 days right here in Taipei, particularly as there may be a lot to see, do, and eat within the metropolis.
From the unimaginable Taipei Evening Markets to a number of the greatest speakeasies and bars within the metropolis, Taipei has every little thing you possibly can need from a metropolis break.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to to Taipei, we’ve created a devoted submit on all one of the best issues to do in Taipei if you go to. Our submit deep-dives into all of the spots you possibly can’t miss in your go to and offers you a full run-down of the place to see and expertise throughout your keep.
Taipei is such an thrilling metropolis in Taiwan. You’ll find it irresistible.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Taipei
5.) Seashores in Taiwan
Taiwan won’t instantly come to thoughts, however it has a number of the greatest seashores within the area, and you’ll’t miss them whereas exploring the nation.
Now, in my view, a number of the greatest are on the lesser-developed east coast of Taiwan or the island of Penghu, which is a brief aircraft experience away (or ferry experience from Kaohsiung) on the primary island of Taiwan.
At Kenting Baishawan (Google Maps hyperlink), you’ll discover how clear and pristine the shoreline is. Like, it seems to be untouched, and the water is so good and heat. Additionally, don’t neglect about Dongao Seaside (Google Maps hyperlink) and Fulong (Google Maps hyperlink) seashores, too. They’re gorgeous areas to decelerate and benefit from the pristine shoreline of Taiwan itself.
As at all times, ensure to pack loads of SPF. The solar could be very sturdy in Taiwan, particularly on a transparent day.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Yehliu Geopark, too. It’s stunning, particularly round Oyster Rock, Queen’s Head and Fairy’s Shoe.
6.) Taiwan tea plantation
Tea is king in Taiwan! Black tea, oolong tea, you title it, Taiwan has it! Not solely is tea drunk abundantly in Taiwan, however there are additionally many tea plantations you possibly can go to throughout the nation.
We discovered it best to go to some tea plantations on the drive as much as the Alishan Forest space (excessive within the mountains). Many of the tea plantations we visited have been away from the shoreline and on elevated floor with barely much less intense temperatures.
We cherished visiting the Lin Yuan Tea Manufacturing unit (Google Maps hyperlink), a few 45-minute drive west of Alishan Township.
Right here, we participated in a tea ceremony, the place we tried some native black tea and even acquired to strive selecting some tea leaves. The entire space is gorgeous, and it’s simply among the best locations in Taiwan to go to as you enterprise increased into the mountains.
7.) Jiufen Previous Avenue
Round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei (or a 90-minute public transport experience), Jiufen Previous Avenue is effectively price visiting for those who’re within the northeast of Taiwan.
As soon as right here, you possibly can discover the tiny streets and alleyways that make the hilly Jiufen space particular. As you discover on foot, you’ll go to so many little foodie stalls, outlets and cafes alongside the best way.
We at all times suggest visiting within the late afternoon. This fashion, you’ll get to Jiufen reworked from day to nighttime and see the enduring neon lights that make this space so iconic.
To make issues simpler, ebook this Juifen tour that may take you from Taipei, proper to the center of Jiufen.
It makes all of it really easy and is the proper strategy to discover for those who’re quick on time. Simply be sure you ebook this tour prematurely; tickets promote out quick at peak instances.
8.) Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel and Sicao Dazhong Temple
Whereas in Tainan, we took a brief journey to the close by Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel and Sicao Dashing Temple. The Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel is a brief, 25-minute experience by means of the mangrove waterways that crisscross this space round Tainan.
In my view, the inexperienced tunnel itself isn’t some of the iconic spots to go to, however it’s very easy to incorporate on a journey to Tainan—particularly for those who’re within the metropolis for a good few days. Excursions aren’t costly, and so they’re fairly relaxed. One notice is that there aren’t any excursions in English.
Afterwards, go to the Sicao Dazhong Temple, which is a one-minute stroll from the Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel.
Visits take round 45 minutes and are simply included (however not important) when visiting the broader Tainan space of Taiwan.
9.) Taichung
Nearly halfway down the west aspect of Taiwan, Taihchung is one other metropolis to go to whereas exploring the island. Though it doesn’t have the draw of Tainan or Taipei, it’s nonetheless price visiting for a day journey or perhaps a chilled half-day journey down the west coast of Taiwan.
As soon as right here, pop into the Nationwide Taichung Theatre for a number of the seasonal performances all year long. As at all times, make an observation that performances aren’t in English.
Additionally, ensure to go to the Nationwide Twain Museum of Tremendous Artwork and the Nationwide Museum of Pure Science, each inside Taichung. There’s a small entry payment, however it’s not price it.
Within the night, head to the Yizhong Avenue Evening Market (Google Maps hyperlink), which is effectively price spending a number of hours consuming, consuming, and chilling! The entire vibe is so pleasant, and we cherished the shaved mango ice we had right here.
10.) Yuyupas Cultural Park
Yuyupas Cultural Park (Google Maps hyperlink) is simple to go to for those who’re already heading into the mountains or the forest round Alishan Township.
Now, you would possibly marvel what makes it among the best locations in Taiwan to go to? Nicely, Taiwan isn’t only one unified tradition. Many ethnic teams make up this island nation, and the Yuyupas Cultural Park is the place you possibly can study extra about their historical past and tradition in Taiwan.
As soon as right here, you’ll see performances by various cultural teams that showcase Taiwan’s lengthy historical past and heritage.
Simply keep in mind, no performances are in English. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless price visiting as a part of a guided tour or to study extra about Taiwan’s deep cultural heritage. Visits take round 90 minutes.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Taipei
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