📋 The essentials to remember: Taiwan remains one of the best kept secrets of Asia. Unique mix: modernity (Taipei 101), Chinese traditions, spectacular nature (Taroko Gorge), tropical island (Kenting). My must-sees: Taipei (Taipei 101, night markets, Jiufen like Spirited Away), Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan. Plan 8-12 days. Budget 40-60 €/day. Ideal season: October-November.
What to do in Taiwan? Her trip to Taiwan
Hello Marie,Let’s focus on Taiwan, why did you go there?
Because I wanted to discover Taiwan, studying Chinese made me even more interested, as Taiwanese culture is different from that of China.
What to do in Taiwan? How did you travel to Taiwan?
By plane from China, the ticket was not very expensive. There were three of us and we rented a car to travel around the island. We started our stay with 5 days spent in Taipei, then for 10 days we traveled by car.
By car, is that common, did you meet other people doing that?No! The people we met at the car rental agency were very surprised, especially since they did not speak English (this was around Taipei). Another detail: my friend who rented the car is Belgian. She therefore did not have to retake her driving license to drive in Taiwan, but I think the regulations for French nationals are different. But it’s something I recommend!
How did you sleep or find your accommodation?In Taipei, I found it on the Internet. It’s a youth hostel called Backpackers Hostel, and the welcome is very good, as is the condition of the rooms. Also, this hostel is located 5-10 minutes from Taipei main station, so it’s quite convenient. In other cities like Kaohsiung, friends hosted us, and sometimes we slept one or two nights in the car to avoid taking a hotel.
Ps Stefan: there is the possibility of couchsurfing to explore
🌍 Did you know?
Taiwan produces more than 60% of the world’s advanced semiconductors via TSMC, the most strategic company in the world. It is also the inventor of bubble tea in the 1980s (Tainan or Taichung depending on versions). Today, more than 30,000 bubble tea stands operate on the island, or 1 for every 800 inhabitants.
What to do in Taiwan? Which places do you recommend and which did you prefer?
🗣️ My experience: My favorite: Jiufen at sunset. This mining village on the mountainside near Taipei inspired the setting of Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Red lanterns, cobbled streets, ocean view: magical especially around 6-7pm when the tourist buses leave. Ideal for a day trip round trip from Taipei (1h30 by bus).
I would recommend going to the hot springs, there are some around Taipei, or in other places in Taiwan, such as on Green Island.
What is the most typical thing in Taiwan?Something typical that Taiwanese people also do is to go for a walk in the various night markets, where you eat, have fun, stroll… with friends, it’s great!
A recipe to share with us?You will quickly become addicted to Taiwanese food! Whether you like exotic things or not, there is something for every taste. No recipe, but fish balls, specially prepared eggs, and milk tea are Taiwanese specialties you absolutely must try!
🍀 Taiwan
- Authentic, still little touristy
- Exceptional street food
- Complete safety
- Very efficient HSR train
🔻 Limitations
- English rarely spoken outside tourist areas
- Hot-humid climate (stifling summers)
- Typhoons from July to October
- Long flight from Europe (14h)
What to do in Taiwan? If you have an unforgettable memory in Taiwan, what would it be?
When we went to the Alishan forest, and we were at the top of the mountain before dawn, to see the stars and the sunrise, it was really beautiful. And a second one, when we swam in the sea and saw the coral reef. What advice would you give for traveling to Taiwan?Taiwanese people are very polite and will easily give you directions if they know the way. Possibly learn about some aspects of Taiwanese culture for certain visits, or even go there on an adventure! We came back really happy from our trip.
⚠️ Classic trap
Traveling in July-August thinking to escape the monsoon. It is typhoon season (8-12 per year, including 3-4 major ones). Flights canceled, land transport blocked, hikes closed. Prefer October-November (dry, cool, brilliant landscapes) or April-May (mild spring).
And you, have you been to Taiwan?
If you want more information about East Asia, follow this section:
To combine Taiwan with other East Asian countries, what to do in Tokyo offers a nearby stop (3h flight). More on South Korea offers another side of the region. And for Hong Kong / China, compare via the China budget.
| Stop | To see | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei | Taipei 101, Shilin night markets, Jiufen | 3-4 days |
| Taroko Gorge | Marble canyon, hikes | 2 days |
| Sun Moon Lake | Sacred lake surrounded by mountains | 1-2 days |
| Tainan | Former capital, temples, gastronomy | 2 days |
| Kenting (south) | Tropical beach, surfing | 2 days |
| Alishan | Cypress forest, historic train, sea of clouds | 1-2 days |
http://www.conseil-voyageur.fr/voyage/asie-de-l-est
