Taiwan itinerary 5 days. Suggested ultimate 5 days in Taiwan to visit Taipei & Taichung on a budget

So, what to do in Taiwan for 5 days and where to go in Taiwan to visit Taipei and Taichung for 5 days 4 nights? Let’s explore the must-see destinations in the two cities with the suggested Taipei Taichung itinerary 5 days (Taiwan itinerary 5 days, Taiwan travel itinerary 5 days, 5 days in Taiwan itinerary) on how to spend 5 days in Taiwan on a budget below!

Taiwan is always on the list of favorite destinations for travel enthusiasts, especially Vietnamese tourists. Not only famous for its attractive street food, diverse nature and unique culture, this island also has a convenient transportation system, ideal for a self-guided trip.

If you are looking for a journey that balances the vibrant pace of life and relaxing moments in nature, the Taipei Taichung itinerary 5 days 4 nights will be a suggestion not to be missed. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the poetic scenery in Taichung, this trip promises to bring many interesting experiences. Let’s explore the detailed itinerary, outstanding destinations and travel tips in the next part!

Day 1: Arrive in Taipei – Dadaocheng Old Street, Raohe Night Market (#Taipei Taichung itinerary)

Located in Southeast Asia, traveling to Taipei is extremely easy for Vietnamese tourists. Departing from Vietnam, you will land at Taoyuan Airport after about 3-4 hours of flight. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang to Taipei are operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, China Airlines and Eva Air with round-trip fares from 4 – 8 million VND ($156.04 – $312.07.

From the airport to the center of Taipei is about 40 km away, you have transportation options such as taxi (about 1,200 TWD ~ 931,500 VND), MRT Airport Line (about 160 TWD ~ 124,200 VND) or bus with more economical costs (about 150 TWD ~ 116,400 VND). For more convenience during your trip, don’t forget to buy an Easy Card right at the airport with a deposit of 200 TWD (~ 155,200 VND), helping you pay quickly when taking the MRT, bus or YouBike.

The first destination is Dadaocheng (Taipei’s Oldest District) – an area with a strong historical imprint of Taipei. You get here by MRT (Red Line – Tamsui-Xinyi), get off at Shuanglian or Daqiaotou Station, then walk for about 10 – 15 minutes.

Dadaocheng is a place where traditional beauty and modern development intersect. The streets with ancient architecture, imprints from the Qing Dynasty, the Japanese colonial period to Western style create a unique cultural picture. Strolling on Dihua Street, you will come across shops selling medicinal herbs, traditional tea, fabrics, and handicrafts.

If you love the nostalgic atmosphere, don’t miss the small cafes hidden among the old houses or the old tea shops, where you can enjoy a cup of premium Oolong tea in a peaceful setting. In addition, if you come here in the late afternoon, stop by Dadaocheng Wharf to watch the sunset.

From Dadaocheng, take the MRT to Raohe Night Market – one of the oldest and most famous night markets in Taipei. Located on a 600m long street, this place is a culinary paradise with countless attractive dishes. Refer to the list of “must-try” dishes below:

• Fuzhou Pork Pepper Bun – crispy crust, fragrant meat filling with black pepper. This dish was once recommended by Michelin, priced at about 60 TWD (~47,000 VND).
• Taiwanese Sausages – slightly sweet, fatty, priced around 50 TWD (~39,000 VND).
  Grilled corn with special sauce – fragrant, combining the salty taste of soy sauce with a little sweetness, priced around 90 TWD (~70,000 VND).
• Ice and Fire Tangyuan – hot outer layer, fatty sesame or peanut filling, served with cold ginger water, priced around 180 TWD (~140,000 VND).
• Pork Ribs Medicinal Herbs Soup – rich flavor, nutritious, priced around 90 TWD (~70,000 VND).

In addition to food, Nhieu Ha Night Market also has many clothing and accessory stores and a folk game area. Walking in the bustling atmosphere, enjoying the charming aroma from the food stalls will definitely be a memorable experience on the first day in Taipei.

Day 2: Taipei – Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Old Street, Taipei 101 Building (#taiwan itinerary 5 days)

Departing from downtown Taipei, you can travel to Yehliu Geopark by public bus route 1815 from Taipei City Hall Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a one-way ticket costing about 83 TWD (~64,500 VND). Once you arrive, you only need to walk about 10 minutes to reach the main area of ​​the park.

Yeliu is famous for its strangely shaped rocks, formed over thousands of years by the impact of waves and wind. Among them, the Queen is the most prominent symbol, attracting many tourists to take pictures. In addition, this area also has many rocks with unique shapes such as Dragon Head, Fairy Shoe and Peanut. Along the coastal path, you will enjoy the wild natural scenery and feel the cool sea breeze.

From Yehliu, continue to Shifen Old Town by train or taxi, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This old town used to be a coal railway, now it has become a nostalgic tourist destination with wooden houses lining both sides of the tracks.

One of the most interesting experiences here is releasing sky lanterns. Each lantern has a different color, symbolizing wishes for health, love or fortune. The price for a single-color lantern is about 150 TWD (~116,400 VND), while a four-color lantern costs 200 TWD (~155,200 VND). Just write your wishes on the lantern, light it and release it into the sky, that moment will become a memorable memory of the trip.

From the main street, walk about 30 minutes or take a short car ride to Shifen Waterfall – known as “Taiwan’s Niagara.” The waterfall is 40 meters wide, falling from a height of 20 meters, creating a majestic scene amidst lush green nature. Suspension bridges and surrounding viewing points give you the perfect angle to admire the beauty of the waterfall.

Leaving Shifen, you return to the center of Taipei to visit Taipei 101, the city’s iconic building. From Taipei Main Station, the MRT Red Line will take you to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station in just a few minutes.

Taipei 101 is 508 meters high, its design is inspired by the tall bamboo tree, representing sustainable development. The observatory is located on the 89th floor, at a height of 382 meters, offering a panoramic view of the entire sparkling city at night. The entrance fee is about 600 TWD (~465,800 VND). In addition, inside the tower is the Taipei 101 Mall, which brings together many high-end brands and luxurious restaurants, ideal for ending an impressive day of discovery.

Day 3: Travel from Taipei to Taichung – Rainbow Village, Fengjia Night Market

The third day’s itinerary takes you from Taipei to explore Taichung, a city famous for its unique art space and rich cuisine. This is an opportunity to experience a modern high-speed train, stroll through a colorful village and enjoy typical dishes at Taichung’s busiest night market.

Departing from Taipei Main Station, you take the THSR high-speed train to Taichung. The journey only takes about 55 minutes, saving a lot of time. The one-way ticket price is about 700 TWD (~543,000 VND). Upon arrival, the THSR Taichung Station is located in Wuri District, from where you can easily travel to the city’s attractions.

The first destination is Rainbow Village, located at 56 Chun’an Road, Nantun District. This is one of the most famous check-in spots in Taichung, attracting visitors with its colorful murals painted by Mr. Huang Yung-Fu (nicknamed Grandpa Rainbow). From Taichung THSR Station, there are many options to get here:

• Bus: Lines 26, 70, 617 or 800 all stop near the village.
• Taxi: The distance is about 4 km, takes about 10 minutes, costs from 150–200 TWD (~116,000–155,000 VND).

Once there, you are free to stroll through the colorful alley, learn about the story of Grandpa Rainbow and take many vivid photos. This area is not too large, it only takes about 30–45 minutes to visit, then rest at the nearby cafes before continuing the journey.
The evening is the ideal time to explore Fengjia Night Market, the busiest market in the city. Established in the 1960s, it initially served students at Fengjia University, and has since become a popular tourist destination.

From Rainbow Village, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the night market by taxi, costing around 250–300 TWD (~194,000–233,000 VND). If you choose to take the bus, routes 5, 25 or 33 are reasonable choices. Arriving at the market, the bustling atmosphere and the aroma of typical dishes will make anyone excited. Must-try dishes include:

• Dijun Grilled Pepper Bun – recognized by Michelin Bib Gourmand, has a crispy crust with rich meat filling (price around 60 TWD ~ 46,500 VND).
• Sweet potato balls and candied sweet potatoes – extremely popular snacks, priced at only 40–50 TWD (~31,000–39,000 VND) for a portion.
• Stinky tofu – a typical Taiwanese dish, with a special fatty taste, not to be missed if you want to fully experience local cuisine.
• Grilled beef – beef is grilled on the spot, soft, sweet and flavorful (price around 100 TWD ~ 77,600 VND).

In addition to food, the market also has many stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, and accessories at reasonable prices. If you like to try your luck, the game areas such as ring tossing and ball shooting also bring many interesting experiences.

Day 4: Taichung – Sun Moon Lake, Wenwu Temple

Early in the morning, from the center of Taichung, you travel to Sun Moon Lake by Nantou bus number 6670 from Gancheng station or Taichung HSR Station. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, taking you to Shuishe Pier – the main stop of the lake. If you want to be more comfortable, you can choose a private or shared car service.

Arriving at Sun Moon Lake, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of Taiwan’s largest natural lake. Start by buying a ferry ticket (about 100 TWD, equivalent to 77,630 VND) at Shuishe Pier to Lalu Island and visit Xuanzuang Temple.

The ferry ride takes only 7 minutes, offering you stunning views of the lake and Lalu Island, the sacred island of the Thao people. At Xuanzang Temple, enjoy the famous delicious tea eggs. If you have the time and energy, hike up to Xuanzang Temple and Ci’en Tower to admire the panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake from above.

Then, take a ferry or bus to Ita Thao Village, a cultural village of the Thao people. Here, you can stroll along the main street, enjoy the specialties of the Thao people and buy famous black teas of the Sun Moon Lake area. This is also an ideal place to have lunch.

From Ita Thao Village, walk about 15 minutes to the Sun Moon Lake Cable Car Station. Experience the excitement of taking the cable car to the top of the mountain to see the panoramic view of the lake again. If you have more time, you should get off the cable car on the other side and visit the Taiwan Aboriginal Culture Village (an amusement park). However, if you want to spend more time at the Wenwu Temple, skip this attraction.

In the afternoon, the journey continues with the sacred destination – Wenwu Temple. Located on the northern slope of Sun Moon Lake, the temple has ancient architecture and a wide view of the blue lake. This is a place to worship Confucius and Guan Yu, attracting many people to pray for their studies and careers. In particular, the high position of the temple is an ideal place to watch the sunset over the sparkling water.

After visiting, you return to Shuishe Pier to catch a bus back to Taichung. The last bus from Shuishe to Taichung HSR Station or the city center departs at 19:25, so you need to check the schedule to avoid missing the bus.

Upon arrival in Taichung, you can spend time resting at the hotel or exploring more interesting places. If you prefer a quieter space, the National Taichung Theater campus or the Calligraphy Greenway are ideal places to relax before ending a full day.

Day 5: Taichung – Gaomei Wetlands, Yi Zhong Walking Street – Return to Vietnam

The last day in Taiwan takes you to Gaomei Wetlands Park (Gaomei), one of the most beautiful sunset viewing spots in Taichung. Then, spend time exploring Yi Zhong Walking Street to shop for souvenirs before returning to Taipei or going to the airport to end the trip.

From the center of Taichung, the journey to Gaomei Wetlands is quite convenient with many transportation options. If traveling by HSR, you need to get off at Taichung Station, transfer to TRA and stop at Qingshui Station, then take bus number 179 to get there. Another option is to take a direct bus from Gancheng Station (No. 111, 178, 179, 309 or 688), which takes about an hour.

Set foot in the nature reserve, which covers more than 1,500 acres, you will be immersed in a peaceful space with strong sea breezes, long mudflats and a rich ecosystem. It is home to many migratory birds, fiddler crabs and mudskippers.

There is also a long wooden bridge that extends out to the sea, allowing you to easily observe the surrounding scenery without affecting the natural environment. If you want to explore the wider area, renting a bicycle is a reasonable choice. Electric bicycle rentals cost around 233,000 VND (NT$300) for the first hour, while regular bicycles cost 116,000 VND (NT$150) for three hours.

In the late afternoon, the magical sunset will be an unforgettable highlight. The last rays of the day reflect on the water, dyeing it a brilliant orange-red, creating a mesmerizing natural picture. For photography enthusiasts, Gaomei Wetlands is one of the most ideal places to hunt for sunset photos in Taiwan.

Leaving the natural space, the trip continues with a more vibrant stop – Yizhong Street. Located near Taichung Park and Yizhong High School, this area is a paradise for shoppers and street food lovers.

Just about a 20-minute walk from Taichung Station, you will immediately see the bustling street with a series of fashion stores, accessories, souvenirs and decorations. If you are looking for a gift with a strong Taiwanese imprint, bottled milk tea, pineapple cakes or souvenirs printed with the typical symbols of this country are worth considering.

After walking around the neighborhood, you definitely can’t miss the opportunity to explore Taichung’s street food. Attractive dishes such as stinky tofu, Angel Fried Chicken or crispy sweet potato balls are all sold along the stalls. A portion of crispy fried chicken costs around 62,000 VND (NT$80), while a cup of pearl milk tea is only 39,000 VND (NT$50) – a reasonable price for a light meal before ending the journey.

After completing your experience in Taichung, it’s time to return to Taipei or go to the airport to return to Vietnam. If you have a flight schedule from Taoyuan International Airport, the HSR high-speed train from Taichung to Taipei takes about 1 hour, then continue on the Express train to the airport in 40 minutes. In addition, the bus from Taichung to the airport is a more economical option, but it takes about 2.5 hours to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Taipei and Taichung

Is public transportation in Taipei and Taichung convenient?

Taipei has a modern MRT system, buses and taxis are easy to call. Taichung does not have an MRT, but buses are widespread and there is a public bicycle service called YouBike.

Which application is useful for traveling in Taiwan?

Google Maps is the most popular, and Moovit also makes it easier to look up bus schedules.

What food can’t be missed when traveling to Taiwan?

Taipei is famous for milk tea, Din Tai Fung xiao long bao, Hot-Star fried chicken. Taichung has pineapple cakes, original milk tea.

Should you stay longer in Taipei or Taichung?

This depends on your preferences. Taipei has many cultural, historical and modern attractions. Taichung is famous for its beautiful nature and bustling night markets. Consider dividing your time evenly or spending more time in the places you are more interested in.

When is the best time to travel to Taipei and Taichung?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal times with pleasant weather. Summers are hot and humid, winters are colder but still pleasant.

Whether you love modern life or want to immerse yourself in nature, a trip to Taipei & Taichung will definitely leave you with many memorable memories. From the glorious sunset at Gaomei Wetlands to the mouthwatering food at the night market, each experience has its own appeal. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you have a complete and worthwhile trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Taipei you can refer to

• Taoyuan Airport Private Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• Sedan Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• [SALE] Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket & Exclusive Shopping Coupon
• Luxury Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• Explore Taipei City
• Taipei Free Walking Tour Historic Route
• Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour
• Taipei Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter : Jiufen, Pingxi, and North Coast (Chinese/English/Korean)
• Northeast Coast Scenic Day Tour
• Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen
• Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour with Korean and English Speaking Guides
• Taipei: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour
• EasyCard (TPE Airport Pick Up)
• Klook Pass Taipei (For international travelers)
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
• Maokong Gondola Ticket
• Yeliou, Jinguashih, Juifen and Shihfen Join Day Tour
• Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass
• Taipei: Beitou and Yangmingshan One-Day Tour
• [10% Off + 1 Extra Free Day] 4G SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom
• 4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom
• 4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan
• 4G Portable WiFi for Taiwan from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for Taiwan from WiFiBB (Unlimited Data)
• 4G LTE WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Japan
• [Sale – Taiwan Food Promo] Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taipei
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Consecutive Unlimited Pass (2 or 3 Days)
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taoyuan
• THSR Exclusive Discount One Way Ticket from Taoyuan (Two Tickets for the Price of One)

Are you finding more top things to do in Taipei: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Taipei itinerary 4 days — How to spend 4 days in Taipei & what to do in Taipei for 4 days perfectly?