Sun Moon Lake © kitzcorner / Getty Images

Want to travel to Taiwan on your own but still not confident enough? Pocket Taiwan travel experience compiled by us below through this Taiwan travel blog!

Prominent red train running through cherry blossom trees in Alishan, Taiwan @https://tttrips.com/ | Taiwan travel blog
Taipei skyline at dusk | @klook | Taiwan travel blog
Bubble tea, must drink in Taiwan | source: shutterstock | Taiwan travel blog

As a country near Vietnam, affordable travel costs, poetic scenery combined with unique culture make Taiwan an indispensable destination for travel enthusiasts. So what is more special about this beautiful island that makes many people restless? Take a tour with us to find out what is special about Taiwan tourism? What to eat in Taiwan? Good quality hotels and motels in Taiwan… and more.

Release lantern in Shifen
A souvenir shop in Fenqihu, Taiwan | Taiwan travel blog
Raohe night market | Taiwan travel blog

Where is Taiwan? (#Taiwan travel blog)

Taiwan map

Taiwan, a beautiful island located about 100 nautical miles off the southeast coast of China, is a fascinating destination with diverse natural landscapes and unique culture. Although most of the territory is covered by mountains and forests, Taiwan still possesses beautiful beaches, modern cities and ancient villages, creating a colorful and attractive tourist picture.

Jiufen Ancient Village | Taiwan travel blog
Jiufen Old Village | Taiwan travel blog
Kaohsiung city | Taiwan travel blog
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Xinjuejiang Night Market, one of the bustling markets you have to visit in Kaohsiung

From the majestic gorges of Taroko Gorge, the relaxing hot springs of Beitou to the bustling night markets of Taipei, Taiwan has everything you need for a memorable trip.

Taroko

What is the best season to travel to Taiwan?

Yangmingshan national park | Taiwan travel blog

“When should I travel to Taiwan?” – This is probably the question that makes many people “headache” when planning to explore this beautiful island. But don’t worry too much! Each season in Taiwan has its own charm, ensuring to bring you unforgettable experiences.

According to the experience of Living Nomads, the most ideal time to travel to Taiwan is in the fall (September – November) and spring (February – April). At this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, not too hot or too cold, very suitable for sightseeing and exploration.

Sun Moon Lake | Taiwan travel blog

Spring (March – April): When the cold winds of late winter gradually give way to warm sunshine, Taiwan seems to be wearing a new coat with brilliant flowers. This is the ideal time for you to admire the bright yellow rapeseed fields, blooming cherry blossoms or participate in the romantic Pingxi sky lantern festival.

Lohas Park, Neihu District, Taipei @klook | Taiwan travel blog
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Cherry blossom at Wuji Tianyuan Temple, New Taipei City, Taiwan. | Taiwan travel blog

Summer (May – August): If you are a “fan” of blue sea, white sand, and golden sunshine, then summer is the perfect time for you to come to Taiwan. Immerse yourself in the cool water of beautiful beaches, explore the colorful ocean world and enjoy fresh seafood.

@klook | Taiwan travel blog
Taroko Visitor Center – last stop before boarding the return bus, ending a memorable day in Taroko.

Autumn (September – November): Many people think that autumn is the most beautiful time in Taiwan. The blue sky, cool air, rows of maple trees turning bright red and yellow create a romantic scene like in a painting. This is also the season of unique traditional festivals, giving you unique cultural experiences.

Taiwan in Autumn
Taiwan in Autumn | Taiwan travel blog

Winter (December – February): Winter in Taiwan is quite cold, there may even be snow in some highland areas. However, this is also the ideal time for you to experience the warm Christmas atmosphere, participate in unique winter festivals and enjoy hot, spicy dishes.

Hehuanshan in winter
| Taiwan travel blog

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Taiwan?

Tainan city | Taiwan travel blog

If you want to travel to Taiwan, a visa is a must! There are 2 types of visas: single entry and multiple entry. You should note that the cost of a Taiwan visa is in dollars. A single-entry visa is about 50 USD, while a multiple-entry visa is a little more, about 100 USD. Read the latest article at Living Nomads blog to know more about how to apply for a visa when traveling to Taiwan on your own.

Means of Transportation When Traveling to Taiwan

Keelung is known as “miniature Venice”. | Taiwan travel blog

Once you arrive in Taiwan, the method of transportation between locations is also a matter of concern. Which means of transportation is the most convenient? How to travel to save money? All will be revealed right here.

Subway

MRT station at Taoyuan Airport where you can take the subway to get to city center. | Taiwan travel blog

This is a fairly popular public transportation in the two cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung. The train operates from 6:00 – 24:00, the ticket price is only from 15,000 – 50,000 VND/trip. Or for more convenience, don’t miss the EASY CARD.

Train

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Going to Alishan by train is also a great experience | Taiwan travel blog

The train is considered a convenient and “cheap” means of transportation when traveling to Taiwan. Each train will be about 5 to 10 minutes apart and spread across the island nation. There are 4 types of trains: Local, Tze Chiang Express, Chu Kuang and Taro. Each train will have different conveniences and prices.

High-Speed ​​Train

THSR train | Taiwan travel blog

With speeds of up to 300km/h, the price of experiencing a high-speed train will also be a bit more expensive than the train. Train tickets cost from 30,000 VND or more. But with Klook’s discounted tickets, there is nothing to worry about anymore. In addition, you can refer to the 3-day unlimited high-speed train ticket, which is very convenient.

Rent a Self-Drive Car

If you want to be free with your time, rent a car and take it easy! With the car rental booking system on Klook, you will be immersed in hundreds of choices with many types of cars. If you are traveling with a group of close friends or family, check it out now.

Bus

Travelers should choose bus as their means of transportation when coming to Taipei @shutterstock | Taiwan travel blog

There is no cheaper way than taking the bus. For only 12,000 VND/person, you will have a bus ticket for each leg. The bus operates all day, from 05:00 – 24:00, and you can pay with EASY CARD. In addition, Taiwan also has a very unique double-decker bus, don’t miss it.

Where to go and What to Do in Taiwan? Famous Tourist Destinations in Taiwan

As one of the most popular destinations, what is it about Taiwan that makes people so fascinated? Let’s explore this beautiful island with us!

Famous Tourist Destinations in Taipei

As the capital and also the busiest city in Taiwan, Taipei is one of the most worth-visiting places in this country. It is said that all the best things in Taiwan are gathered here. Wandering around the streets all day long is enough to satisfy your eyes with the uniqueness here.

Taipei 101

| Taiwan travel blog

As one of the 10 tallest buildings in the world, what is it about Taipei 101 that makes this place one of the most attractive destinations in Taiwan? With its towering observatories, unique architecture, and environmentally friendly water recycling system, Taipei 101 is definitely on your must-see list when traveling to Taiwan.

taipei 101 observatory
View from Taipei 101 observatory | Taiwan travel blog
taipei 101 at sunset
Stunning sunset over Taipei 101 seen from Xiangshan Mountain

National Palace Museum

national palace museum shilin district taipei city taiwan,
National Palace Museum | Taiwan travel blog

As a world-class museum, the National Palace Museum houses the collection of treasures of the emperors who ruled the Forbidden City. If you are curious and interested in history, don’t miss this museum that preserves 5,000 years of historical achievements.

Jadeite Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage)

Heping Island Park

| Taiwan travel blog

Heping Island Park is located along the coast of Taipei City. If you like diving and coral viewing, add Heping Island Park to your list of destinations when visiting Taiwan. In addition to the modern and traditional aspects, Taiwan is also famous as the “green heartbeat” of Asia with many attractive natural destinations.

Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo
| Taiwan travel blog

One of the ten largest zoos in the world, Taipei Zoo is home to more than 400 species of animals, large and small. African wildlife, bears, and even two giant bears, along with Asian elephants, are also present here. Especially suitable for those traveling with children, there is also a children’s zoo.

Miramar Entertainment Park

Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel taipei (1)

A bustling shopping and entertainment complex, Miramar Entertainment Park is one of the destinations in Taipei that can keep you occupied all day long. There is a famous giant Ferris wheel, along with countless amusement games and colorful shopping stalls, which are worth experiencing!

Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel taipei (1)

Jiufen Ancient Village

Jiufen ancient village

Jiufen Ancient Village is also known by the beautiful name “Million Likes Paradise” because of its beauty that seems to come out of Japanese animated films. Located on Keelung Mountain, about 50km from Taipei, Jiufen Village bears the mark of time with rows of houses close together halfway up the slope, attracting many visitors when traveling to Taiwan.

Check out the beautiful ancient village @aiko_738 | Taiwan travel blog

Famous Tourist Destinations in Tainan

Fuzhong Street tainan.1.1

With ancient streets imbued with cultural identity, Tainan is known as “Phoenix City” – one of the oldest cities that still retains many ancient features of Taiwan. With a series of unique and interesting tourist attractions, there are many things waiting for you to discover in Tainan.

Ten Drum Cultural Village

Coming to Ten Drum Cultural Village, you will discover the dreamlike performance theater, which used to be a sugar factory. Or even drink coffee in a tank, visit old bookstores, … It’s worth experiencing, right!?

Anping Fortress

Tainan_fort_Fort-Zeelandia
Tainan fortFort-Zeelandia

Built by the Dutch in 1624, Anping Fortress, also known as Anping Old Fort, has bold Japanese architecture. Standing out with pottery villages, this place has a cool and temperate landscape, with many restaurants and souvenir shops, very convenient for buying gifts for loved ones.

Eirakucho Drum Tea Show

@klook

Eirakucho Drum Tea House is a 140-year-old house, transformed into a theater performance venue. Your Tainan trip would not be complete without coming here and enjoying the bronze drum performance with its rich national identity. And don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local flavor with the optional dining set.

Tainan Art Museum

@klook

Get away from the bustling crowded streets and immerse yourself in the art world at the Tainan Art Museum, why not? You will be amazed by the collection of diverse cultural heritages accumulated over 400 years. There are two buildings. In building 1, you will admire the Japanese-style architecture. In building 2, you will be immersed in the beauty of Taiwanese culture.

Zuojhen Fossil Park

As the only fossil theme park in Taiwan, Zuojhen Fossil Park is a fossil-themed museum with a large local reserve. The park has 5 exhibition halls and outdoor squares such as the Natural History Education Hall, Story Hall, Fossil Hall, Living History Evolution Hall and Discovery Hall. There are also videos and AR reality, don’t miss it.

Famous Tourist Destinations in Taichung (#Taiwan travel blog)

Vibrant Taichung at dusk

As the third largest city in Taiwan, Taichung is one of the cities with unique beautiful destinations in Taiwan. With skyscrapers that light up at night, temples in the city center, and vibrant night markets, Taichung has its own unique color. This is a harmonious combination of rural and urban areas. Let’s take a tour around this city with Klook Vietnam.

Taichung Museum of Illusions

@taichung.travel

Lost in the world of illusions, do you want to try it? Coming to the Taichung Illusion Museum, from different angles, the exhibits will give you images that your brain cannot understand. And along with that will be extremely interesting scientific explanations!

Lihpao Land

@taichung.travel

Immersing yourself in the world of adventure games and witnessing the breathtaking scenery day and night from Taiwan’s largest Ferris wheel is one of the activities not to be missed when coming to Taiwan. Lihpao Land is a very suitable destination for teams traveling with close friends and family.

Basianshan Forest

@forest.gov.tw

Basianshan Forest Recreation Area is considered a national forestry legend in Taichung. Rich in natural ecological resources, this is one of the three largest forest farms in this beautiful island nation. This promises to be a place to bring you a relaxing outdoor vacation with your loved ones.

Famous Destinations in Kaohsiung

What to do in Kaohsiung at night Night city tour at night (1)

One of the cities that cannot be missed when traveling to Taiwan. This is the largest scenic city in this beautiful island nation. There is the gentle Ai Ha River, the largest night market in Taiwan, a famous modern train station, … What other destinations are waiting for you to discover in Kaohsiung? All will be revealed below.

Suzuka Circuit Park

@klook

Spending a day riding a go-kart at Suzuka Circuit Park in Kaohsiung City is one of the experiences worth trying. Coming here, you will become a real racer. This is a very suitable entertainment spot for families with young children.

@klook

E-DA Theme Park

E-DA Theme Park @klook

As the largest amusement park in southern Taiwan, E-da Kaohsiung Park is famous for its thrilling games. Countless interesting things such as “5D Ghost Ship”, “Halloween Haunted House”, “Sky and Earth Spin”, “Fly Over Aegean Sea”,… are waiting for you.

Monorail at E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung Taiwan
Monorail at E-da Theme Park Kaohsiung Taiwan | best places to visit in Kahsiung

Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan

With a giant bronze Buddha statue, this Buddhist structure has left a huge mark on the spiritual tourism of Kaohsiung city. The massive square with 480 majestic standing Buddha statues is one of the largest Buddhist treasures in the world.

Fo Guang Shan Monastery at Xingtian Village in Taiwan
Fo Guang Shan Monastery at Xingtian Village in Taiwan

fo guang shan

What to Eat in Taiwan? Taiwanese Specialties You Will Definitely Love

fengjia night market (1)
Fengjia night market

Taiwan is not only famous for its poetic landscapes, bustling night markets or unique culture, but also a culinary paradise that makes many food lovers “fascinated”. A trip to Taiwan will not be complete without unforgettable culinary experiences. Let’s explore the “memorable” Taiwanese delicacies that you must try when setting foot on this beautiful island!

Taiwanese Danzai Noodles

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Who would have thought that a “common” noodle dish could become the culinary “soul” of an entire region? That is Danzi noodles, a long-standing dish that has been associated with Taiwanese people since 1895. Simple yet sophisticated, Danzi noodles are not only a delicious dish but also an indispensable part of the cultural life of the people here.

With only familiar ingredients such as eggs, pork, shrimp and vegetables, Danzi noodles conquer diners with their rich, harmonious flavor. The delicious noodles, sweet broth, soft pork, sweet fresh shrimp and crunchy vegetables, all blend together to create an unforgettable symphony of flavors.

Taiwanese Iron Eggs

Iron eggs are quite unique snacks. Credit: Vovvn

Iron eggs are a snack available at street stalls in Taiwan. The name iron egg has aroused the curiosity of many tourists when they come here to travel. The origin of the name “iron egg” is because after a week of stewing, the egg white will have a shiny dark brown color like iron. To prepare this dish, people often use quail eggs, chicken eggs and duck eggs. Each different type of egg will bring a different flavor. To enjoy this unique Taiwanese street food, you should come to Taiwan and explore it.

iron eggs taiwan

Taiwanese Bubble Tea

tiger sugar fengjia night market
Bubble milk tea, must drink in Taiwan.

Bubble pearl milk tea is a snack that many people around the world love. Having drunk milk tea a lot, but if you come to Taiwan, you must try a cup of strong milk tea, which is unmatched anywhere. This is the origin of this “divine” drink!

Taiwan bubble milk tea
Lovely space filled with Hello Kitty in Chingshin | credit: KKday

Taiwanese Stinky Tofu

@klook

Being a quite famous traditional dish, stinky tofu is one of the dishes that cannot be missed in Taiwan. If you just hear the name, many people are hesitant about this dish. This is a dish that is very picky about its aroma. However, if you can eat it, you will be addicted to it.

Try stinky tofu in Mong Kok

Dimsum – Taiwanese-style Dim Sum

Dimsum, also known as “dim thunder” or Vietnamese name “dim breakfast”, is a breakfast dish with a strong Chinese culinary identity with three criteria: elaborate – diverse – long-standing. Dimsum fillings can be made from shrimp, meat, vegetables. You must definitely try a portion of dim sum in Taiwan to enjoy the quintessence of the cuisine of the people here!

What to Buy as Gifts When Traveling to Taiwan?

Surely you will also be quite confused when thinking about what to buy as gifts when traveling to Taiwan. Let Klook help you choose a few items and specialties to bring back as gifts for your loved ones!

Taiwanese Peanut Nougat Candy

@klook

If you are looking for a unique and authentic Taiwanese gift for your relatives and friends after your trip, don’t miss peanut candy! Each piece of candy is crispy, fragrant with a layer of sweet malt sugar, mixed with the rich taste of roasted peanuts, sure to make anyone “melt”.

This specialty is not only delicious but also a symbol of luck and prosperity, bringing the best wishes to the recipient.

Taiwanese Tea

Taiwan is home to a number of famous kinds of tea

You may not know: Taiwan is also the “tea kingdom” with premium teas that will captivate you from the first sip. Favored by nature with an ideal climate and soil, Taiwan is proud to be the birthplace of delicious and famous teas, captivating many tea lovers.

taiwan tea5

On your journey to explore Taiwan, don’t forget to take the time to enjoy cups of Dong Ding Oolong tea with its delicate aroma, elegant sweetness, or Bao Chong tea with its rich flavor and sweet aftertaste. These are not only great thirst-quenching drinks but also meaningful gifts for relatives and friends after the trip.

Taiwanese Pineapple Cake

Specialty pineapple cake in Taiwan. Credit: zingnews

When mentioning Taiwan, it is impossible not to mention the delicious and famous pineapple cake. The small, pretty cake with a golden, crispy crust, wrapped in a sweet, slightly sour pineapple filling, has become a symbol of Taiwanese cuisine.

You can easily find pineapple cakes at candy stores, supermarkets or night markets in Taiwan. However, to ensure the best quality and flavor, you should buy cakes from famous brands such as Chia Te, SunnyHills, Vigor Kobo…

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

Jiufen taipei taiwan (1)

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?