Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China, is a small island located between China in the West, the Philippines in South and Japan in the North. Densely populated, high-tech and blessed with beautiful landscape, Taiwan is a treat to everyone who visits and here is out Taiwan itinerary.
The Taiwanese people are extremely friendly, and they speak Mandarin. English is not a widely spoken language, especially in Taichung and Kaohsiung, while in Taiwan you can manage. If you had asked me what I knew about Taiwan, I would have answered – Taipei 101. Well, that was all I knew about Taiwan back in the day.
I’m so glad we got to experience this little piece of heaven in April’19 and learnt so much more. Six nights and seven days, three cities, lots of bubble teas, the struggle of finding vegetarian food, acing the metro routes to get to any place, etc. was fun and refreshing. This country is energetic, and you are sure to pack some great memories (barring the food part :P) back home.
How And Why Taiwan?
Being a budget backpacker, whenever there is a sale, I hope to get something that I can’t say no to. I was hoping to find a deal to the Philippines when Air Asia announced their Sale in September 2018. Because none of the destinations I wanted to go was cheap, my last search was to Taipei. Without much thought, I just went ahead with the cheapest dates and booked tickets to Taipei.
While working on our Taiwan itinerary, I was shocked why this country never featured in my “to go” list. The more I read on Taiwan and the cities, the more I got upset that I had only a week to spend in this small country. Not wanting to confuse my head in trying to pack too many places in under seven days, finally zeroed in on Taipei obviously, Taichung and Kaohsiung as the cities to set foot. We were contemplating between Kaohsiung and Tainan and had to choose the latter. Tainan used to be the old capital during the Qing Dynasty and also the oldest city of this country. As I always say, hopefully, we get to go there this lifetime as old buildings and traditions always interest me a lot.
BTW, did you know that visa is free for most Indians to Taiwan?
Friendliest people, lovely beach views, great trekking spots, ample food varieties, technology guru, age-old temples and traditions and finally – high-speed trains that make the commute comfortable is what Taiwan is all about. Now, who wouldn’t want to explore Formosa (aka beautiful island in Portuguese) aka Tayouan (in Dutch) aka Taiwan?
Passing Ports In Taiwan
Transport: Chennai to Kuala Lumpur and from there to Taipei via Air Asia
No: of Days: 07 days (April first week)
Stay: Meander Hostel (Read Meander Hostel Taipei review) and Flip Flop Garden in Taipei, Paper Plane Hostel in Kaohsiung
Total Cost (flights, stay, food, shopping, sightseeing, etc.):
Visa Process: For Indian Passport Holders
The below Taiwan itinerary is a little hectic as a lot of walking is required. Space this out depending on time and your interest. Uber was expensive, and we did not rent any scooter.
Seven Days in Taiwan (Taiwan Itinerary)
Day One (half day): Taipei (Dalongdong Baong Temple, Confuscious Temple, Dalongdong Night Market, Shilin Night Market and Ximending Night Market)
Day Two: Taipei (Red Theatre, Maokong Gondola, Beitou Hot Springs, Thermal Valley, TianYuan Temple, Lover’s Bridge, Tamsui Old Street)
Day Three: Taipei (Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, National Palace Museum, Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101, Huaxi Night Market)
Day Four: Taichung (things to do in Taichung) & Kaohsiung (Rainbow Village, Chun Shui Tang Bubble Tea, Zhongshe Flower Market, Xinshe Castle, Gaomei Wetland, Ruifeng Night Market)
Day Five: Kaohsiung & Taipei (Fo Guang Shan Buddha, Lotus Pond, Formosa Boulevard, Love River, Raohe Night Market)
Day Six: Taipei (Yehliu, Juifen and Shifen Tour)
Day Seven: Flight back home 🙁
Other places to consider in Taiwan
Mount Alishan (Chiayi), Sun Moon Lake (Taichung), Taroko Gorge (Hualien) and Kenting for beaches and Tainan for history lovers. Any other hidden gems – do let us know below.
We will be updating on our hostel experiences, how we survived with fewer food options, commute, people, shopping and more. Until then, happy travelling 🙂
Thanks to your itinerary, I’m going there in November. Woohoo.