Taiwan

Taiwan is a compact island teeming with iconic sites and hidden gems. Taipei, the vibrant capital, blends modernity with tradition, where visitors can ascend the once-tallest Taipei 101, explore the artifacts of the National Palace Museum, and immerse themselves in the lantern-lit lanes of Jiufen, a historic hillside town reminiscent of old mining days. For nature lovers, Taroko Gorge, with its marble canyons, suspension bridges, and cliff-hugging trails, is a must-see highlight in the east. The serene waters of Sun Moon Lake, nestled in central Taiwan’s mountains, offer a peaceful retreat, complete with cycling paths, temples, and lake cruises. Further south, the ancient capital Tainan dazzles with its wealth of temples and colonial heritage, while Kaohsiung impresses with its art districts, like the Pier-2 Art Center, and the massive Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. On the southern coast, Kenting National Park beckons with white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and lush forest trails. For a more offbeat escape, the Penghu Islands, Green Island, or Orchid Island (Lanyu) offer stunning seascapes, snorkeling, and indigenous culture in less crowded settings.

Taiwanese cuisine is an irresistible fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and local influences, defined by bold flavors, street food culture, and culinary creativity. A trip isn’t complete without trying beef noodle soup, a rich, comforting bowl of braised beef, bok choy, and chewy noodles in fragrant broth. Xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are a delicacy filled with pork and savory broth, famously served at restaurants like Din Tai Fung. Lu rou fan, minced pork braised in soy sauce and served over rice, is a beloved staple, while adventurous eaters can try the infamous stinky tofu, a pungent yet addictive deep-fried snack served with pickled cabbage. Night markets offer a smorgasbord of delights — from pepper buns (hujiao bing) and grilled squid to bubble tea, a globally popular drink that originated in Taiwan. For dessert, mango shaved ice, pineapple cake, and taro balls from Jiufen are local favorites that showcase the island’s love for texture and flavor.

Taiwan’s transportation system is among the best in Asia — efficient, affordable, and tourist-friendly. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) connects the western cities from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours, while the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) services smaller towns and scenic routes, including the eastern coast and mountainous regions. In cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, the MRT subway systems are clean, intuitive, and run on rechargeable EasyCards, which also work on buses, trains, and even convenience store purchases. Public buses are widespread, though signage may not always be in English — using apps like Bus+ or Taiwan Bus Info helps navigate routes. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced; while drivers may not always speak English, destination cards or translation apps make communication easy. For scenic journeys, renting a scooter or e-bike in places like Hualien, Kenting, or Taitung is popular — just bring your international driver’s permit.

Taiwan is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort or experience. Night markets offer delicious meals for just a few dollars, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart sell everything from hot meals to train tickets. Hostels, minsu (guesthouses), and capsule hotels are widely available and affordable, especially in smaller towns. Public transportation, especially with EasyCard discounts, is cost-effective and can take you nearly anywhere. Attractions like temples, national parks, and cultural festivals are often free or low-cost, and budget airline routes (like Tigerair Taiwan) make domestic travel a breeze. Buying a prepaid SIM card or using Taiwan’s extensive free Wi-Fi network also cuts down on communication costs.

Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the safest places in the world for travelers. Crime is exceptionally low, and solo travelers — even at night — generally feel secure in cities and towns. Locals are known for their kindness and willingness to help strangers, even across language barriers. As Taiwan lies in a seismically active region, occasional earthquakes may occur, though buildings are well-constructed and safety protocols are in place. Typhoon season (June to October) can bring heavy rains, especially on the east coast — always monitor weather alerts when traveling during these months. Tap water is safe in some cities but commonly boiled or filtered — stick to bottled or filtered water unless your accommodation confirms it’s drinkable.

Taiwanese culture blends Confucian politeness with warm hospitality. Greeting people with a nod or light handshake is standard; bowing slightly when saying thank you is also common. While not expected, using Mandarin phrases like “Ni hao” (hello) or “Xie xie” (thank you) is appreciated. Shoes are removed when entering homes and some accommodations. Public behavior is generally reserved — talking loudly, cutting in line, or arguing in public is frowned upon. Tipping is not customary, except in high-end hotels or restaurants, where it may be included as a service charge. When offering or receiving items, it’s polite to use both hands, especially in formal settings. Respect is shown at temples — dress modestly, avoid photographing altars without permission, and do not point feet toward religious objects.

Taiwan suits curious, culturally engaged travelers who enjoy mixing urban exploration with outdoor adventure. It’s perfect for foodies, solo travelers, digital nomads, and families, with its safe, clean cities, welcoming locals, and convenient infrastructure. Whether hiking misty trails, soaking in hot springs, or sipping tea in old street alleys, Taiwan is best for those who crave authenticity, efficiency, and meaningful connection in their journey.

For budget travelers, excellent hostels like Meander Taipei, Flip Flop Hostel Garden in Hualien, or Trip GG Hostel in Taichung offer dorms and private rooms from $15–30 USD per night, often with stylish lounges and local tips. Mid-range options include comfortable boutique hotels like CityInn Hotel Plus (Taipei), Kindness Hotel (Kaohsiung), and F Hotel Hualien, with prices ranging from $50–100 USD, often including breakfast and bike rentals. For luxury travelers, Taiwan offers refined stays at The Okura Prestige Taipei, Silks Place Taroko (overlooking the gorge), or the elegant Hotel Royal Chihpen near hot springs — blending nature, wellness, and high-end comfort for around $150–400 USD per night.

Many travelers underestimate the variety of Taiwan’s geography, staying only in Taipei and missing the beauty of the east coast, aboriginal culture, or mountainous regions. Others neglect to check the weather, especially during typhoon season or high-altitude hikes. It’s a mistake to assume all locals speak fluent English — while signage helps, having translation tools or destination cards in Mandarin can make a huge difference. Some visitors also skip using EasyCard, missing out on transit and convenience store perks. Avoid trying to see too much in a short time — Taiwan rewards slow exploration, and its regional flavors and festivals are best enjoyed without rushing.

Taiwan Railways and THSR apps are essential for booking and checking train times. Bus+, Taipei Metro Go, and Kaohsiung iBus are useful for city navigation. Google Maps and Maps.me work well for walking and driving, while Pleco or Google Translate help with Mandarin. Use Foodie or OpenRice for restaurant reviews, TaiwanStay for government-registered accommodations, and Klook for discounted tours and passes. An EasyCard balance checker app also helps manage transit funds.

A 10-day trip could begin in Taipei, with two days exploring the city and nearby Beitou hot springs or Yangmingshan National Park. Then head to Hualien by train for two days in Taroko Gorge, hiking and soaking in the natural beauty. Continue south through Taitung to Kenting National Park for beaches and relaxed vibes, before heading to Kaohsiung for art, temples, and night markets. End with a night in Tainan to explore temples and heritage architecture before returning to Taipei or flying out of Kaohsiung. This route combines urban energy, natural beauty, and cultural immersion with a scenic flow.

Taiwan is home to the world’s first bubble tea, invented in Taichung in the 1980s — today, it’s a global phenomenon with endless flavor combinations. The island also has one of the highest densities of convenience stores per capita — you’re rarely more than a block away from a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. Despite its small size, Taiwan boasts over 100 hot springs, many of which are naturally rich in minerals and surrounded by forested landscapes. The island is also a paradise for hikers, with more than 260 mountains over 3,000 meters high. Taiwan’s night markets, such as Shilin in Taipei and Liuhe in Kaohsiung, are not just for food — they’re cultural institutions filled with games, shopping, and local energy.