Have you ever considered a trip to Taiwan? If you haven’t, you should. It’s perfectly positioned to add onto a trip to Japan, but Taiwan is also an amazing standalone vacation destination. Its compact size, excellent train system and easy access to public transportation makes it simple to travel around the country experiencing a mix of urban comfort and rural beauty.
Wherever you travel in Taiwan, you are never far from a relaxing hot spring. You also aren’t far from a delicious meal. This foodie destination is stuffed full of award-winning restaurants and iconic night markets made up of food stalls selling Taiwanese favorites.
Taiwan’s food scene not only includes casual and fine dining restaurants but also food stalls that fill night markets that hum with crowds of locals and visitors chowing down on street food. Favorites include flaky scallion pancakes; bao, steamed buns stuffed with flavorful pork or other delectable fillings; and Taiwanese popcorn chicken seasoned with aromatic and warm five spice and fried basil — just to name a few.
We can’t forget about tea or desserts! Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble tea, and you could plan an entire trip to Taiwan around searching for the best cup of bubble tea in Taipei or on the island. Whether eating your way through a night market or looking for a cooling treat on a warm day, a flavorful, lightly sweetened shaved ice hits the spot. Perhaps order the mango flavor with a drizzle of condensed milk.
Go on adventures in Taiwan’s forest recreation areas. The old-growth forests seem almost unreal with moss-covered trees — many hundreds of years old — towering overhead and the ground covered in verdant ferns and large elephant ear plants.
Hiking trails range from short family-friendly jaunts to longer treks with large elevation gains. Make your way down well-marked paths to roaring waterfalls and mountain peaks with scenic panoramic views. Head out bird watching to spot colorful feathered creatures that call Taiwan home, or keep your eyes on the ground where, with a bit of luck, you might spot a pangolin.
Taiwan’s miles of coastline translate to an abundance of shoreline with a variety of amenities and activities. Quiet and secluded beaches offer the chance to relax on soft sand, while waves of clear ocean water lap the shoreline and sparkle in the sunshine. For a look under the water to view coral, sea turtles and other colorful sea life, go snorkeling in spots like Kenting National Park and Secret Beach.
More adventurous travelers might want to seek out beaches that offer bigger waves better suited for surfing and windsurfing like at Fulong Beach — a day trip from Taipei City — or beaches in the Penghu Islands.
Immerse yourself in Taiwan’s culture by attending a festival, spending time in a museum or visiting a temple. Many of Taiwan’s festivals are visually colorful and filled with vibrant crowds celebrating and attending traditional performances and parades. Notable festivals include Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival and annual Dragon Boat Races.
Learn more about Taiwan’s art and history at the country’s museums and temples. Museums offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s history and art, ranging from old to contemporary. Taiwan’s many temples represent Buddhist, Tao and Confucius beliefs. These stunning temples are ornately decorated with religious iconography including dragons and lions.
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