Taiwan Road Trip Planner: 10 Days to 2 Weeks Adventure

Are you a traveler seeking a perfect blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural exploration, and culinary delights? Look no further than Taiwan! This captivating island nation offers an ideal destination for a self-drive adventure, and we’ve meticulously crafted a 10-day and 2-Week itinerary that will take you on a remarkable journey through the heart of Taiwan, including Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Chiayi, and Tainan.

Introduction to Taiwan: Your All-in-One Adventure

Taiwan is a traveler’s dream come true, with friendly locals, a strong emphasis on safety, and the convenience of self-driving. Get ready to explore diverse landscapes, immerse yourself in rich culture, and savor mouthwatering cuisine as you embark on this unforgettable road trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Taipei

• Morning: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport.
• Afternoon: Pick up your rental car and check into your Taipei accommodation.
• Evening: Explore the bustling streets of Taipei and sample some street food at a night market like Shilin or Raohe.

Day 2: Taipei City Exploration

• Morning: Visit iconic attractions such as Taipei 101.
• Afternoon: Explore the National Palace Museum and take a stroll in Daan Forest Park.
• Evening: Savor a traditional Taiwanese dinner at Din Tai Fung or a local night market.

Day 3: Beitou Hot Springs

• Morning: Drive to Beitou, known for its natural hot springs (about 30 minutes from Taipei).
• Afternoon: Relax in the Beitou Hot Springs or visit the Beitou Hot Springs Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy a soothing soak in your accommodation’s private hot spring.

Day 4: Yangmingshan National Park

• Morning: Drive to Yangmingshan National Park (45 minutes from Taipei).
• Afternoon: Hike a scenic trail, like Xiaoyoukeng or Qixingshan. Then, check into a hot spring resort in Yangmingshan.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the area or at the resort, and take a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Day 5: Taichung & Nature

• Morning: Drive to Taichung (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Taichung’s parks and gardens, such as Taichung Park and Maple Garden.
• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Taichung.

Day 6: Taichung to Sun Moon Lake

• Morning: Drive to Sun Moon Lake (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Take a boat tour on Sun Moon Lake and visit Wenwu Temple.
• Evening: Relax by the lake and savor local cuisine.

Day 7: Nantou & Alishan

• Morning: Drive to Alishan (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Alishan National Scenic Area. Consider taking the Alishan Forest Railway for a unique and scenic experience through the lush forests.
• Evening: Stay overnight in Alishan.

Day 8: Alishan Sunrise & Chiayi

• Early Morning: Witness the breathtaking sunrise at Alishan.
• Morning: Prepare to depart Alishan for Chiayi (about 2 hours of driving).
• Afternoon: Once you arrive in Chiayi, savor the local delicacies the city has to offer.

Day 9: Tainan Cultural Exploration

• Morning: Drive to Tainan (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit historical sites like Chihkan Tower and Koxinga Shrine.
• Evening: Explore Tainan’s night markets and try its famous street food.

Day 10: Tainan to Taipei

• Morning: Drive back to Taipei (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit any remaining Taipei attractions or do some last-minute shopping (e.g. Ximending).
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Taipei.

Extend Your Stay for More Adventure: 2 Weeks Itinerary

If you have the opportunity, extending your journey to 14 days will allow you to delve even deeper into the beauty of Taiwan. Here’s how you can seamlessly include Taitung and Kenting in your itinerary while keeping Days 1-9 unchanged:

Day 10: Tainan to Kaohsiung

• Morning: Drive to Kaohsiung (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Kaohsiung’s attractions, including Lotus Pond and Cijin Island.
• Evening: Enjoy seafood in Cijin Island’s night market.

Day 11: Kaohsiung to Kenting

• Morning: Drive to Kenting National Park (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Relax on Kenting’s beautiful beaches, such as Baishawan and Nanwan.
• Evening: Explore Kenting’s night market for local snacks.

Day 12: Kenting Nature & Water Activities

• Morning: Explore Kenting’s natural attractions like Longpan Park and Eluanbi Lighthouse.
• Afternoon: Enjoy water activities like snorkeling or diving.
• Evening: Savor seafood dinner in Kenting.

Day 13: Hualien & Taroko Gorge

• Morning: Drive to Hualien (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Taroko Gorge National Park, including the Swallow Grotto Trail.
• Evening: Stay in Hualien and dine in the city.

Day 14: Hualien to Taipei

• Morning: Visit more of Taroko Gorge’s attractions, like Baiyang Waterfall Trail.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Taipei (about 3.5 hours).
• Evening: Return to Taipei for your final night and a farewell dinner.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of nature, relaxation, cultural exploration, and culinary delights while allowing you to explore the diverse regions of Taiwan. Enjoy your trip!

Travel Tips for Your Taiwan Adventure

Local Currency: Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). While credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural or remote locations.

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is spoken to varying degrees, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

Transportation: Taiwan has an efficient and extensive transportation network. Consider purchasing an EasyCard or iPass for convenient access to buses and subways in major cities.

Self-Driving: If you plan to self-drive, ensure you have an international driving permit and a valid license. Familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations, and be prepared for different road signs and driving habits.

Connectivity: Opt for the convenience of an eSIM or local SIM card to stay seamlessly connected throughout your trip. GoodeSIM offers affordable Taiwan data plans, starting at the lowest rate of just $3.22 per GB for data usage. Plus, you can activate your eSIM before departing, ensuring you’re connected as soon as you land in Taiwan.

Weather: Taiwan experiences a subtropical climate, so pack appropriate clothing based on the season. Check the weather forecast for your specific destinations before traveling.

Safety: Taiwan is considered a safe destination with low crime rates. However, exercise caution with your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Food Allergies: If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to communicate them clearly to restaurant staff. Taiwan’s diverse food scene can cater to various dietary needs.

Tap Water: While tap water is generally safe to drink in Taiwan, many locals prefer bottled water. You can buy bottled water from convenience stores or street vendors.

Local Etiquette: Taiwanese people are friendly and polite. Showing respect for local customs, such as removing your shoes when entering someone’s home and using both hands to offer or receive items, is appreciated.

Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in Taiwan, except in upscale restaurants or when receiving exceptional service. Check your bill; a service charge may already be included.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers, such as 110 for police and 119 for fire and medical emergencies.

Explore Beyond Tourist Areas: While popular attractions are fantastic, don’t hesitate to explore less-visited areas. Some of Taiwan’s hidden gems can provide unique and memorable experiences.

Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

By keeping these travel tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your journey through Taiwan, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and culturally enriching adventure.