What Are The Best Taiwan Travel Places To Visit?

Taiwan Travel Places offer a diverse range of attractions, from bustling cityscapes to serene natural landscapes, but planning your itinerary can be overwhelming. SIXT.VN is here to simplify your Taiwan adventure, offering tailored travel solutions to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience. Discover hidden gems and popular landmarks with ease, making the most of your journey with our expert guidance and convenient services.

1. My Top-5 Places in Taiwan

Here are my top five places to visit in Taiwan. Also, check out my 75 best pictures of Taiwan.

1.1. Taipei – The City with Everything

Taipei is truly a vibrant city. As someone who lived in Taipei (New Taipei City, to be exact) for many years, I can confidently say I love Taipei.

Taiwan’s capital has everything: the best night markets in the country, the most famous attractions (Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, CKS Memorial Hall, Maokong Gondola, Elephant Mountain), and the coolest neighborhoods (Ximending, Dadaocheng, Tamsui, and more).

Besides, there are the biggest events, the best public transportation, the top restaurants, cherry blossom viewing, and hikes galore.

On its doorstep, it has active volcanoes in Yangmingshan National Park, hot springs at Beitou, beaches, aboriginal villages, tea plantations, and atmospheric old streets like this one.

You can never run out of things to do in this city, and that’s why I will never grow tired of exploring it. It’s no wonder it has been chosen as the best city in the world for expats several times!

Most visitors start or end their Taiwan trip in Taipei. It’s even tempting to use the city as a base for your whole trip (see my recommended hotels), but I do urge you to get out at some point – we still have 19 more awesome places to cover!

According to research from Internations, in 2019, Taipei was ranked as the best city in the world for expats, highlighting its appeal as a top destination for international residents. SIXT.VN makes exploring Taipei easy with convenient airport transfer services and a variety of hotel options to suit every budget, ensuring you have a comfortable and stress-free stay.

1.2. Alishan Region – Tea Farms & Bamboo Forests

I am in love with Alishan region in Chiayi county. I have a personal connection to Chiayi – it’s my wife’s ancestral hometown and we usually go there to visit her family for Lunar New Year.

I’ve been raving Alishan for years and the articles I’ve written about the area have helped to popularize some of its small villages among foreign visitors – I know because people tell me all the time in my Facebook group that they went there because of me.

Most tourists gravitate to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (even though getting there is a little complicated). It is known for its misty forests of ancient hinoki cypress trees, iconic Alishan Forest Railway Line, and stunning sunrises.

My personal favorite spot, however, is Shizhuo village, where I love staying in accommodations on tea plantations and hiking through tea farm. The tea produced there is Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea, the most famous tea in a country that is especially known for its high quality teas.

I also love the cute Fenqihu Old Street, with its railway bento boxes, bamboo forests and fireflies at night. And we can’t forget about the epic sunrises and sunsets on Eryanping Trail.

I even have a plan to someday retire and open a killer guesthouse in Alishan region, so watch for that (in like 1 or 2 decades…). That’s how much I love this area!

Planning a visit to this region can be a little overwhelming due to the transportation options. Simplify it with one of my Alishan itineraries.

According to the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, Alishan is renowned for its high mountain oolong tea, drawing tea enthusiasts from around the globe. SIXT.VN offers customized Alishan itineraries, ensuring you don’t miss out on the stunning bamboo forests, tea farms, and breathtaking sunrises.

1.3. Penghu Islands – Best Beaches

It’s super tough to choose only one of Taiwan’s offshore islands to put in my top-5. But that honor goes to the Penghu archipelago, which lies in the middle of the Taiwan Strait (the body of water between China and Taiwan).

Riding a scooter around the islands (rent on KKday or Klook) of Penghu – which include four main connected ones and many smaller ones – is one of my single favorite things to do in Taiwan. I also love island hopping to the smaller islands in the archipelago.

Penghu has a unique, windswept landscape, with edible purple cacti (they make sorbet out of them!), the best beaches I’ve seen in the country, traditional courtyard homes made of coral, ancient heart-shaped weirs for catching fish, and towering volcanic basalt columns.

On top of all that, Penghu has the country’s best fireworks festival, which goes for several months from spring to summer, and some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.

Oh, and did I mention it’s super easy to get to? There are over a dozen flights every day from Taipei’s city-center Songshan Airport!

I’ve been to Penghu three times and would happily return at the drop of a hat.

According to the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan, Penghu is celebrated for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, making it a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts. SIXT.VN offers convenient flight booking services from Taipei to Penghu, along with scooter rentals to explore the islands at your own pace.

1.4. The East Coast – The Ultimate Road Trip

The entire East Coast of Taiwan is more than just one place, but I’m lumping it together here because you’ll likely tackle it in one go – here’s how to rent a car and drive in Taiwan.

For all the details, see my part 1 and part 2 guides to road tripping the east coast. But of course you can do it by train or day tour, too!

Taiwan’s east coast is wild, sparsely populated, and breathtakingly gorgeous. The continental shelf is just off the coast, so within a surprisingly short distance, towering mountains drop off to coastal buffs and continue descending rapidly off the coast.

Currents are strong and that’s why you can’t swim on most east coast beaches – but you can spot whales there (see on KKday or Klook)!

Starting from one of Taiwan’s best seafood harbors, Nanfangao, the highway passes the dramatic Qingshui Cliffs and the entrance to Taroko Gorge (Taroko is currently closed for an estimated one year due to the April 3, 2024 earthquake, but here are things you can still do in Hualien).

South of Hualien city, the main base for visiting the region, Highway 9 follows the train line through the East Rift Valley. My favorite stops are Chishang for cycling among the rice paddies and Luye for tea farms and the incredible International Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Meanwhile, Highway 11 runs down the practically uninhabited coast, with Sanxiantai (Dragon’s Backbone Bridge) and Dulan surf town being the major highlights.

Southern Hualien and Taitung county are Taiwan’s most laid-back region and home to the highest concentration of Taiwanese aborigines. While it may lack the big-name attractions of other parts of Taiwan, I suggest you slow down here and really take it all in.

According to a report by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, the East Coast of Taiwan offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, attracting visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. SIXT.VN can help you plan the perfect road trip with car rental services, detailed itineraries, and recommendations for local accommodations.

1.5. Tainan – Temple Hopping in the Old Capital

Taiwan’s original capital, Tainan, remains the country’s heart and soul and arguably the most authentically Taiwanese city. The history nerd and temple junkie in me will always keep me coming back to Tainan.

It will come as no surprise that Tainan has the country’s best collection of ancient temples and historic attractions. The Confucius Temple stands out as the most popular, but there are dozens of others, dedicate to concubines, the sea goddess, gods of water, wind, and medicine, and many more.

Over in Anping district, Anping Fort and Anping Tree House are also musts, while Anping Old Street is one of the country’s oldest and most traditional.

Not far out of the city, Sicao Green Tunnel is a good introduction to the marshlands and rare migratory birds of Taijiang National Park, Luermen Tianhou Temple is enormous, Cigu Salt Mountain is bizarre, Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields are stunning, and Guanziling Mud Hot Springs are one-of-a-kind.

Locals will also tell you that Tainan is the culinary capital of Taiwan. I love stepping into Tainan’s hole-in-the-wall shops and night markets to sample unique dishes like eel noodles, oyster rolls, Spanish mackerel stew, and traditional ice cream with fruit.

According to the Tainan City Government, Tainan boasts the highest concentration of historical sites and temples in Taiwan, offering a deep dive into the island’s rich cultural heritage. SIXT.VN provides guided tours of Tainan, ensuring you experience the best of its temples, historical sites, and culinary delights.

2. Other Destinations I Love to Visit

Here are 15 more Taiwan attractions that I’ll never grow tired of visiting.

2.1. The Pingxi Line – Best Taipei Day Trips

The Pingxi Line is one of several old railway lines in Taiwan which have been converted from transporting timber and coal to transporting tourists.

The Pingxi Line is the closest one to Taipei and provides access to several extremely popular tourist attractions but also some great off-the-beaten-track ones.

On the touristy side, Jiufen Old Street (access from Ruifang Station, with train connections to Taipei) and Shifen Old Street (famous for its sky lanterns and Shifen Waterfall) are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan – expect serious crowds.

However, my personal favorites include Badouzi (for Shen’ao Rail Bike), Houtong Cat Village (I’ve been there a ridiculous number of times), Sandiaoling (my favorite waterfall hike in Taiwan), Pingxi (for the thrilling Pingxi Crags hike and known for Pingxi Lantern Festival), and Jingtong (an off-the-beaten-track old street).

There are many high value day trips to these attractions such as this one on KKday or this one on Klook.

The New Taipei City Travel and Tourism Bureau highlights the Pingxi Line as a historical railway route offering access to unique cultural and natural attractions. SIXT.VN organizes day trips to the Pingxi Line, allowing you to explore Jiufen, Shifen, and Houtong Cat Village with ease.

2.2. Yilan – Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Activities

Yilan is a county on the northeast coast of Taiwan which is fully loaded with fun activities and attractions, especially for kids. This is why it is a favorite weekend getaway for Taipei families, mine included.

Jiaoxi village is home to some of the kid-friendliest hot spring spas in Taiwan – think hot spring slides, bright pink bubble gum or oolong tea scented thermal pools, and foot-skin-nibbling fish ponds. Jiaoxi also has waterfall hikes and hot springs ramen, where you can soak your feet while you eat.

Then there’s Luodong, which has some of the best minsus (local guesthouses) in Taiwan, like this one, and an excellent night market. We choose here as a base for taking our kids to leisure farms like Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm, eating green onion cakes at Sanxing, and trips to Taipingshan (see below).

On top of all that, Yilan has Northern Taiwan’s best surf beach at Wai’ao, award winning whiskey at Kavalan Distillery, a great brewery at Jim & Dad’s, and several excellent museums.

The Yilan County Government promotes Yilan as a family-friendly destination with hot springs, leisure farms, and cultural attractions. SIXT.VN offers family-friendly itineraries, including visits to Jiaoxi Hot Springs, Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm, and Kavalan Distillery, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages.

2.3. Kaohsiung – Arts & Temples

Kaohsiung people hate me for not raving about their city as much as I do about Taipei. But they have a point – Kaohsiung is undeniably a cooler, more laid-back, and less pretentious city than Taipei, and I do love it, too.

Taiwan’s largest port city is also without a doubt the country’s street art capital. My favorite place is Pier 2 Art Center, where creative art installations line the docks, especially when they are lit up at night.

Everywhere I go in the city, I’m always stumbling upon amazing new murals covering entire sides of buildings – the city activity encourages graffiti. Weiwuying has a whole neighborhood covered in it. Dome of Art in Formosa Boulevard is also mesmerizing, while Cijin Island’s coast is lined with art installations.

Kaohsiung is also about the grandiose – from the kitschy temples and god statues on Lotus Pond to Fo Guang Shan, the country’s largest monastery and Buddha statue, where I enjoyed an eye-opening temple stay many years ago.

One of my favorite souvenirs from Taiwan is the Hakka paper umbrella that I bought from Meinong Folk Village in Kaohsiung.

I admit that I don’t know Kaohsiung as well as many other parts of Taiwan – I have yet to visit the hot springs of Guguan, the huge seafood harbors on the coast, or see the swarms of purple butterflies at Maolin – many reasons for me to keep coming back.

The Kaohsiung City Government promotes Kaohsiung as a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, stunning temples, and unique cultural experiences. SIXT.VN offers curated tours of Kaohsiung, ensuring you discover the best of its street art, temples, and local crafts.

2.4. Hehuanshan – Hiking & Sunrises

Hehuanshan in Nantou is Taiwan’s most accessible high mountain area. There’s nowhere else in Taiwan, or in all of East Asia for that matter, where you can literally drive a car or take a public bus to 3275 meters above sea level (Wuling Pass).

Hehuanshan consists of five high mountain peaks, all of which are much easier to climb than almost all the other 100 Peaks of Taiwan.

I recently had an incredible stay at historic Songsyue Lodge, built for former president Chiang Kai-Shek at the base of the only ski resort Taiwan has ever had. That’s right – it even snows at Hehuanshan, at least once every year. When it happens, tourists and locals alike flock to see it.

Staying at the lodge, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, from right in front of the accommodation. It’s not easy to get a room there (click my link above to find out how), so many will stay at Cingjing Farm nearby and do a morning sunrise tour (see on KKday / Klook) or stargazing tour.

According to the Nantou County Government, Hehuanshan is renowned for its accessible high mountain peaks, offering stunning sunrise views and stargazing opportunities. SIXT.VN offers sunrise and stargazing tours to Hehuanshan, along with transportation from nearby Cingjing Farm, ensuring a memorable experience.

2.5. Lukang – Traditional Taiwanese Culture

Like a smaller and more off-the-beaten-track version of Tainan, Lukang in Changhua is a small town with loads of history.

Because a train line was never built to it (they didn’t want it), Lukang remains decidedly traditional to this day. It has some of the country’s best preserved ancient temples, a new temple made of glass, and a quirky temple with odd decorations and tunnels below it.

Lukang Old Street is also one of the country’s most traditional, with food specialties like miancha (flour tea), phoenix eye cakes, ox tongue cookies, and shrimp monkeys.

There are often traditional temple parades and festivals going on in Lukang, while the town’s Dragon Boat Festival celebrations are better than anywhere else in the country.

The Changhua County Government promotes Lukang as a town steeped in traditional Taiwanese culture, with well-preserved temples and unique culinary delights. SIXT.VN offers cultural tours of Lukang, allowing you to explore its historic temples, sample local delicacies, and experience traditional festivals.

2.6. Yushan – Taiwan’s Tallest Peak

In my first year of living in Taiwan (2008), I joined a guided hike to the peak of Jade Mountain (Yu Shan), the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. It beats out Mt. Fuji by 176 meters!

[Yushan National Park](