Beyond thrilled to say that this country was one hell of a surprise. Not only is Taiwan colorful, diverse and extremely beautiful, it’s also very affordable and the incredibly friendly people will undoubtedly steal your heart. Visiting for the Sakura spring season felt like stepping into Oogway’s mystical little land. It was surreal, every corner like a dream.
As always, we skipped majority of the touristy spots and ventured off to the countryside. It’s no doubt why that Taiwan has made it to my favorites list.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR TAIWAN ITINERARY
VISA
For Indian passport holders with a valid US visa, you can just apply for a ROC permit and enter the country for FREE. If you don't have one, then you will need to apply for an embassy visa.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Renting a car is cheap, if your plan is to cover places outside Taipei, highly recommended. We pre-booked and picked ours up at the airport.
SIM CARD
You can easily pick one up for $5-8 at the airport.
SOLO TRAVEL + SAFETY
Traveling solo in Taiwan is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transport and friendly locals. The country boasts one of the safest environments for solo travelers, making it an ideal destination for adventurers. Whether you're wandering through the bustling streets of Taipei or hiking in Alishan, you’ll always feel welcome and secure. My Taiwan itinerary can easily be adapted for a solo trip.
VEGAN + VEGETARIAN FOOD
Taiwan is a haven for vegan and vegetarian food lovers. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, the options are endless. In Taipei, I indulged in delicious tofu dishes, veggie dumplings, and fresh fruit juices at Shilin Night Market. In Chiayi, local eateries served up scrumptious plant-based meals that were both healthy and satisfying.
Pro tip: buy these vegan dumplings from a small stall just across the Taipei main station. SO good!
HIGHLIGHTS OF TAIWAN ITINERARY
Quanhua Temple
Straddling the border of Hsinchu and Miaoli counties, Quanhua Temple is nestled into the mountainside.
What makes this holy site SO unique that we hiked up slippery stone steps to visit? The only Taoist temple on the mountain, Quanhua Temple circa 1897 is dedicated to the Jade Emperor. Each level of Quanhua Temple and every shrine along the hiking trails are all like gems in a crown. From lion heads to pure gold buddhas carvings, there is no telling what you may come across within the temple’s walls. We were the only ones there on this overcast day, the stillness and spirituality of this place is unparalleled. It was so special and worth the 2 hour drive from Taipei.
TAIPEI CITY
It is a bustling metropolis, but at night, it transforms into a dazzling dizzy of neon lights and street food aroma!
We skipped the morning rush and explored at night.
📌 Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: This iconic landmark isn’t just for history buffs.
📌 Night Markets: Prepare to have your senses overloaded in the best way possible. From steaming buns to stinky tofu, the Shilin night market in particular is a foodie paradise.
📌 Longshan Temple: This historic temple is a dazzling display of traditional architecture, all lit up like a dream at night!
📌 Dalongdong Temple: this lesser-known gem boasts a dazzling dragon mural that comes alive at night!
JIUFEN
An easy day trip from Taipei, this former Japanese gold mining town is full of life (and people!). It’s a really charming mountain town with a little bit of everything. You can spend the entire day making your way through Jiufen Old Street because it encapsulates the best of Taiwan in one small package: rich history, atmospheric lanes and teahouses, breathtaking views, and distinctly Taiwanese snacks at every turn!
It is also a haven for food lovers. As vegetarians, our options were limited but we found a wonderful vegan restaurant serving delicious local meals.
Since we have done the tea ceremonies in Japan, we didn’t do it in Taiwan but if you haven’t tried it before Jiufen is the best place to find quaint cafes offering authentic tea ceremony experiences. If you’re looking for the best day trip from Taipei, make sure it’s this one.
ALISHAN NATIONAL FOREST
As a forest lover, I’ve discovered breathtaking forests in different corners of the world. While I certainly have my favorites, Alishan is in a league of its own. This enchanted forest was the sole reason I chose Taiwan for our April trip. What makes Alishan special? The misty cloud cover that swirls in and out of the trees throughout the day, no matter the season, is simply magical. It’s something you have to see to believe. It’s like walking into a dream.
When to visit: The best time to visit is late spring, from late March to early April. I can vouch for it – it’s brilliant!
How to get there: Many people do a day trip from Taipei, but I don’t recommend that. Drive or get to Chiayi County first and spend a few days in the area. Take a morning bus from Chiayi Main Station to the National Forest. It’s a 2.5-hour journey, and the drive is beautiful.
What to do: Ride the mini trains. There are numerous trails inside the park. If you do them all lke we did, you’ll need 8 hours!
Where to eat: There are plenty of restaurants at the entrance where you can grab a bite!
Add ons: if you have few extra days, add a day to explore the tea plantations in Fenqui.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This was my 100th country and I couldn’t be happier with the choice. There aren’t many people who list Taiwan as their favorite country, but I can’t stop singing its praises to everyone I meet. If you go, you will be convinced too. Somehow it seems to be always overlooked in favor of more popular countries in the region!
BUDGET + TIPS
Traveling in Taiwan can be affordable with careful planning. Hostels and budget hotels offer great value, and street food is both delicious and inexpensive. Consider purchasing an EasyCard for seamless travel on public transport. Visiting during the Cherry Blossom season might be pricier, so book accommodations and transport in advance to secure the best deals.
This is why I recommend Taiwan for anyone seeking a getaway to an underrated country:
The locals. The Taiwanese people are incredibly friendly. Almost all my favorite countries in the world have this one thing in common - the strangers who showed us kindness when we least expected it, from Afghanistan to Japan.
Nature and culture are seriously beautiful. From mountains to forests to temples, Taiwan has it all.
A lot of places have culture and natural beauty, what makes Taiwan different? For one, it is way more affordable and secondly, the visa process is straightforward.
If you love food, Taiwan will be a culinary dream come true.
It is easy to explore. Whether self-driving or using public transportation, getting around Taiwan is a breeze!
Thanks for reading. Leave your questions and comments below.
Lots of love,
Anki
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