Welcome to our Taiwan itinerary! If you’re looking for well-crafted tips for an unforgettable trip, you’ve come to the right place. Please enjoy and get inspired!
The island nation of Taiwan is somewhat off the beaten tourist path. And yet, this country has so much to offer. Not only cities, but also historical sites, beaches, and mountains that rise to heights of 3,000 meters. In this article, “Taiwan – travel tips, advice, and itinerary,” we offer you not only a basic itinerary but also guidance on how to plan your own journey through Taiwan.
When to go
The best time to visit Taiwan is from April to June and from September to November. During the summer months (mid-June, July, and August), it is the rainy and typhoon season.
Also keep in mind that if you plan to travel during the Chinese New Year period (late January/early February), the whole of Asia is on the move. It is a holiday season when millions of people from China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand travel and celebrate.
Chinese New Year is something like our New Year’s Eve, but it is accompanied by a much bigger celebration, and people take this holiday far more seriously. And since they can travel during this time, everyone wants to make the most of it.
This means that traveling not only to Taiwan but also to East Asia during that time is truly a hassle. Hotels, transportation, flights, food… everything gets more expensive and everything is packed.
Safety and Vaccinations
Taiwan is definitely a safe country where you face no threats. No mandatory vaccinations are required, but as everywhere in the world, vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended here as well. During the rainy season (July, August), there is an increased number of mosquitoes, and dengue fever may occur.
To sum it up, Taiwan is just as safe as Japan, China, or South Korea.
Will I be able to communicate?
Compared to Japan, China, or South Korea, Taiwan is a country where you can get by in English. That’s why traveling here is much easier, and you won’t encounter puzzled looks as often as, for example, in Japan.
Visa
Citizens of the Slovak and Czech Republics do not need a visa for Taiwan. Upon entry, you will receive a stamp that allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Please note! Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave the country.
Transportation
By air:
You can reach Taiwan by direct flight from Vienna with China Airlines (not to be confused with Air China, which is the airline of the People’s Republic of China). Taiwan also has excellent flight connections with all Southeast Asian countries.
Connections with other Asian countries are as follows:
- AirAsia – Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok
- ANA – Japan
- Asiana Airlines (to/from Seoul Incheon)
- Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong
- Cebu Pacific (Manila)
- Eastar Jet (South Korea)
- Jetstar Asia (Singapore a Osaka)
- Korean Air (Seoul)
- Malaysia Airlines
- Peach Aviation (Tokyo – Narita, Osaka, Okinawa)
- Philippine Airlines (Manila, Kalibo)
- Scoot
- Silkair – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines – 2551 6655
- Thai Airways – Bangkok
- Tiger Airways
- Vietnam Airlines
Train
The railway network in Taiwan is more than excellent. It is similar to that in South Korea or Japan. Taiwan’s GDP per capita is comparable to Slovakia’s, yet they have managed to build high-speed rail here.
High-speed rail
Taiwan’s “Shinkansen” runs at speeds of up to 300 km/h and connects cities along the west coast between Taipei and Zuoying/Kaohsiung. The train stops in these cities: Nangang, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Chiayi, and Tainan. The fastest train covers the nearly 350-kilometer distance in 90 minutes, and an economy-class ticket costs around 40 euros.
Tickets can be purchased directly on site or via the official website, where you can find current prices: https://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/Home
Regular trains
This is slower transportation, but still very high quality, faster and cheaper than back home in Slovakia. The railway network connects almost all major cities. You don’t need to book tickets in advance; you can buy them directly on site (except during major holiday periods). The official website with all the information can be found here: https://www.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip?lang=EN_US
Buses
This is slower transportation, but still fast (compared to Slovakia), high-quality, and cheaper than the trains themselves.
Bus stations can be found in every city—near the railway station, where you can quickly choose from the available companies. Again, no advance reservation is needed. The most well-known company is UBUS.
Currency
The currency used in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar, and you can check the official exchange rate here. Taiwan is a modern country where you can pay by card in almost all brick-and-mortar stores.
If you need cash, exchange it at the airport—the rate is better and the fees are much lower than in city banks. If you have leftover Taiwan dollars, you can exchange them back for euros or US dollars.
Taiwan is a cheaper country than Japan, South Korea, or China.
- 3-star hotel – from 30 euros
- 4-star hotel – from 50 to 80 euros (depending on the city)
- Guest house – from 5 euros per bed
- Street food, local restaurants where you pick your meal – from 2 euros per portion, including rice and a simple soup
- Beer in a bar – from 3 euros (small 330 ml)
- Beer in a store – from 1.5 euros
- 1.5 liter water – from 0.5 euros
- Bus ticket for a 150-kilometer distance – approximately 7 to 8 euros
Itinerary
We based this on the idea that you want to explore Taiwan by traveling between cities, do some light trekking or hiking, and see a bit of history. For mountain lovers, we’ll prepare a more detailed itinerary later:
Day 1: Arrival in Taipei and departure by high-speed train to Kaohsiung (about 2 hours, price 40 euros. There are cheaper and slower options, but this is an experience). Overnight in Kaohsiung
Day 2: Full-day sightseeing in Kaohsiung – we especially recommend:
The harbor area – Port Eluanbi Park N.2, which has been transformed into a place for artists who turned the cold port docks into art studios.
- Former British Consulate at the harbor
- Lotus Lake – home to Buddhist and Confucian temples
- Nightlife near Central Park
All of this is easily accessible by the well-organized metro, with tickets costing between 0.7 and 0.9 euros. Overnight in Kaohsiung
Day 3: Full-day trip to Eluanbi National Park, accessible by bus. There’s a lighthouse here, easy walks in the surrounding area… Overnight in Kaohsiung.
Day 4: Morning transfer to Tainan by local train – cost around 3 euros, journey takes about 40 minutes from Kaohsiung train station. Tainan is one of the historic cities.
You’ll find here:
- The historic Fort Zeelandia
- The historic Shennong Street – especially beautiful when lit up at night, with pleasant bars…
Night in Tainan
Day 5: Transfer to Taichung by local bus (journey takes 2.5 hours and costs around 8 euros). It’s a modern city with skyscrapers. Overnight in Taichung.
Day 6: Trip to the historic town of Lukang – it’s the second-oldest town in Taiwan. There are a few beautifully preserved historic streets with a nice main temple. Overnight in Taichung.
Days 7–8: Transfer to Taipei – the capital city.
- Taipei 101
- National Palace Museum – this is where all the artifacts from Beijing’s Forbidden City are housed – entrance fee 250 NT.
- Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- National museum
- Longshang temple
- Baoan temple
- Xingtian Temple
Day 9: Flight home or continue to another Asian country. See the “Transport” section.
How much does such a trip cost?
If two people travel, stay in 3-star hotels, eat street food, and try the high-speed train, regular train, and bus, the cost (excluding the main flight) is around 530 euros.
What are the current prices of food, transportation, services, and other things? Check out the prices and average cost of living in Taiwan.
If you have questions about the article “Taiwan – Travel Tips, Advice, and Itinerary,” leave a comment and we’ll gladly answer. We also thank Aleš Tvrdý, who lives in Taiwan, for his valuable on-the-ground tips.
