Best of Taiwan

Welcome to Taiwan! Once your flight lands at Taoyuan International Airport, our driver will be waiting for you outside the customs area, holding a sign with your name. Then, we’ll escort you to the hotel in a private car and help you check in. The remainder of the day is free for you.

► Useful Information
1. Currency: Most shops and restaurants in Taiwan do not accept US dollars or euros in cash. After arrival, you can exchange money at the airport’s Taiwan Bank Counter, which operates from 05:30 to 22:20. There is a fee of NTD 30 (USD 1), and the exchange rate is as favorable as in the city.
2. SIM Card: Chunghwa Telecom is known for its extensive signal coverage and fast network speed, even in Taiwan’s mountainous regions. The 7-day traveler SIM card for NTD 500 (USD 15) is recommended, with 4G unlimited data and NTD 150 (USD 4.5) of free call credits. You can purchase it at the counter in the immigration halls before 22:00.

► Free Time Suggestion: Try Iconic Taiwanese Snacks at Raohe Night Market
After a short break, get some cash ready and step out on your own to explore a bite of Taiwan at Raohe Night Market, which is a 10-minute stroll northwest from your hotel and operates from 17:00 to 0:00. The pepper cake at the entrance is the well-deserved signature of the night market, recommended by Michelin Bib Gourmand and reported by many local media. For NTD 60 (USD 2), you can savor a crispy crust encasing juicy filling that bursts in your mouth. Although the queue might be long, the tasty flavor is definitely worth it. Treat yourself further with other beloved snacks like Ice and Fire Sweet Dumpling, Stinky Bean Curd, and Grilled Squid for around NTD 80 (USD 2.4) per serving.

Accommodation: Amba Taipei Songshan (4 stars) or similar

Your Taiwan tour will begin with a 2.5-hour morning drive via the breathtaking Clear Water (Qingshui) Cliff, where 1,000-meter (3,281-foot) high cliffs plunge deeply into the Pacific Ocean at almost perfect 90 degrees. It is also dubbed the “Heartbroken Cliff” by the locals because any stumble on such a towering height could lead to a fall where calls for help would be in vain. One of the best viewing points is at the entrance of the Chongde Tunnel, where a stunning 270-degree view reveals the soaring waves crashing against the rocks below.

Next, continue our journey to Taroko National Park to explore its towering marble cliffs, verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls. You will be impressed by the red exterior of the Eternal Spring Shrine when traversing through Taroko Gorge, an extraordinary carving work of time. The shrine elegantly stands out from the lush surroundings, consoling the 212 souls who lost their lives while carving through cliffs with only hoes and pickaxes to build the Central Cross-Island Highway. Then, marvel at the pothole landscape at the Tienhsiang Visitor Center. After visiting, you will be escorted to the hotel around the scenic area.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lakeshore Hotel Taroko (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will drive for about 4 hours to Sun Moon Lake, one of the highlights of this tour. As we ascend through the lush mountains, the winding road leading to the lake offers scenic panoramic views. We will stop by the Bilu Sacred Tree, with a height of 50 meters (164 ft.) and a diameter of 3.5 meters (3.8 yd.). This is one of the oldest trees in the region, located at an altitude of 2,150 meters (7,054 ft.). Standing beneath this majestic 3000-year-old cedar, you’ll feel a deep connection to history, surrounded by some tree species from the Ice Age. After traversing through ridges and valleys, we will finally arrive at the enchanting Sun Moon Lake. You will be treated to a traditional meal from the Seediq tribal, and then our guide will assist you with checking into the hotel.

► A Glimpse of the Seediq Tribe
The Seediq tribe is one of the ethnic minorities among the aborigines of Taiwan Island. Ancestral spirits (utux) deeply affect their behaviors, and tribe members often gathered for grand sacrificial ceremonies with dance performances to express gratitude to ancestors when sowing, harvesting, and hunting. During dinner, you may watch their semi-cave dwellings, encounter villagers dressed in the red traditional costumes, and witness the tribe’s intricate weaving artistry. The tradition of facial tattooing is another distinctive cultural hallmark of the tribe. Only the bravest warriors who succeeded in hunting and exceptional women skilled in weaving were honored with tattoos, symbolizing their roles as protectors and nurturers of their families. Today, only a small number of old tattoo recipients exist, and their facial tattoos have become a precious memory of the indigenous culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Sun Moon Lake Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today is dedicated to exploring and savoring the charm of Sun Moon Lake in depth. Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, is surrounded by lush forests and charming mountains. Apart from its natural beauty, the lake is home to several Buddhist temples. We will take a morning tour of Wenwu Temple. Ascending staircases through the impressive archway, you’ll be greeted by an 18-meter (59-foot) high ornamental column carved with Chinese dragons and a nearly 100-meter (328-foot) wide gate, which represents the pinnacle of stone carving art in Taiwan. The back hall is also stunning, where breathtaking panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake unfold before you like a painter’s masterpiece.

Afterward, we will take a pleasure boat ride from Ita Thao Pier to explore the lake further. Once disembarking, let’s hike to Xuanguang Temple, a Buddhist temple combining Japanese architectural styles. It enshrines a golden statue and Buddha relics of Xuanzang, a Buddhist hierarch and scholar who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and brought hundreds of Buddhist texts back to China from India. You can also capture a memory with Lalu Island, the boundary of Sun Lake and Moon Lake, in front of the stele inscribed with the Chinese character “Sun Moon Lake”.

★ Exclusive Experience: Cycle around Sun Moon Lake

Then our guide will lead you on a 30-km (19-mi) bike ride around the lake for about 2 to 3 hours. Of course you can take breaks as needed. You may stand at the cantilevered viewing platform to admire expansive bald cypresses, cross the Tie-the-knot Bridge to send blessings to couples, and delve into the rich culture of the Thao people at Ita Thao Pier. As we cycle through the mysterious No.1 tunnel, you will be embraced by pastoral vistas filled with rice fields and charming farmhouses. Finally, immerse yourself in the captivating lake and mountain views along the wooden path of Shuishe Dam.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sun Moon Lake Hotel (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we will drive for 2 hours to the last stop - Alishan Mountain, where nature puts on a spectacular show throughout the year. You can enjoy blossoming cherry flowers in spring, verdant sacred trees in summer, red-flaming maple leaves in autumn, and a sea of clouds in winter. Alishan welcomes its glorious cherry blossom season in March and April when you could combine floral appreciation with hiking. In other seasons, the picturesque scenery will also make our journey impressive, with lush forests swaying gently in the breeze and glistening streams gurgling joyfully. We will stop to visit a well-known tea farm, where you can obtain a panoramic view of tea trees layered across the hillside, resembling a green carpet. Breathe in the fresh fragrance of tea leaves and examine their meticulous growth as you stroll along the trails.

Upon reaching Alishan National Scenic Area, you will board the iconic forest train running along narrow gauges. As the train chugs along, the intertwining tropical orchards and dense forests paint a stunning backdrop against quaint traditional houses. Get ready for a unique train journey following a narrow Z-shaped mountain rail line, on which you’ll feel like shaking in the waves, especially when the train climbs the hill slope. Finally, we will escort you to check in the hotel.

► Friendly Tips: Hotel Conditions in Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Most of the hotels in the Alishan area do have a long history since they were built from thousand-year-old cypress trees in the area. To protect the ecological environment, the government has strict rules for refurbishment. Therefore, these hotels stay with the original layout. But our well-selected hotel is the best among limited options, and you can enjoy stunning views of lush greeneries from windows. In addition, the heating in Alishan only opens when the temperature is lower than 8℃ (46°F).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alishan House Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Get up early in the morning, and our guide will accompany you to hike through the forest. A thick coat, a pair of non-slip hiking shoes, and enough water will be very helpful. Let the fresh air revitalize your senses as we meander along scenic paths lined with towering redwood trees and dense bamboo groves, all shrouded in a mystical veil of clouds and mist. Please follow the guide closely to avoid any potential detours. When passing by streams, you may encounter some blue magpies, early risers like us, searching for their breakfasts. If lucky, you may also witness a magnificent sea of clouds from the observation deck.

Around noon, savor a cup of authentic Taiwanese tea at the Alishan Win Tea House, where you can learn about various types of tea leaves, their aromas, and brewing techniques, or explore the lovely rose garden cultivated by the owner. After that, it’s time to say goodbye to Alishan, and we will drive back to Taipei in about 4.5 hours.

► Dinner Suggestion (at your own expense):
After a brief rest in your hotel, you may proceed to the Veggienius Restaurant for dinner, a 15-minute taxi ride from your hotel. The last orders are taken before 20:30 and they only accept cash. Aesthetic lotus leaf patterns adorning the ceiling and wooden tables complete the elegant atmosphere of this vegetarian eatery. For the main course, don’t miss the Assorted Mushroom Donburi with Yolk, which will make you crave more after mixing the salted egg yolk into the rice. Then you can try their special desserts like Deep Fried Pastry with Shredded Radish and Mango Cheese to conclude your last night in Taiwan. Remember to make a reservation in advance!
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 275, Section 3, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei 104 Taiwan
Average Cost per Person: NTD 600-800 (USD 18-24)

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amba Taipei Songshan (4 stars) or similar

Your 7 days Taiwan tour will draw to an end today. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Taoyuan International Airport based on your flight schedule. We sincerely wish you a pleasant homebound flight!

► For Your Information: If time allows before your departure, bid a memorable farewell to Taiwan by visiting Taipei 101 by yourself, the city’s tallest building at 508 meters (1,667 ft.). It is a 15-minute Uber ride from the hotel. Marvel at the world’s largest wind damper on the 88th floor and head up to the 89th floor, where the stunning skyline will leave a lasting impression. The admission fee is NTD 600 (USD 18), and you can book tickets on the official website three days in advance to ensure your preferred time.

If you want to explore other cities in Taiwan, like Hualien, Taichung, and Taitung, or travel to destinations like Mainland China, Japan, and Vietnam, please contact our travel experts to customize your ideal itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast