A taste of Taiwan: Night markets, temples, and tea

Taiwan travel overview: From Taoyuan Airport to major cities

You’ve landed in Taiwan!! Perhaps you have 2 hours, 2 days or 2 weeks. Given that three excellent Taiwanese airlines service Taipei from the United States and other countries, there is a decent chance that you might be at least spending some Taoyuan airport time if not actual country time. Taoyuan is a nice airport so there are no issues spending time there. If you are spending a couple days, Taipei is the most likely target although it is not impossible to take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to another city. In case you have two weeks, consider some of the below locations. This article just touches on highlights and hints and leaves much to your own planning.

Taipei itinerary: Night markets, food, and Zhongshan district

After landing at Taoyuan and taking the 40-minute to an hour trip to old Taipei, spend a night or two in the Zhongshan district. Enjoying some beef noodle soup or dumplings or another local delicacy at one of the many small nearby restaurants or perhaps a night market. After this respite in Taipei, take a short trip to Taipei Main Station and hop on the high-speed rail (HSR) to Kaohsiung. Don’t worry, we will return to Taipei. In general, it is best to buy HSR tickets ahead of time. HSR takes you almost the entire length of Taiwan in around 2 hours. Business and regular classes are available.

Kaohsiung travel guide: Temples, monasteries, and local culture

Blessed with a subtropical climate, Kaohsiung is the third largest Taiwanese city, and it might be a little underrated.  Fo Guang Shan is impressive. Located about an hour outside the city, this Buddhist monastery, eight pagodas, museum and huge sitting Buddha statue offer something for everyone. The museum is very pleasant, quite a surprise, and the grounds offer the chance to explore or just meander. In Kaohsiung proper, the Lotus Pond with its dragon and tiger pagodas and local market is another great place to wander. Test your fortune in the nearby Confucious Temple. As for food, the local scene is great for duck rice, beef noodles, hot pot, other Taiwanese specialties and of course night markets. As in any Taiwanese city, stop at a tea shop and pick up the local suggestions.

Tainan travel guide: Taiwan’s oldest city and food capital

Next up is the oldest city on the island and a 15-minute HSR ride from Kaohsiung: Tainan. Led by beef soup, milkfish, noodles and other delicacies, Tainan is yet another excellent Taiwanese food city.  Some even say the best. Anping has a tree house, fort, shops and of course food and throughout the city one will find temples, restaurants, department stores, museums and a few ruins. On the water, Tainan is a pleasant place to walk and enjoy. There are rumors it is a good spot for ocean fishing. As with Kaohsiung, the climate can be warmer here than in Taipei.

Taichung and Sun Moon Lake: Bubble tea and scenic nature

Hop back on the HSR for a 35-55-minute journey to Taiwan’s second largest city: Taichung. Situated between Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taichung is famous for milk tea, ice cream, great stinky tofu and of course many other things. Residents of Taichung might argue with this description, but Chun Shui Tang does claim to have originated pearl milk tea in 1983 and Miyahara ice cream with its special toppings has a dedicated following, and a small little shop somewhere in the city sells only stinky tofu and it is truly good. Taichung is also the gateway to the famous Sun Moon Lake. At least a day trip is warranted. The tea here does not disappoint. Lured by its spectacular setting, outdoor activities and appealing sunsets and sunrises, many people chose to stay at Sun Moon Lake.

Taipei highlights: Daan Park, markets, and city life

One more 45 minute-1 hour train trip back to Taipei. However, the journey is not yet over as there are still a few days in Taipei and residence in the Daan Park area. Highlighted by its namesake, Daan Park is a vibrant area with good MRT access and just a short walk from the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial. Daan Park itself is huge, green and crowded on weekends. It is close to the Jianguo Flower and Jade Market. There are many great dumpling restaurants and other food spots ranging from street food to high end. With its produce, street food, clothes and other items for sale, Dongmen market is also nearby and accessible via the Dongmen MRT stop.

Taiwan national parks guide: Yangmingshan and Taroko Gorge

Venture outside of Taipei and head to Yangmingshan National Park for a day trip. I took a cab, hiked for a couple hours, ate at a local restaurant and then slept a bit on the 50-minute drive back to Taipei. There are trails for everyone in Yangmingshan and one can spend a few minutes or a few days in this park..

Yangmingshan leads to a general discussion of Taiwan’s national parks. They are a country highlight and can be found in almost every region and outside of most major cities from Kaohsiung to Taipei. This letter mentioned Sun Moon Lake and Yangmingshan but a longer day trip from Taipei would be to the spectacular Taroko Gorge National Park. This rivals natural sites anywhere.

Why Taiwan is one of the best travel destinations in Asia

Whether on a short layover or extended stay, Taiwan can be a great destination. Ultimately, you will decide if it meets your expectations. The highlights are food, night markets, national parks, tea, transportation and a pleasant and safe vibe.