Taiwan Travel Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links which means I’ll receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase through my link. Read my disclosure for more information. Thank you for your support 🤍

Chiang Kai Shek (中正紀念堂)

As someone who has been visiting Taiwan frequently, I've seen the incredible transformation this country has gone through over the years.

From its busy cities to its peaceful natural landscapes, Taiwan has something for everyone.

Having visited Taiwan regularly to see family, I've come to appreciate its beauty a lot more as I've gotten older. Returning after the COVID restrictions were lifted felt incredible after a three-year absence, and I discovered so much more about this advancing country.

While there are still improvements to be made, Taiwan has made significant progress, and I'm proud to call it one of my homes.

Which brings me to why I want to share this eye-opening experience with you through this Taiwan travel itinerary.

In this itinerary, I will be sharing my favorite experiences along with some hidden gems, offering a glimpse into modern-day Taiwan. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor lover, this 10-day itinerary will introduce you to the best of what Taiwan has to offer.

Feel free to customize this itinerary to suit your preferences. This 10-day Taiwan itinerary is a perfect starting point for those who have never visited Taiwan and want to get a taste of what the country has to offer.

⊹˚. ♡ 🇹🇼.˚₊🥟 ⋆🧋˚｡⋆🥢

10 day Taiwan itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Taoyuan Airport (TPE), Taiwan > Taichung

MORNING OR AFTERNOON

The time will depend on when your flight arrives in Taiwan. Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

TRANSPORTATION

• Purchase High-Speed Rail (HSR) tickets to Taichung

• You can also purchase an EasyCard and pick it up at TPE. Keep it with you to use at any city’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), bus, or even rent a YouBike

AFTERNOON OR EVENING IN TAICHUNG

• Check-in at OLAH Poshtel Taichung Station

• Visit Miyahara (宮原眼科) for ice cream, lunch or afternoon tea, and souvenirs.

• Check out the stunning architecture of National Taichung Theater (臺中國家歌劇院) with cute shops and restaurants inside

• Leisurely walk around Maple Garden (秋紅谷景觀生態公園)

• Walk along Calligraphy Greenway (草悟道) and check out handcrafted items at booths

• ChunShuiTang Original Store for their iconic boba creation or food if you’re hungry.

EVENING

Enjoy a night market experience at Fengchia Night Market or Yizhong Street Night Market. Play games, eat street food, and shop!

Day 2: Taichung

MORNING

• Breakfast at OLAH Poshtel (breakfast is included at the hotel)

• Morning stroll along Liuchan Riverside Walk (柳川水岸景觀步道)

• Explore Natural Way Six Arts (道禾六藝文化館)

TRANSPORTATION

I recommend renting a car or hiring a driver to get you to Lavender Cottage and Gaomei Wetlands. That way it’s faster and more convenient, and you can head back to Taichung City easily as well.

AFTERNOON

Visit Lavender Cottage for lunch and explore the surrounding area.

EVENING

• Rent a YouBike with your EasyCard and bike around Gaomei Wetlands. Stay there until and watch the sunset

• Drive back to Taichung City

• End the night at Bar Sloth for great cocktails and great vibes

Day 3: Taichung > Guguan, Taichung

MORNING

• Pickup car at car rental

• Drive to Guguan (谷關), a tranquil mountain neighborhood.

AFTERNOON

• Check in at HOSHINOYA Guguan and relax in the natural hot springs

• Explore the area, visiting Guguan Suspension Bridge (谷關吊橋) and Mingzhi Wenquan Old Street (明治溫泉老街)

Day 4: Guguan > Sun Moon Lake, Nantou

MORNING

Drive to Sun Moon Lake

AFTERNOON

• Check-in at Hu Yue Lake View (湖悦景觀旅店)

• Rent bikes to explore the lake's scenic paths.

• Visit the iconic Nine Frogs Stack (九蛙疊像)

• Take a boat tour to explore different wharves.

Day 5: Nantou > Chiayi

MORNING

Drive to Chiayi

AFTERNOON

• Check in at Astrea (星晨堡民宿).

• Enjoy afternoon tea at Chaya Zoy (佐一茶屋)

• Hike the Mist Trail (霧之道) and/or other nearby trails

Day 6: Chiayi > Alishan, Chiayi

MORNING

Take the Alishan Forest Railway up the mountains.

AFTERNOON

Explore the different scenic trails and traditional attractions of Alishan National Forest

Day 7: Chiayi > Kaoshiung

MORNING

Take the HSR to Kaohsiung.

AFTERNOON

• Check in at TAI Urban Resort

• Visit Lotus Pond Scenic Area (蓮池潭風景區) and walk to visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (龍虎塔)

• Explore Pier 2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區) and find creative shops, stationery, cafes, and more

• Enjoy a sunset stroll along Glory Pier (光榮碼頭) and Love River (愛河)

EVENING

Visit Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) for food, drinks, shops, handcrafted pieces, and vintage games

Day 8: Kaohsiung > Jiufen, Taipei

MORNING

• Breakfast at TAI Urban Resort (breakfast is included with your stay)

• Take the HSR to Taipei, transfer to the local train, and ride the bus to Jiufen (九份)

AFTERNOON

• Check-in at Something Easy

• Visit A-Mei Tea House or Jiufen Teahouse

• Explore the charming Jiufen Old Street and consider renting a Qipao for a traditional photo opportunity!

Day 9: Jiufen > Taipei City

MORNING

• Head to Taipei City by bus and train. Or, you can hire a private driver to take you back to Taipei City (available in 5-seater and 9-seater cars).

• Check in at the stunning Shangri-La Far Eastern

AFTERNOON

• Visit the iconic Taipei 101

• Leisurely walk through Daan Park (大安森林公園) and admire different types of birds

• Head to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (國立中正紀念堂) for a deeper dive into Taiwan’s history

EVENING

• Enjoy a delicious dinner with a stunning view of Taipei City at MiraWan

• Visit the iconic Ningxia Street Night Market (寧夏夜市) or Shilin Night Market for a vibrant night market experience. (If you decide to visit either of the night markets, avoid eating dinner at MiraWan)

Day 10: Taipei > TPE

MORNING

• Hike Xiangshan Trail (象山步道) for panoramic views of Taipei City

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Shangri-La (must make reservations) before heading to the airport

AFTERNOON

• Use your EasyCard and take the bus outside from Shangri-La Far Eastern to the airport for a direct transfer

⊹˚. ♡ 🇹🇼.˚₊🥟 ⋆🧋˚｡⋆🥢

Taipei Botanical Garden (台北植物園)

And there you have it!

Remember to customize this itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Consider adding or removing activities, extending your stay in certain locations, or exploring alternative destinations.

For a personalized itinerary tailored to your specific preferences, feel free to contact me! I can help you create an unforgettable Taiwan adventure that showcases the best of this incredible country.

⊹˚. ♡ 🇹🇼.˚₊🥟 ⋆🧋˚｡⋆🥢

check out my Taichung travel vlog

⊹˚. ♡ 🇹🇼.˚₊🥟 ⋆🧋˚｡⋆🥢

DISCOVER MORE