A guide to staying in Taiwan during the tourist season.

With plans to welcome international tourists in the third quarter of this year, Taiwan is sure to be a highly anticipated destination. A small island in East Asia, Taiwan is considered a captivating tourist gem, boasting delicious food, stunning natural landscapes, and a diverse culture.

When visiting Taiwan, tourists will find many great accommodations to suit any need or budget. Below are some suggestions from Travellive to make your trip even more perfect.

Taipei

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and your point of entry when visiting the country. It's a modern, bustling city with a strong personality and dynamism. Everything here is constantly moving; skyscrapers, night markets, upscale restaurants, and casual eateries are always vibrant and brightly lit, ready to capture your attention. In Taipei, you can find everything from famous landmarks and historical sites to entertainment venues and shopping malls.

Taipei offers a wide range of accommodation options, from capsule hotels to modern 5-star suites with all the necessary amenities and luxury. Public transportation in Taipei is fast and efficient, so you'll have no trouble getting around and exploring the city. Try looking for accommodation in areas like Zhongzheng, Wanhua, or Xinyi – these are areas close to the city center.

Taichung

If you're traveling with family, Taichung is the perfect destination. Located in central Taiwan, it boasts a wealth of unique attractions. It's renowned for its local festivals and fun activities. In particular, Taichung has many museums offering family-friendly exhibitions and games. Taichung Historic Park, the colorful Rainbow Village, and the National Museum of Fine Arts and Natural Sciences are great places for children to enjoy. Additionally, Lin Family Gardens and the Japanese-style temples are must-see destinations in Taichung.

Taichung also has many great places to stay. However, if you're only in the city for a short time, choose a location near the central district. From there, you can easily get anywhere thanks to the convenient transportation system. When visiting Taichung, you'll be amazed by its unique and beautiful scenery.

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is a romantic destination for couples traveling together. As the largest lake in Taiwan, it's a popular choice for those seeking a unique and relaxing experience. Here, you can sit on the lakeshore and admire the picturesque natural scenery. Additionally, the surrounding area boasts numerous restaurants, shops, and cafes with lake views.

On the other hand, the natural scenery surrounding the lake is suitable for recreational activities such as hiking along the lakeside, cycling through the surrounding hills, or boating on the lake. Sun Moon Lake has several cable car routes that allow you to admire the entire area, and some interesting temples to explore. If you choose to stay overnight, it's best to stay near the lake area for beautiful scenery and affordable prices.

Kinmen Island

Kinmen Island is a famous historical landmark. Today, it is better known as a tourist destination with countless stunning landscapes. Kinmen Island is called "the lake in the sea" by locals. It boasts numerous historical buildings and magnificent ancient architecture. It's a must-see stop on any backpacking adventure in Taiwan.

Kinmen Island also boasts nature reserves and stunning hiking trails, along with many majestic primeval forests. Surrounding the island are pristine beaches with white sand and golden sunshine.

Kaohsiung

If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, then you'll love Kaohsiung. It's a vibrant city with delicious food and fascinating historical sites. The cost of living in Kaohsiung is slightly cheaper than in the capital, so you don't need to worry too much about the price to fully experience the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Kaohsiung is renowned as Taiwan's maritime and industrial hub. The city is busy and crowded, making it unsuitable for tourists seeking a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. While relatively young, Kaohsiung still boasts historical landmarks such as the Love Pier and the Lotus Pond Temple. The city also has several interesting museums worth visiting, such as the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Museum.

Lukang Old Town

Lukang is the second oldest city on the island nation. Its old town isn't as popular with tourists as other areas. This means you'll enjoy a quieter experience exploring all the unique charm and history of this town. Lukang's charm lies in its stunning architecture and delicious food.

Lukang is located in northwestern Taiwan and was once a bustling commercial center and seaport. There are over 200 temples to explore in Lukang, each with diverse and unique architecture. There are also several special attractions such as the Taiwan Glass Gallery and the old town of Lukang.

Alishan National Park

If you love wild nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then you should visit Alishan National Scenic Park. This area has 25 mountains for you to enjoy climbing and exploring.

To reach Alishan, visitors should take the Alishan Forest Railway. The train travels through the forest before stopping at a charming little village where you can see the ruins of a Shinto shrine and experience local Tsou culture. Along the way, visitors can stop at villages such as Chiayi.

Tainan

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was once the capital. Therefore, you'll find many historical landmarks when you visit. Tainan is a place where you can experience the most traditional aspects of Taiwanese culture.

You could spend days or even weeks exploring the city's history, from the Taiwan Confucius Temple, built in 1665, to Fort Provintia, built in 1653. The city also has a historic district called Anping District, home to numerous museums of varying sizes. In addition, the suburbs offer many natural attractions such as Taijian National Park or Hutoupi Nature Reserve.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Travel Talk - Next Stop: Taiwan! - a program organized by Travellive magazine in collaboration with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

The Travel Talk will cover topics such as travel experiences in Taiwan, tourism policies related to Covid-19, Taiwanese cuisine, and must-see destinations, shared by two veteran travel bloggers, Ly Thanh Co and Bui Viet Ha (Ha La La).

By attending the event, guests will have the opportunity to receive attractive special gifts from the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and travel bloggers.

Time: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM, May 28, 2022

Location: Stage A, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Anh Thi