May I be so bold in saying that Taiwan should be on everyone’s “must-travel-to” list?   It’s a country that everyone’s heard of but when you start exploring the entire island, you realize how unexpectedly off-the-beaten path it is.   In this sweet potato-shaped country, all it takes is a bit of unfolding to reveal a bursting of hidden jewels.

I had the chance to explore Taiwan for 12 days and while short, it was enough time to gain a serious appreciation for the country.  Let me attempt to explain with these 5 qualities that sum up what makes it a top destination for travellers.

Read more on Taiwan

How to get the best deals in travel

What Makes Travel to Taiwan So Awesome

When thinking about destinations in Asia, you have so many great choices but one place that is extremely underrated is Taiwan. It’s one of those places where, if you don’t know about it, you’d easily skip it over for somewhere more well-known like Thailand or Japan.

Packed on the island that is Taiwan is something truly special and I’ll try my best to put into words what you’re missing out on if you haven’t been!

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
12 Days In Taiwan Travel Guide - Itinerary To Explore The Entire Island

Abound with kindness

standing in front of afei surfing shop in reasons why to travel to taiwan

It’s more than a land of smiles.  It’s a land of 人情味 (ren qing wei).  My local expert guide, Joshua from MyTaiwanTour, explained it as a blanket term adopted by the Taiwanese to describe the general “be good to everyone” vibe.  It can also be translated to “human touch”.

Throughout my time in the country, the friendliness of locals was a reoccurring theme whether it was directed at others or at us.  Sometimes it’s in your face and other times it’s just a passive feeling that you get.  As a traveller, I was taken aback at first because you learn to be skeptical but that wall you put up is quickly taken down because you realize it’s truly genuine and not because it’s part of some scam or scheme to get a tip.

Save money on your trip to Taiwan

I travelled through Taiwan primarily through the help of a local company on the ground called MyTaiwanTour.  They were the ones that booked my train tickets and hotels which made my life so much easier. They are an operator based out of Taipei and specialize in custom-tailored solutions and English-based packaged tours around Taiwan.  I highly recommend them!

Save 5% on tours with MyTaiwanTour by using code WILL19.

BOOK

None can be better exemplified than the time we were in Kaohsiung during our 12 day Taiwan itinerary, trying to figure out how to heck to get from the high speed rail station to the Tiger and Dragon Pagodas.  We got into the wrong station and the security guard could tell we were lost so he came up to us to ask where we wanted to go.  He immediately pulled out his phone and helped look it up and then convened with the gate attendant.  We learned that we had to take a different train to get there and he literally walked us all the way up to the other platform and made sure we knew when the next train was coming.

Beyond the friendliness factor, I’d go out on a limb and say that Taiwan might also be the safest country in Asia to travel in. It’s a spidey-sense kind of thing.  There was never a moment where I felt unsafe.

The locals agree too.  Many people we spoke with are proud of the fact that crime rates are so low and aren’t shy about touting it as one of the best things about their country.

More food than you can possibly eat

example of street food in taiwan travel

This should come as no surprise.  The food in Taiwan is AMAZING.  In twelve days, we didn’t have a single bad meal and that’s considering we had a unique diet there that consisted of either meals at 7-Eleven or off-the-street in various night markets.

Go from “ooh”-ing at one station to “ahh”-ing at the next.

There’s something about night markets that I particularly love.  It’s the atmosphere of being shoulder to shoulder packed with people, the grunginess of it all, the chance to try so many different things, and the randomness of carnival games.  Everything is homemade and nothing is mass produced.

Your feet could be tired from walking all day but the sights, sounds, and smells give you that extra oomph as you go from “ooh”-ing at one station to “ahh”-ing at the next.

When we weren’t walking stall to stall, we also had a chance to try some of Taiwan’s more well-known dishes like beef noodle, soup dumplings, shaved ice, mochi, milk tea, and pineapple pastry.  They did not disappoint.

It’s a barrage of the taste buds.  As long as you’re open to trying new things, the eating opportunities are endless.  Everyday we regretted having that free breakfast buffet.

Taiwan is the kind of place where if you didn’t have any activities planned, you’d inevitably wind up going from one food place to the next and you’d be totally okay with that.

Straight off a fresh canvas painting

sea of clouds floating through taroko mountain range in taiwan

Outside the big cities, you’re treated to landscapes that you never knew existed for a country that’s less than half the size of the state of Colorado.

Massive mountain ranges act as a great big spine along the central corridor to the country and that’s where places like Alishan and Taroko Gorge will leave your index finger spasm-ing from all the photos you’ll end up taking.  There’s nothing quite like the eerily calming wisps of cloud that thread in and out of the winding mountains – the quintessential Chinese painting.

standing amongst ancient trees of alishan forest in taiwan

In Alishan, you have a mountainous region where a forest of trees grow to thousands of years old, where the elevation towers to 2,663 m (8,737 ft), mystic sea clouds, and you have your chance of viewing one of the top 20 sunrises in the world.  Contrast that to Taroko Gorge where mountains rise from the ocean and turquoise blue rivers swiftly run over giant boulders amidst carved rock marbled walls.

Spewing down into coasts are the rocky riverbeds, rolling green farmlands, and eventually white sand beaches.  It’s at the shores of Kenting that you get a completely different look to Taiwan.

Full of surprises

paragliding in taitung taiwan

What kept us guessing in Taiwan was also what made it such a delight to explore this country.  Here are just a few stories of where we met the unexpected:

  • The way the wind blows – We arrived in Taitung planning on taking an easy stroll through the city when we called the paragliding school and said that we had to do it that day or else we’d miss our window.  Caught completely unprepared, we hopped on a cab to Luye Gaotai.  The airtime there was absolutely brilliant.
  • Serious surfing – This was the most physically challenging part of our trip. While we were in Kenting we thought we’d try our hand of surfing since we had just done lessons in South Africa.  Brimming with confidence, we didn’t realize how large the waves would be and we barely made it out.  Despite our lack of skill, we were very impressed to hear about how the sport of surfing has grown in Taiwan.
  • Art scene in Kaohsiung – The old pier and their warehouses have been completely revitalized with art galleries, installations, boutique shops, sculptures, and graffiti that reminded me of Banksy.  We could’ve spent way more time here than we did.
  • Proud tribes – One thing I was really impressed with in Taiwan is how much the country has embraced their indigenous population and have given them opportunities to showcase their culture.  We got to learn about it front and centre in our ambitious hike in Taroko National Park to stay in a tribe’s B&B.  Taitung was also stop along the way which had quite a number of opportunities to learn about local tribal through their cultural centres including our hotel, MATA Taiwanese Indigenous Cultural Resort.

DID YOU KNOW?

map of indigenous tribes of Taiwan

Taiwan has 16 recognized aboriginal groups with Atayal being the largest.

 


Heart of Asia

juifen old street hanging red lanterns taiwan travel

One of the tag lines for the Taiwan Tourism Bureau is “Heart of Asia” and I’d say it’s a pretty bold statement but in a very surprising way it holds up on its own.  Now this is my own interpretation of it but I think its meaning is two fold.

It’s an expression of diversity that’s rooted in Taiwan’s history – one that is unique and not without its controversy.  It’s a diversity that is best exemplified its fusion of cultures.  Throughout the trip, I could spot influences from all over Asia including the indigenous (native to Taiwan and outside), Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Philippines and other mixes of South East Asia influence.  It’s hard to describe but you come to Taiwan with a specific expectation Chinese culture and you come away with the feeling of “wow, I totally didn’t expect that” and I mean that in a good way.  It’s that melting pot of influences from all over Asia that you feel in the way people are, the cuisine, the landscape, and the climate.

Secondly, it’s a statement of warmth and love.  I’ve already talked about it at length but really it’s the kindness exhibited by locals that really struck a chord with me.

There are way more reasons to be stoked about Taiwan but I’ll leave it here.  I’d love to hear from you on your thoughts about Taiwan.  Did you get the same feelings when you were travelling through the country?  Good or bad I want to hear it!

PLANNING A TRIP TO TAIWAN?

We have a ridiculously detailed 12 day Taiwan itinerary that you won’t want to miss. Inside you’ll find a ton of details that you won’t find in the guide books.

12 Day Taiwan Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taiwan safe?

Yes, Taiwan is completely safe throughout the country. The crime rate is very low in general. That said, travel smarts should still apply as there may be small instances of pickpocketing in larger cities like Taipei.

Do you need a visa to enter Taiwan?

You must obtain a visa in advance unless you’re from one of the exempt countries. Countries such as Canada, United States, Australia, All of the EU, UK, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Iceland, Israel, Chile, Guatemala, and more can enter visa-ree for 90 days. There are also categories for 30 days, 21 days, and 14 days with the application of an eVisa.


This trip was sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau but all opinions are my own because I had one amazing time there and I seriously need to share this with the world!

What you should read next

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

Read More About Will

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Discussion

  1. I’ve visited Taiwan 2 years before, I like the hospitality of their locals they are very friendly and ready to help.

    1. It’s an amazing country for sure! I’mg lad to hear that others have had awesome experience like I have :)

  2. 人情味 is the perfect description Taiwan’s vibe! Used to live there, married there, and all my kids were born there. Last summer was our first time back in 15 years and I would move back in a flash! Loved your photos of your trip. You can check out some of mine in my IG feed (instagram.com/ewenlewis). Take care!

  3. Will, reading this was almost as much a pleasure as it was experiencing some of it with you. Looking forward to seeing you again in Taiwan soon!