Taiwan, this hidden tropical gem awaits you.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Taiwan in the last 12 years.
Although there are plenty of tourists that I’ve crossed paths with. I see very few westerners and the majority seem to be there for business rather than pleasure.
But why not visit Taiwan for pleasure?
This small island country certainly has all the boxes checked in my opinion for it to be a top travel destination.
Within just a few days you can experience beautiful National Parks, Black Sand Beaches, Thriving Night Life, Impressive Architecture, History and Delicious Food. Oh, and did I mention the tropical climate?

Getting around Taiwan in my experience is very easy and you have several options available to you.
In Taipei for example, you can take a taxi with ease or if you want to beat traffic the subway is a great option.

Book your next adventure on Taiwan’s High Speed Rail here

Do you want to leave the city and maybe escape to the southern part of Taiwan, maybe Kaohsiung to build sandcastles on the black sand beaches? Then I suggest taking the High-Speed Train. Within a couple of hours, you’ll have your toes in the sand!
Or maybe you want to log more flight miles? There are flights to and from Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Maybe you want to explore the beautiful mountains or the coastal roads of Taiwan? Getting around by car is very easy and road travel is very similar to driving in North America.
No matter how you want to spend your time in Taiwan you will find the travel easy and most things accessible within just a couple of hours.

If you like to stay busy while on vacation and maximize your time, then Taiwan may be for you.
Visit Moon Lake and the Wenwu Temple at an elevation of roughly 3000 feet above sea level. This mountainous area will make you feel far away from sea level.
If you prefer sea level the black sand beaches of Kaohsiung offer relaxation with fantastic ocean views.

Taipei’s tallest building the Taipei 101 will take you to new heights. At 1667 feet tall this building is absolutely a marvel of architecture. Once on the observation deck you are treated to excellent views of the city and mountains surrounding it. Visit Taipei 101

Drive the scenic drive along the east coast of Taiwan and visit Nanfangao Bay. This fishing port has spectacular views of the mountains to the west and the ocean to the east. Walk along the docks and say hi to the fisherman playing cards after a long morning at sea.

Soak in the natural hot springs in Liuhuanggu Geothermal Scenic Area as you make your way up the mountains just north of Taipei to Yangmingshan National Park.
When you return down from the mountains spend the night at any one of the many night markets in Taipei. Try everything!

If I had any kind of downside to offer you regarding Taiwan, it’s this.
On average there are over 250 earthquakes felt in Taiwan with a magnitude above 4. Leaving a good chance that you will likely experience an earthquake while visiting.
If you are not used to this, it can be unnerving.
The first time I experienced this in Taiwan I was in an elevator after visiting a restaurant in Taipei. My hosts, who live in the city, thought I was rocking the elevator to be funny. I was not, and later we found out that they had experienced an earthquake of a magnitude of nearly 5.
I have since gotten used to this during my travels.
Often, I’ve been awakened to my bed feeling like I’m on a ship. Or been somewhere public where everyone’s phone alarms to alert of an earthquake.
This is not a warning to you to avoid Taiwan. Just a friendly caution that you will likely experience this while there.

This may be surprising to you. I was skeptical at first.
This isn’t to say that the food in Taiwan isn’t good, that would be a false statement. There are so many delicious things to eat.
But this is, in my opinion, at the top of the list. And something they are famous for.
Din Tai Fung is a chain restaurant world famous for Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
I was first introduced to this wonderful restaurant at a mall in Taipei. While this didn’t seem to match the typical “Ma & Pa” type location, how could I argue with the locals that were hosting me?
They were not leading me astray. The soup dumplings as well as other dishes at Din Tai Fung are very well prepared by chefs who are masters at their craft and care for the food they make.
I have since enjoyed this restaurant in a half dozen other countries (including the U.S.).

Soup dumplings in a large chain restaurant aren’t adventurous enough for you? You’re in luck!
Taipei has some of the most amazing Night Street Markets that I have ever been to.
You might recognize some of the foods you’ll see, but most of them you will not. Those are the ones to try.
My favorite is the grilled cuttlefish on a stick.

The fun comes in trying it all. And it is cheap to do so, or at least was when I was there.
Ignore some of the smells from the street, or maybe that is the stinky tofu, it doesn’t matter. Just put that out of your mind and take in everything that is great about the night markets.
Don’t forget to venture into the small alleys, you never know what treasures you will find tucked away.

So, what would I do on my next adventure to Taiwan…and yes there will be another in the future.
I’d spend the first few days in and around Taipei. Like China I recommend staying in hotel chains that you may already be familiar with. However, there are a few native to Taiwan that measure up. Hotel De Chine is one of those hotel chains.
A visit to the National Palace Museum is well worth your time and can take up a good portion of the day. Headsets for the interactive tour are available in English. There are also restaurants within walking distance that provide great local food such as beef noodle soup.

Head into the city and visit the National Taiwan Museum. Nearby you will find a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier like that found at Arlington National in Washington D.C. The changing of the guard here is almost as impressive.

Not far way is the Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building. An architectural feat that defies frequent earthquakes. Head up to the observation deck and see how they counteract the movement of the earth.
Head to a night market for dinner. I recommend Raohe St Night Market. However, there are many to choose from.
Travel south via the High-Speed Train from Taipei to Kaohsiung and spend a few days in this southern paradise.
Hop aboard the fairy and take a few minutes ride to Qijin District and walk the markets near the black sand beaches.
I don’t think you can go wrong with your time in Taiwan if you get out there and see it. The people are so friendly and helpful that you will certainly feel comfortable doing so.
Have you been to Asia? What is your favorite location to visit, or favorite food that you’ve enjoyed? We want to hear from you, please leave us a comment or send an e-mail.

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