Itineraries
14-Day Taiwan Itinerary: The Full Island Loop
Two weeks is the time to really get to know Taiwan: not only the cities, but the small towns, the wild coast, and the mountains above the clouds. This route loops the island counter-clockwise, at a pace that leaves room to breathe.
Days 1–3: Taipei and the north
An opening in the capital: temples, Taipei 101, night markets, Beitou, and the northern trip to Jiufen. The full breakdown is in the Taipei guide. Stay in Taipei.
Days 4–5: Hualien, Taroko, and the east coast
Train east to Hualien: the Qingshui Cliffs, whatever’s open in Taroko (check the trail status), and Qixingtan beach. The east coast is the quiet, beautiful side of the island. Stay in Hualien.
Day 6: South along the coast
A beautiful day driving south along the east coast, through the valley between mountain and sea, toward the Taitung area. Stop along the way for the views and small towns. This is one of those days where the road itself is the attraction.
Days 7–9: The south, Kaohsiung, Kenting, and Tainan
Kaohsiung is the southern base: Lotus Pond, Pier-2, and the Love River. A day for the southern tip at Kenting (beaches and a national park), and a day for historic Tainan and its food. Stay in Kaohsiung.
Days 10–11: Sun Moon Lake and Alishan
North to the heart of the island. A day at Sun Moon Lake (a boat ride, cycling, temples), and up to Alishan: misty forest, a historic mountain railway, and sunrise over a sea of clouds, one of Taiwan’s most memorable experiences. It’s worth sleeping in the mountain area. A tour to Alishan and Sun Moon Lake saves the complicated transport.
Days 12–13: Taichung and the centre
Down from the mountain to Taichung: the Fengjia night market, the Gaomei wetlands at sunset, and modern architecture. An extra day for an easy pace before heading back north.
Day 14: Back to Taipei and departure
By high-speed rail back to Taipei (about an hour from Taichung), for a last morning before the flight.
Quick planning
- Transport: a mix of HSR, the east-coast train, buses, and mountains. See the transport guide.
- When: see when to go. Two weeks raise the odds of running into a typhoon in summer.
- Budget: see money and a daily budget.
Shorter? The 7–10 day itinerary. Back to the main guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you circle all of Taiwan in 14 days?
Yes, comfortably. Two weeks are enough to loop the island once — north, east coast, south, centre, and mountains — without feeling rushed, with time for nature and small towns.
Which direction should you loop the island?
Most travellers go counter-clockwise: Taipei, the east coast south, the south, then back north through the centre and the mountains. That leaves Alishan and Taichung for the end.
How much budget do you need for 14 days in Taiwan?
On a mid-range budget, excluding flights, around 35,000–55,000 NT$ per person (roughly ₪4,000–6,400) for lodging, food, transport, and entries. See the money guide for the breakdown.
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