Itineraries
7–10 Day Taiwan Itinerary: The Recommended Route
This is the route we recommend for a first visit. Seven to ten days give you Taipei, the mountains of Taroko, the calm of Sun Moon Lake, and the warm south, without rushing. The high-speed rail does the hard work, and the transfers are short.
Days 1–3: Taipei and the north
The first three days in the capital. A day for temples, Taipei 101, and night markets; a day for Beitou and Maokong; and a day for the classic northern trip: Jiufen, Pingxi, and Yehliu, on your own or on a guided tour. The full breakdown is in the Taipei guide.
Day 4: Train to Hualien and Taroko
A morning on the east-coast train to Hualien (about two to two and a half hours), one of the prettiest rides in the country. In the afternoon, the Qingshui Cliffs and whatever’s open in Taroko. Note: some of the famous trails are still closed, see the Hualien and Taroko guide. Stay in Hualien.
Days 5–6: Through the centre to Sun Moon Lake
From Hualien you head back west to the heart of the island. Sun Moon Lake is a day of slowing down: a boat ride, cycling around the water, and temples on the hillsides. You can base in nearby Taichung and head out to the lake, or sleep on the lake itself. A tour to Sun Moon Lake is convenient if you’re not renting a car.
Days 7–8: The south, Kaohsiung and Tainan
By high-speed rail south to Kaohsiung: Lotus Pond, Pier-2, and sunset over the Love River. Historic Tainan can be a day trip from Kaohsiung (half an hour by train) or a night to eat slowly. Stay in central Kaohsiung.
Days 9–10: Extend or return
With 10 days there’s room to breathe: an extra day in the south (Kenting, Fo Guang Shan) or a free day back in Taipei before the flight. The high-speed rail returns from Kaohsiung to Taipei in about 90 minutes to two hours.
Quick planning
- Transport: HSR south, the east-coast train to Hualien, MRT in cities. See the transport guide.
- Budget: see money and a daily budget.
- When: see when to go.
Shorter? The 5-day itinerary. Longer? The 14-day itinerary. Or back to the main guide.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best itinerary for a first visit to Taiwan?
A 7–10 day route combining Taipei, Taroko and the east coast, Sun Moon Lake in the centre, and Kaohsiung or Tainan in the south. It's the best balance of depth and pace.
How many days in each city on a week-long trip?
About three days in Taipei, one or two in Hualien, one at Sun Moon Lake, and one or two in the south (Kaohsiung/Tainan). The high-speed rail makes the transfers short.
Is it worth renting a car for this route?
Not required. The high-speed rail and local trains cover all the destinations. A rental car is useful mainly inside the Taroko area and at Sun Moon Lake, and there a guided tour works too.
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