This small, sub-tropical nation packs a real punch. From Michelin-star food stalls in overflowing night markets and thriving arts scenes to bubbling thermal springs and 286 peaks above 3000 meters, Taiwan has something for everyone. The below posts are packed with information on planning a round-island trip, so come find out why I’ve made Taiwan my adopted home!
Orchid Island (Lanyu or 蘭嶼) is a small volcanic island located 64km off the southeast corner of Taiwan, directly east of Kenting. It is a volcanic island of breathtaking natural beauty and is home to the country’s most isolated aboriginal tribe, the Tao, who are famous for their annual Flying Fish Festival. Planning a trip …
Taichung is located on the central west coast and is Taiwan’s second largest city. 10 years ago, it was somewhere that most travelers skipped, but nowadays is an increasingly popular stop on people’s Taiwan travel itinerary. While I was compiling my list of top things to do in Taichung, my article quickly became WAY too …
When I first moved to Taiwan in 2008, the most recent edition of Lonely Planet Taiwan described Taichung as “hardly a must-see for the short-term visitor.” A lot has changed since, and in recent years a growing number of travelers have been coming to Taiwan with Taichung smack at the top of their Taiwan itinerary! …
Read more20 Unique Things to Do in Taichung: A Detailed Guide
One of the many, many reasons to love Taipei is that is really close some incredible beaches. This comes as no major surprise, since there is no point on this island nation of Taiwan that is more than 110 kilometers from the sea. Below I’ve selected the six best beaches in Taipei. To be clear, …
If you’ve got a trip booked to Taipei, Taiwan, and now you’re wondering how to plan your visit to the capital, you’ve come to the right place. Below I’ll provide multiple options for planning a Taipei 4 day itinerary that is perfect for you, based on my experience living in Taipei for over 10 years. …
Taiwan’s bustling, vivacious, food-loving capital has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore Taipei’s history, arts, fantastic temples, nature, or perhaps you just want to suntan on one of the best beaches around Taipei or eat your heart out at Taipei’s famed night markets, this city’s got you covered. Having called Taipei home for …
Lion’s Head Mountain (also known as Shitoushan or 獅頭山) is one of the most underrated attractions in Taiwan. Whether you enjoy hiking, are interested in Taiwan’s Buddhist and folk religious culture, want to spend a night in a temple, or simply want to get off the beaten track in Taiwan, Lion’s Head Mountain should be …
Read moreVisiting Lion’s Head Mountain and Nanzhuang, Taiwan
Miaoli is a mountainous county in northern central Taiwan, between Hsinchu and Taichung. Foreign tourists seldom include it on their travel itinerary for Taiwan because none of the things to do in Miaoli ever make it onto “must-do in Taiwan” lists (although I put three Miaoli attractions on my list of best things to do …
Read moreMiaoli Taiwan: Hakka Culture & Off-the-Beaten-Track Travels
The Beitou Hot Spring (or Xinbeitou hot spring) area is hands down my favorite neighborhood in Taipei, and I’ve probably been there over 20 times. In fact, my wife and I went on our first date there after we met in Taipei 10 years ago! Below I’ll cover everything you need to know about Taipei …
Taiwan is a small country that packs in a seemingly unlimited number of awe-inspiring experiences, from the towering skyscrapers of Taipei to the isolated aboriginal tribe of Orchid Island. It’s no wonder that the once little known destination is seeing ever-increasing tourist numbers. Here I’ve compiled 50 of my favorite things to do in Taiwan, …
