Taiwan

In the 16th century, Taiwan was christened Ilha Formosa, the “beautiful island,” by Portuguese sailors, the first Westerners to encounter this lush gem situated about 100 miles off the coast of mainland China, roughly half way between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Subsequently it was ruled by the Spanish, the Dutch, China’s Qing Dynasty, and the Japanese before their defeat in World War II.

Today, Taiwan’s small size belies its economic strength; this island of about 23 million people is one of the world’s financial powerhouses, home to some of the most popular brands of electronics, vehicles and other consumer products.  Its political status, though, remains murky – there is ongoing debate in the United Nations as to whether Taiwan should be recognized as an independent republic or a territory of the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. is a main ally, along with Israel and 22 other nations (plus the Vatican) who view it as independent.

A tropical and largely mountainous island, Taiwan offers terrific activities for outdoors enthusiasts, especially in dramatically beautiful national parks like Taroko.

Taiwan Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Taiwan Itineraries

Classic Taiwan

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,500
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Charming Taiwan: Taipei, Jiufen, Hualien, and more

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,600
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Coastal Taiwanese Road Trip: Kaohsiung to Taipei

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,000
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Discovering Historic Taiwan

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,400
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Taiwan Top to Bottom with Kids

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,300
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Taste of Taiwan: The Ultimate Foodie Adventure

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,500
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Total Taiwan: Around the Island in Twelve Days

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,000
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Uncover Chinese Culture Through Expansive Artistic Venues

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,400
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Preferred Hotel

HOSHINOYA Guguan

Taichung, Taiwan

A destination in and of itself, Hoshino Resorts’ first property in Taiwan is located in the central mountains. The secluded retreat offers a tranquil space for those seeking relaxation amongst nature. The resort’s minimalist designs, ample space and natural materials complement the serene surrounds. Rooms are maisonette style with an entire floor dedicated to hot spring bathing, the highlight of the resort. The natural hot spring waters in the area are characteristically soft low-alkaline and naturally carbonated. The room’s sunken bath with light blue tiles has a constant stream of flowing thermal water, encouraging guests to unwind and take in the mountain views. Select room types also feature outdoor baths. Communal gender-segregated bath halls are also available with both indoor and outdoor baths. The resort restaurant features standard tables, booths, and Japanese-style low tables with sunken space. Kaiseki-style meals are served utilizing many ingredients native to the island and Taiwanese recipes and techniques. Around the property is a garden path along the waters, and gazebos planted along the route. Additional facilities and amenities include a spa, yoga programs, outdoor pool, Taiwanese tea sessions, morning forest bathing sessions, and dessert time at Yuagari Lounge. The nearest city, Taichung, is a 90-minute drive away.
Preferred Hotel

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan

The utterly stunning Mandarin Oriental Taipei stands shining over Dun Hua North Road in central Taipei. Just a short distance from both Songshan Airport Station and from Nanjing East Road MRT station, this architectural marvel is within easy reach of the city and all its delights. Nearby attractions certain to interest guests include Taipei Arena, Taipei Fine Art Museum, a number of beautiful riverside parks and the city’s shopping district with Taipei 101. Within the hotel are a range of opulent rooms and suites to suit all tastes, sumptuously decorated and well equipped for comfort and luxury. Guests can choose between three formal restaurants serving a range of cuisines from around the world, while the hotel’s bar and cake shop serve delightful little treats. What’s more, the pool, spa and lounge encourage guests to relax and unwind, while the fitness center is perfect for invigorating workouts. 

Pre-Opening Hotel

Rosewood Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan

The new Rosewood Taipei will sit at an intersection of old and new neighborhoods, within the Xinyi District of the city. The property will be composed of 191 guest rooms and 27 suites, which feature gorgeous views of Taipei's mountains and skyline. Hotel amenities include five restaurants and bars, business facilities, an indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as Sense, A Rosewood Spa - replete with four treatment rooms.
Chihpen Century Hotel

Chihpen Century Hotel

Taitung, Taiwan

Located riverside along a mountain, the Chihpen Century Hotel in Taitung boasts its own hot springs. The hotel draws in both domestic and international guests with its natural surroundings, allowing for strolls through forested paths and waterfalls. The property offers 280 rooms styled in light beech wood, natural lighting, and minimalist design. Room facilities and amenities include shower and tub, in-room safe, minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and balcony. The hotel’s four in-house restaurants offer Chinese cuisine in buffet, banquet, shabu shabu, and a la carte style dining. Other hotel facilities include a business center, arcade/games room, gym, swimming pool, and hot springs.
Grand Hi Lai Hotel

Grand Hi Lai Hotel

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Situated in the metropolitan area of Kaohsiung City, The Grand Hi Lai Hotel has become a landmark structure in southern Taiwan. A tall neoclassical structure, the property offers 436 rooms furnished with understated muted tones and plush furniture, creating a homey cozy space. All rooms feature LCD TV, marble bathroom facilities, safe, minibar, and complimentary WiFi. There are 13 dining venues offering Chinese, Western, and Japanese restaurants. Other facilities and amenities include an exclusive Executive Club, fitness center, squash court, medical room, spa center, outdoor swimming pool, department store, spacious Banquet and Meeting rooms, parking spaces, and extensive art collection throughout the property.

Lakeshore Hotel Hualien Taroko

Lakeshore Hotel Hualien Taroko

Taroko Gorge, Taiwan

Nestled in Hualien’s Hsincheng Township near the Taroko Gorge, the Lakeshore Hotel Hualien Taroko offers 176 spacious rooms, some with terraces offering panoramic view of the nearby mountains and the ocean. For dining guests can enjoy signature dishes blended from Taiwanese and Cantonese cuisines, a cafe style tea shop with other local drinks, and a cozy tea house. Faciilites include a spa with wellness treatments, outdoor pool, and garden for strolling. This hotel is a 20-minute drive from the Hualien International Airport (HUN).
Millennium Hotel

Millennium Hotel

Taichung, Taiwan

Located in the Shih-Jen district center, the Millennium Hotel Taichung is the first international hotel in central Taiwan. There are 237 modern rooms and suites with light timber paneling and natural lighting evoking an urban zen ambiance. All rooms are equipped with complimentary WiFi, minibar, safe, coffee and tea making facilities. There are two restaurants: Soluna serves all-day dining and continental favorites and The Prime is a grill and lounge specializing in prime cut aged beef and lobster. Within in the lobby is Lumi Bar, a chic lounge serving afternoon tea, handmade desserts and early evening cocktails, while on the rooftop, Moonight is a sky bar serving creative cocktails with views of the city at night. Facilities include fitness center, garden, sauna and steamroom, outdoors swimming pool and dry cleaning and laundry services. The Millennium Hotel Taichung is half an hour drive from Taichung airport.

Silk Club Hotel Kaohsiung

Silk Club Hotel Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Whether you travel to Kaohsiung for history, nature, or simply to shop, this southern Taiwanese city is a tempting destination, and the luxurious Silks Club Hotel is a perfect home base for your travels. The hotel's airy, minimalist rooms start at 197 square feet, and guests can pick between two twins or a king-size bed. Linens are 400 thread count, while freestanding tubs and modern amenities like LED TVs, BOSE Sound Link Minis, and Wi-Fi come standard. Suites are fitted with oak floors and separate living rooms — some even have wet bars. UKAI, the world's only Michelin-star-awarded Teppanyaki restaurant, is located within the hotel; other tantalizing dishes like Wagyu beef and freshly caught seafood are also available. The In Jade Lounge is another venue where guests can enjoy fresh dishes, and Dassai Bar serves up premium sakes. With views spanning the New Bay Area, the hotel’s swimming pool beckons, as do the dry saunas and steam rooms for men and women, and a fitness room with premium gym equipment like Italian-imported Technogym treadmills and free weights.

Silks Place Tainan

Silks Place Tainan

Tainan, Taiwan

Within a short walk of Tainan’s Confucian temple, baseball stadium and a number of parks, Silks Place is the perfect hotel for visitors to the enchanting, historic city. The hotel itself nods to its heritage with authentic calligraphy and beautiful pottery adorning walls and surfaces, without any compromise on modern luxury. Spacious and comfortable, the rooms at Silks Place cater to leisure or business guests with excellent amenities including WiFi as well as laundry and shoe shine services. Gastronomic offerings are provided by the Chinese, Japanese and steak restaurants while T Bar serves traditional teas in a tranquil atmosphere. The hotel’s fourth floor is home to recreation activities for all ages. The outdoor swimming pool is perfect for soaking up the sun with a refreshing dip and the well-equipped gym takes care of the fitness regime. Younger guests will also be occupied in the fun and colorful kids’ club.

Silks Place Taroko

Silks Place Taroko

Taroko Gorge, Taiwan

This large, sleek, contemporary Chinese style hotel offers sweeping vistas of Taroko Gorge and its surrounding mountainside. The hotel has many five-star well-being facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, sauna and gym with fitness classes. The hotel’s deluxe rooms are well-furnished with modern amenities and private balconies overlooking either the nearby mountains or the river below. Diners may enjoy Chinese or international dishes al-fresco amongst the rugged gorge edges, or inside in the elegant restaurant with two private rooms. In the evenings, guests can indulge in a few after dinner drinks and star gazing at the Fire Place bar -complete with stylish outdoor heaters.

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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Taiwan

Autumn, from September to November, is the best time to visit Taiwan, while Spring, April to June, is also a great time to visit.

  • Despite the island’s relatively small size, the fact that Taiwan is bisected by the Tropic of Cancer means weather conditions can vary considerably from the north to the south. There’s a subtropical climate with moderate temperatures in the north, where rain is common in the winter months. The southern areas, where temperatures are higher on average, are less prone to rain.
  • Summer can be uncomfortably hot across the island, making autumn and spring great times to come for a visit. The typhoon season usually comes into effect in late summer and is felt most forcefully on the east coast, although in some years the phenomenon is far more active than in others.
  • The most pleasant time of the year to visit is mid-September through November, especially in Taipei and the mountains. The southwest is usually very pleasant from October until March.

Multi-Country Specialists

Taiwan Goes Well With

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