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
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $11,600
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $6,000
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $6,300
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $6,500
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $14,000
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $9,400
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
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.
Rosewood Taipei
Chihpen Century Hotel
Grand Hi Lai Hotel
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
Millennium Hotel
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
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
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
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.
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Cycling Formosa: The Long Way Around Taiwan
- Author
- Duncan Forgan
Drone over Taiwan: From Kenting to Taipei and Beyond
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Tainan: A Journey Through Taiwan’s Oldest City
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell