Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

Explore the underappreciated island of Taiwan on this exciting 8-day Classic Taiwan journey. Its island landscape is comprised of mostly mountains along a north-south axis dotted with hot springs, dramatic cliffs on the east coast, deep ravines, sandy beaches with world-class surf, and swathes of verdant farmland. Taipei is a cultural epicenter with a unique lifestyle, owing to its complex history with China and influences absorbed from Japan during colonial times. Experience the juxtaposition of ancient temples and towering skyscrapers on the age-old landscape. Travel down the scenic coastline to go trekking in a gorge before heading to Kaosiung, a port city in the south.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • New and Old: Taiwan's cities appeal to the whole family, offering history, culture, and nature everyone can appreciate. Amongst the incense-perfumed temples, memorial halls, and museums displaying ancient national treasures, are street art, lotus ponds, youth shopping plazas, and futuristic buildings.
  • Dramatic Coastal Scenes: The island's east coast is defined by its stunning coastal bluffs, steep cliffs that drop off into the Pacific Ocean of jewel blue shades.Take a drive along this coastal road, arguably one of Asia's most magnificent roadtrips.
  • Gorge Trekking: Taroko Gorge National Park is a premier destination for nature-lovers. An impressive almost 12-mile long canyon, this area offers a variety of easy to difficult treks amongst rugged coastal cliffs, narrow passages cut into rock, and coniferous forests.
  • Snacking Paradise: If you didn't visit a night market, did you really visit Taiwan? These ubiquitous lively evening markets are quintessentially Taiwan. Cheap clothes and accessories aside, these markets' main draw is the variety of delicious local delicacies at affordable prices.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Taipei

Begin your journey in Taiwan at the capital city of Taipei. You will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel to check in and freshen up. In the afternoon, explore Ximending, a lively hip entertainment and commercial pedestrian zone. Hip since the Japanese colonial era, this recreation district offers boutiques, brand name shops, an adjoining theatre district, bars, a graffiti lane, and casual eateries. Stop at the Red House, one of the oldest buildings in the area at 110-years old which showcases arts and crafts from local artists. At night, it is time to visit the quintessential night market. Raohe Night Market is one of the oldest and most popular. Its almost 2000-feet stretch is packed with shops and stalls selling souvenirs and snacks. Eat your way down the market as you browse deeply discounted fashion. Don't forget to try this market's famed black pepper bun.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: In the Taipei’s central business district, the Mandarin Oriental is located near to MRT stations and is only a short distance from Songshan Airport.

Service: From the moment a reservation is made, staff are on hand to cater to guests’ every need before they ask, offering world-famous Mandarin Oriental service.

History: Since its opening in spring 2014, the Mandarin Oriental Taipei has been wowing guests and proving its reputation as Taiwan’s finest five-star hotel.

See Hotel
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Taipei

Today discover the city's mix of new and old. Start the morning at Longshan temple, built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, China. Then head to the Taiwan 101 building, an iconic skyscraper for its unique architectural style evoking traditional Asian aesthetics in a modern structure. Head to the observation deck for views over the city and to see the world's largest damper sphere which helps the building endure earthquakes. We recommend trying soup dumplings made famous by Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung, at its original location for lunch. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and catch the changing of the guards before exploring the National Palace Museum. This museum has an impressive permanent collection of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artwork which were brought to Taiwan by the fleeing Nationalist party, saving them from being destroyed during China's Cultural Revolution. This evening, visit the nearby Shilin night market, the largest and most famous in the city. Peruse the alleys and lanes lined with food stalls, video arcades, shops, karaoke bars and snack to your heart's content. If you dare, try the night market classic snack, stinky tofu.

Taipei
Taipei

Day 3

Taipei

Take a day-trip to explore a few nearby villages, just to the north of Taipei. At the very north coast on a cape is an interesting geopark known for unique geological formations. The soft limestone eroded by seawater and wave has created interesting formations named for the shape, the most iconic of which is the 'Queen's Head.' A short walk beyond the geopark brings you to the top of a cliff for outstanding views of the North Coast and Pacific Ocean. Continue to the fairytale-esque hillside village of Jiufen which offers rich history, atmospheric lanes, teahouses, and snacks at every turn. Then, visit the nearby Shifen village, a collection of lanes and alleys built around the central railway that runs through the town. Visit the town's waterfall and if you wish, release a sky lantern. As an option, your final stop can be the traditional Keelung port city with its famous Miaokou night market and seafood, or the obscure and strange Wanli UFO village, a collection of derelict Venturo houses lining an eerie abandoned beachside town.

Day 4

Taroko Gorge

Leave the city behind and embark on a spectacular car journey along the island's east coast. The land here consists of volcanic rock that has been pushed upward by tectonic action, creating dramatic landforms of coastal terraces, sand and pebble beaches, shoreline reefs, trenches, and caves. Travel south with the emerald mountains to your right and ocean blues to your left. En route, visit Kavalan Whisky Distillery which makes Taiwan's acclaimed spirit, followed by lunch at a local fishing village, and a stop at the magnificent Qingshui Cliff. Your final destination is Silk's Place hotel located deep inside Taroko Gorge National Park. Unwind and rest up for tomorrow's adventure in the park.

Hotel Options
About

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.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Taroko Gorge
Taroko Gorge

Day 5

Taroko Gorge

Take your journey to the next level as you river trace in the Taroko Gorge. Truly the best way to enjoy the view, you will combine climbing and hiking in the picturesque (and safe) environment. Visit the Changchun Shrine, or the Eternal Spring Shrine. The shrine commemorates the 212 construction workers who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway. Enjoy a unique lunch of aboriginal cuisine at a local restaurant. Put on your waterproof gear when you visit the Shuilian Cave, or the Water Curtain Cave. Brought to fame by the novel, Journey to the West, this is where the main character sought enlightenment. End the day with a hike along the Shakadang Trail or Mysterious Valley Trail (subject to weather/trail conditions), built along the river’s edge, and get one last glimpse of the postcard-perfect views.

Day 6

Kaohsiung

Today you are headed to your final destination of this journey, the southern port city of Kaohsiung. Depart from Taroko and cut across the island to Taichung via the curvy and mountainous Cross Island Highway. Stop between Ci'en and Bilu to visit the Bilu Sacred Tree, a Formosan Chinese Fir that is 3,200 years old and about 50 meters high with a diameter of 3.5 meters. In Taichung, have lunch and visit the Rainbow Village, a settlement of brightly painted homes and streets. The work was single-handedly done by a man on the quest to save his village from demolition.  Board the train for a high-speed rail journey that takes only an hour to reach Kaosiung. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Hotel Options
About

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.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung

Day 7

Kaohsiung

Once a purely industrial city with a busy harbor, Kaohsiung has become an exciting, trendy landscape. Visit Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan's largest temple which has an impressive path called The Noble Eightfold Path which leads to an enormous bronze sitting Buddha statue. Head to the scenic Lotus Lake, fringed with temples. The most interesting and popular of which is the flamboyant Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, twin seven-storey towers with a dragon's mouth entrance and tiger's jaws exit. Take it easy in the afternoon with a stroll around the Pier 2 Art District and Xinjuejiang shopping district. Tonight, take one last opportunity to enjoy the snacks at one of the city's night markets.

Day 8

Departure

Have breakfast and spend the morning at leisure, perhaps enjoying a final bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup or last minute souvenir collecting. When ready, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight onward.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
Preferred Hotel

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
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Taipei

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.

Suggested Hotel For Days 4–5

Silks Place Taroko

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.

Suggested Hotel For Days 6–7

Silk Club Hotel Kaohsiung

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.

Similar Itineraries

Charming Taiwan: Taipei, Jiufen, Hualien, and more

Experience the unique charm of Taiwan on this luxurious 11-day holiday. Between visiting ancient temples, bustling markets, lush rainforests and a stunning gorge, the country will surely win your heart. There’s even time for soaking weary traveler’s bones in a relaxing natural hot spring.

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,600
See Itinerary

Coastal Taiwanese Road Trip: Kaohsiung to Taipei

Taiwan is a beautiful, ecologically diverse island with miles of coastline to explore and a treasure trove of culturally interesting sites and monuments. On this seven-day itinerary that starts from Kaohsiung on the lower west side of the island and traces along a scenic coastal road heading north to Taipei, learn about this fascinating nation and how it came to be what it is today. Enjoy numerous stops at high oceanside cliffs, a visit to a local fishing village, and a full day spent touring the capital, Taipei, and its many museums, parks, and night markets.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,000
See Itinerary

Discovering Historic Taiwan

Taiwan may slip under the radar on many travelers’ lists, but the island holds more than just a surprising economic power. Leave bustling Taipei and visit fascinating historic sites including the Chihkan Towers and exotic temples and shrines in Tainan to learn about Taiwan’s unique past on this luxurious 5-day tour.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,400
See Itinerary

Taiwan Top to Bottom with Kids

Gather the family and head to Taiwan for a 9-day trip through the island’s most exciting cities and postcard-perfect natural landscapes that is sure to captivate and teach even the youngest traveler. Education and entertainment can be found hand in hand at interactive museums, cultural villages, ancient tea houses, community farms and temples throughout the island, from Taipei down to Kaosiung. Relish these good times with the whole family and come away with fond memories and new lessons for everyone.

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,300
See Itinerary

Taste of Taiwan: The Ultimate Foodie Adventure

Arrive hungry and remember to pack your taste buds. This ultimate foodie tour of Taiwan takes your tongue on a tantalizing journey to the island’s best culinary destinations.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,500
See Itinerary

Total Taiwan: Around the Island in Twelve Days

Taking you from the 21st-century metropolis of Taipei, all the way across this fascinating island to discover untouched village life and majestic national parks, this 12-day itinerary is packed full of exciting activities that will leave you with a lasting memory of charming Taiwan.  

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,000
See Itinerary

Uncover Chinese Culture Through Expansive Artistic Venues

Immerse yourself in a stunning expanse of contemporary and historical artwork over this 10-day sojourn in China. From Beijing to Taipei, you will uncover modern artistic perceptions of one of society’s most ancient cultures.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,400
See Itinerary
Why Remote Lands?

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.

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.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.