{"id":700,"date":"2026-07-02T07:47:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T07:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/"},"modified":"2026-07-02T12:54:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T12:54:37","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-taiwan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/best-things-to-do-in-taiwan\/","title":{"rendered":"Taiwan Must-Do List: The Complete Guide to Nature, Night Markets, Culture, Hot Springs, and the Outlying Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"<style class=\"lt-tbl-css\">.entry-content table,.lt-tbl{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:1.2em 0}.entry-content th,.entry-content td,.lt-tbl th,.lt-tbl td{border:1px solid #d4dcd7;padding:8px 11px;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}.entry-content th,.lt-tbl th{background:#eef3f0;font-weight:600}<\/style>\n<p>Updated: 2026-07-02 | For real-time information, always refer to official announcements.<\/p>\n<p><em>Coming to Taiwan for the first time? This lays out the five categories most worth experiencing at once\u2014nature, night markets, culture, hot springs, and outlying islands\u2014including how to plan them, how to get there, and what to watch out for.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>When planning a Taiwan trip for the first time, the hardest part usually isn't \"what is there to do,\" but rather \"with so many places I want to visit, how do I actually plan the itinerary, how do I get there, and is it worth it.\" Taiwan isn't big\u2014a single High Speed Rail (HSR) line can take you from north to south\u2014yet a single trip can pack in high-mountain sunrises, island snorkeling, night markets buzzing until the small hours, hot springs reachable right from the city center, and the everyday, lively atmosphere of temples and old streets. Below, these are divided into five categories, walking you through transportation, nature, night markets, culture, hot springs, and outlying islands all the way to pre-trip preparation. By the end, you'll know your next move.<\/p>\n<p>Get transportation sorted first, and everything else in your itinerary falls into place. The two things that make independent travel in Taiwan most worry-free are getting an EasyCard first and then learning to use the HSR. The EasyCard is a contactless stored-value card that works on the Taipei MRT and buses, extends to public transit in many cities across Taiwan, and can also be used for small payments at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life, as well as at some taxis and attractions. You can buy and top it up at MRT stations and all major convenience stores. Riding the MRT with an EasyCard is usually cheaper than buying single-journey tickets, and there's a transfer discount when switching between MRT and bus (in either direction) within one hour. For foreign travelers, this is the very first thing to sort out after landing. For detailed fare types and top-up methods, refer to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.easycard.com.tw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the official EasyCard Corporation website<\/a>for the details. If you'd like a fuller understanding, you can also check out our<a href=\"\/en\/category\/transportation\/\">Transport Guide<\/a>. The HSR (THSR), meanwhile, runs along the western corridor, from Taipei (and even Nangang) all the way to Zuoying in Kaohsiung. The full set of stations includes Nangang, Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Zuoying. The fastest trains run from Taipei to Zuoying in about 1 hour and 34 minutes, making \"Taipei in the morning, Tainan or Kaohsiung in the afternoon\" a feasible day trip. Service is frequent, with over 70 trains daily. For tickets and schedules, please refer to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thsrc.com.tw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official HSR website<\/a>for tickets and timetables (early-bird tickets require advance booking).<\/p>\n<table class=\"lt-tbl\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Experience type<\/th>\n<th>Representative location<\/th>\n<th>Approximate Time Required<\/th>\n<th>Transport highlights<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Hiking for the sunrise<\/td>\n<td>Alishan<\/td>\n<td>2 days, 1 night<\/td>\n<td>Transfer to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle \/ intercity bus at the HSR Chiayi station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lake views and cycling<\/td>\n<td>Sun Moon Lake<\/td>\n<td>1\u20132 days<\/td>\n<td>Transfer to an intercity bus in Taichung<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Urban hot springs<\/td>\n<td>Beitou, Taipei<\/td>\n<td>Half a day<\/td>\n<td>Xinbeitou MRT Station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Night Market Food<\/td>\n<td>Taipei, Tainan, Kaohsiung<\/td>\n<td>1 night<\/td>\n<td>Most are right next to an MRT station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Island Snorkeling<\/td>\n<td>Xiaoliuqiu, Penghu<\/td>\n<td>2\u20133 days<\/td>\n<td>Ferry or domestic flight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The times in the table above are general estimates; please rely on on-site conditions and official announcements for accuracy.<\/p>\n<h4>Nature, Night Markets, Culture, Hot Springs: How to Enjoy the Five Categories of Experiences<\/h4>\n<p>Nature is the most memorable part of Taiwan. Alishan is a cluster of peaks averaging around 2,500 meters in elevation, from which you can gaze out at Yushan, Taiwan's highest peak. Its signature experience is riding the century-old Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge line that climbs via zigzag switchbacks and passes through dozens of tunnels. Heading to the viewing platform at dawn to wait for the sunrise to break over a sea of clouds makes for the most classic mountain photo in Taiwan; it's recommended to stay a night on the mountain so you can catch the early-morning sunrise train. Sun Moon Lake was once Taiwan's largest natural lake and is now a reservoir serving both power generation and ecology, as well as the homeland of the Thao people. The lakeside cycling path offers open, sweeping views, and renting a bike to circle the lake or taking a boat to hop between spots suits a slower pace over a day or two. Hualien's Taroko Gorge is famous for its marble canyon and is the flagship attraction of the east coast, but since the April 2024 earthquake, many trails and road sections within the park have been damaged and are being repaired in phases, so the areas open to visitors change from time to time. Before going, be sure to check<a href=\"https:\/\/www.taroko.gov.tw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the official Taroko National Park website<\/a>for the latest announcements\u2014don't just plan your itinerary along the old routes. For more ways to enjoy the east coast, see<a href=\"\/en\/category\/hualien\/\">Hualien<\/a>category.<\/p>\n<p>Exploring night markets is the fastest way to immerse yourself in Taiwan: densely packed stalls, eating as you stroll, wallet-friendly prices, and most are located right next to MRT stations. Take Taipei as an example. Shilin Night Market is one of the largest night markets, spanning several blocks; its underground food court reopened after renovations in April 2025, and you can reach it by taking the MRT Tamsui\u2013Xinyi Line to Jiantan Station. Raohe Street Tourist Night Market, meanwhile, is a straight street about 600 meters long with archways at both ends and a simple layout, plus several Michelin Bib Gourmand\u2013recommended stalls; take the Songshan\u2013Xindian Line to Exit 5 of Songshan Station. Tainan and Kaohsiung in the south each have their own distinctive night markets too\u2014if you want to dig deeper into the food, pair this with<a href=\"\/en\/category\/taiwan-food-guide\/\">Taiwan Food Guide<\/a>for a fuller read. For cultural experiences, you don't need to deliberately \"hunt for attractions\"\u2014it's right there in everyday life: temples thick with incense smoke, districts that preserve old houses, and the world-class National Palace Museum. Taipei's Wanhua and Dadaocheng, and Tainan's Confucius Temple and old streets, are all perfect for a slow half-day walk. Slotting a cultural half-day between night market or hot spring plans gives your trip just the right rhythm. To plan an overall route, you can refer to<a href=\"\/en\/category\/taiwan-itinerary\/\">Taiwan Itinerary Planning<\/a>. Hot springs are Taiwan's winter signature, and you can even soak right in the city\u2014Taipei's Beitou is the most convenient hot spring area for foreign travelers. Take the MRT to Beitou Station, transfer to the Xinbeitou branch line, and one stop later at Xinbeitou Station, the hot spring area is right in front of you. For a striking sight, visit Thermal Valley (nicknamed \"Hell Valley\"), a source of acidic hot springs in a jade-green pool billowing sulfurous steam, with water temperatures year-round around 85\u2013100\u00b0C; you can only look, not enter the water. Admission to Thermal Valley itself is free, but for an actual soak, choose a public bathhouse or a hot spring inn. Taiwan's hot spring high season falls during the cool, cold months from December to March.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to see the sea, head to the outlying islands. Each island has its own character and its own way of getting there, so confirm the boat and flight schedules before you go. Xiaoliuqiu, off the coast of Pingtung, is Taiwan's only coral reef island, and its biggest draw is the abundance of green sea turtles in the waters around the island\u2014you're almost guaranteed to spot them while snorkeling or diving. To get there, take a boat from Donggang (or Kaohsiung). The Penghu Islands are one of Taiwan's most popular island getaways, with numerous beaches and water activities like snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing; there are direct domestic flights from places like Taichung and Kaohsiung, and the best season to visit mostly falls between April and September. Green Island's Zhaori Hot Spring is one of the world's rare seawater hot springs, where you can soak while gazing out at the sea. To get there, you usually go to Taitung first, then take a boat of about 50 minutes or transfer to a domestic flight. Transport and accommodation on the outlying islands change often, so please rely on the boat companies' and airlines' official sources for schedules and fares. For accommodation, you can first check<a href=\"\/en\/category\/accommodation\/\">Accommodation Recommendations<\/a>\u3002<\/p>\n<p>There are two things you should prepare before your trip: stable internet, and reservations or tickets for popular experiences. It's recommended to set up an eSIM before departure so you can activate navigation, ride-hailing, and schedule lookups the moment you step off the plane.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"lt-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/holafly.sjv.io\/L0RdLZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">Stay Connected with a Holafly eSIM<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Popular experiences like the Alishan sunrise, outlying-island ferry tickets, and private-car day tours are best booked online in advance, as they often sell out on site. We're still confirming our partner link for the local Taiwan ticketing platform (Klook TW) (TODO_KLOOK_TW); for now, you can book through KKday.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"lt-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kkday.com\/?cid=25297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">Book Experiences and Tickets on KKday<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Compare and book accommodation and some transportation all in one place.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"lt-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trip.com\/t\/7nFwx9y94V2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">Find accommodation and transport on Trip.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"lt-aff-note\"><small>Some links in this article are partner links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See<a href=\"\/en\/affiliate-disclosure\/\">affiliate disclosure<\/a>\u3002<\/small><\/p>\n<h4>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h4>\n<h5>How many days is ideal for a self-guided trip to Taiwan?<\/h5>\n<p>For a first visit to Taiwan, we recommend at least 5 to 7 days. Five days is enough to explore Taipei thoroughly plus one trip to central or southern Taiwan (such as Taichung and Sun Moon Lake, or Tainan and Kaohsiung); if you want to add an outlying island or Alishan, a 7- to 10-day itinerary is more relaxed. Taiwan isn't large, but there's still travel time between destinations, so don't pack your schedule too tightly.<\/p>\n<h5>Do foreign travelers need a visa to visit Taiwan?<\/h5>\n<p>Travelers from many countries enjoy visa-free entry, and most are granted a stay of up to 90 days (a few countries get 14 to 30 days). The visa-free list and permitted length of stay are subject to change, and you usually need to fill out an arrival card online before entry. Always refer to the latest announcements on the official Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (boca.gov.tw).<\/p>\n<h5>Is an EasyCard all I need?<\/h5>\n<p>For city transport and small purchases at convenience stores, the EasyCard covers almost everything. But for the High Speed Rail (HSR), some outlying-island ferry sailings, and long-distance intercity travel, it's still best to buy tickets separately or book online. Carry some cash too, as traditional markets and some small stalls may not accept cards.<\/p>\n<h5>What's the best season to visit Taiwan?<\/h5>\n<p>Autumn (around October to November) usually brings stable weather and lower humidity, making it a popular travel season. Summer (June to September) is great for the outlying islands and the beach, but watch out for typhoons; for hot springs, the cool months from December to March are the most comfortable. Check the Central Weather Administration forecast before making plans.<\/p>\n<h5>Can I visit Taroko Gorge right now?<\/h5>\n<p>After the April 2024 earthquake, many trails and road sections in Taroko Gorge are still being repaired in phases, and the areas open to visitors change from time to time. Before you set out, check the announcements on the Taroko National Park official website to confirm which trails and transport routes are accessible, then decide whether to include it in your itinerary.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What should you do on your first trip to Taiwan? From Alishan sunrises, night market food, temples and old streets, to Beitou hot springs and outer island snorkeling, get the five must-do experiences at a glance, complete with EasyCard and High Speed Rail transport tips, budgets, and FAQs. Read it and you can start planning your itinerary.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":735,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[47,38,44],"class_list":["post-700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-taiwan-travel-guide","tag-things-to-do-taiwan","tag-taiwan-travel","tag-taiwan-itinerary-tag"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/700","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=700"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/700\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":804,"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/700\/revisions\/804"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalriceball.website\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}