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10 Days Taiwan Itinerary for First Timers: Taiwan Round Trip
If it's your first time in Taiwan and you want a little bit of everything, this classic round-island itinerary is for you. It includes buzzing cities, misty mountains, serene lakes, rich culture, and mouthwatering food.
Starting and ending in Taipei, you'll travel in a loop around the island, hitting all the major highlights with smooth and scenic connections by train, bus, or private car. It's the perfect balance of iconic sights and authentic local flavor, without rushing from place to place.
Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Day 2: Taipei → Yeliu, Jiufen, Shifen
Day 3: Taipei → Beitou & Tamsui
Day 4: Taipei City Tour
Day 5: Taipei → Sun Moon Lake
Day 6: Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi
Day 7: Chiayi → Kaohsiung (without Tainan)
Day 8: Kaohsiung → Donggang → Taitung (without Kenting)
Day 9: Taitung → Hualien
Day 10: Hualien → Taipei
Day 1-4: Taipei & Surroundings
Taipei is always the first stop of your Taiwan tour, especially for first time visitors. Spend at least one full day in downtown area exploring cultural landmarks, taking photos, learning stories, and surfing in history.
Popular landmarks includes: National Palace Museum ("lost treasures" of Beijing's Forbidden City), Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101
From Taipei, it's easy to make day trips to surrounding highlights. You could squeeze these into two full days:
- One day for the northeast: Yehliu → Jiufen → Shifen
- One day for the northwest: Beitou → Yangmingshan or Tamsui
How to Get to Jiufen (Jiufen Old Street) from Taipei? (4 Ways)
How to Get to Yangmingshan from Taipei (2025)
And of course, don't miss Taipei's legendary night markets. It's a must for anyone who travel to Taipei whether you love Taiwan food or not. We recommend staying in the city center throughout your Taipei days, so you can spend each night exploring the delicious chaos just outside your hotel door.
Top-rated night markets (frequently seen on TikTok and travel rankings) include: Shilin Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, and Raohe Night Market.
20 Must Do in Taipei: Top Things to Do & Non-Touristy Spots
Day 5-6: Taipei to Sun Moon Lake & Alishan
Move southward for Taiwan's most enchanting natural scenery: the tranquil beauty of Sun Moon Lake and the misty forests of Alishan. Both are nestled in Taiwan's central mountains, and you'll need at least two days to enjoy them comfortably from Taipei.
On the way to Sun Moon Lake, you'll pass through Taichung. If you set out early, there's time to stop for an hour or two to stroll around and grab lunch. After lunch, continue toward Sun Moon Lake.
The lake isn't large, and its main attractions are best enjoyed by boating across the water, biking, or walking along the lakeside trails. 2–3 hours is enough for a full experience. Stay overnight in a boutique guesthouse near the lake for the best atmosphere.
Early risers can take a relaxing morning walk around the lake before breakfast. After that, set off for Alishan, a two-hour drive up winding mountain roads. Be prepared if you're prone to motion sickness.
Once at Alishan, spend 2-4 hours exploring: ride the vintage forest railway, walk the peaceful cedar trails, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. After your visit, descend the mountain and stay overnight in Chiayi City.
Travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake (back): 4 Day Trip Routes | 2025
10 Sun Moon Lake Things to Do (in 1 Day): Well-planned!
Day 7-8: Southern Island in Kaohsiung & Taitung
On Day 7, start your morning in Chiayi, then head south to Kaohsiung, a vibrant port city known for its creative energy. Don't miss the iconic Lotus Pond, Fo Guang Shan, or the romantic Cijin Island.
After a night in Kaohsiung, the journey begins to curve back north, but the scenery only gets better. Head toward Donggang, where the local seafood market is a paradise for food lovers. Then skip Kenting and cross the lush mountains of southern Taiwan. Arrive on the east coast, where the island truly reveals its wild beauty.
In Taitung, you'll find the famous Duoliang Station, perched right above the sea, where colorful trains glide along the coastline just steps from the ocean. The salty breeze, open skies, and endless waves will wash away the fatigue of the journey.
These two days involve a bit more time on the road, but don't worry, you're about to enter the most scenic stretch of your Taiwan trip. The untamed east coast is calling.
Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung, 2025 Attractions Guide
Day 9-10: East Coast Drive from Taitung to Taipei via Hualien
Now comes the grand finale of your Taiwan round-island journey, a breathtaking two-day ride along the east coast, where mountains tumble into the sea and every bend in the road reveals a postcard view.
From Taitung, follow the Pacific coastline northward, passing through charming villages, rice paddies, sea cliffs, and hidden beaches. This stretch of Highway 11 is one of the most scenic drives in Taiwan, offering endless chances to stop, breathe, and take in the view.
The highlight of this leg is Hualien, your final overnight stop before heading back to Taipei. Just outside the city lies Taroko Gorge, a dramatic marble canyon carved by turquoise rivers and surrounded by lush jungle. Even a short visit to Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, or Eternal Spring Shrine will leave you in awe.
On Day 10, wrap up your trip with a smooth transfer back to Taipei. Ten days might not be enough to see it all, but it's certainly enough to fall in love.
How to Get from Taipei to Hualien? by Train, Bus, Car or Flight
10 Days Taiwan Itinerary for Couples & Friends: Taiwan North to South Trip
For couples and close friends who want to explore Taiwan at a comfortable pace, try this north-to-south route. It's the perfect mix of culture, romance, fun, and scenic escapes, from lantern-lit alleyways and lakeside strolls to tropical beaches and vibrant city nights.
Starting in Taipei and ending in the sunny south, this journey skips the full island loop to focus on depth over distance, making it both relaxing and adventure-packed.
Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Day 2: Taipei → Yeliu, Jiufen, Shifen
Day 3: Taipei → Beitou & Tamsui
Day 4: Taipei City Tour
Day 5: Taipei → Sun Moon Lake
Day 6: Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi
Day 7: Chiayi → Tainan → Kaohsiung
Day 8: Kaohsiung → Donggang → Kenting
Day 9: Kenting → Kaohsiung
Day 10: Kaohsiung → Taipei
Day 1-6: Taipei & Sun Moon Lake & Alishan
The first six days can follow the same wonderful route as the upper itinerary.
Start in Taipei, where you can explore the city's culture, soak in a Beitou hot spring, enjoy riverside sunsets in Tamsui, and take a day trip to Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen, where couples love to release sky lanterns with handwritten wishes.
Next, head to Sun Moon Lake, where a peaceful lakeside ride or tea break at a mountain lodge sets the perfect mood. Continue into the misty forests of Alishan, then stay overnight in Chiayi.
Day 7-10: Kaohsiung & Kenting
Here's where this itinerary takes a different turn - instead of heading up the East Coast, you'll head to Taiwan's most romantic seaside escape: Kenting.
On Day 7, make your way to Kaohsiung, a vibrant southern city known for its laid-back charm, colorful art districts like Pier-2, and relaxing walks along the Lotus Pond. In the evening, explore the buzzing energy of Liuhe Night Market or take a sunset ferry to Cijin Island.
From there, head south to Kenting, Taiwan's tropical playground. This is where you slow down and soak up the sun, lounging on white-sand beaches, going snorkeling, or riding a scooter along the scenic coastal highway. The atmosphere here is fun, youthful, and endlessly photogenic.
On Day 9, return to Kaohsiung for one final night, perfect for last-minute shopping or a farewell dinner by the harbor. Then on Day 10, hop on the High-Speed Rail back to Taipei to end your trip in comfort and style.
9 Best Beaches in Kenting for Swimming, Snorkeling or Surfing
Kaohsiung to Kenting: Express Bus, Taxi/Shared Car, Train, Scooter (2025)
10 Days Taiwan Itinerary For Family: Taiwan Kids-Friendly Trip
Traveling Taiwan with kids? This 10-day island loop is designed just for families — blending fun, nature, and culture with plenty of hands-on experiences to keep young travelers happy and engaged. From feeding sheep in the mountains to releasing sky lanterns and riding forest trains, this trip brings the whole family closer to Taiwan's heart.
While it follows a classic round-island route, this version is carefully adapted with more animals, more playtime, and more kid-friendly stops. The biggest difference? Day 4 and Day 5 are packed with family-focused fun in the mountains!
Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Day 2: Taipei → Yeliu, Jiufen, Shifen
Day 3: Taipei City Tour
Day 4: Taipei Children Fun → Cingjing Farm (Animals & Grassland)
Day 5: Cingjing Farm → Sun Moon Lake (Amusement Park)
Day 6: Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi (Forest Railway Fun)
Day 7: Chiayi → Kaohsiung
Day 8: Kaohsiung → Donggang → Taitung
Day 9: Taitung → Hualien
Day 10: Hualien → Taipei
Day 1-3: Taipei & Surroundings
Start in Taipei with a soft landing. After checking in, explore Shilin Night Market for delicious, kid-friendly street food. On Day 2, enjoy a classic family day trip to Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Waterfall, and Jiufen Old Street — perfect for outdoor exploration and cultural discovery. Day 3 is your city tour day: visit the National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the base of Taipei 101.
How Many Days in Taipei: Itinerary for Taipei [1,2,3,4 & 5 Days]
Day 4: Taipei Zoo - Maokong Gondola - Cingjing Farm
Begin your day at Taipei Zoo, home to pandas, Formosan black bears, and many animals kids will love. From the zoo's south entrance, take the scenic Maokong Gondola up into the hills, a fun ride with sweeping views.
In the afternoon, drive 3-4 hours to the mountains and check in at Cingjing Farm. The farm's open grasslands and fresh alpine air are the perfect escape from the city, and kids love feeding sheep and spotting other animals in the hills.
Day 5: Cingjing Farm - Sun Moon Lake - Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
In the morning, let the kids feed sheep and enjoy the wide-open grasslands at Cingjing Farm. Then drive to Sun Moon Lake (about 1.5 hours) and take a relaxing boat ride or board the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway across the mountains.
That ride takes you directly to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, a unique theme park that combines rides, performances, and culture, making it one of Taiwan's best amusement parks for families. End your day with a lakeside stay near Sun Moon Lake.
Day 6-10: Alishan, Southern Island & East Coast
The rest of the trip follows the classic round-island route, but still packed with family-friendly highlights:
- Day 6: Enjoy a tea-tasting stop and explore Alishan Forest Recreation Area with its scenic railway and giant cedar trees. Overnight in Chiayi.
- Day 7: Visit Hinoki Village in Chiayi before heading to Kaohsiung, where you'll see the Buddha Museum and visit Cijin Old Street.
- Day 8: Explore Lotus Pond and museums in Kaohsiung, then drive to Taitung, passing Donggang fishing port along the way.
- Day 9: Travel north along the Pacific coastline, stopping at Sanxiantai, the Tropic of Cancer Marker, and Qixingtan Beach. Overnight in Hualien.
- Day 10: Stop at the Suao Fisheries Education Center and the National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan before returning to Taipei.
How Much Does it Cost for 10 Days in Taiwan?
A 10-day trip to Taiwan is not only packed with culture, food, and scenery, it's also very budget-friendly compared to many other destinations in Asia.
If you book through a travel agency offering 10-day all-inclusive tour packages, prices typically range from $1,500–$1,700 USD, covering hotels, transport, guides, entrance tickets, and sometimes meals, leaving you stress-free to just enjoy the trip.
- Hotels (3–4 stars): $60–$120 per night
- Transport (private driver or group tour vehicle, plus HSR/tickets): $200–$300
- Meals: $10–$20 per day (more if you dine at restaurants, less with street food)
- Entrance Fees & Activities: $100–$150 total
- Shopping & Souvenirs: optional
Tip: Traveling as a family or in a small group can help lower the per-person cost, especially for private car tours or shared accommodations.
Taiwan Travel Cost: Food, Hotel & Tour Package
Trace Taiwan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
Ready to see the best of Taiwan, from north to south? Asia Odyssey Travel is here to guide your journey around the island. With expert local partners and well-planned routes, we make your Taiwan trip smooth, exciting, and unforgettable.
We offer carefully designed tour packages and in-depth travel guides, including:
✔ Popular Tour Packages: Taiwan Group Tours, Taiwan Tours, Taiwan Family Tours, Taiwan Food Tours
✔ Useful Travel Guide: Taiwan Night Markets, Taiwan Temples, Taiwan Beaches, Taiwan Mountain, Taiwan Food, Taiwan Transportation
✔ Various Destinations: Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Kaohsiung
✔ Classic Itineraries: Taiwan Itinerary, Taipei Itinerary, Taichung Itinerary, Kaohsiung Itinerary
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