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Where to Go & What to Do in Taiwan for 5 Days?
Taiwan is incredibly diverse, and even with 5 days in Taiwan, you have so many choices! Are you looking for a leisurely city escape, an adventurous dash across the island, or some sunny beach fun? We've got it all!
Taipei City + Surroundings: Perfect for a relaxed pace, soaking in culture, history, and natural wonders.
Taipei + Sun Moon Lake + Alishan + Kaohsiung: This one's for our hyper-efficient travelers or budget travelers who want to see as much as possible!
Taipei + Kaohsiung: Experience the thrill of Taiwan's High-Speed Rail (HSR) as you zip between our vibrant capital and our bustling port city.
Kaohsiung + Kenting: Sun-seekers, this is for you! Dive into beach life and water activities in Taiwan's sunny south.
Plan A. 5 Days Taiwan Itinerary to Explore Taipei In-depth: Slow Pace for All Ages
This 5 days Taiwan itinerary focuses on a relaxed exploration of Taipei and its nearby. You'll spend all 5 days based in Taipei, minimizing travel time and maximizing your immersive experiences!
- Relaxed Pace: Enjoy up to 3 core attractions daily, allowing for deeper immersion.
- Diverse Experiences: Explore history, unique geology, charming mountain towns, and hot spring culture in one go.
- Local Immersion: Hands-on activities like sky lantern releases and hot spring cooking.
Here's how to spend your 5 days in Taipei, Taiwan:
| Day | Where to Go | What to Do | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei Arrival | Hotel check-in, free time to explore Shilin Night Market | Taipei |
| 2 | Taipei Surroundings | Morning visit to Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen Old Street; Afternoon at Shifen Waterfall and Shifen Old Street (sky lantern release) | Taipei |
| 3 | Taipei City | Morning at National Palace Museum and Longshan Temple; Afternoon at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101 Observatory | Taipei |
| 4 | Taipei Surroundings | Morning at Beitou Hot Spring Museum & Geothermal Valley; Afternoon 3-4 hours exploring Yangmingshan National Park | Taipei |
| 5 | Depart Taipei | Morning visit to Tamsui Old Street and Tamsui Wharf before heading to the airport | / |
Good to Know (Local Travel Tips!):
- Your handy Taipei tourist map for a seamless travel!
- More Taipei itineraries for your reference.
On Day 1, upon arriving at Taipei Taoyuan Airport, we'll head straight to our hotel for check-in. The evening is yours to freely explore the vibrant Shilin Night Market, an introduction to Taiwan's famous street food scene.
12 Best Taiwan Night Markets (+ 8 Must-try Night Markets Food)
Day 2 takes us to Taipei's surroundings. This morning, we'll visit the "WOW" rock formations of Yehliu Geopark and Shifen Waterfall. The afternoon brings us to Shifen Old Street for a magical sky lantern release, followed by a visit to the atmospheric mountain town of Jiufen Old Street, before we return to Taipei.
How to Get to Jiufen (Jiufen Old Street) from Taipei? (4 Ways)
On Day 3, we begin with a morning visit to the National Palace Museum and Longshan Temple. In the afternoon, we'll explore the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and take in breathtaking city views from the Taipei 101 Observatory.
Day 4 begins in Beitou, where we'll explore the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and the bubbling Geothermal Valley. The afternoon is dedicated to the natural beauty of Yangmingshan National Park, enjoying 3-4 hours exploring areas like Zhuzihu, Xiaoyoukeng, and Qingtiangang.
Finally, on Day 5, before heading to Taipei for departure, we'll enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Tamsui Old Street and taking in the scenic views from Tamsui Wharf.
Plan B. Taiwan Itinerary 5 Days: Budget Road Trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung, with Sun Moon Lake & Alishan
This Taiwan 5 days itinerary is packed with diverse landscapes – cityscapes, lakes & forests, making the most of your trip on a budget! Are you ready to hit the road?
- It's a budget-friendly Taiwan group tour.
- We'll cover the most scenic road trip from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan.
- Dive into fun, interactive experiences like pineapple cake DIY and tea factory visit with a tasting.
Check the day-by-day layout of your 5 days Taiwan Itinerary:
| Day | Where to Go | What to Do | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei Arrival | Hotel check-in, free time to explore Shilin Night Market | Taipei |
| 2 | Taipei - Sun Moon Lake | Pineapple Cake DIY - Sun Moon Lake (boat tour) | Sun Moon Lake |
| 3 | Sun Moon Lake - Alishan - Chiayi | Alishan National Forest Recreation Area - Tea factory tour & tasting | Chiayi |
| 4 | Chiayi - Kaohsiung | Hinoki Village - Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (Kaohsiung) - Cijin Old Street | Kaohsiung |
| 5 | Kaohsiung - Taipei (End of Tour) | Lotus Pond Scenic Area | / |
Transport Ideas for Getting around:
- Taipei to Sun Moon Lake: 4 Day Trip Routes (Bus, Car, HSR or TRA Train)
- Sun Moon Lake to Alishan: 3 Direct Options (Bus, Car & Taxi)
- Chiayi to Alishan: Chiayi HSR or Chiayi Station to Alishan?
Your 5 days Taiwan itinerary begins in Taipei. Once we've got you settled into your hotel, let's head to Shilin Night Market for your delicious first taste of Taiwan's street food!
Next, we journey to the serene Sun Moon Lake on Day 2. We'll enjoy a hands-on pineapple cake DIY experience along the way. Once at the lake, you'll take a relaxing boat tour and stay overnight by the water.
Your Alishan experience unfolds on Day 3. We'll wind our way up to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, surrounded by stunning nature and fresh mountain air. Afterward, we'll stop at a tea factory for a tasting before heading to Chiayi for the night.
Then, you'll explore Kaohsiung for 2 days, starting with Day 4. We'll visit the Hinoki Village in Chiayi before heading south. In Kaohsiung, you'll explore the grand Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and the lively Cijin Old Street. You'll stay overnight in Kaohsiung.
Finally, on Day 5, your morning in Kaohsiung includes a visit to the beautiful Lotus Pond. After that, it's time to say Goodbye to Taiwan.
Plan C. Taiwan Itinerary for 5 Days: City Hopping from Taipei to Kaohsiung by HSR
This plan is all about experiencing the pulse of Taiwan's top cities – Taipei and Kaohsiung, seamlessly connected by Taiwan high speed railway (HSR).
- Let's ride Taiwan's High-Speed Railway (HSR) from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
- Explore Taiwan's best cities, from our bustling capital - Taipei to the charming port city of Kaohsiung.
Let me break down this Taiwan 5 days 4 nights itinerary for you:
| Day | Where to Go | What to Do | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei Arrival | Hotel check-in, free time to explore Shilin Night Market | Taipei |
| 2 | Taipei Surroundings | Morning trip to Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall; Afternoon at Shifen Old Street (sky lantern release) | Taipei |
| 3 | Taipei to Kaohsiung by HSR | National Palace Museum (Closed Mon), Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101 (Exterior View) | Kaohsiung |
| 4 | Kaohsiung | Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (Closed Tue), Cijin Ferry, Cijin Old Street, Cijin Mazu Temple, Cijin Beach | Kaohsiung |
| 5 | Kaohsiung | Lotus Lake, Pier-2 Art Center, British Consulate at Takao (Closed Wed), Sizihwan Sunset (Optional) | / |
Making Your Trip Easier:
- Transfer from Taipei to Kaohsiung? See 4 Options (HSR, TRA, Bus & Car)
- Spot Kaohsiung Attractions on our Kaohsiung map.
This adventure kicks off with two and a half days in our dynamic capital, Taipei.
Day 1 is for arrival at Taoyuan Airport, hotel check-in, and diving into Shilin Night Market.
Day 2 explores Taipei's surroundings: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Waterfall, a sky lantern release at Shifen Old Street, and charming Jiufen Old Street.
On Day 3 morning, we'll quickly see iconic Taipei sights like the National Palace Museum (closed Mondays), historic Dadaocheng, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Next, a swift High-Speed Rail ride takes us to Kaohsiung, your base for 2.5 days.
Day 4 explores Kaohsiung's gems: Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (closed Tuesdays), a ferry to Cijin Old Street with its Mazu Temple and Cijin Beach.
Your final Day 5 covers Lotus Lake, Pier-2 Art Center, and the historic British Consulate at Takao (closed Wednesdays), perhaps with a Sizihwan sunset before departure.
Plan D. Taiwan 5 Days Itinerary: From Kaohsiung City Walk to Kenting Beach Fun
This Taiwan 5 days 4 nights itinerary is tailor-made for those dreaming of southern charm, sandy beaches, and family fun.
- You'll enjoy relaxed city walks through Taiwan's lively south, like Kaohsiung.
- Dive into the best beaches in Kenting.
- A perfect escape designed for families with kids!
Take a look at the day-by-day Taiwan 5 days itinerary:
| Day | Where to Go | What to Do | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaohsiung Arrival | Lotus Lake - Pier-2 Art Center - Cijin Ferry - Cijin Old Street (snacks) - Tianhou Temple - Cijin Beach - Cijin Lighthouse (Optional: sunset; cycling) | Kaohsiung |
| 2 | Kaohsiung to Kenting | Maritime Building Café (Exterior View) - Donggang Donglong Temple - Donggang Huaqiao Seafood Market - Hengchun Old Town (City Walls) - Kenting Baishawan Beach (sunset) | Kenting |
| 3 | Kenting | Kenting National Forest Recreation Area - Sail Rock - Eluanbi Lighthouse - Longpan Park Grasslands | Kenting |
| 4 | Kenting | Free time for fun on Kenting's beaches: Dawang, Xiaowan, Nanwan, etc. | Kenting |
| 5 | Kenting to Kaohsiung | National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium | / |
Travel Smart with our Insider Tips:
- Kaohsiung to Kenting: Express Bus, Taxi/Shared Car, Train, or Scooter?
- Get the 9 best beaches in Kenting for Swimming, Snorkeling or Surfing!
Start your adventure in Kaohsiung, with Day 1 dedicated to exploring this dynamic port city.
Upon arrival, we'll dive into Lotus Lake, the creative Pier-2 Art Center, then ferry to Cijin Old Street for snacks, visiting Tianhou Temple and Cijin Beach (optional sunset/bike ride). You'll stay overnight here.
Then, it's south to Kenting for 3 glorious days of beach escape!
Day 2's journey from Kaohsiung includes stops at Maritime Building Café, Donggang Donglong Temple, Donggang Huaqiao Seafood Market, and Hengchun Old Town, before relaxing at Kenting Baisha Bay. You'll check into your Kenting spot.
Day 3 is packed with Kenting's natural wonders: Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, Sail Rock, Eluanbi Lighthouse, and Longpan Park's vast grasslands.
Day 4 is all about free time for pure relaxation and fun on Kenting's beautiful beaches like Dawang, Xiaowan, or Nanwan.
Finally, on Day 5, before heading back to Kaohsiung for departure, we'll visit the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung – perfect for all ages!
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel to Maximize Your 5 Days in Taiwan!
Hope these Taiwan 5 Days Itinerary options have shown you just how much amazing adventure you can pack into a short trip!
To truly Maximize Your 5 Days in Taiwan, consider letting Asia Odyssey Travel handle the details.
We're experts in crafting Taiwan journeys, offering budget Taiwan group tours, dedicated Taipei tours & Kaohsiung tours, and serene Sun Moon Lake tours & Alishan tours.
Plus, we offer even more Taiwan travel itinerary inspiration, from 3-day Taiwan getaways to 7-day, 10 days, and even 2-week itineraries for Taiwan!
Let us help you plan your perfect 5 days in Taiwan!
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