How Many Days Should You Spend in Each Part of Taiwan?
Taiwan may be small, but there's a lot to see, and not every place needs the same amount of time. Here's a quick breakdown of how long to stay in each destination, so you can plan your route more efficiently based on your interests and available days.
Destination | Suggested Stay | Highlights & Why Visit |
---|---|---|
Taipei | 3–4 days | Temples, night markets, museums, city views, day trips |
Jiufen / Yehliu / Pingxi | 1 day (as day trip) | Old streets, sea cliffs, lanterns, waterfalls |
Taichung | 1 day | Rainbow Village, Gaomei Wetland, Fengjia Night Market |
Sun Moon Lake | 1 day (or 1 night) | Bike rides, lake cruise, cable car, peaceful scenery |
Alishan | 1-2 days | Sunrise train, cedar forests, tea plantations |
Tainan | 1 day | Ancient temples, food culture, historical sites |
Kaohsiung | 1-2 days | Harbor art, Cijin Island, Fo Guang Shan, urban vibes |
Kenting | 1-2 days | Beaches, scenic drives, snorkeling, laid-back escape |
Hualien / Taroko | 1-2 days | Taroko Gorge, hiking trails, east coast views |
Taitung | 1 day | East Rift Valley, slow travel, hot springs, indigenous culture |
Tips:
Combine Taichung + Sun Moon Lake as a central Taiwan combo
Alishan + Tainan + Kaohsiung works well in sequence heading south
Taitung to Hualien offers a stunning east coast ride, by train, car, or even bike


Taiwan Itinerary Overview: What’s Possible in 3 to 14 Days
Duration | Main Route | Highlights |
---|---|---|
3 days | Taipei + Jiufen | City sights, night markets, day trips |
5 days | Taipei to Taichung | Taipei + Sun Moon Lake or Alishan |
7 days | Taipei to Kaohsiung | Classic west coast route |
10 days | Island loop (counterclockwise) | Popular highlights around the Island |
14 days | Full circle + offbeat stops | In-depth culture, mountains, coast |
Taiwan 3-Day Itinerary: Quick Look of Taipei & Surroundings
Best for: Weekend travelers flying in from Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, or nearby regions.
Three days may sound short, but with Taiwan’s compact size and Taipei’s convenience, you can get a rich taste of city life, culture, and even nature, all without rushing too much.


Day 1: Arrive in Taipei & Soak in the Night Buzz
Once you arrive in Taipei, settle into your hotel and stretch your legs with an evening stroll through Shilin or Raohe Night Market. It's the perfect way to jump into local life, sizzling skewers, fresh bubble tea, and the unmistakable sound of scooters whizzing by. The city's night rhythm will pull you in right away.
Day 2: Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen – A Day of Contrast
Leave the city behind and head north to Yehliu Geopark, where the sea has sculpted bizarre rock formations into natural art. From there, continue to the hillside town of Jiufen, a nostalgic maze of tea houses and lantern-lit alleyways overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
After lunch, head inland to Shifen, where the old railway line runs straight through the village. Light a sky lantern with your wishes and watch it float into the mountains. A short walk takes you to Shifen Waterfall, before you make your way back to Taipei in the evening.
Day 3: A Taste of Taipei Before You Go
On your last morning, take it slow. Enjoy a Taiwanese breakfast at a local shop, hot soy milk, egg crepes, and fried dough. Then visit Longshan Temple or take in the city skyline from Taipei 101, depending on your departure time. Whether you're heading to the airport by train or taxi, you’ll leave with a head full of images and a belly full of memories.
3 Days in Taiwan: 5 Best Taiwan 3 Days Itinerary for First Timer


Taiwan 5-Day Itinerary: Taipei + Taichung
There are more routes to choose from when traveling in Taiwan in 5 days, depending on how many days you spend in Taipei.
If it is your first time in Taiwan and you need to explore Taipei and its surroundings, 5 days gives you the opportunity to go to Sun Moon Lake. If you plan to skip Taipei, you can go to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan in 5 days.
Or if you really love Taipei, you can use the 5 days to explore Taipei and its surroundings.
Here are three popular ways to spend your five days:
Option 1: Taipei + Sun Moon Lake
Best for: First-timers who want a mix of city energy and natural beauty without rushing too much.


Day 1: Arrive in Taipei, check in, and ease into your trip with a night market feast
Day 2: Day trip to Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen — enjoy sea views, old streets, and sky lanterns
Day 3: Explore Taipei city — visit Longshan Temple, Taipei 101, or museums and local markets
Day 4: Travel to Sun Moon Lake (about 3–3.5 hours by car or train+bus), take a short boat ride or lakeside walk, stay overnight by the lake
Day 5: Return to Taipei via Taichung — stop by Rainbow Village or take a stroll around Taichung's city center if time allows
This route is perfect if you don’t want to switch hotels too often but still want to see something beyond the capital.
How to Get to Yangmingshan from Taipei (2025)
How to Get to Jiufen (Jiufen Old Street) from Taipei? (4 Ways)
Option 2: Sun Moon Lake + Alishan
Best for: Travelers who want to skip city-hopping and focus on Taiwan’s most iconic natural landscapes.


Day 1: Arrive in Taipei and enjoy a night market welcome
Day 2: Head south to Sun Moon Lake, spend the afternoon cruising the lake or biking the shoreline
Day 3: Drive or transfer to Alishan, arrive in the afternoon and enjoy the misty mountain air
Day 4: Wake up early for the Alishan sunrise, then travel down to Chiayi, and continue to Kaohsiung
Day 5: Spend a relaxed morning in Kaohsiung (Love River, Pier-2 Art Center), then take the high-speed rail back to Taipei
This itinerary is scenic and atmospheric, but involves longer transfers — ideal if you enjoy winding mountain roads and don’t mind moving between cities each night.
Taipei to Alishan Train, Bus or by Car: 5 Easiest Routes | 2025
Travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake (back): 4 Day Trip Routes | 2025
Option 3: Deep Dive into Taipei & Surroundings
Best for: Slow travelers, city lovers, or those who prefer fewer transfers.
Use all five days to explore Taipei and its surroundings at a relaxed pace. Add half-day or full-day trips to places like Beitou Hot Springs, Tamsui, Yangmingshan, Pingxi, or even Houtong Cat Village. Spend evenings discovering different night markets, from bustling Shilin to local-favorite Ningxia.
This is a great choice if you love food, culture, and convenience — no long-distance travel needed.
20 Must Do in Taipei: Top Things to Do & Non-Touristy Spots
How Many Days in Taipei: Itinerary for Taipei [1,2,3,4 & 5 Days]
Taiwan 5 Days (4 Nights) Itinerary: Maximize Your 5 Days in Taiwan


Taiwan 7-Day Itinerary: Classic North-to-South Route
Great for: First-time visitors who want to see the best of Taiwan.
One week gives you enough time to explore the island's west side from Taipei to Kaohsiung, with a perfect mix of cultural sights, scenic nature, and delicious local food.
Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Land in Taiwan’s capital and take it easy. Enjoy your first taste of the city with an evening stroll through Shilin or Raohe Night Market.
Day 2: Taipei City Exploration
Dive into the culture and history of Taipei — visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, and take in the skyline from Taipei 101. End the day in Ximending or try a local hot spring in Beitou.
Day 3: Day Trip – Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen
Take a day trip north to explore Taiwan’s stunning coast and mountain towns: Yehliu’s rock formations, Jiufen’s lantern-lit alleyways, and sky lanterns in Shifen.


Day 4: Travel to Sun Moon Lake
Leave Taipei and head south to Sun Moon Lake (via Taichung). Spend the afternoon biking, cruising, or walking lakeside paths. Overnight by the lake.
Day 5: Sun Moon Lake to Alishan
Take the scenic drive or transfer to Alishan. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, stroll the peaceful forest trails, and take the famous Alishan Forest railway. Overnight in Chiayi.
Day 6: Chiayi to Kaohsiung
Head to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. In the afternoon, visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and Cijin Island, enjoy a romantic Love River Cruise in the evening.
Day 7: Kaohsiung & Departure
Spend your final morning visiting the colorful Lotus Pond, Pier-2 Art Center, or just relax before your departure - by high-speed rail or flight from Kaohsiung or back to Taipei.
Travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake (back): 4 Day Trip Routes | 2025


You have the option to skip either city or sightseeing. Sun Moon Lake and Alishan are beautiful, but the winding mountain roads make the trip full of challenge. If you’re struggling with the motion sickness, just skip them and enjoy the city with food, museums and shopping.
Taiwan 7 Days Itinerary: Taipei or Kaohsiung Entry for Newbies?
Taiwan 10-Day Itinerary: Counterclockwise Island Loop
Best for: Travelers who want to explore the full diversity of Taiwan, from modern cities and historic towns to mountain forests, ocean cliffs, and quiet coastal villages.
This 10-day itinerary follows a counterclockwise route around the island, starting from Taipei, heading down the west coast to Kaohsiung, then cutting across to the scenic east before looping back north.


Day 1-4: Taipei & Surroundings
Your journey begins in Taipei. Spend two days exploring the city’s vibrant surroundings. One day trip to the north coast: wander through Jiufen’s lantern-lined alleys, feel the sea breeze at Yehliu, and light a sky lantern in Shifen before returning to Taipei.
One day trip to the northwest: visit Beitou’s Thermal Valley and Hot Spring Museum, explore Tamsui’s Fort San Domingo, Fisherman’s Wharf and Former British Merchant Residence.
On day 4, exploring the city’s cultural highlights like Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Taipei 101, and don’t forget to dive into its unbeatable street food scene.
Day 5-6: Taipei to Sun Moon Lake & Alishan
Leave the capital behind and journey into the heart of Taiwan.
First stop: Sun Moon Lake, a tranquil mountain lake perfect for cycling, boat rides, and quiet lakeside strolls.
After a night by the lake, head deeper into the mountains toward Alishan, where misty forests, wooden railways, and highland tea fields await. Stay overnight in Chiayi.


Day 7-8: Southern Island in Kaohsiung & Taitung
In Chiayi, visit Hinoki Village before descend to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s relaxed southern port city. Visit the famous Fo Guang Shan, hop over to Cijin Island, or explore the creative vibes at Pier-2 Art Center.
Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung, 2025 Attractions Guide
On Day 8, head east to Taitung via Donggang, where the local seafood market is a paradise for food lovers. Then skip Kenting and cross the lush mountains of southern Taiwan.
On the way to Taitung, don’s miss the famous Duoliang Station, trains glide along the coastline just steps from the ocean.
Day 9-10: East Coast Drive from Taitung to Taipei via Hualien
The final stretch of your loop takes you along one of Taiwan’s most scenic routes — the East Coast. Drive through the East Rift Valley, passing dramatic coastlines, indigenous villages, and postcard-worthy cliffs.
If Taroko Gorge is open, make a stop to explore this natural wonder with its marble canyons and lush trails. By the evening of Day 10, return to Taipei, completing your journey with a full circle around the island.
Taiwan Itinerary 10 Days: How to Spend 10 Days in Taiwan?


Taiwan 2-Week Itinerary: Slow Loop Around the Island
With two full weeks, you can circle the entire island at a relaxed pace, dig deeper into local culture, and even add a few lesser-known places along the way. Here's a balanced 14-day counterclockwise loop starting and ending in Taipei.
Day 1–4: Taipei & North Coast
Spend your first few days exploring Taipei — temples, street food, and skyscrapers — plus a day trip to Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen. It's the perfect soft landing before heading into the countryside.
Day 5: Taipei → Sun Moon Lake
Leave the capital and travel south to Sun Moon Lake, the heart of Taiwan’s highlands. Spend the afternoon riding around the lake, cruising its calm waters, or relaxing at a lakeside cafe. Overnight at a lakeside hotel.


Day 6: Alishan
From the lake, head deeper into the mountains to Alishan. Stay one nights to fully enjoy forest trails, wooden bridges, mountain tea fields, and the famous sunrise viewed by mountain train.
Alishan Taiwan Map: Day Trip, Train, Trail Map of Alishan (2025)
Day 7: Alishan → Tainan → Kaohsiung
Descend to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and temple capital. Explore heritage streets, traditional eats, and local markets. Shennong Street and Anping Fort are highlights. Overnight in Kaohsiung
Day 8: Kaohsiung
Explore the Pier-2 Art Center, stroll along the Love River, or ride the ferry to Cijin Island. If time allows, visit Fo Guang Shan for a more spiritual stop.
Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung, 2025 Attractions Guide
Day 9-10: Kaohsiung → Kenting
Continue south to Kenting, where clear skies, ocean breezes, and tropical views await. Spend two days exploring Eluanbi Lighthouse, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach. Rent a scooter or hire a driver to explore the scenic southern coast.


Day 11: Kenting → Taitung
Follow the gorgeous South-Link Highway over the mountains to the east coast. Arrive in Taitung, where you can soak in hot springs, stroll the art village of Dulan, or unwind among rice fields.
Day 12: Taitung Slow Travel
Take it easy — bike through Chishang, taste local indigenous food, or visit the Taitung Forest Park. This is a chance to pause and recharge mid-trip.
Day 13: East Coast Drive to Hualien
Travel north along the East Coast Scenic Area, making scenic stops at places like Sanxiantai, Xiao Yehliu, and Tropic of Cancer Marker. Arrive in Hualien by evening.
Day 14: Return to Taipei
Take the train or car back to Taipei. Enjoy a final meal, do some last-minute shopping, or treat yourself to a hot spring bath in Beitou before heading home.
2 Weeks in Taiwan: A First-Timer’s Complete Taiwan 14 Days Itinerary


How to Travel around the Island?
Taiwan is easy to get around thanks to its well-developed transport network, especially if you're doing a full island loop.
West Coast: High-Speed Rail (HSR)
From Taipei to Kaohsiung, you can travel quickly via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR). It stops at major cities like Taichung, Chiayi, and Tainan, making it a great option for efficient travel along the western corridor.
Island Loop: Taiwan Railways (TRA)
The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) runs a full loop around the island. While slower than the HSR, it’s affordable and scenic, especially great for the East Coast, where there’s no HSR. TRA connects most coastal destinations, including Hualien and Taitung (No Kenting).
Long-Distance Buses (Intercity Coaches)
Taiwan’s long-distance buses are comfortable, budget-friendly, and well-connected. They’re especially useful for reaching places not directly served by HSR or TRA, such as Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Kenting. In most cities, bus terminals are conveniently located near HSR stations, TRA stations, or airports.


Detailed travel routes including:
- Taipei to Sun Moon Lake: 4 Day Trip Routes (Bus, Car, HSR or TRA Train)
- Taichung to Sun Moon Lake: Bus or Taxi for a Day Trip?
- Sun Moon Lake to Alishan: 3 Direct Options (Bus, Car & Taxi)
- Chiayi to Alishan: Chiayi HSR or Chiayi Station to Alishan?
- Taipei to Jiufen: Train + Taxi or Direct Car?
- Kaohsiung to Kenting: Express Bus, Taxi/Shared Car, Train, or Scooter?
- Kaohsiung to Taichung: 4 Direct Options (HSR, TRA, Bus & Car)
- Taipei to Kaohsiung: 4 Direct Options (HSR, TRA, Bus & Car)
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 Routes: Taiwan Itinerary, Taipei Itinerary, Taichung Itinerary, Kaohsiung Itinerary