Our journey through Taiwan was nothing short of spectacular. With seven of us—my parent-in-law, my brother, Michelle’s aunties, and ourselves—we embarked on a week-long adventure, weaving through Taiwan’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine. With a private van and driver arranged by Michelle, we explored at our own pace, making unforgettable memories along the way.
Schedule
Day 1 (Sun Oct 23): Arrival in Taipei & A Night Market Feast
After flying in from Sapporo, we landed at Taoyuan International Airport, where our private van whisked us away to Ximen, Taipei. That evening, we kicked off our Taiwan adventure with a food lover’s dream—Shilin Night Market. Every bite, from sizzling scallion pancakes to juicy Taiwanese sausages, was a celebration of the island’s rich street food culture.
Day 2(Mon Oct 24): Northern Taiwan’s Coastal Wonders
The next morning, our van picked us up for a breathtaking coastal drive north of Taipei. We wandered through the surreal rock formations at Yehliu Geopark, soaked in the nostalgic charm of Jiufen Old Street, released sky lanterns in Pingxi, and strolled along the riverside in Tamsui.
That night, we stayed at Design Ximen Hotel, having decided to switch from our original Airbnb for a better experience.
Day 3(Tue Oct 25): Into the Mountains—Cingjing Farm’s Stargazing Experience
Leaving Taipei behind, we ascended into the misty mountains of Cingjing Farm. Our stay at Star Villafelt like a dream—crisp mountain air, rolling green hills, and an incredible stargazing session on the rooftop that left us in awe.
Afterward, we explored the nearby food stalls and ended the evening with a traditional Taiwanese tea tasting, deepening our appreciation for Taiwan’s tea culture.
Day 4(Wed Oct 26): The Tranquility of Sun Moon Lake
We bid farewell to Cingjing and made our way to the enchanting Sun Moon Lake. The journey included a stop in Puli, where we explored the town before embarking on a serene boat tour around the lake. The lake’s stillness was mesmerizing, reflecting the lush mountains like a perfect mirror. That night, we settled into the Sun Moon Lake Hotel, soaking in the tranquility of our surroundings.
Day 5(Thu Oct 27): Biking, Wine Tasting & Tainan’s Cultural Gems
We started the morning cycling along Sun Moon Lake’s scenic bike paths before heading south. Along the way, we stopped in Checheng for a wine and liquor tasting session, indulging in Taiwan’s local brews.
A relaxing break at a hot spring resort in Baihe and a delicious Taiwanese lunch fueled us for our next stop—Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city.
We checked into the Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza, a luxurious retreat after a day of exploration.
Day 6(Fri Oct 28): Tainan’s History & Kenting’s Night Market Madness
Before leaving Tainan, we took a morning walk through West Central District, sampling local delicacies from street vendors.
Then, we set off for Kenting, Taiwan’s tropical paradise.
After checking into the Howard Beach Resort, we immersed ourselves in the famous Kenting Night Market, surrounded by thousands of food lovers, trying everything from grilled squid to exotic tropical fruits.
Day 7(Sat Oct 29): Sun, Sand & Scooters to Taiwan’s Southernmost Point
We spent the morning relaxing on Kenting’s pristine beaches, feeling the warm sun and the ocean breeze. Later in the afternoon, we rented scooters and cruised down scenic coastal roads to reach Taiwan’s southernmost point, where the land meets the vast blue sea. It was a perfect, carefree way to soak in Kenting’s laid-back vibe.
Day 8(Sun Oct 30): Farewell to Taiwan, But Not the Memories
On our final day, our private van took us on one last adventure through Kenting National Park, where we marveled at rugged cliffs and coastal landscapes.
From there, we traveled to Kaohsiung to board the High-Speed Rail (HSR) back to Taipei.
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| Beef Noodle Soup @ Kaohsiung HSR |
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| Boba @ Kaohsiung HSR |
By 9:00 PM, we were at the airport, ready to board our flight home to San Francisco, carrying with us memories of an incredible journey filled with discovery, adventure, and the warmth of Taiwan’s hospitality.
Final Thoughts
This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a deep dive into Taiwan’s soul. From the vibrant streets of Taipei to the peaceful shores of Sun Moon Lake, from the history of Tainan to the tropical bliss of Kenting, every moment was a treasure.
Would we do it again? Without a doubt. Taiwan, we’ll be back.
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