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Travel with Flycorp: Tips for an Independent Trip to Taiwan

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Taiwan, a bright gem of East Asia, captivates visitors with its beautiful landscapes, diverse culture, modern infrastructure, and mouthwatering cuisine. With Flycorp’s 5-day, 4-night independent itinerary, you’ll have the chance to discover Taiwan’s unique charm, from bustling cities to breathtaking natural scenery. Let’s dive into this adventure!

Taiwan captivates tourists by its diversity

1. Overview of Taiwan

Taiwan is an East Asian island with an area of around 36,000 square kilometers and a population of about 24 million. The country boasts a developed economy, cultural diversity, and is a captivating destination for exploration lovers. Taiwan’s subtropical climate offers ideal weather for year-round travel. If you’re a fan of spring and cherry blossoms, visit between March and May. Summer is great for beach activities, while autumn brings spectacular views of changing leaves. Winter is perfect for hot springs or the Sky Lantern Festival in Pingxi.

Taiwan's has a pleasant atmosphere year-round

 

2. Estimated Costs for Independent Travel in Taiwan

Traveling in Taiwan doesn’t have to be expensive, especially with self-planning. Here’s a breakdown of some typical costs:

  • Airfare: 3-12 million VND, depending on the season and airline.
  • Visa: Vietnamese citizens need a visa, costing around $65 USD.
  • Local Transport: Taiwan has excellent public transport; subway and bus fares range from 15,000 to 50,000 VND.
  • Accommodation: Hotel rooms are around 600,000 to 2,500,000 VND per night, depending on location and amenities.
  • Food: From street stalls to fine dining, the average meal costs about 50,000 to 150,000 VND.
  • Estimated Total Cost: A 5-day, 4-night trip may cost between 10-20 million VND, depending on your preferences and itinerary.

3. Taiwan Itinerary for 5 Days and 4 Nights

Day 1: Explore Taipei

  • National Palace Museum
    Start your journey at one of the world’s largest museums, a cultural treasury with thousands of precious Chinese artifacts, from pottery to art from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors will have the chance to admire historical treasures and gain insight into ancient Chinese art and culture.

Taiwan National Palace Museum

 

  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
    Built in memory of the famous leader, this landmark embodies traditional Chinese architecture in a spacious, serene setting, featuring a massive bronze statue and occasional traditional music performances.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

 

  • Yangmingshan National Park
    In the afternoon, unwind at Yangmingshan National Park, a natural sanctuary with scenic trails through forested mountains, hot springs, and cherry blossom displays.

Yangmingshan National Park offers a peaceful greenery

 

  • Shilin Night Market
    In the evening, head to Shilin Night Market, one of Taipei’s most famous night markets. This food paradise lets you enjoy Taiwan’s unique street food, like bubble tea, stinky tofu, coffin bread, and oyster omelets.

Shilin Night Market is vibrant and hectic at nights

 

Day 2: Head to Taichung

  • National Museum of Natural Science
    This museum, with interactive exhibits on nature, technology, and history, is fascinating for visitors of all ages. The vast grounds include both outdoor gardens and indoor exhibits.

An exhibition of fascination - Natural Science Museum

 

  • Wuling Farm
    Next, enjoy the seasonal blooms at Wuling Farm. Here, flower blossoms like cherry and plum create stunning scenes, and visitors can engage in outdoor activities like hiking, fruit picking, or tasting farm-fresh food.

 

  • Fengjia Night Market
    Evening finds you at Fengjia Night Market, ideal for foodies and shoppers. This bustling market is famous for its variety of snacks, from cheese-filled bread to grilled skewers, and also has many unique fashion and accessory shops.

 

Day 3: Historic Tainan

  • Confucius Temple
    Start early at the Confucius Temple, a symbol of Confucian culture and education in Taiwan. This tranquil space with its traditional architecture provides a peaceful setting for contemplation.

Confucius is the symbol of Oriental philosophy

 

  • Anping Old Street
    Wander through Anping Old Street, perfect for discovering traditional buildings and colorful alleys, as well as sampling street foods like coffin bread and peanut candy.

Anping Old Market where you can buy some coffin bread and peanut candy

 

  • Dadong Night Market
    In the evening, explore Dadong Night Market, one of Tainan’s largest. Discover specialty foods like seafood noodles, fried meatballs, and handmade crafts.

 

Day 4: Nantou and Kaohsiung

  • Chung Tai Chan Monastery (Nantou)
    In the morning, visit the impressive Chung Tai Chan Monastery, a modern Buddhist architectural masterpiece blending art and nature. This serene place offers a peaceful retreat among mountains.

 

  • Fo Guang Shan (Kaohsiung)
    In the afternoon, continue to Fo Guang Shan, a major spiritual destination with a massive Buddha statue and tranquil gardens. This revered site draws millions of visitors annually.

The giant Buddha statue at Fo Guang Shan

 

Day 5: Conclude in Kaohsiung

  • Lotus Pond
    Spend the last morning at Lotus Pond, a popular attraction featuring iconic dragon and tiger pagodas surrounded by water. This beautiful landmark reflects classical Chinese culture.

A temple in the middle of water

 

After exploring, relax before heading to the airport, ending your 5-day, 4-night adventure full of Taiwan’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and nature.

4. Top Must-Try Taiwanese Foods

  • Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)
    An iconic Taiwanese dish, beef noodle soup combines chewy noodles, savory broth, and tender beef for a satisfying meal. The broth is usually slow-cooked with beef bones and spices like cinnamon, star anise, and chili for a rich flavor. Different versions across Taiwan suit various tastes, from spicy northern styles to milder southern varieties.

A delicious bowl of Beef Noodle Soup

 

  • Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)
    Originating from Taichung, bubble tea is now a global phenomenon. The blend of fragrant black tea, creamy milk, and chewy tapioca pearls creates a unique experience. In Taiwan, you can try various flavors and toppings like jelly, cheese foam, or different tapioca pearls.

 

  • Xiao Long Bao (小笼包)
    Known as soup dumplings, Xiao Long Bao is a delicate treat with a thin, soft wrapper holding savory meat and flavorful broth. Steamed in bamboo baskets, these dumplings are both fragrant and delicious.

Xiaolongbao

 

  • Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
    Stinky tofu, a famous and daring Taiwanese specialty, may have a strong aroma, but for those who embrace it, it’s uniquely delicious. Fermented and then fried or steamed, it’s often served with pickled cabbage and a spicy garlic sauce.

The notorious stinky tofu

 

  • Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)
    This classic Taiwanese souvenir has a flaky crust and a sweet-tart pineapple filling, enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.

Pineapple cake - a perfect souvenir

 

In just five days, Taiwan reveals a world of contrasts, from vibrant cityscapes to tranquil temples, breathtaking nature, and mouthwatering cuisine. This itinerary offers a taste of Taiwan’s rich heritage and modern appeal, perfect for travelers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re indulging in a steaming bowl of beef noodles or marveling at historic sites, each stop highlights the island’s unique charm. Ready to experience the fusion of tradition and innovation that Taiwan brings? Pack your bags, follow this guide, and let Taiwan captivate you with unforgettable memories.

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