Classic Taiwan: Taipei, Taroko, Sun Moon, Tainan
Duration : 10 days
Route : Taipei (3 nights) → Hualien Taroko train (2 nights) → Sun Moon Lake train (2 nights) → Tainan train (2 nights) → THSR return Taipei (1 night)
Custom travel to Taiwan
Taiwan is one of Asia's most surprising destinations — a 36,000-km² island (slightly less than Switzerland) off China's coast, 23 million inhabitants, vibrant democracy since 1996, high-tech economy (TSMC manufactures 60% of world semiconductors), exceptional gastronomy. Unique mix: Chinese (Han Chinese) heritage, Austronesian aborigines (16 ethnicities, 2% of population), Japanese colonial heritage (1895-1945, still visible). Taipei (capital, 7 million with suburbs) — Taipei 101 (508 m, world's tallest tower 2004-2010), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple (1738, oldest temple), Beitou (hot springs), Shilin and Raohe night markets (street food ranked among world's best). Taroko Gorge (national park, vertical marble sculpted by Liwu River, 19-km canyon, one of Asia's most beautiful landscapes). Sun Moon Lake (1,700-m altitude, sacred for Thao aborigines). Tainan (former capital, Dutch heritage 1624). Kaohsiung (southern port). Alishan (sacred mountain, sea of clouds, forest train). Taiwanese cuisine (xiao long bao, beef noodle soup, pearl milk tea invented here). 10-12 days for complete discovery.
Highlights
- Taipei: Taipei 101 and night markets
- Taroko Gorge (national park, marble)
- Sun Moon Lake (sacred, peaceful)
- Alishan: sacred mountain and sea of clouds
- Tainan: former historic capital
- Taiwanese cuisine (street food, xiao long bao)
Sample itineraries
Complete Taiwan: add Alishan and Kaohsiung
Duration : 14 days
Route : Taipei (3) → Taroko (2) → Sun Moon (2) → Alishan forest train (2, sea of clouds) → Tainan (2) → Kaohsiung (2) → THSR return Taipei (1)
Taipei and Hualien gourmet
Duration : 6 days
Route : Taipei Mandarin Oriental (3 nights) → Hualien train (2 nights, Taroko) → return Taipei (1 night)
When to go
October-April is the best period (cool and dry, 15-22 °C). Avoid June-September (frequent typhoons, rains, 30 °C+ heat). May and September are pivot months (sometimes comfortable, sometimes rainy).
- Mild winter (December – February) — All sites, Chinese New Year festivities (January-February)
- Spring (March – May) — Cherry blossoms at Alishan, Lantern Festival
- Humid summer and typhoons (June – September) — To avoid for adventure travel
- Autumn (October – November) — All sites, maples at Cameron, Alishan
Practical information
One of the world's safest countries (almost zero crime). No visa for French citizens < 90 days. Cards accepted everywhere, EasyCard for transport and 7-Eleven. Tap water drinkable in Taipei (but Taiwanese prefer filtered). Rechargeable EasyCard (transport + 7-Eleven, FamilyMart payments). Limited English outside Taipei and hotels (but very helpful Taiwanese, translate via phone). Tipping not customary (rare). Typhoons (June-September) — check weather. Frequent but mild earthquakes (Taiwan is on Ring of Fire).
Frequently asked questions
When?
October-April (cool and dry). Avoid June-September (typhoons, heat).
How long?
10 days for Taipei + Taroko + Sun Moon + Tainan. 14 days to add Alishan and Kaohsiung.
Budget?
€2,200-€3,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,800-€5,500. Flights: €800-€1,200.
Visa?
No for French citizens < 90 days.
Family?
Yes, from age 8. Total safety, fun night markets, suitable Taroko park, welcoming Taiwanese.
How to get around?
THSR high-speed train (Taipei-Kaohsiung 1 h 30). Excellent MRT in Taipei. Private car for Taroko and Alishan.
English spoken?
Limited outside Taipei and hotels. Very helpful Taiwanese, use phone translation. Learn a few Mandarin words.
Difference with China?
Democracy since 1996, free economy, more press freedom. Political tensions with Beijing but no risk for travelers.
Combine?
Yes: Taiwan + Japan (Taipei-Tokyo 3-h flight), Taiwan + Hong Kong (1 h 30 flight), Taiwan + Philippines, Taiwan + South Korea.
Tips?
No, not customary (rare). Service included in upscale restaurants.