Night markets, mountain scenery and efficient island rail
Taiwan Travel Guide
Explore Taiwan from Taipei’s skyline and temples to Kaohsiung’s harbor, Tainan’s historic neighborhoods and the east-coast landscapes around Taitung and Hualien. Fast rail and compact distances make multi-city travel easy.
- Taipei 101 and night markets
- Kaohsiung and the south
- Tainan temples and heritage
- High-speed rail, mountains and coast
Essential travel information
All About Taiwan
Find practical information about Taiwan’s climate, high-speed rail, New Taiwan dollar, language and tipping customs before planning your vacation.
Taiwan FAQLearn what Taiwan is known for, where to visit, how long to stay and what currency and languages travelers can expect.
What is Taiwan known for?
Taiwan is known for night markets, temples, mountain scenery, hot springs, high-tech cities and a food culture ranging from street snacks to refined regional cuisine.
The island combines dense urban areas along the west coast with dramatic mountains, east-coast scenery and offshore islands.
What are the best places to visit in Taiwan?
Taipei, Tainan and Kaohsiung create a strong west-coast route, while Hualien, Taitung, Kenting and offshore islands add nature and beach experiences.
How many days should I spend in Taiwan?
Approximately 7-10 days works well for Taipei plus two or three additional cities. A longer itinerary allows time for the east coast or offshore islands.
Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select nights, hotels, transportation and activities in each destination.
What currency is used in Taiwan?
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan dollar (TWD or NT$). Cards are widely accepted in cities, while cash remains useful at night markets and smaller businesses.
Which languages are spoken in Taiwan?
Mandarin Chinese is the principal official language used nationwide. Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka and Indigenous languages are also important; English is increasingly available in transport and tourism settings.
Best Time to Visit TaiwanCompare Taiwan’s subtropical north, tropical south, monsoons and typhoon season before choosing dates.
When is the best time to visit Taiwan?
October through spring is comfortable for much of the island, while summer is hot and humid with higher typhoon risk. Regional rainfall differs between north, east and southwest.
December – February
Drier / Cooler Period
Many destinations experience lower humidity and more comfortable touring conditions, although regional climates can differ.
Best for: Cities, cultural touring and outdoor sightseeing.
March – May
Hot Season
Temperatures and humidity rise, making midday sightseeing more demanding in lowland areas.
Best for: Early-morning touring, resorts and flexible schedules.
June – September
Wet / Monsoon Period
Rainfall increases in many regions, often in heavy bursts, while landscapes become greener.
Best for: Value travel, indoor attractions and flexible itineraries.
October – November
Transition Period
Conditions shift toward the drier season in many areas, but local weather patterns should still be checked.
Best for: Fewer crowds and mixed city-and-nature itineraries.
Tipping in TaiwanUnderstand gratuities in restaurants, hotels, taxis and guided tours while traveling in Taiwan.
Is tipping customary in Taiwan?
Taiwan does not have a strong general tipping culture. Many upscale hotels and restaurants already add a service charge.
Which currency should I use?
Use New Taiwan dollars for routine payments. Check bills before adding anything extra.
Restaurants, cafes and bars
Tipping is generally not expected; a service charge may already be included at some establishments.
Hotel staff
Tips are generally unnecessary, although exceptional personal service may be acknowledged where culturally appropriate.
Taxi drivers
Drivers do not normally expect tips; follow the local custom rather than U.S. tipping habits.
Tour guides
Private guides are one of the situations where a discretionary gratuity may be appreciated.
Private guides may appreciate gratuities, but ordinary taxis, restaurants and hotels do not require U.S.-style percentages.
Getting Around TaiwanUse Taiwan High Speed Rail on the west coast, Taiwan Railways for broad island coverage and metros or buses inside major cities.
What is the best way to travel around Taiwan?
THSR makes Taipei-Taichung-Tainan-Kaohsiung travel fast, while Taiwan Railways serves more stations and the east coast. Taipei and Kaohsiung have strong metro networks.
What should I verify before traveling?
- Check current THSR and TRA schedules rather than relying on old fare examples
- Use a stored-value transit card for frequent local trips
- Monitor typhoon alerts in summer and early autumn
- Reserve east-coast trains on busy dates
- Carry cash for night markets
- Confirm mountain-road conditions after severe weather
The legacy guide contains highly specific old fares and operating hours; this version focuses on the current transport structure rather than brittle price data.
Cities and regional gateways
Top Cities in Taiwan
Explore Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan and Taitung, then continue through five additional destinations.
Taiwan’s capital
Taipei
Taipei combines Taipei 101, temples, museums, night markets, hot-spring access and an efficient metro system.
- Taipei 101
- National Palace Museum
- Night markets
- Longshan Temple
Southern Taiwan
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung combines a major harbor, waterfront redevelopment, temples, art districts and warm southern weather.
Explore Kaohsiung
Southern Taiwan
Tainan
Tainan is known for temples, forts, traditional streets and one of Taiwan’s most celebrated regional food scenes.
Explore Tainan
East Coast
Taitung
Taitung provides access to Taiwan’s less-developed east coast, valleys, Indigenous culture and offshore-island connections.
Explore TaitungMore Destinations in Taiwan
Continue through the five additional Taiwan destinations currently listed by Tripmasters.
Prepare for your vacation
What to Expect While Traveling
Review Tripmasters guides covering flights, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing so you can understand each component of your Taiwan vacation.
Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, airline schedules, connections and other preparations for international and regional flights.
Accommodations
Hotels
Understand hotel categories, room arrangements, check-in procedures and services commonly encountered during a vacation.
Independent travel
Rental Cars
Review rental requirements, vehicle collection, insurance and practical considerations for road travel.
Local connections
Transfers
Learn how airport, hotel and station transfers work and what to verify before meeting a transportation provider.
Rail transportation
Train Travel
Learn about rail tickets, stations, luggage, schedules and connections where train travel forms part of your itinerary.
Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details associated with booked excursions and activities.
Continue exploring destinations, regions and practical travel information across Asia with Tripmasters.
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