Best of Taiwan 9 Days Tour

Experience the Best of Taiwan in 9 Days

Imagine exploring Taiwan’s most iconic sights—from the bustling streets of Taipei to the tranquil waters of Sun Moon Lake, the stunning coastlines of the East, and the colorful hillside village of Jiufen. This 9-day tour, priced at around $2,122 per person, is designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet comfortable introduction to Taiwan’s diverse landscapes and culture. With luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and a well-paced itinerary, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines natural beauty with cultural landmarks. We love the inclusion of Sun Moon Lake, a highlight for many visitors, and the chance to explore Kenting National Park’s extraordinary rock formations. The Yehliu Geopark with its surreal rock sculptures is another memorable stop. Plus, the opportunity to participate in a traditional Sky Lantern release in Shifen adds a touch of authentic local charm.

A minor consideration is that the tour spans many different locations, which means plenty of travel time—something to keep in mind if you prefer slow-paced, in-depth explorations of fewer spots. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy moving around and want to see a lot in a short period. If you’re curious about Taiwan’s landscapes and love a guided adventure that covers “must-sees,” this could be a great fit.

In summary, this tour is ideal for those who want a well-rounded introduction to Taiwan, enjoy traveling with knowledgeable guides, and are eager to experience both the natural wonders and cultural highlights. It’s particularly suitable for first-timers or those who appreciate a bit of everything—scenery, history, food, and local traditions.

Key Points

• Diverse Itinerary: Covers top attractions like Sun Moon Lake, Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Taitung’s East Coast.
• Comfort and Convenience: Accommodation in 4- to 5-star hotels, air-conditioned transport, and professional guides.
• Cultural & Natural Highlights: From indigenous villages to geological marvels and scenic coastlines.
• Genuine Local Experiences: Participate in traditional sky lantern releases and visit historic sites.
• Value for the Price: Includes daily breakfast and quality hotels, making it a practical choice for comprehensive exploration.
• Group Size & Flexibility: Max of 20 travelers, balancing intimacy and social atmosphere.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Arrival in Taipei and first impressions

Your adventure begins with a smooth transfer from Taipei’s airport to your hotel, the Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel in Taipei Ximen. The first day offers full flexibility—after checking in, you’re free to wander the lively Ximen area, famous for its street food, shopping, and youthful energy. Here, you’ll quickly feel the pulse of Taiwan’s capital, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Sun Moon Lake and indigenous culture

The next day, you’ll head to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest freshwater body, known for its iconic shape—half a sun, half a moon. The boat tour around the lake offers panoramic views, making it an ideal spot for photos. Visiting Ita Thao village gives you a chance to meet the Thao people, the indigenous inhabitants, and learn about their traditions. The guides tend to be knowledgeable, offering insights that bring the scenery and culture alive.

Highlights include visits to the Cien Pagoda, Xuanzang Temple, and Wenwu Temple, each adding layers of history and spirituality. The area’s natural beauty makes it a rewarding experience, perfect for photography and peaceful reflection.

From Sun Moon Lake to Kaohsiung

After a morning exploring the lake, the tour continues southward to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. Stops include Fort Zeelandia, built by the Dutch in the 17th century, and Anping Old Street, filled with local snacks like tofu pudding and shrimp rolls—great for food lovers. Visiting Fo Guang Shan Monastery provides a glimpse into Taiwan’s Buddhist traditions, with a towering golden Buddha as a highlight. The guides often share stories that deepen your understanding of local religious life.

Kenting National Park and stunning coastlines

On the third day, you’ll venture to Kenting National Park, renowned for its unique coastal geology and marine biodiversity. Natural rock formations like Maopitou, Chuanfan Rock, and the Eluanpi Lighthouse are striking sights. The Longpan Park offers dramatic vistas of the ocean, perfect for walks and photos. Visiting these natural landmarks highlights Taiwan’s diverse geology and coastal environment.

A relaxing evening in Taitung

The day concludes with a scenic drive along the South Link Highway to Taitung. Here, you’ll stay at a luxurious hot spring resort in Chihpen, famous for its carbonate waters, which many find helpful for relieving fatigue. The hot springs add a relaxing touch after a busy day of sightseeing.

Exploring the East Coast’s natural wonders

The fifth day takes you along Taiwan’s unspoiled East Coast, with stops at Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping, and Fanshuliao. Each site offers breathtaking geological formations—weathered rocks, sea-eroded terraces, and rugged cliffs. Sanxiantai’s iconic cross-sea bridge, connecting to a tiny offshore island, makes for a memorable photo stop.

Authentic local scenery and geological marvels

These stops reveal the island’s natural forces shaping its coastline. You’ll love how the weathering and erosion create intricate rock shapes, and the views are simply stunning. This stretch of coast is often less crowded than other tourist spots, providing a sense of untouched wilderness.

Return to Taipei with a whisky tasting

Back in Taipei, Day 6 offers a change of pace with a visit to the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery. Many reviewers found this to be a highlight—“surrounded by the rich aromas of whisky aging in oak barrels,” it’s a sensory treat. The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at Taiwan’s celebrated whisky scene, emphasizing the use of pure mountain waters.

Later, the National Center for Traditional Arts showcases Taiwan’s vibrant cultural crafts, from pottery to paper arts. Visitors often enjoy the lively performances and hands-on workshops, making it a good spot to connect with local traditions.

Yehliu Geopark and historic villages

On Day 7, the tour explores Taiwan’s northern coast. Yehliu Geopark is famous for its bizarre rock formations, including the iconic Queen’s Head, shaped by wind and sea erosion. Many find these formations fascinating, almost alien in appearance.

Next, the charming Jiufen Village enchants visitors with its hillside streets, old tea houses, and authentic snacks—especially the Taro Balls. This village, once a gold mining hub, offers both scenery and history, and the narrow streets buzz with souvenir shops and local cafes.

Finally, you’ll visit Shifen Waterfall, known as the “Little Niagara,” and Shifen Station, where releasing sky lanterns creates an unforgettable photo moment. The reviews mention the joy of participating in this tradition—one reviewer wrote, “It added a touch of magic to the trip.”

Leisure day in Taipei

The eighth day provides free time to explore Taipei at your own pace—whether that’s visiting the National Palace Museum, shopping in Ximending, or simply relaxing at a local cafe. Your guide can suggest options based on your interests.

Farewell and departure

On the final day, after breakfast, you’re transferred to the airport with plenty of time before your flight. This smooth ending ensures no last-minute rush.

What Travelers Say About This Tour

The reviews offer plenty of insights. One traveler, Carmen_G, rated the trip 4 out of 5, praising the helpfulness of the guide, Melissa, especially when booking from abroad. She appreciated the scenic views and smooth logistics, mentioning that the trip felt well-organized. Her comment, “Very helpful when I had difficulty in Taiwan,” highlights the importance of good local support.

While the overall reviews are positive, with a rating of 3.3 out of 5, some travelers note the hassles in booking and the packed schedule—not ideal for those wanting a more relaxed pace or in-depth exploration of fewer sites.

The Value of This Tour

At just over $2,120, this 9-day experience packs in an impressive lineup of natural wonders, historic sites, and cultural experiences. When you consider that lodging in quality hotels, daily breakfast, and guided transportation are included, the value becomes clearer. The tour offers the convenience of knowing logistics are handled, freeing you to focus on the sights and sounds.

However, keep in mind the fast pace—we found that for those who love to linger, some days might feel rushed, especially with long travel distances between sites. The maximum group size of 20 is a good balance, offering some social atmosphere without becoming overwhelming.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip suits travelers eager to see a broad swath of Taiwan’s highlights in a relatively short period. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting an organized, guided experience with a mix of scenic beauty and culture. The inclusion of local guides enhances the storytelling and understanding of each site.

Those who enjoy good accommodations, comfortable transport, and a schedule that covers the “must-see” spots will find this tour both enriching and convenient. If you prefer a slow, deep dive into fewer locations, this might be a bit too busy, but for a rundown, it’s a great choice.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in 4- to 5-star hotels, daily breakfast, professional guides, and air-conditioned transportation. Activities like visits to Sun Moon Lake, Yehliu Geopark, and Jiufen are part of the itinerary.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included daily. Other meals and beverages are not covered, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore local restaurants and sample Taiwanese cuisine on your own.

What is the group size?
Maximum group size for this tour is 20 travelers, balancing personal attention with a lively group atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness due to walking and sightseeing at various sites, some with uneven terrain or stairs.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 109 days in advance, indicating good planning is recommended to secure your spot.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a guided group tour, customization options are limited. However, you can enjoy the flexibility during free days or at leisure in Taipei.

What are the main highlights?
Expect stunning landscapes, cultural landmarks like temples and historic villages, unique geological formations at Yehliu, and authentic local experiences like sky lantern releases.

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the meeting point begins at the airport, and the tour ends back there, with transfers arranged for your convenience.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and some cash for meals or souvenirs are recommended.

To sum it up, this Best of Taiwan 9 Days Tour offers a well-balanced, guided snapshot of Taiwan’s most captivating sights, blending scenic beauty, historic sites, and local culture. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a broad range of what the island has to offer, with the comfort of guided logistics and quality accommodations. While it may feel a bit fast-paced for those seeking deep dives, it’s an excellent choice for first-timers or anyone eager to get a comprehensive taste of Taiwan’s diverse treasures.