Taiwan 15 Days Road Trip 2015

Okay, buckle up everyone, because I’m about to take you on a virtual journey through one of the most incredible places I’ve ever road-tripped: Taiwan! Fifteen days might sound like a lot, but trust me, this island nation packs a punch with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and incredibly friendly people. I’m going to lay out my perfect 15-day Taiwan itinerary, highlighting the must-see spots and giving you a taste of what each day holds.

Before We Hit the Road:

A few things to keep in mind before you jump into this adventure. Renting a car is the way to go for flexibility, especially when you venture outside the major cities. However, driving in Taipei can be a bit intense, so consider picking up your car after you’ve explored the capital. Taiwan drives on the right side of the road, and an international driving permit is usually required. Public transportation within cities is fantastic though, so don’t feel you need the car all the time. Also, getting an EasyCard is a lifesaver for public transport and even small purchases.

My Epic 15-Day Taiwan Road Trip Itinerary:

Days 1-3: Taipei – City Buzz and History

First stop, of course, is Taipei! I spent the first three days soaking in the city vibes. I absolutely loved exploring the National Palace Museum, home to an astonishing collection of Chinese art and artifacts – you could easily spend a whole day here. A must-do is ascending Taipei 101 for panoramic views of the city; the elevator ride alone is an experience!

I also delved into history at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a majestic landmark with impressive architecture and a changing of the guard ceremony. And no trip to Taipei is complete without wandering through the electric atmosphere of its night markets. Shilin Night Market was my personal favorite, a sensory overload of delicious street food, games, and quirky shops. Don’t be afraid to try everything!

Day 4: Jiufen & Shifen – Old World Charm and Lantern Magic

Time to escape the city! I picked up my rental car and headed east to Jiufen, a charming old mining town nestled in the hills. Its narrow, winding streets, traditional tea houses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean were absolutely captivating. I felt like I’d stepped back in time.

Just a short drive away is Shifen, famous for its railway tracks where you can release sky lanterns with your wishes written on them. It’s a truly magical experience watching your lantern float up into the night sky.

Day 5: Taroko Gorge National Park – Natural Grandeur

Today was all about nature’s masterpiece: Taroko Gorge National Park. The drive here is stunning in itself, but once you enter the gorge, you’re surrounded by towering marble cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. I spent the day hiking along various trails, marveling at the incredible rock formations like the Swallow Grotto and the Tunnel of Nine Turns. The power and beauty of this place are truly awe-inspiring.

Day 6: Sun Moon Lake – Serene Beauty

Next, I drove inland to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest lake. This place is incredibly serene and picturesque. I took a boat tour across the lake, visited the Wenwu Temple with its impressive architecture and stunning views, and cycled along some of the beautiful lakeside paths. The misty mountains surrounding the lake added to its mystical charm.

Day 7: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area – Misty Mountains and Tea Plantations

Prepare for some breathtaking scenery! Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is famous for its misty mountains, giant ancient cypress trees, and stunning sunrises (though I admit, I struggled to wake up early enough!). I loved walking through the old-growth forests, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and learning about the area’s history.

The drive to and from Alishan also took me through beautiful tea plantations, where I stopped for tea tasting and learned about the tea-making process. The rolling green hills were a feast for the eyes.

Days 8-9: Tainan – Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Time to head south to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital. This place is steeped in history and culture. I spent two days exploring its ancient temples like the Anping Fort and Eternal Golden Castle, wandering through the charming Confucius Temple area, and indulging in the incredible local cuisine. Tainan is a foodie paradise, and I highly recommend trying the danzai noodles and coffin bread!

Days 10-11: Kaohsiung – Modern City by the Sea

A short drive south brought me to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. This is a much more modern and vibrant city compared to Tainan. I enjoyed exploring the Pier-2 Art Center, a trendy district filled with art installations and creative shops, and taking a ferry to Cijin Island for seafood and beautiful coastal views. The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond were also a unique and photogenic stop.

Day 12: Kenting National Park – Tropical Paradise

For a change of pace, I drove down to the southern tip of Taiwan to Kenting National Park. This area boasts stunning beaches, tropical scenery, and a much more laid-back atmosphere. I spent the day swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the coastal roads. The night markets here have a distinctly beachy vibe.

Day 13: East Coast Scenic Route (Hualien)

The drive up the East Coast Scenic Route towards Hualien is simply breathtaking. The Pacific Ocean crashes against dramatic cliffs, and the views are constantly changing. I stopped at various scenic viewpoints along the way, soaking in the natural beauty. Hualien itself is a gateway to Taroko Gorge, but it also has its own charm with its relaxed atmosphere and coastal setting.

Day 14: Back to Taipei (or Exploring More of the East Coast)

Today, I had a choice: either drive back to Taipei to prepare for my departure or spend another day exploring more of the beautiful East Coast, perhaps venturing further north towards Yilan. Since my flight was early the next day, I opted to start making my way back to Taipei, stopping at a few more scenic spots along the way. You could definitely tailor this day based on your flight schedule and how much more of the east coast you want to see.

Day 15: Departure

And just like that, my 15-day Taiwan road trip came to an end. Saying goodbye to this incredible island was tough, but I left with so many amazing memories and a camera roll full of stunning photos.

Conclusion

This itinerary is just a suggestion, of course. The beauty of a road trip is the flexibility to change your plans and discover hidden gems along the way. Taiwan is an incredibly diverse and welcoming country, and I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing it for yourself. From the bustling cities to the tranquil natural landscapes, there’s something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your own Taiwanese adventure!

• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 15 (Taipei – Last Day)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 14 (Taipei)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 13 (Taipei)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 12 (Taipei)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 11 (to Jiufen & Shifen via Keelung)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 10 (Yilan via Suhua Highway)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 9 (Hualien)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 8 (Taroko Gorge & Hualien)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 7 (Cingjing)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 6 (Sun Moon Lake)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 5 (Taichung to Puli, Nantou)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 4 (Taichung)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 3 (Nanzhuang to Sanyi, Miaoli)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 2 (Nanzhuang, Miaoli)
• Taiwan Road Trip, Day 1 (Singapore to Miaoli)
• Taiwan Road Trip – Pre-Trip events/planning