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Taiwan, the jewel island of East Asia, captivates hearts with its bustling night markets, majestic mountains, and sweet bubble tea. How much does a self-guided trip to Taiwan cost? is a question that many people wonder about when planning to explore Taipei, Taroko, or Kenting. A self-guided journey is a symphony of thorough preparation and emotional experiences. This article will analyze in detail the various expenses, from visas, flight tickets, to food, activities, and accommodation, along with a reference cost table to make your trip both economical and fulfilling.
How much does a self-guided trip to Taiwan cost to fully enjoy?
The cost of a self-guided trip to Taiwan depends on major expenses such as visas, flight tickets, food, activities, and accommodation. Below is a detailed analysis of each item to help plan an effective budget.
>>> See more: Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Taiwan?: A-Z Guide
Vietnamese citizens may be exempt from a Taiwan visa (maximum stay of 14 days) if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries such as the USA, Japan, South Korea, Schengen, or have previously entered Taiwan.
If you do not meet the conditions, you need to apply for an e-visa through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office website. The e-visa fee is about 50 USD (~1.2 million VND), requiring a passport (valid for over 6 months), a 4x6cm photo, itinerary, and confirmation of flight and hotel bookings. Processing time is 5-7 working days. Check the visa exemption conditions carefully to save costs, as this is a mandatory fee if not exempt.
Flight tickets are the largest expense when calculating how much a self-guided trip to Taiwan costs. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang to Taipei (Taoyuan or Songshan airports) take 3-4 hours. EVA Air and China Airlines offer round-trip prices of 4-7 million VND, while Vietjet Air and Tigerair Taiwan are cheaper, around 3-5 million VND.
Off-peak seasons (September-November, March-May) have lower ticket prices compared to peak seasons (Tet Holiday, January-February). Book tickets 2-3 months in advance through the airline's website or Skyscanner to hunt for deals. Check baggage allowances (20kg free with EVA Air) to avoid additional fees.
Flight tickets are the largest expense when traveling to Taiwan
Taiwanese cuisine is the soul of the trip, with cheap and delicious street food. Shilin Night Market (Taipei) is a paradise with bubble tea (50 TWD ~ 37,000 VND), Yongkang beef noodles (180 TWD ~ 135,000 VND), and fried buns (30 TWD ~ 22,000 VND). In Kaohsiung, Liuhe Night Market sells fried dumplings (80 TWD ~ 60,000 VND) and red bean soup (60 TWD ~ 45,000 VND). Restaurants like Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101) offer xiaolongbao (200 TWD/portion ~ 150,000 VND), with excellent quality.
>>> See more: [Tips] Travel Experience in Taiwan - The Jewel Island of East Asia
Convenience stores like FamilyMart and 7-Eleven sell bento box meals (50 TWD ~ 37,000 VND), suitable for a quick meal. On average, food costs about 200,000-400,000 VND/day/person if eating at night markets and budget restaurants. Bring a personal water bottle and ask for prices in crowded areas to save money. Drinking Alishan oolong tea (70 TWD ~ 52,000 VND) is an experience not to be missed.
Famous Yongkang beef noodles are a must-try
Taiwan offers a plethora of activities, from free sightseeing to paid experiences. Here are some must-try activities:
Average activity costs range from 200,000-500,000 VND/day/person, depending on the activity. Combine free spots like Yangmingshan Park and Raohe Night Market to save. Buy train tickets and activities through Klook for discounts.
Taroko National Park: The marble gorge in Hualien
Accommodation is a key factor in determining how much a self-guided trip to Taiwan costs reasonably and comfortably. Here are hotel suggestions in major areas:
Book rooms through Booking, Agoda 1-2 months in advance, check reviews about air conditioning, location. During peak seasons (March-May, September-November), book early to avoid full bookings. Choose hotels near MRT stations for easy transportation.
Below is a reference cost table for a self-guided trip to Taiwan for 5 days and 4 nights, for 1 person, based on a budget-friendly and average budget:
| Item | Budget cost (VND) | Average cost (VND) |
| Round-trip flight tickets | 3,000,000 | 5,000,000 |
| Visa (e-visa) | 0 (visa exempt) / 1,200,000 | 0 (visa exempt) / 1,200,000 |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | 2,400,000 (hostel) | 6,000,000 (3-star hotel) |
| Food and drinks (5 days) | 1,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
| Domestic transportation | 500,000 (MRT, bus) | 1,000,000 (MRT, train, taxi) |
| Activities, entrance fees | 1,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
| Total | 7,900,000 - 9,100,000 | 17,000,000 - 18,200,000 |
Note:
To optimize your budget when traveling independently in Taiwan, here are some practical tips:
Traveling independently in Taiwan is not just about the costs, but the journey of exploring the illuminated Taipei 101, the majestic Taroko Gorge, and a cup of milk tea telling the story of the jade island.
With detailed costs, hotel suggestions, and saving tips, the trip will become a memorable love song. Visit nvktravel.com for a detailed itinerary traveling to Taiwan and plan perfectly!
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