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Taiwan, a small but vibrant island, is where cherry blossoms bloom, bustling night markets thrive, and majestic mountains blend together. Travel experience in Taiwan opens the door to the lively Taipei, poetic Alishan, and delightful street food. A self-guided journey is a symphony of meticulous preparation and unforgettable emotions. This article will guide you through the ideal times, how to prepare, travel, accommodation, destinations, and cuisine for a complete trip.
Taiwan has a subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons, each offering its own beauty. Spring (March-May), with temperatures of 15-25°C, is the time for cherry blossoms and azaleas to bloom in Yangmingshan and Alishan. The cherry blossom festival at Wuling Farm attracts many visitors, but it may rain lightly. Summer (June-August), with temperatures of 25-35°C, is hot and humid, perfect for beach outings in Kenting, but be prepared for storms in July-August.
Autumn (September-November), with temperatures of 20-28°C, is cool and dry, the most ideal time with red leaves in Taroko and the lively Mid-Autumn Festival. Winter (December-February), with temperatures of 10-20°C, is slightly cold in Taipei, suitable for soaking in Beitou hot springs and enjoying rare snow in Hehuanshan. Travel experience in Taiwan recommends choosing autumn or spring for pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and avoiding peak season (Lunar New Year, January-February) due to high ticket and hotel prices.
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Travel experience in Taiwan recommends choosing autumn or spring
A self-guided trip requires careful preparation to fully enjoy it. Here are the factors to consider when planning your trip to Taiwan.
Vietnamese citizens are exempt from a visa for Taiwan (maximum stay of 14 days) if they have a valid visa or residence permit valid for more than 6 months from countries like the USA, Japan, South Korea, Schengen, or have previously entered Taiwan. If not, an e-visa for tourism is required, which needs a passport (valid for more than 6 months), a 4x6cm photo, itinerary, and confirmation of flight and hotel bookings.
The e-visa fee is about 50 USD, submitted online through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office website, processed in 5-7 days. Check visa exemption conditions beforehand to save costs.
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Vietnamese citizens are exempt from a 14-day visa for Taiwan
Internet connectivity is crucial when traveling independently. Popular 4G SIMs like Taiwan Mobile, Chunghwa Telecom (1-2GB/day, priced at 300,000-500,000 VND/7 days) can be purchased at Taoyuan Airport or pre-ordered via Klook. Free Wi-Fi is available at train stations and cafes, but it is not stable. Choose a suitable SIM package to navigate maps, translate Chinese, and share photos.
Round-trip tickets from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Taipei (Taoyuan or Songshan) range from 3-6 million VND, depending on the season. Airlines like EVA Air, China Airlines, Vietjet Air offer direct flights, taking 3-4 hours. Book tickets 2-3 months in advance through the airline's website or Skyscanner for the best prices, especially to avoid the Lunar New Year. Check luggage allowances (20kg free checked baggage with EVA Air) to prepare accordingly.
Bring suitable seasonal clothing: light jackets for spring and autumn; thick jackets and scarves for winter; waterproof jackets and small umbrellas for summer. Comfortable sneakers for walking in night markets and hiking in Taroko. A power bank, adapter (Taiwan uses type A plugs, 110V), and a shopping bag. Passport and copies of documents kept in a waterproof bag.
The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the main currency, 1 TWD ~ 750 VND (as of May 2025). Exchange money at banks in Vietnam or at Taoyuan Airport (better rates). Credit cards are accepted in Taipei, Kaohsiung, but carry 5,000-10,000 TWD in cash for night markets and small shops. ATMs at 7-Eleven are convenient for cash withdrawals, with a fee of about 100 TWD per transaction.
The travel experience in Taiwan begins with arriving at the beautiful island. From Vietnam, direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang to Taipei or Kaohsiung take 3-4 hours. EVA Air and Starlux Airlines offer good services, with round-trip prices ranging from 4-7 million VND, while Vietjet Air is cheaper (3-5 million VND). Book tickets early and check for deals on the airline's website to save.
From Taoyuan Airport, the high-speed MRT (160 TWD, 40 minutes) takes travelers to central Taipei. Kuo-Kuang buses (125 TWD, 1 hour) are a budget-friendly option, suitable for heavy luggage. In Kaohsiung, the MRT (20-60 TWD) connects the airport with the city center. Download the Taiwan Railway app to check train and bus schedules, and buy an EasyCard (100 TWD) for convenient MRT and bus travel.
Accommodation greatly affects the travel experience in Taiwan. In Taipei, hotels like CitizenM Taipei North Gate (1.5-2.5 million VND/night) are close to Taipei Main Station, convenient for the Ximending night market. Caesar Park Taipei (2-3 million VND/night) is more luxurious, near the MRT, with city views. Hostels like Star Hostel Taipei Main (600,000-800,000 VND/night) are budget-friendly, with a cozy common area.
In Kaohsiung, City Suites Kaohsiung (1-2 million VND/night) is near Liuhe night market, with modern rooms and strong Wi-Fi. In Alishan, Alishan House (3-4 million VND/night) offers mountain views, ideal for watching the sunrise. Book rooms through Booking, Agoda, and check reviews for location and air conditioning. During peak seasons (spring, autumn), book 1-2 months in advance to avoid fully booked rooms.
Taiwan is a colorful canvas, from vibrant cities to majestic mountains. Here are must-visit destinations:
The iconic tower of Taipei offers a stunning view of the entire city
Taiwanese cuisine is the soul of the trip, especially at night markets. Enjoy bubble tea (50 TWD) in Gongguan, herbal beef stew (150 TWD) in Raohe. Din Tai Fung dumplings (200 TWD/portion) at Taipei 101 are famous for their hot filling. Yongkang beef noodles (180 TWD) on Yongkang Street are delightful with rich broth.
In Kaohsiung, fried dumplings (80 TWD) and red bean soup (60 TWD) at Liuhe market are excellent choices. FamilyMart convenience stores sell bento boxes (50 TWD), convenient for a quick meal. Ask for prices in crowded night markets, and bring a water bottle to save costs. Drink Alishan oolong tea (70 TWD) to savor the mountain flavors.
Din Tai Fung dumplings at Taipei 101 are famous for their hot filling
Travel experience in Taiwan is a journey of freedom, where Taipei 101 shines, Taroko is majestic, and bubble tea tells the story of the beautiful island. From choosing the season, preparation, to destinations and cuisine, each step is a brushstroke in the picture of Taiwan. Visit nvktravel.com for itinerary suggestions traveling to Taiwan and plan perfectly!
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