Taiwan tours & vacations

There’s not really a bad time to visit subtropical Taiwan. The weather is hot, sunny and rainy all year, though some areas and months are wetter than others. The northeasterly monsoon brings rain to the north from October to March, while the southwesterly monsoon showers the central and southern regions from May to September. Typhoons are possible in summer and early autumn, primarily affecting the east coast.

September, October and November are generally considered the best months to visit Taiwan's many beaches, swim and go island hopping. Spring is another popular time thanks to blooming cherry blossoms trees, while cooler weather in winter is a good excuse to explore Taipei, experience its amazing food scene and warm up with chilli-infused dishes.

Taiwan's topography is incredibly rugged, with almost two-thirds of the island dominated by mountains. The Central Range, also known as the backbone of Taiwan, runs from north to south on the eastern side and is home to towering peaks reaching heights of almost 4000 meters.

Most of the population lives on the western side which consists of rolling plains, tablelands, farmland and urban areas. In between, there are rivers, gorges and volcanic hot springs – perfect for soothing your muscles after a long day of hiking.

The island is also blessed with over 1500 kilometres of coastline, from black sand beaches in the north to the white sand and clear waters of the Penghu Islands.

1. Sun Moon Lake

One of Asia’s best-kept secrets, Sun Moon Lake is easily the equal of any Como, Bled or Windermere. It’s a huge blue oasis hidden among the green peaks of Taiwan’s central ranges. It's gorgeous by day, but in the blue-gold light of dawn, with mists rolling over the water and local fishermen paddling past, it’s like something out of a fairy tale.

2. Qingshui Cliffs

This 21 kilometre stretch of jungle-covered cliffs plunges straight into the East China Sea, with a tiny highway clinging on about halfway up. This is not a journey for vertigo sufferers, but it's a must-do for fans of epic natural wonders.

3. Taipei

An easy one to tick off since it’ll probably be your first stop. Taipei is the island’s capital and offers a beating, chaotic counterpoint to the Zen-like beauty of the southern national parks. If you think it’s crazy by day, just wait until night, when a neon glow lights the sky and lantern-lit markets spring up in the Songshan district.

4. Penghu Islands

Penghu is an archipelago of 90 islands in the Taiwan Strait. They’re remote but worth the journey, with brilliant beaches devoid of crowds, temples and towering basalt columns. Penghu is also a windsurfing hot spot and a nesting ground for rare green sea turtles. Not bad for one tiny volcanic island chain.

ATMs are widely available in Taiwan, but some may carry a surcharge so ensure you check with your card company beforehand.

Most hotels and department stores in urban areas accept credit cards, with Visa and Mastercard being the most common. It's also a good idea to carry some cash for restaurants, markets and everyday purchases in smaller stores.