From Taipei: 5-Day Best of Round Taiwan Island Tour

Exploring Taiwan in just five days might seem ambitious, but this curated tour from Taipei makes it perfectly doable—and memorable. We’ve reviewed this experience to help you understand whether it’s the right fit for your travel style. From stunning landscapes to cultural stops, it packs a lot into a compact itinerary, all while staying in top-tier hotels.

What we love about this tour? First, the expert guides make the journey engaging and full of insights, adding a personal touch many group tours lack. Second, the diverse scenery, including Sun Moon Lake and the East Coast, offers photo-worthy moments and genuine encounters with nature. Third, the hotel selections truly elevate the experience, with four nights in luxurious accommodations.

A potential drawback? The long bus rides—which are unavoidable given the scope—might be tiring for some. Also, meals are not included, so budgeting extra for lunch and dinner is necessary. This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager to see Taiwan’s highlights without sacrificing comfort, or those who value guided insights and seamless logistics.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major highlights of Taiwan in 5 days
• Luxury hotels ensure restful nights after busy days of sightseeing
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding and enjoyment of each stop
• Stunning scenery and cultural experiences appeal to nature lovers and history buffs alike
• Long bus rides are part of the deal, but are well-managed with comfort and stops
• Value for money is high, considering the hotels, entry tickets, and curated stops included

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Taiwanese Adventure

Perfectly Balanced Itinerary for a Short Trip

This tour is designed to give you a broad sweep of Taiwan’s most captivating sights in a manageable 5-day format. It targets travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized experience without the hassle of planning every detail. The inclusion of premium hotels and key attractions makes the price tag of $736 per person look quite reasonable, especially when you consider that most meals and entry fees are covered.

Day 1: From Taipei to Sun Moon Lake

The adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup in Taipei—convenient and stress-free. From there, the journey to Sun Moon Lake takes about a few hours, crossing scenic mountain roads. Once there, you’ll find yourself captivated by the lake’s tranquil waters and surrounding mountains. The stops include Wenwu Temple, dedicated to Confucius and Kuan Ti, which offers fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of spiritual calm.

The visit continues at Ita Thao Village, a lively spot where you can taste local snacks and observe indigenous culture. Ci’en Pagoda and Xuanzhuang Temple round out the day’s sightseeing, offering panoramic views of the lake and a peaceful atmosphere. Your stay at Fleur De Chine Hotel, or a similar luxury property, provides a relaxing end to the day’s busy sightseeing.

Day 2: Historical Tainan and Cultural Kaohsiung

Post breakfast, the tour heads south to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city. Known for its centuries-old temples and historic sites, Tainan delivers a palpable sense of history. Fort Zeelandia, a former Dutch stronghold, is a highlight, offering a glimpse into Taiwan’s colonial past. Reviewers mention the significance of exploring Anping Old Street, where you can sample local street food and shop for handcrafted souvenirs.

Later, the journey continues to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. Here, the Fo Guang Shan Monastery stands out, not just for its impressive size but for the opportunity to chat with monks and gain insights into Taiwanese Buddhism. The guide’s ability to bring these stories to life adds value, as noted by reviewers, some praising guides like Alan Chou for their friendly and engaging manner.

Overnight in Kaohsiung at a high-quality hotel keeps you refreshed for the next day’s adventures.

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Day 3: From Kenting’s Beaches to Taitung Hot Springs

The southernmost part of Taiwan beckons today. Kenting National Park promises stunning coastal views, with iconic stops at Eluanpi Lighthouse, Chuanfan Rock, Maobitou, and Longpan Park. These spots are geological marvels, with dramatic cliffs and rock formations perfect for photos and relaxing walks.

Post exploration, the tour moves slightly east to Zhiben in Taitung, known for its hot springs. Staying at the Hotel Royal Chihpen offers a calming end to a day packed with scenic beauty and geological wonders. Many reviewers rave about the hotels, emphasizing their first-class quality, which makes the long travel hours worthwhile.

Day 4: The Untouched East Coast and Yilan

This day is dedicated to Taiwan’s East Coast, often called the last unspoiled stretch of the island. Traveling along Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, and Shitiping, you’ll get a front-row seat to geological formations unlike anywhere else. These sites feature unusual rock formations and coastal landscapes that are as educational as they are breathtaking.

The long drive is broken up with a one-way train ride from Hualien to Yilan, providing a comfortable and scenic transition between regions. The overnight stay at Wellspring by Silks Jiaoxi in Yilan offers a restful night after a day of natural awe.

Day 5: Cultural Insights and Return to Taipei

Your final day includes visits to the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery—a treat for those interested in Taiwan’s burgeoning whisky scene—and the National Center for Traditional Arts, where you’ll encounter traditional crafts and performances. These stops offer a mix of modern and traditional Taiwanese culture.

Afterward, it’s a bus ride back to Taipei, concluding your whirlwind tour. The reviews highlight how smoothly everything runs, thanks to the attentive guides and well-coordinated logistics.

Transportation and Accommodation: Comfort and Convenience

The tour’s transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring you stay comfortable during long drives. The group size is manageable, with a focus on providing personalized attention, as many reviews mention friendly, knowledgeable guides like Alan Chou and Ciao. The hotel choices are consistently praised, with many reviewers calling the accommodations “first-class” and “luxurious,” especially after busy sightseeing days.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your price of $736 covers almost everything that matters—hotel stays, most entry tickets, and guided commentary. Lunch and dinner are not included, giving you flexibility to explore local eateries and taste Taiwanese cuisine at your own pace. Be aware that extra expenses for meals, beverages, and souvenirs are common on tours like this.

The Guide Experience

Many reviews emphasize how guides like Alan Chou, Ciao, and Jiahao elevate the experience. They are praised for their energy, knowledge, and friendliness, making the long bus rides more engaging with stories and humor. Their ability to manage logistics and keep the group entertained is a significant reason behind the tour’s high rating of 4.8 out of 5.

The Value of This 5-Day Tour

Compared to planning a trip independently, this guided experience offers significant value. You’ll avoid the hassle of booking hotels, navigating traffic, or figuring out entrance fees—all while staying in top hotels and visiting key attractions. For around $736, you get a curated experience that balances sightseeing, comfort, and culture.

The tour is especially appealing for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a comprehensive snapshot of Taiwan. It’s also great for travelers who prefer guided commentary to deepen their understanding of each site.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, hassle-free introduction to Taiwan’s highlights. It suits those who value guided insights and comfortable accommodations, and don’t mind long bus rides if it means seeing diverse landscapes. Families, couples, or solo travelers can all enjoy the structure and camaraderie of a well-organized tour with friendly guides.

However, if you’re looking for a more flexible, self-paced trip or have mobility issues, this tour might be less suitable due to the structured schedule and physical demands of some sites.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup is provided from downtown Taipei City hotels, making the start of your journey seamless.

How many nights do I stay in luxury hotels? You’ll stay in four different high-quality hotels over the five days, including Sun Moon Lake and Taitung.

Are meals included? No, lunch and dinner are not included, giving you flexibility to explore local cuisine on your own.

What languages are available for the tour? The tour guides provide commentary in English, German, and Chinese, often simultaneously.

Are children allowed on this tour? Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

How long are the bus rides? Expect some long segments, especially between regions, but these are often broken up with scenic stops and comfort.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, cash for extra expenses, and an open mind for lots of walking and sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility challenges? No, the tour is not recommended for those with mobility impairments due to the walking involved and site access.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 7 days in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out? Its combination of top-tier hotels, well-chosen attractions, and guides who make the experience engaging and personal.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day tour from Taipei offers a well-rounded, carefully curated experience of Taiwan’s most striking sights and cultural highlights. From awe-inspiring landscapes at Sun Moon Lake and Kenting to historic sites in Tainan and vibrant cultural stops in Yilan, it covers a lot in a short period. The inclusion of luxury accommodations and expert guides makes it a great value for those who want comfort with a comprehensive itinerary.

It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate seamless logistics, insightful commentary, and scenic diversity, all wrapped into one affordable package. If you’re eager to see Taiwan beyond Taipei and prefer guided convenience, this tour deserves serious consideration.

While the bus rides are lengthy, the scenery and cultural insights make it worthwhile. The quality of hotels and the enthusiasm of guides like Alan Chou truly elevate the experience, making it not just a sightseeing trip but a memorable journey through Taiwan’s soul.

In summary, this tour is an excellent blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural discovery, suited for those eager to make the most of a short visit with ease and style. It offers a taste of Taiwan’s natural beauty, history, and local life, all wrapped up in a thoughtfully designed package.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby