Taiwan Area for a Couple of Days - Ideas please?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Gold60

Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2014
Posts
373
Hi All,

I have a few days in Taipei in Oct 2018 coming up.

On day 1 I have a HOHO Bus lined up for Taipei; Day 2 could be a HSR Day trip to Kaohsiung; Day 3 could be a train circumnavigation of the Island - if the train times fit. I am into trains a bit.

That leaves two full days to fill in.

I am not into food, shopping, temples/spiritual places, museums, and similar. I am interested in military history - 20th Century onward, and things to do with air/space/technology - like factory tours, and scenic views over the city I am staying in.

Any ideas of things I could do to fill those couple of days in please - probably in the Taipei area?

TIA
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Hike up Elephant Mountain for scenic views of Taipei 101
 
Definitely do the Taipei 101 tour if it’s a fine day. The 360 degree views of the City are amazing from the 89th floor and if you are lucky enough to be there when the weather is good you can get up to the open air observation deck on the 91st floor which is breathtaking. You can also get a close up of the dampener which helps the building from swaying in windy conditions, quite interesting.
 
If military then the Chang Kai Shek memorial is probably one you should consider. There’s a display underneath on his history as the party leader and fight with Mao. At least there used to be. It’s been a few years since I was last there. If it was good food you wanted then I’d have more suggestions.
 
If i were doing a daytrip focused on trains i would do two stops (in either direction).

1. HSR to Zuoying then onto the MTR to Formosa Boulevard station to view the dome of light station roof show on the hour.
2. Zuoying to Changsha. Changsha has one of three remaining working rail roundhouses in the world and it is open to the public. See: Changhua Railway Roundhouse in Changhua.

I am not sure if it is back up and running following earthquake reconstruction but maybe the Alishan Forest Railway will be up your alley.
 
Hiya,

I enjoy train rides too and did the Taiwan circumnavigation, and really enjoyed it. I spread it across two days (since I wanted to stop at Hualien anyway) but it's do-able in one long day. I would recommend springing for the better/higher class fares. They're not much more cost for a decent increase in comfort. Oh, and I'd also recommend trying for seats on the coastal side of the train, particularly around the southern section.
 
Travel from Taipei to Taichung on the wonderful Japanese-designed frequent and extremely fast high speed trains, and then change to a local electric train for Ershui and then the branch line to the former logging town, from where there's a minibus every couple of hours to Sun Moon Lake.

Heaps of hotels in latter while in Taichung you can find a good hotel for A$95 and visit night markets (that are also prevalent in Taipei, as you no doubt know).

Taiwan is underrated and ought be visited by more of us. I've been twice and wouldn't hesitate to go again. It's China without the hassles.
 
If i were doing a daytrip focused on trains i would do two stops (in either direction).

,,,
I am not sure if it is back up and running following earthquake reconstruction but maybe the Alishan Forest Railway will be up your alley.

The sparse information available suggests it operates part way, but not to top of the mountain.

However at the top you can still do the 'see the sunrise' train each morning.

I did both years ago. Lovely scenery.
 
With the Alishan Forest Railway i think you have to book ahead. i was looking at doing it a few months ago on a stopover but there was something about bookings etc.

One of the great places to go is the Taroko gorge, magnificent scenery. Best approached from the East coast from Hualien.
 
With the Alishan Forest Railway i think you have to book ahead. i was looking at doing it a few months ago on a stopover but there was something about bookings etc.

One of the great places to go is the Taroko gorge, magnificent scenery. Best approached from the East coast from Hualien.

With Taroko Gorge what is the best way to get there? Train and then hire a taxi or guide..?

My understanding is that it's a further 50 minutes from the train station to the Gorge?
 
With Taroko Gorge what is the best way to get there? Train and then hire a taxi or guide..?

My understanding is that it's a further 50 minutes from the train station to the Gorge?

There's a bus that runs from the station. I did that. However if it were peak season I can foresee queues. If I were going again I would hire a motorbike.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..

Recent Posts

Back
Top