[TAIWAN] 7-Day Epic Adventure Through Taiwan's North (Taipei, Taichung and Yilan)

08:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

From bustling night markets and majestic natural landscapes to charming old streets and relaxing hot springs, Taiwan offers an experience for every type of traveler. I just completed an exhilarating 7-day journey across Taipei, its stunning northern coasts, and the tranquil hot spring haven of Yilan.

It is recommended to buy the EasyCard (悠遊卡) via Klook and collect it at the airport. The card cost NT$100 (non-refundable) and you can choose the top up amount. You can purchase and top up an EasyCard at any MRT station or convenience store. Photo above is the Taipei Main Station. It is the primary transportation hub in Taipei, serving as a massive multi-level complex for the High-Speed Rail (HSR), local trains (TRA), Taipei Metro (MRT), and the Airport MRT.

One-way MRT from Taoyuan to TMS cost NT$160. This card can be used for public transport (MRT, buses & TRA trains) and small purchases at convenience stores across Taiwan. Best of all, you automatically receive discounts (often around 10-20%) on many MRT and bus fares, and often get transfer discounts when switching between MRT and buses within a specific time frame.

MRT: Taipei is well connected by MRT network. You can reach most tourist attractions by MRT. Above is the Taipei MRT network map. 

Be prepared to walk up or down a lot of staircase at the MRT stations as some exits don’t have escalators or lifts.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) official website: https://en.thsrc.com.tw/

Klook offers Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Special Foreign Visitor Promo) for one-way THSR southbound tickets. If you buy the ticket online through the official website, you can get early bird discount (10% - 35%) as soon as the ticket is opened for booking 29 days in advance. If you plan to take multiple long-distance THSR rides, a pass is often the best value for short-term foreign visitors. The usual one-way ticket price for THSR (Taipei - Taichung) is NT$700 per adult, NT$350 per child.

Remember that you need to redeem the paper tickets in advance by showing your booking at the counter or machines. I did so at the Taipei Main Station. Alternatively, you can download T Express app if you prefer paperless ticket. 

This is Taiwan's main conventional railway network for for inter-city travel, local commutes. You can use the EasyCard for Local Trains (區間車), Fast Local Trains (區間快), and sometimes Chu-Kuang trains with non-reserved seats. Tickets for most trains can be booked online 29 days in advance. The usual one-way ticket price for TRA express train (Taipei - Jiaoxi) is NT$281 per adult, NT$141 per child. TRA official website: https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip?lang=EN_US

TAXI: Uber is available in major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, etc. Always have cash for taxis, as credit card acceptance is not universal. Taxi drivers often have limited English. It is highly recommended to have your destination written in Chinese characters or show the address on your phone/map app. If all else fails, ask a local to help to call a taxi for you.

What you need to know: Cash is still king in Taiwan. So do bring enough cash as many stores and restaurants don’t accept credit card.

We stayed 4 nights at an Airbnb apartment in Taipei. The apartment is clean and comfortable with 3 double beds. Location near TMS is unbeatable, a perfect hub for our day trips and city explorations. Umbrellas are provided for guests - a big help to us as it was raining non-stop in Taipei during our visit. The cost for four nights is approximately NT$ 12100.