12 days in Taiwan Itinerary

A small trading town in the 17th century, Kaohsiung now stands as a sprawling metropolis, its harbor representing the largest on the island.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Wed): get outside with Ai He (Love River) and then view the masterpieces at The Pier-2 Art Centre. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get to know the fascinating history of Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia), then explore the wide array of goods at Hayashi Department Store, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area.

To see photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Kaohsiung road trip planning app.

Newark, USA to Kaohsiung is an approximately 23.5-hour flight. Traveling from Newark to Kaohsiung, you'll lose 13 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for warmer weather when traveling from Newark in April: high temperatures in Kaohsiung hover around 84°F and lows are around 72°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can go by car to Nantou.

On the 28th (Fri), contemplate the long history of Wenwu Temple, explore the activities along Sun Moon Lake, and then admire the landmark architecture of Paper Dome. Keep things going the next day: look for gifts at Yichung Shopping Street, then steep yourself in history at Wanchungong, then look for gifts at Parklane, and finally wander the streets of Lukang.

To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Nantou trip maker tool.

Getting from Kaohsiung to Nantou by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. In April, Nantou is little chillier than Kaohsiung - with highs of 79°F and lows of 65°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can go by car to Taipei.

Situated in a basin between two mountain ranges, Taipei appeals to tourists with its blend of Asian cultures, living side by side amidst Japanese-era mansions and Taoist temples.

Chiufen (Jiufen Old Street) and Ximending are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Shop till you drop at Taipei 101 and P.Seven. Explore Taipei's surroundings by going to Wulai (in Wulai) and Fulung Beach (in Gongliao). There's much more to do: take an in-depth tour of National Palace Museum, appreciate the history behind Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, make a trip to Elephant Mountain (aka Nangang District Hiking Trail), and stop by Ningxia Nightmarket.

To find photos, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Taipei vacation planner.

You can drive from Nantou to Taipei in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Taipei are 79°F, while nighttime lows are 66°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) so you can take a train to Hualien.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Thu): don't miss a visit to Hualien Railway Cultural Area and then trek along Taroko Gorge. Keep things going the next day: admire the verdant scenery at Mukumugi Valley and then grab your bike and head to Qixing Lake Binhai Bicycle Road.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Hualien trip planning site.

Take a train from Taipei to Hualien in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can travel back home.