10-Day Itinerary
Taiwan 10-Day Classic Loop Itinerary (2026): Taipei to Kaohsiung
The most popular Taiwan route for first-time visitors. In 10 days you'll cover the full range of what Taiwan offers — the vibrant capital city, dramatic mountain canyons, a scenic highland lake, Taiwan's oldest city, and a modern southern metropolis. This loop is designed for public transport: trains, HSR, and buses connect every stop.
You'll end in Kaohsiung, where you can fly home directly or take the 90-minute HSR back to Taipei for international flights. No retracing your steps.
Best eSIM for this trip: The 15-day 10GB plan ($20) covers your full 10-day trip with 5 days to spare — perfect if you arrive early or decide to extend. Install it before you fly.
Day-by-Day Route
1
Taipei
Arrive Taipei
Airport MRT to the city (35 min). Settle in, grab a bowl of beef noodle soup at a local spot, explore the neighbourhood around your hotel. If arriving early, walk the Zhongzheng district near CKS Memorial Hall.
2
Taipei
Taipei Sightseeing
National Palace Museum in the morning (the jade cabbage alone is worth it). Lunch at Yongkang Street. Afternoon at Taipei 101 observatory. Dinner at Ningxia Night Market — smaller and more local than Shilin, better food.
3
Northeast Coast
Jiufen + Pingxi + Shifen
Full day on the northeast coast. Start with Jiufen in the morning before the crowds arrive. Continue to Pingxi to walk the old railway village, then release a sky lantern in Shifen. Return to Taipei for the night.
4
Hualien
Train to Hualien — Taroko Gorge
Morning train to Hualien on the Puyuma or Taroko Express (2 hrs — book in advance). Afternoon at Taroko Gorge: the Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto are both within easy taxi reach from Hualien station. Stay in Hualien overnight.
5
East Coast
Qingshui Cliffs + East Rift Valley
Hire a scooter or take a tour along the Suhua Highway to see the Qingshui Cliffs — 800m vertical drops straight into the Pacific Ocean. Return south through the East Rift Valley past rice fields and indigenous village markets. Evening in Hualien or continue to Taitung.
6
Sun Moon Lake
Travel to Sun Moon Lake
Take the train or bus west to Taichung, then a direct bus to Sun Moon Lake (45 min). Rent a bicycle and cycle the 33km lake loop — one of the most scenic rides in Asia. Watch the sunrise from Ci'en Pagoda if you're up early. Stay lakeside overnight.
7
Tainan
Travel to Tainan — Ancient Capital
Bus or train to Tainan (Taiwan's oldest city, 400 years of history). Spend the day visiting Anping Fort, the Chihkan Towers, and the colourful Hayashi Department Store. Tainan is the food capital of Taiwan — eat milkfish congee for breakfast, oyster vermicelli for lunch, and shaved ice for dessert.
8
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung — Lotus Pond + Cijin Island
Short train to Kaohsiung. Take the MRT to Zuoying and walk to Lotus Pond — the dragon and tiger pagodas are iconic. Ferry across to Cijin Island (3-minute ride) for seafood along the beachfront. Watch the sunset at the Kaohsiung Harbour.
9
Kaohsiung
Pier-2 Art Centre + Dome of Light
Morning at the Pier-2 Art District — shipping containers turned into galleries, street art, and weekend markets. Take the MRT to Formosa Boulevard to see the Dome of Light, the world's largest glass work. Optional day trip to Meinong for Hakka culture and paper umbrellas.
10
Kaohsiung / Taipei
Fly Home from KHH or Back to Taipei
Kaohsiung Zuoying HSR station connects to Taipei in 90 minutes if your international flight departs from TPE. Alternatively, fly directly from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to many Asian cities. Final breakfast of Kaohsiung-style wonton noodles before heading to the airport.
Recommended eSIM for 10 days
15-day / 10GB plan — $20. Covers your full trip with 5 days buffer. Best value for a 10-day loop.
Practical Tips
- Book trains early — the Taipei–Hualien express sells out 2–3 weeks ahead on weekends. Book via the TRA website or at any station.
- EasyCard — top up one card at TPE and use it for MRT, buses, and convenience stores across the entire trip.
- Scooter rental — you need an international driving permit for Day 5. Bring yours from home; most rental shops accept it.
- Sun Moon Lake buses — a tourist day pass (~$8) covers unlimited bus rides around the lake including the gondola station.
- Kaohsiung departure — if flying from KHH, check in online; the airport is small and gates fill fast on popular Asian routes.