5-Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tarako Gorge, Kaohsiung, Taitung
From the north to the south, there is no shortage of incredible, awe-inspiring and fascinating places to discover in Taiwan. However, maximizing your vacation with limited time and budget can present a challenge.
No need to worry; we've got you covered. With this 5-day package tour of Taiwan, you'll explore all the must-see tourist spots and have the opportunity to stay in local 5-star hotels for four nights! You'll visit remarkable natural sites like Sun Moon Lake, Kenting National Park, East Coast National Scenic Area, and Taroko National Park, allowing you to witness Taiwan's most spectacular natural wonders. In addition to the stunning landscapes, you'll also delve into Taiwan's diverse culture and history by exploring man-made attractions like Ci'en Pagoda, Fort Zeelandia, Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Eluanpi Lighthouse, and more.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to book this 5-day Taiwan round-island tour and make the most of your Taiwan adventure!
ItineraryDay 1: Taipei – Sun Moon LakeStop At: Sun Moon Lake, Zhongshan Rd., Yuchi Township, Yuchi 555 Taiwan
On the first morning of your Taiwan round-the-island tour, you will depart from central Taipei and travel to the heart of the island, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area.
Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, is divided by Lalu Island. The eastern side of the lake resembles the sun, while the western side resembles the crescent moon, giving the lake its unique name. This picturesque area is also the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups. With its rich indigenous culture and abundant natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake has earned its place as one of Taiwan’s premier destinations.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Yidashao Pier, Yidashao, Riyue Vil., Yuchi Township, Yuchi Taiwan
After lunch, your journey continues with a scenic bus tour around Sun Moon Lake, where you’ll explore the most renowned attractions in this area. Begin with a visit to Ita Thao, an indigenous village that offers insights into the culture and lifestyle of the Thao people.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ci'en Pagoda, Yuchi Township, Yuchi 555 Taiwan
Then, marvel at the grandeur of Ci’en Pagoda, an iconic Sun Moon Lake landmark constructed by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Xuanzhuang Temple, No.389 Zhongzheng Road, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Yuchi Taiwan
Following your visit to Ci’en Pagoda, your exploration of Sun Moon Lake continues with stops at two significant temples. First, you’ll arrive at Xuanzang Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the esteemed monk Xuanzang.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Wenwu Temple, No.63, Jhongshan Rd. Yuchih Township, Nantou City Taiwan
Then, your journey takes you to Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist temple featuring three halls devoted to the Martial God and the God of Literature. With the expert commentary of your tour guide, you’ll gain deeper insights into Sun Moon Lake, enriching your appreciation of the area’s history and significance.
Duration: 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Fleur de Chine Hotel – Mountain View Room(5-star), Sun Moon Lake / Le Méridien Taichung, Taichung (5-star) / equivalent
Day 2: Sun Moon Lake – Tainan - Kaohsiung Stop At: Anping Old Fort, No. 82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
Kick off the second day of your 5-day Taiwan adventure with a delightful breakfast, setting the tone for another day of exploration. Hop on the bus and make your way to Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, celebrated for its abundance of historic buildings and profound historical heritage.
Your adventure proceeds with a visit to Fort Zeelandia, constructed by the Dutch East India Company during their 38-year administration of western Taiwan. The original fortress faced near destruction by the British army in the 19th century but was subsequently rebuilt by the Japanese.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Anping Old Street, Yanping St, Anping Dist, Anping, Tainan 708 Taiwan
After exploring Fort Zeelandia, take a leisurely walk along Anping Old Street. Situated on the east side of Fort Zeelandia, this historic street was established by the Dutch over 300 years ago and holds the distinction of being the first officially named street in Taiwan. Besides its fascinating history, Anping Old Street is also known for its local specialties such as tofu pudding, shrimp rolls, fish skin dishes, beef soup, and many more. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to savor the city’s signature delicacies, adding a delightful culinary experience to your historical journey in Tainan.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Fo Guang Shan, No.153, Xingtian Road, Dashu District, Dashu District, Kaohsiung 84049 Taiwan
After lunch, your next destination is the romantic harbor city of Kaohsiung, the most populous city in Southern Taiwan. Upon arriving in Kaohsiung, your first stop is the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery (FGS), a significant Buddhist monastery founded by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1967. The monastery is most famous for its Great Buddha Land, featuring a majestic 36-meter-tall golden statue of Buddha Amitabha, which stands as the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia. It is encircled by an impressive array of 480 smaller statues depicting Buddha Amitabha. During your visit to Fo Guang Shan Monastery, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with a knowledgeable monk who provides insights into the doctrines and development of Buddhism, which is the most widely practiced religion in Taiwan.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Grand Hilai Kaohsiung (5-star), Kaohsiung / equivalent
Day 3: Kaohsiung – Kenting – TaitungStop At: Kenting National Park, Kenting National Park
After a hearty breakfast, set out on your journey as you head south toward the border, where Taiwan’s first national park awaits.
Kenting National Park is celebrated for its coastal geological formations, scenic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity, fostered by its unique combination of crustal deformation and tropical climate. Additionally, Kenting is also a paradise for surfers and divers alike.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maobitou Park, No. 100, Xiaquan Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
On the third day of your Taiwan-round island tour, you will make your stops at Maopitou, literally cat’s nose, aptly named as it resembles a colossal crouching cat when viewed from afar.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Eluanbi, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
Eluanpi Lighthouse, a Qing Dynasty-era construction that was recognized as one of the Eight Views of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Longpan Park, Jia'e Highway, Hengchun Township, Hengchun Taiwan
Longpan Park, a coral limestone plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean, shaped over time by rainfall erosion.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: 船帆石小沙灘, 946, Taiwan, 屏東縣恆春鎮鵝鑾里
Chuanfan Rock, literally sail rock, another distinctive natural formation that resembles the sail of a ship or a likeness of the former US President Richard Nixon.
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Hotel Royal Chihpen, Taitung (5-star) or equivalent
Day 4: Taitung - East Coast National Scenic Area – HualienStop At: East Coast National Scenic Area, Chenggong Township, Chenggong Township Taiwan
After a good night’s sleep and a delectable breakfast, your 5-day tour in Taiwan continues as you journey along the east coast, known as the last unspoiled place of the island. Wherever you go, it never ceases to amaze you with its enchanting natural beauty. You’ll visit some of the most impressive scenic spots along the way, including Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping, and Fanshuliao, each boasting its own distinctive geological features.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Xiaoyeliu, No. 500號, Section 1, Songjiang Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950
The first stop is Xiaoyehliu (literally “Little Yehliu, or officially “Fugang Geopark”). This area is known for its natural rock formations, resembling those found in Yehliu Geopark on the northern coast of Taiwan, hence the name. Here, you can get up close to these unique landforms, shaped over time by weathering and sea erosion.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Sanxiantai, Chenggong Township 961 Taiwan
Your adventure continues with a visit to Sanxiantai (literally the terrace of the three immortals), which comprises an offshore island and coral reefs, with a cross-sea bridge that connects the mainland to the island, serving as a prominent landmark in the East Coast National Scenic Area.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Shitiping, Fengbin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 977
After exploring Sanxiantai, you will make a stop at Shitiping (literally stone steps). This area is a well-developed sea erosion terrace, featuring promontories along the coastline that have been eroded by sea water over millions of years. This natural process has created an abrasion platform, sea grooves, sea cliffs, and potholes, making Shitiping a world-class outdoor geology classroom.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Fanshuliao, No. 18, Fangliaoken, Shuilian Vil., Shoufeng Township, Shoufeng Taiwan
Before visiting the marble factory in Hualien, your next stop is Fanshuliao, a unique canyon often considered a smaller version of Taroko Gorge.
Duration: 15 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Hotel Silks Place Taroko – Garden View Room (5-star) , Hualien / equivalent
Day 5: Hualien – Taroko – TaipeiStop At: Taroko National Park, No.291, Fushi Fushi Vil., Xiulin 97253 Taiwan
On the last day of your 5-day tour in Taiwan, you’ll explore the most awe-inspiring destination in Taiwan, Taroko National Park. Get your camera or phone ready for an unforgettable adventure in the world’s largest marble canyon!
Situated in the eastern part of Taiwan, Taroko National Park was established in the year of 1986. This national park is renowned for its dramatic gorges, diverse wildlife, unique geological formations, and particularly, its towering marble cliffs, which can reach heights of up to 1,100 meters. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the park’s most famous attractions, including Cimu Bridge, the Tunnel of Nine Turns, Buluowan Suspension Bridge, Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Temple), Swallow Grotto Trail, and Qingshui Cliff.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cimu Bridge, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 972
Embark on your day at Cimu Bridge after a hearty breakfast. The name “Cimu” directly translates to “loving mother”, as a homage to a touching story of maternal love. At the eastern end of the bridge proudly stands the Cimu Pavilion, a structure commissioned by the late president Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his own mother.
Originally constructed with white marble from the region, this red steel bridge, resembling a cable-stayed design, was known as the “Marble Bridge” before being swept away by a typhoon in 1990. On its eastern end, visitors can take in the scenic beauty of a riverbend where millions of years of powerful rapids have artistically shaped the riverbed.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail, Xiulin Taiwan
Following your visit to Cimu Bridge, the next enchanting highlight on your Taroko adventure is the Tunnel of Nine Turns, which is considered the most picturesque section of Taroko Gorge. After extensive repair work, it reopened to the public in 2019. As you walk along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the meandering river below, running through the deep and spectacular canyon. Additionally, you’ll get a closer view of the geological faults and folds in the towering marble cliffs, as well as the unique vegetation clinging to the canyon walls.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Yanzihkou Trail (Swallow Grotto), Xincheng Township Xiulin Township, Hualien City Taiwan
Your next stop is Swallow Grotto Trail. The distinctive potholes on the cliff surface were formed by the combination of groundwater and the swift-flowing river. These natural formations were once the favored nesting spots for swallows, giving the trail its name. As you stroll through the tunnels, get ready to be amazed by the stunning vistas of the soaring marble cliffs that seem to reach the sky.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Buluowan Terrace, Inside Taroko National Park, Xiulin Taiwan
Your adventure persists as you explore the awe-inspiring Buluowan Suspension Bridge. Spanning 196 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and soaring approximately 152 meters above the Liwu Valley, this bridge offers visitors a remarkable vantage point to witness the twists and turns of the Liwu River. As you gaze eastward from the bridge, you will be captivated by the sweeping panoramas of the Liwu River Valley. Likewise, when you turn your gaze to the west, you’ll be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes of the Swallow Grotto.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Eternal Spring Shrine, in Taroko National Park, Xiulin Taiwan
Next, you’ll stop by the Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial shrine built in 1958 to commemorate the 225 personnel (military veterans), who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. From a distance, you’ll witness a waterfall gracefully descending over the sheer cliff beneath the shrine, forming a poetic and picturesque sight.
Stop At: Qingshui Cliff, Su-hua highway from Herping to Chungte, Xiulin 97253 Taiwan
As your Taiwan round-the-island tour nears its conclusion, you’ll have the chance to visit one of Taiwan’s renowned “Eight Wonders” – the Qingshui Cliff, offering yet another visual spectacle. This towering cliff, standing at over 1,000 meters in height and stretching for 21 kilometers, plunges almost vertically into the sea. At the viewing platform, you’ll be able to relish a breathtaking panoramic view of this natural wonder.
Duration: 20 minutes
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Stroller accessible"
"Infants must sit on laps"
"Most travelers can participate"
"A small amount of walking is involved; comfortable shoes are recommended."
"Standard hotel rooms in Taiwan contain either two single/twin beds or a double bed fit for two people. Twin-Share Accommodation is for two people per standard room (traveling parties are booked in the same room); Private Accommodation is for one person in a standard room."
"For traveling parties with an odd number of individuals, either three people will be placed in a triple room or one person will be in private single room (at an additional cost), depending on availability"
"Ensure you carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses for meals, beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc. Convenience stores and most of the eateries in Taiwan don't accept credit cards as a form of payment."
"If the German-speaking tour option is selected, our tour guide will provide simultaneous commentary in both English and German, offering a multilingual experience."
"Not recommended for travelers with physical disabilities"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 41 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability"
Start Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
German-speaking - Single Room
4/8/2024 - 4/8/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
5/6/2024 - 5/6/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
6/3/2024 - 6/3/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
7/8/2024 - 7/8/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
8/5/2024 - 8/5/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
9/9/2024 - 9/9/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
10/7/2024 - 10/7/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
German-speaking - Twin Room
4/8/2024 - 4/8/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
5/6/2024 - 5/6/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
6/3/2024 - 6/3/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
7/8/2024 - 7/8/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
8/5/2024 - 8/5/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
9/9/2024 - 9/9/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
10/7/2024 - 10/7/2024| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
Twin-share Accommodation
4/1/2024 - 4/20/2025| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
Single Accommodation
4/1/2024 - 4/20/2025| Monday : | 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM |
Duration: 5 Days
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
Pick-up is available from hotels or metro stations in downtown Taipei City. If the hotel lobby is located on an upper level, your tour guide will be waiting for you on the ground level with the tour operator's logo flag (EDISON TOURS). The exact pick-up time will be provided by the local operator upon confirmation. Please note the pickup service cannot accommodate hotels in Neihu, Nangang, Shilin, Beitou, Wenshan District, and New Taipei City area.
Cancellations and refunds:
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
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