Taiwan is home to some stunning mountain ranges that are perfect for exploration. One of the most popular destinations is Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain, which is the highest peak in Taiwan. The trek to the summit offers breathtaking views of …
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Backpacking Taiwan in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Taiwan with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Taiwan
Embark on an exciting backpacking adventure in Taiwan, where the blend of modernity and traditional charm creates a unique experience. Pros? Explore bustling night markets, hike lush mountains, and navigate efficient public transportation with ease. Taiwan offers budget-friendly accommodations and diverse culinary delights. However, English may not be widely spoken outside urban areas. For backpackers seeking a perfect fusion of technology and tradition, Taiwan stands out, providing a safe, accessible, and culturally rich environment, where every alley reveals a mix of ancient heritage and contemporary allure.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Taiwan
Mountains
Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Taiwan is vibrant and diverse, offering a mix of traditional culture, modern amenities, and stunning natural landscapes. Backpackers can explore the bustling night markets and vibrant street food scene in cities like Taipei, …
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Food
The food in Taiwan is so good because of its diverse culinary influences, from traditional Chinese flavors to Japanese and indigenous Taiwanese cuisine. Taiwan’s street food culture is also a major contributing factor, offering a wide variety of …
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Scenery
Taiwan offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries to explore, from towering mountains to beautiful coastlines. The Taroko Gorge in Hualien is a must-see for its breathtaking marble cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The Alishan …
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People
Taiwanese people are incredibly warm and welcoming, always eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors. They take great pride in their hospitality, often going out of their way to ensure that guests feel comfortable and at home. …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Taiwan
- Visit Taroko National Park: This stunning national park is known for its marble cliffs, deep gorges, and crystal-clear blue waters. It offers breathtaking hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
- Explore Jiufen Old Street: This charming old street is famous for its narrow alleyways, traditional tea houses, and vibrant lanterns. It offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich history and provides a unique shopping and dining experience.
- Experience the Night Markets: Taiwan is renowned for its vibrant night markets, such as Shilin Night Market in Taipei. These bustling markets offer a wide array of street food, local delicacies, and affordable shopping options, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.
- Visit Sun Moon Lake: Surrounded by lush mountains, Sun Moon Lake is a picturesque destination that offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take a boat ride, cycle around the lake, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Explore Taipei 101: Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It also houses luxury shops, restaurants, and a multi-level shopping mall, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
But Taiwan offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Taiwan
The best time to visit Taiwan for backpacking would be during the spring season, from March to May, or during the autumn season, from September to November.
During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with mild temperatures, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring. It is also the shoulder season, which means fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months.
In spring, you can witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, especially in areas like Alishan and Yangmingshan National Park. Additionally, hiking in Taiwan's stunning mountain ranges, such as Taroko Gorge and Yushan National Park, is more enjoyable during these months.
In autumn, you can experience pleasant temperatures and clear skies, perfect for exploring Taiwan's cities, night markets, and cultural sites. It's also a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures, as the weather is not too hot or humid.
During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with mild temperatures, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring. It is also the shoulder season, which means fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months.
In spring, you can witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, especially in areas like Alishan and Yangmingshan National Park. Additionally, hiking in Taiwan's stunning mountain ranges, such as Taroko Gorge and Yushan National Park, is more enjoyable during these months.
In autumn, you can experience pleasant temperatures and clear skies, perfect for exploring Taiwan's cities, night markets, and cultural sites. It's also a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures, as the weather is not too hot or humid.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Taiwan
- Crime rates are low, including for petty crime. Taxi drivers have sometimes assaulted passengers. However, taxis and other rideshare options are usually safe. Use radio taxis or arrange taxis and other rideshare options online or through your hotel.
- Extortion scams occur. These include minor car accidents and claims of sexual assault at nightclubs. Report suspicious behaviour.
- Protests happen sometimes. They're usually peaceful but can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.
- The typhoon season is from May to November. Flooding and mudslides are common. Businesses and government offices close on 'typhoon days'. Follow local advice to prepare for a disaster. Updates on typhoons and other severe weather are available from the Taiwan Central Weather Administration.
- Earthquakes happen often and may disrupt train services. Confirm travel arrangements before travelling. Get advice on being in an earthquake-prone region. Tsunamis also happen. Know the tsunami warning signs and move to high ground straight away. Don't wait for official alerts.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
TaiwanMy tips to get you on the way!Does Taiwan sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Taiwan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Taiwan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Taiwan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Taiwan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Taiwan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Taiwan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024