Taiwan
The Country Guide
What Taiwan is known for
Taiwan is food, mountains, and hospitality. Its night markets and dumpling houses are legendary (this is the home of Din Tai Fung), its mountains rise to nearly 4,000 meters, and its hot springs and tea culture run deep. Safe, friendly, and remarkably easy to travel.
The regions
Taipei, the capital, is the heart, Taipei 101, night markets, temples, and hot-spring suburbs like Beitou. Beyond it lie the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge, the high mountains and tea plantations of Alishan, and the beaches and coral of Kenting in the south.
Sport, adventure & the outdoors
Hiking and cycling in world-class mountain scenery, surfing and diving off the coasts and Green Island, hot-spring soaking, and river-tracing through gorges.
Wellness & recovery
Natural hot springs across the island, tea retreats in the mountains, and a deep culture of balance and food-as-medicine make Taiwan a quietly excellent wellness stop.
When to go
Autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April) are ideal, mild and clear. Summer is hot and humid with typhoon season; winter is cool and good for hot springs.
Good to know
Currency. The New Taiwan dollar, about 32 to one US dollar. Visa. Most Western passports enter visa-free for short stays (typically up to 90 days). Health. No vaccinations required. Getting around. A superb high-speed rail runs down the west coast; we arrange rail and private transfers.