Complete guide to self-sufficient travel in Taiwan 2023 for beginners

Self-sufficient travel in Taiwan 2023 is no longer unfamiliar to Vietnamese people. Taiwan is now also relaxing visa application requirements, so more and more Vietnamese people are traveling to Taiwan. If you are dreaming of conquering this country, let's explore with Vietnam Booking right away.

1. Explore the bestowed beauty of the sky dragon of Asia

Taiwan has emerged as a new tourist destination in recent years. However, this land has captured the hearts of many travelers from the first visit. Whether you love experiential travel, nature, or want to witness modern development, Taiwan will satisfy all your desires.

Taiwan has long been a magnet for travel enthusiasts.

Taiwan has long been known as one of Asia's dragons with its booming electronics industry. Moreover, Taiwan's tourism is constantly advancing to bring new experiences to travelers.

2. When is the best time to travel to Taiwan independently in 2023?

Taiwan's climate is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring from March to April, summer from May to September, autumn from October to November, and winter from December to February. Taiwan has a subtropical climate with an average annual temperature ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. For more details, you can refer to the following information.

2.1. Spring in Taiwan

Spring in Taiwan usually starts around March to April. During this time, Taiwan's weather is quite pleasant as it bids farewell to the chilly winter. Comparable to other countries like Japan or South Korea, Taiwan also has cherry blossoms in full bloom across the sky.

Spring in Taiwan is covered in the color of cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms in Taiwan bloom from late February to early March. When you have the opportunity to travel to Taiwan independently in 2023 during the spring, you can admire the charming beauty of cherry blossoms in many places, specifically:

2.2. Summer in Taiwan

Summer in Taiwan typically starts from around May to early September. Unlike Vietnam, summers in Taiwan are not overly hot, with average temperatures ranging from 27 to 34 degrees Celsius.

When traveling to Taiwan independently in 2023 during the summer, you can participate in various exciting activities such as diving to admire coral reefs in Kenting. This is an activity you shouldn't miss when visiting Taiwan in the summer.

Cool summer weather in Taiwan.

Taiwan is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, boasting over 350 different coral species. Additionally, you can engage in various exciting outdoor activities at the beautiful beaches: swimming, surfing, admiring the sunset over Sizih Bay, and more.

2.3. Autumn in Taiwan

Taiwan, with its four distinct seasons, experiences autumn like donning a new coat. Autumn in Taiwan typically begins from September to November.

During this time, the skies of Taiwan are painted with incredibly enchanting colors of yellow, red, and orange. It is this beauty that has left many 2023 Taiwan travelers captivated, cherishing each day.

Experience the romantic autumn with shades of red in Taiwan.

This is also the time most people choose to travel to Taiwan in 2023. In autumn, the weather in Taiwan becomes pleasant. Immersed in the gentle, romantic scenery, the souls of travelers become uplifted.

To feel the change of the land and sky in autumn, you should visit the following places: Thap Phan waterfall, Yangmingshan National Park, Crescent Moon Lake, Alishan National Forest, Wuling Farm, and more.

2.4. Winter in Taiwan

During the transition from autumn to winter, the weather in Taiwan becomes quite cold, with the possibility of snowfall. Winter in Taiwan usually starts from December to February of the following year.

With temperatures ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius, the most popular activity during this time is soaking in hot springs. When immersed in warm water, you will feel the worries of life dissolve into the water.

Snow covers the land and sky in white.

However, you can also visit Taroko Gorge National Park to admire the early season snowfall. And don't forget to experience snow sliding at Snow Mountain Taiwan, Aurora Ski School.

According to the experience of many travelers eager to travel to Taiwan in 2023, the best time to go is from February to April and September to November. During these times, the weather is not too harsh, and there are no major obstacles, so your trip to Taiwan in 2023 will be perfect.

How to apply for a visa for your 2023 Taiwan trip?

Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, you need to apply for a visa when visiting Taiwan. For those who have been to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, applying for a visa in these countries will be easier.

Currently, applying for a Taiwan visa is not difficult. There are 3 types of Taiwan visas: sticker visa, landing visa, and e-visa. The visa for Taiwan travel in 2023 will be valid for 90 days, with a maximum stay of 14 days per entry.

Visa for traveling to Taiwan.

For online visa application, you need to prepare the following documents: a passport valid for at least 6 months, confirmation of flight tickets, and information on non-working status in Taiwan. In addition to the basic documents, you need to meet one of the following requirements:

Having a visa or residence permit valid for 10 years from countries such as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, EU countries, and Schengen countries.

For regular sticker visas, you need to prepare the following documents:

1. Personal identification documents

2. Employment verification documents

For individuals, employees:

For business owners:

For retirees:

3. Financial proof documents

4. Information documents for the self-guided tour to Taiwan 2023

To submit your application, you can visit the following two locations:

A small note for you when applying for a Taiwan self-guided tour visa in 2023 is that all fees must be paid in US dollars (USD). Therefore, you should exchange money in advance to avoid wasting time.

4. Exchange money for your 2023 self-guided tour to Taiwan

The currency unit of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). There are two types of currency in Taiwan: paper money and coins. Paper money comes in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 1,000, and 2,000 yuan. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 yuan, and 5 jiao. Additionally, you can use cards for payments to avoid the need for currency exchange.

To exchange money, you can go to banks, but make sure to read the procedures and requirements carefully to follow them correctly. Note that you should not carry more than 60,000 TWD in cash and 10,000 USD, so please consider carefully when exchanging money.

5. What transportation should you use for your 2023 self-guided tour to Taiwan?

If you are still unsure about transportation to and within Taiwan, consider the following options!

5.1. Transportation to Taiwan

When traveling to Taiwan, flying is a suitable option for your 2023 self-guided tour. In Vietnam, there are many direct flights to Taiwan operated by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, China Airlines, Eva Air, Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air, Vanilla Air, and more.

Traveling by plane saves time.

The airfare for your 2023 self-guided tour to Taiwan can be quite high, so you need to research and book early, at least 2-3 months in advance, to get a cheap price. Taiwan has 4 international airports: Taoyuan International Airport (Taoyuan), Taichung Airport (Taichung), Kaohsiung International Airport (Kaohsiung), and Tainan Airport (Tainan, Taipei).

The travel time and ticket prices from each region in Vietnam to Taiwan vary, specifically:

5.2. Transportation in Taiwan

In a developed country like Taiwan, you can use various modes of transportation during your 2023 self-guided tour of Taiwan: high-speed trains, bicycles, and buses.

5.2.1. Bus

Buses are one of the most common public transportation modes in many countries, and Taiwan is no exception. This mode of transportation will help you save a significant amount of money when traveling to Taiwan in 2023 on your own.

This mode of transportation can help you move easily from downtown to suburban areas. When traveling to Taiwan in 2023 by bus, you can pay with an Easy Card or cash.

Buses are also a very popular mode of transportation in Taiwan.

Although Taiwan's bus routes have clear schedules and announcements, the schedule will depend on the departure time. Therefore, you will not be able to be proactive.

Traveling by bus is only suitable for short, convenient itineraries. When traveling to Taiwan in 2023 on your own, you can pre-download the Bus Tracker Taiwan or Taiwan City Bus app for easy itinerary tracking.

5.2.2. Subway

Subway systems are quite popular in Taipei and Kaohsiung. As these are two major cities in Taiwan, the subway systems are also well-developed.

When in Kaohsiung, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Formosa Boulevard MRT station. It is known as Taiwan's most beautiful subway station with its giant kaleidoscope glass. The fare for this mode of transportation will be higher than the bus. If you travel during peak hours, you may encounter overcrowding and difficulty finding a seat.

Experience riding the Taiwan subway.

If you want to take the MRT, you can only use it in the Taipei and Kaohsiung areas, so consider your itinerary beforehand. You can download the Go!Taipei Metro app to look up train schedules more conveniently.

5.2.3. Bicycle

To save costs and experience the slow pace of life in Taiwan in 2023, consider using a bicycle. You can rent a bike near bus stops, MRT stations, and convenience stores in the city area.

You'll get the first 30 minutes for free and only need to pay an additional 10 TWD for an extra 30 minutes. To rent a bike, simply use an Easy Card. Download the Ubike (Youbike) app beforehand to find the nearest bike rental/return stations.

6. How to get an Easy Card for your 2023 self-guided trip to Taiwan

The Easy Card is a popular card used in Taiwan. You can use it for public transportation and to pay at convenience stores. It costs around 100 TWD per card. To top up, you can ask the staff at the store for assistance.

The Easy Card is convenient for traveling in Taiwan.

You can also buy the card at Easy Card vending machines at MRT stations. You can also automatically top up at these machines. The maximum amount you can store on the card is 30,000 TWD.

7. Where to go for your 2023 self-guided trip to Taiwan?

Looking for places to visit in Taiwan? Check out these suggestions!

7.1. Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung offers many interesting attractions that you shouldn't miss.

7.1.1. Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Fo Guang Shan Monastery is known as the Buddhist center in Taiwan and is one of the largest Buddhist universities. When traveling to Taiwan in 2023, you will have the opportunity to admire the architecture along with the world's tallest statue of Buddha – 108m tall.

This sacred temple is very famous in Taiwan.

Additionally, you can witness about 100,000 copies of the Heart Sutra handwritten by thousands of people. You will feel purified and relaxed when visiting this huge temple.

7.1.2. Ruifeng Night Market

Ruifeng Night Market is a favorite spot for food enthusiasts. At the night market, you can find a variety of dishes with distinctive flavors: stinky tofu, dumplings, bubble milk tea, and more.

In addition to traditional dishes, you can also find famous dishes from other countries: Japanese Udon noodles, Okinawan squid, Dongdaemun fried chicken, and more. Besides food, the market also sells souvenirs so you can choose to buy gifts for your loved ones.

7.1.3. Cijin Island

When you have the opportunity to travel to Taiwan in 2023, don't miss the chance to explore the tropical paradise on Cijin Island. You can stroll along the coastal roads to enjoy the breeze and sunshine. A tip for exploring this place is to use a bicycle for transportation. The rental price for a bicycle is around 100 TWD per day, while an electric bike is 100 TWD per hour.

A place of stunning, vibrant colors that cannot be missed.

Besides enjoying the beautiful beach and fresh seafood, this place also has many attractive attractions: rainbow church, wooden corridor along the coast, lighthouse, Cijin fortress, and Cihou's temple.

7.1.4. Pier 2 Art Center

Pier 2 Art Center is a large area built from abandoned warehouses next to the seaport. These warehouses have been repurposed to create unique service areas in Kaohsiung. Additionally, it is also a place where outstanding contemporary artworks are concentrated.

Giant, extremely unique paintings.

You will encounter graffiti, sculptures, and paintings when you visit the Pier 2 Art Center. Adding to its charm are giant statues of various shapes.

7.2. Taipei

Taipei is the next stop you shouldn't miss, as there are many interesting attractions here.

7.2.1. Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street is an ancient place amidst the bustling, magnificent heart of Taipei. You can feel the breath and the ancient values emanating from the architectural works. It still retains its ancient appearance and unique architecture dating back to the late 19th century.

A famous check-in location when traveling to Taiwan.

When traveling to Taiwan in 2023 and visiting Jiufen Old Street, you just need to raise your camera to capture countless beautiful photos. So don't miss this place when visiting Taipei.

7.2.2. Shifen Old Street

Alongside Jiufen, Shifen is equally impressive. Shifen is also one of the oldest ancient streets still existing in Taiwan. If you go to Jiufen for 'Instagrammable' photos, then you should visit Shifen to participate in the country's largest sky lantern festival.

Releasing sky lanterns is a stunning experience in Shifen.

The sky lantern festival, also known as the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, is held annually around the 15th day of the first lunar month (Lantern Festival). You can arrange your 2023 self-guided Taiwan trip itinerary to join this mystical scene.

7.2.3. Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market is one of the markets that attracts many tourists to Taiwan. The market has a wide variety of attractive foods that you can find. Besides food, you can also find a diverse range of fashion items, cute accessories, and more.

7.3. Yilan

Yilan is also an attractive destination for many tourists. Let's explore the interesting attractions here!

7.3.1. Hinoki Village

Compared to Taipei and Kaohsiung, Yilan possesses a serene and tranquil charm instead of hustle and bustle. And one of the places that exudes that peace is Hinoki Village. Hinoki Village is where Japanese style is deeply preserved in the heart of Taiwan.

A miniature Japan in the heart of Taiwan.

With its cool space and long-standing historical values, you can visit the following places after visiting Hinoki Village: Tree – Ring Plaza, T19 Forest Club, T24 Director's Residence, T23 Mian Yue Office, and T25 Forestry History Museum.

7.3.2. Nanya Rock Formations

Nanya Rock Formations is one of the oldest places in Taiwan. It is currently a place that preserves over 696,000 pieces of history. In particular, the museum of Nanya Rock Formations has been voted one of the top 20 most popular museums in the world by tourists.

Nanya Rock Formations is divided into different areas so you can comfortably explore and enjoy this place: exhibition area, art activity area, and service area.

7.4. Rainbow Village Taiwan

Although not located in major areas of Taiwan, Rainbow Village has a very unique charm. Here, you can admire the playful and colorful lines that cover the entire village. You can also find the village's iconic statue, a unique highlight that everyone wants to take a picture with.

Rainbow Village is brightly colored and stands out.

The village also has stalls selling meticulously handcrafted souvenirs. Moreover, the village serves dishes to help tourists relax and relieve the fatigue of the summer sun or the times when they queue up for photos.

8. Where to stay for a self-guided tour of Taiwan in 2023?

Taiwan is a developed country, so the accommodation here is constantly upgraded. Depending on your budget for a self-guided tour of Taiwan in 2023, you can choose hotels ranging from budget to luxury:

9. What to eat on a self-guided tour of Taiwan in 2023?

Like Vietnam, Taiwan is a country with diverse cultures and ethnicities, so its cuisine is also rich and diverse. When traveling to Taiwan in 2023 and not sure what to eat, you can refer to the most popular local dishes: beef noodles, steamed buns, braised pork rice, pig intestine vermicelli soup, fried oysters, bubble milk tea, shaved ice cream,...

10. What to buy as souvenirs for a self-guided tour of Taiwan in 2023?

When traveling to Taiwan in 2023, you may want to buy some specialties, lovely souvenirs to give to your loved ones. So, save this list to buy gifts for your family and friends!

Souvenirs for your loved ones will make your trip more meaningful.

11. Shopping experience in Taiwan

When shopping in Taiwan, you will be amazed by the countless models and brands available here. You can find everything you want, from cosmetics, fashion to electronics. Especially, products sold in Taiwan are always cheaper than in other areas but still meet the standard quality.

Based on the experience of those who have shopped in Taiwan, you can save the following tips to buy products at a bargain price:

Posted by: Huynh Quyen

Keywords: Comprehensive guide to self-sufficient travel in Taiwan in 2023 for beginners