Buzz
Apart from popular destinations like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Tainan, Hualien is also a must-visit place worth experiencing at least once. Did you know that Hualien is one of the cities with the most pristine and majestic natural landscapes in Taiwan, featuring towering mountains and vast, azure oceans that captivate the hearts of travelers?
To fully explore everything Hualien has to offer, Klook recommends a 3-day, 2-night trip here! Let Klook guide you through the amazing experiences waiting for you in Hualien!
Getting from Taipei to Hualien
- By Train: The simplest way is to take the train, which takes only about 2-2.5 hours to reach Hualien. However, it's advisable to book your tickets online about 2 weeks in advance to avoid ticket shortages! The fare is 440 TWD per way.
- By Air: You can also fly with Uni Air from Taipei to Hualien for 1633 TWD per way.
- By Car: If you choose to drive, it will take about 3-4 hours, but Klook does not recommend this option as the road from Taipei to Hualien has some areas prone to landslides, making it difficult and dangerous if you're not familiar with the route.
- By Bus and Train: If you can't get train tickets, another option is to travel by bus and then take the train to Hualien. This will take longer than going directly by train, usually about 4-5 hours.
You can purchase a combo ticket for bus and train travel by:
Step 1: Purchase a one-way ticket from Taipei to Loudong at Taipei Bus Station, Taipei City Hall Bus Station, Xincheng (Taroko) Railway Station, and Hualien Railway Station. At Taipei Main Station, you can buy tickets from Kamalan Bus company, and at Taipei City Hall Bus Station, head to Capital Bus company to purchase tickets!
The combo ticket price for bus + train is 222 TWD. If you buy them separately, it will be more expensive, so Klook recommends buying the combo ticket, which is not only convenient but also more economical!
Step 2: The bus will take you to Luodong station, from where you transfer to the train station to continue your journey to Hualien! You can switch to the express train at the ticket counter (approximately 73 TWD).
To travel from Hualien back to Taipei, you'll follow a similar process as above!
- Private Car Rental: If you're traveling with a group of 3 or more and planning to explore Hualien within a day, you can opt for private car rental services to design your own itinerary and have more flexibility with your time!Book Now Klook Private Car Rental Service to Explore Hualien CenterTransportation is sorted, now quickly jot down the highlights for your 3D2N adventure in Hualien!
Day 1
1. River Rafting on Hsiukuluan River
The Hsiukuluan River offers the ultimate river rafting experience in Taiwan. Even if you're a beginner, don't worry as the rapids are very safe and you'll be guided by attentive instructors. The best time for rafting is from April to October. It's an ideal activity to relieve stress and push your limits, so why not try it out and immerse yourself in nature with this adventurous activity! Klook guarantees you'll absolutely love it, and your spirit will feel refreshed afterward!Location: Hsiang Sun River Rafting Center, 216, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Ruisui Township, Hualien.Getting There: If you opt for shuttle service from Hualien or Ruisui cities, it will take approximately 1.5 hours each way from your hotel to the Hsiang Sun Rafting Center.- Start time: 9:00 and 11:00,
- Experience duration: around 14:00 and 16:00
- Cost: ₫ 382,424 – ₫ 764,848 (depending on the package)
Klook's Recommendation: Since there are no local buses and it's difficult to catch a ride back to your hotel, it's recommended to choose a package with shuttle service for a more comfortable and convenient experience.Book Now Klook River Rafting on Hsiukuluan River2. Visit Guangfu Sugar Factory
Image Source: Guangfu Sugar FactoryThe Guangfu Sugar Factory has been in operation since 1913 and was once one of the largest sugar production facilities in the region. Today, the factory is no longer operational but has been transformed into a tourist attraction. In addition to its Japanese-style wooden architecture, the Guangfu Sugar Factory also attracts many visitors with its delicious ice cream featuring over 30 enticing flavors.Address: No. 19, Tangchang St., Dajin Vil., Guangfu Township, HualienDirections: Take the Taitung line and get off at Guangfu station, then walk about 10 minutes to reach the destination.Ice cream price: approximately 15,000 VNĐ per coneOpening hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMDay 2
Hualien Ocean Park (Farglory Ocean Park)
Surrounded by mountains and the blue sea, Farglory Ocean Park boasts stunning scenery. It's only a 30-minute drive from downtown Hualien!
Farglory Ocean Park features 8 themed areas, showcasing the wonders of the ocean world including: Brighton by the Sea, Crystal Castle, Discovery Island, Dolphin Lagoon, Harbour Square, Main Street, Mariner’s Cove, and Underwater Kingdom. In addition to thrilling rides, visitors can enjoy exciting dolphin and seal shows. Moreover, the park also offers cable car rides, suitable for both seniors and children.Address: No.189, Fude, Yanliao Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien CountyOpening hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday, Sunday, and holidays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMDirections:1. Take bus number 1127, 1140, or 1145 at Hualien Railway Station to Farglory Ocean Park (Ticket price: 51 TWD/ one way and takes about 35 minutes).2. Take a Taxi: approximately 400 TWD/ one way, takes about 25 minutes.3. Opt for shuttle service when purchasing tickets to visit the park at Klook.Book Now Klook Ocean Park Ticket – Hualien (Farglory Ocean)Day 3
1. Whale Watching
Hualien is an ideal spot to enjoy remarkable dolphin and whale shows. During spring and summer each year, you can often spot many pods of whales off the eastern Huadong coast. You can witness various species of whales such as humpback whales, killer whales, pilot whales, pseudo killer whales, and dwarf sperm whales, along with playful and adorable dolphins like spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and Chinese white dolphins.
Each dolphin and whale watching tour lasts for 2.5 hours, and you can choose the preferred time as there are up to 3-4 trips per day.- Meeting point: 37 Minquan Road, Hualien City: 花蓮市民權路37號 (Doralman)
- Meeting time: 8:00 AM/10:00 AM/1:30 PM
Klook's Tip:- Book your tour during the best whale watching season from April to October.
- If you're coming from Hualien City, you can opt for shuttle packages and get picked up from your hotel in downtown Hualien, which is more convenient and faster than using public transportation options.
Book Now Dolphin Watching in Hualien2. Qixingtan Beach
Image Source: ArtshenQixingtan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Taiwan, with stunning natural scenery and the sound of waves crashing onto the shore day and night. The beach is covered with unique colorful pebbles. You can come here for a stroll and admire the majestic Qingshui Cliff in the distance during the day, or enjoy the sparkling stars at night. Not too crowded, Qixingtan Beach is truly a place to relax and unwind.Address: Haian Road, Xincheng Township, HualienOpening hours: 24/7Transportation Guide: From Hualien, take bus number 105 and get off at Qixingtan Station (20 minutes)With experience in traveling and detailed itineraries, why not invite friends to explore Taiwan at the end of this year? Before you go, make sure to prepare a 4G SIM card to freely send messages, post beautiful check-in photos on Facebook, and Instagram!Book Now Welldone 4G SIM Card for Taiwan (Pick Up at Taiwan Airport)Taiwan still has many other interesting attractions to explore!Discover more exciting destinations in TaiwanThe content is developed by the Mytour team with the aim of customer care and solely to inspire travel experiences. We do not take responsibility for or provide advice for other purposes.
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