Buzz
Embark on a journey with Mytour as Khôi Đặng, a travel enthusiast, unravels the beauty of Taipei, a city he describes as 'so light and adorable.'
What Vietnamese Travelers Love and Dislike about Taipei
On my first visit to Taipei, inspired by the LOVE movie, I found the city to be incredibly charming and endearing!
Highlights
– The streets are clean and spacious, adorned with many ancient buildings – something not everyone may appreciate due to its slightly worn and yellowed appearance, but I personally love it. I appreciate the architectural structures and classical elements. Taipei has numerous areas where just wandering around for photos is delightful.
– The locals here are genuinely friendly. When I asked, they responded with sincere enthusiasm, not fake politeness.
– Our group took a taxi from Ximending to Shifen, and one of our friends forgot their wallet. The driver chased us down to return it.
– One day, I pulled out a map to ask the mall reception how to get to a specific restaurant. Despite limited English and the restaurant's unrelated location, the receptionist was incredibly helpful and tried to guide me.
– Leaving a tip after our meal, the waiter chased us down to return it, thinking we had forgotten it.
– Dining here is reasonably priced, neither too expensive nor too cheap. It falls between the spending levels in Bangkok and Singapore.
– The city is not overly crowded, and the spacious streets make strolling around quite pleasant. The locals here are also very cultured.
– Whether boarding the subway or going anywhere, people queue up in an orderly manner. If you're in a rush on the escalator, stick to the left; if you're standing still, stay on the right.
– Motorbikes and cars parked on the streets are neatly organized.
What Could Be Better
– Taipei is charming due to its less crowded atmosphere compared to other Asian cities, but some may find it a bit dull for the same reason.
– Most shops open around 11-12 noon and close by 10 pm. This can be challenging for travelers like me, arriving at 9 am but unable to check in until 3 pm, leaving 2-3 hours to wander when many shops are still closed.
– The food seems a bit bland and lacks diversity. Street food in night markets offers repeated options like sausages, fried chicken, offal, and bubble tea.
– Shopping didn't yield much as the options weren't diverse, and the fashion wasn't as distinct or impressive as in South Korea or Thailand. Electronic goods were also pricier compared to Vietnam or Thailand.
– The airport is quite far from the city center; taking the subway can be a bit cumbersome, the bus takes a while, and taxis are a bit expensive for small groups.
Despite these aspects, in my perception, Taipei is an incredibly charming and worthwhile destination.
According to Khôi Đặng
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourOctober 19, 2016
