Independent Travel in Taiwan: Guidebook, A to Z Experiences

In recent years, Taiwan has become a popular choice for many travelers due to its proximity to Vietnam, affordable travel costs, and numerous famous tourist destinations. If you're planning a trip to Taiwan on your own, check out the article below for the most detailed travel experiences for your journey.

What to Prepare for Taiwan Travel?

Before each trip, in addition to clothes, personal items, etc., essential documents, money, or ATM cards are also things you always need to have with you, especially for international trips like to Taiwan, where these items are crucial.

Taiwan - An Appealing Tourist Destination (Photo by ST)

Applying for a Taiwan Travel Visa

Preparing Documents

• First, you need to have your original passport along with 1 copy, ensuring that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
• Download the Taiwan Visa application form and fill in all required information, accompanied by 2 passport-sized photos with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.
• If you are employed, you will need to prepare additional documents such as medical insurance, social insurance, labor contract (both original and copy), along with a signed and stamped leave permit from your company. In case you are a business owner, you need to provide a business registration certificate under your name.

Discovering Famous Places in Taiwan (Photo by ST)

• Documents proving your financial capability such as land certificates, property deeds, savings accounts, with a minimum value of 50 million VND. These documents are crucial, so make sure to bring the original copies for consular verification.
• Round-trip airline tickets
• Your detailed travel itinerary

Visa Application Procedure

Once you have completed the Visa application form, you need to prepare a set of accompanying documents and bring it to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to process. The Visa processing and issuance time will take about 5 days. Below are the addresses of these offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for your reference.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 336 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Ward 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone: (84-28) 3834 9160 ~ 65
• Email: [email protected]

Taiwan with Its Charming Landscapes (Photo by ST)

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hanoi

• Address: 5th Floor, HITC 239 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
• Phone: (04) 3833 5501 – (04) 3833 5505 (extensions 128, 129, 130)
• Email: [email protected]

Visa Application Fees for Taiwan Travel

• Single-entry Visa: 50 USD
• Multiple-entry Visa: 100 USD
• In case of urgent processing, the consulate will charge an additional 50% of the prescribed fee.

Some Notes When Applying for Taiwan Visa

In general, applying for a Taiwan tourist Visa is quite straightforward. You usually won't need to attend an interview. However, if there's a request from the embassy, it's advisable to thoroughly research necessary information on the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office website to provide the best answers during the interview.

A popular check-in spot for many young travelers (Photo: ST)

Based on experiences in obtaining a Taiwan tourist Visa, it's recommended to be relaxed and answer confidently during the interview. Convey that you're a reputable individual with a stable life in Vietnam, and this trip is solely for leisure or short-term business. Assure them of your return to Vietnam and provide details about your itinerary in Taiwan. Doing so significantly increases your chances of obtaining the Visa.

Exchange currency before departure

Preparing currency exchange is essential for your trip. Taiwan currently uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ or $), with an exchange rate of approximately 730 – 750 Vietnamese Dong for 1 NT$. You can visit banks or currency exchange points on Ha Trung Street or Luong Ngoc Quyen Street. How much money do you need for a trip to Taiwan? How much should you exchange? You don't necessarily need to exchange a large amount of cash because it's inconvenient. Most transactions in Taiwan are done through cards, so you only need a small amount of cash for transportation, meals, or shopping in small markets.

It's advisable to exchange currency before traveling to Taiwan (Photo: ST)

If you already have USD from Vietnam, you can bring it to Taiwan and exchange it at banks like Mega Bank, Chinatrust, or Bank of Taiwan, which are available at the airport. They'll provide you with the listed exchange rate. Note that banks in Taiwan don't accept Vietnamese Dong for exchange into New Taiwan Dollar.

When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

The climate in Taiwan (also known as Taiwan) is quite similar to the northern region of Vietnam. Cities located in highland areas, the central region, and the south often have better weather than Taipei (the capital of Taiwan). Taipei experiences unpredictable weather with frequent rain and sunshine, which significantly affects travel plans. The ideal time to visit Taiwan is probably during the autumn or summer, as the weather in winter and spring can be quite erratic. Particularly, it's not advisable to visit in July and August due to the rainy typhoon season, which is not suitable for tourism.

You can visit Taiwan in autumn or summer (Photo: ST)

If you want to admire the beauty of red maple leaves, you can visit Taiwan in autumn. In some highland areas, winter brings low temperatures and occasional snowfall, so visiting Taiwan in winter can include the exciting activity of snow watching.

Transportation

Arriving in Taiwan

When traveling abroad to Taiwan, undoubtedly, the airplane will be the most suitable means of transportation for your trip. In Vietnam, there are quite a few direct flights to Taiwan provided by airlines such as China Airlines, Eva Air, Vietnam Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Uni Air, Vanilla Air, and VietJet Air. These flights usually fly directly to major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. The round-trip airfare to Taiwan is usually quite high, so to save costs, you should hunt for cheap airfares by booking tickets 2-3 months in advance to enjoy discounted prices.

The airplane is the suitable means of transportation for your trip to Taiwan (Photo: ST)

In Taiwan

In Taiwan, you'll find the public transportation system highly developed, very professional, and organized very reasonably. Especially in the major cities of Taiwan, you can confidently use these means of transportation because of their convenience and diverse routes.

The public transportation in Taiwan is highly developed (Photo: ST)

If you choose to travel by means such as MRT (subway), THSR (high-speed train), or bus, you can use single tickets (tokens) or purchase an Easy card. However, according to the travel experience of many people who have been to Taiwan before, if you intend to stay for an extended period, it's advisable to use the Easy card because swiping the card is very convenient when boarding a bus or taking a train. Moreover, paying with this method is much cheaper than buying single tickets.

Taking the bus is also an interesting option for you (Photo: ST)

Where to go when traveling to Taiwan?

Taipei 101 Tower

Initiated in 1999 and completed in 2004, Taipei 101 Tower boasts a unique architecture with a height of 449.2 meters (including the antenna, it measures 509.2 meters), making it the tallest building in the world at that time. However, in 2010, Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai was constructed, pushing Taipei 101 to the second position. Nevertheless, it remains an iconic symbol and source of pride for the people of Taiwan. Moreover, this building is also a venue for many important events in Taiwan.

The famous tower, an icon of Taiwan (Photo: ST)

Point

Ximending Street

Located in the western part of Taipei, Ximending (West Gate) is a bustling and lively district where you can enjoy various entertainment activities and indulge in shopping to your heart's content. It features vibrant shopping centers with a wide range of merchandise. Strolling through Ximending, you will find captivating fashion items from Japan, China, and even Western countries, along with numerous delicious street foods available everywhere.

Vibrant Ximending Street (Photo: ST)

Jiufen Old Village

Located an hour's drive from Taipei, you'll arrive at Jiufen Village nestled on the mountainside. It's a popular tourist destination in Taiwan known for its fresh air, serene beauty, and surreal natural scenery, creating a picturesque and dreamy atmosphere. Moreover, there are numerous teahouses, cafes, bars, and unique exhibition rooms that you can visit. You can easily reach this destination by taxi or other public transportation such as MRT and buses.

Scenic beauty resembling a painting at Jiufen Old Village (Photo: ST)

Long Son Pagoda

Located on Van Hoa Street, Taipei, Long Son Pagoda was commissioned by Emperor Kangxi in 1738. With its serene atmosphere and ancient grandeur, it offers visitors a deeply spiritual experience. Despite its nearly 300-year history and the many ups and downs it has endured, the careful restoration and preservation efforts have kept its architecture largely unchanged. Long Son Pagoda is not only a place of worship for Buddhists but also for Taoists.

Ancient and venerable Long Son Pagoda (Photo: ST)

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan, renowned for its diverse flora, boasts flowers blooming year-round. Whether in the scorching heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter, flowers here compete in displaying their vibrant colors. Located close to downtown Taipei, visiting Yangmingshan is extremely convenient. Despite its mountainous terrain, the area offers plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and eateries, making it unnecessary to carry too much food.

Enjoying the lush blooms on Yangmingshan (Photo: ST)

Penghu Islands (Banhao)

Penghu is an archipelago situated between Taiwan and mainland China, covering a total area of 141 km2, comprising numerous islands of varying sizes. Blessed by nature, Penghu boasts stunning landscapes, expansive white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The climate in Penghu is pleasant, with fresh air and mild weather, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Scenic view from above the Penghu Islands (Banhao) (Photo: ST)

Night Markets

Miaokou Night Market, Keelung

Keelung is the second largest port city in Taiwan, and when visiting, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore Miaokou Night Market, renowned for its variety of seafood delicacies. Initially just a small cluster of food stalls near the Dianji Temple, over the years, it has transformed into a bustling and lively night market, attracting throngs of visitors. Apart from browsing and shopping, make sure to indulge in some of the delectable seafood dishes offered here.

Miaokou Night Market, Keelung (Photo: ST)

Liuhe Night Market, Kaohsiung

Referred to as a night market, upon arriving at Liuhe in Kaohsiung, you'll find this market more akin to a traditional bazaar, offering a wide variety of goods ranging from clothing, shoes, and knives to fresh produce and live seafood. When it comes to food, this market is most famous for its stinky tofu, a renowned and familiar delicacy among the locals. This dish is fermented tofu, which may have a strong odor for those unaccustomed to it, but is considered delicious by those who enjoy it.

Liuhe Night Market bustling with people (Photo: ST)

Huaxi Night Market, Taipei

Huaxi Night Market is also situated near a temple called Longshan. It is one of the first night markets to emerge in Taiwan. The cuisine of this night market is renowned for dishes prepared with snake meat. While it may evoke some fear in certain tourists, those who have tried the food here find it delicious. The most recognizable feature of this market is its grand entrance gate, which exudes the traditional charm of Chinese culture.

Bustling Huaxi Night Market (Photo: ST)

Shilin Night Market, Taipei

If you're looking for the largest and most famous night market in Taipei, then Shilin Night Market would be an interesting suggestion for you. It is a vast night market that serves as a familiar shopping destination for locals and also attracts many tourists for its lively atmosphere every evening.

Thach Lam Night Market, Taipei (Photo: ST)

Delicious Taiwanese Delight

Danzi Noodles (Street Noodles)

This dish has been around in Taiwan since 1895, invented by a person named Hong Yu Tou. It has since become a famous street food across Taiwan, making it easy to find and enjoy. While the noodles themselves appear simple, their flavor is rich and delightful. A bowl of these noodles typically comes with shrimp, egg, and pork.

Danzi Noodles – a unique noodle dish in Taiwan (Photo: ST)

“Iron Eggs” in Tamsui

Iron Eggs, the name that sparks curiosity among many travelers in Taiwan. This dish is quite popular in Taiwan, especially in the night markets. Essentially, 'iron eggs' are just regular chicken, quail, or pigeon eggs stewed in soy sauce along with various special spices. When cooked, the eggs take on a characteristic black color, resembling iron eggs.

When traveling to Taiwan, don't forget to try the “Iron Eggs” dish (Photo: ST)

Pearl Milk Tea

Bubble tea is a drink that is certainly familiar to young people in Vietnam. But when you visit Taiwan, you must try the bubble tea here. Many bubble tea shops in Taiwan have become famous brands not only in Taiwan but also in many other Asian countries. The delicious, creamy bubble tea with sweet, chewy pearls will give you unforgettable flavors.

A familiar drink with the taste of Taiwan (Photo: ST)

Bolo Bun

Bolo Cake, pineapple cake, and melon bread are the names given to this dish by the locals. It's not called that because the cake is made from pineapple, but because the cake's crust is square-shaped, resembling the skin of a pineapple, hence its name. When you taste this cake, you'll find its crust crispy, while the inside is soft and sweet, with a filling of cheese. You can enjoy this dish for breakfast, accompanied by a warm glass of milk for the best experience.

Bolo Cake - a favorite dish of the people of Taiwan (Photo: ST)

Daifuku

Daifuku is a type of cake originating from Japan, highly favored by the people of Taiwan. This cake has a crust made from glutinous rice, and the filling inside can be red bean paste or various fruits with fresh cream. It's also known as mochi, but its flavor is unique. When in Taiwan, don't miss the chance to taste this dish.

Daifuku, a dish originating from Japan (Photo: ST)

Taiwanese Specialties as Souvenirs

Kinmen Peanut Candy

Peanut candy is a specialty loved by many tourists as a souvenir. While many places in Taiwan produce this candy, the best ones are from Kinmen Island, perhaps due to the cool climate all year round, making it suitable for producing this type of candy. Moreover, it undergoes many processing stages, requiring the skilled craftsmanship of artisans to create the highest quality products.

Kinmen Peanut Candy from Taiwan (Photo: ST)

Tea

Blessed by nature, Taiwanese teas always offer exquisite flavors that leave tea enthusiasts in awe. Taiwan boasts a variety of delicious teas, but the most renowned and fragrant ones that you can buy as gifts for your loved ones are Baochung (Pouchong tea) and Dongding Oolong tea. The prices of these teas are also reasonable, making them perfect for gift-giving seasons.

Top-grade Dongding Oolong Tea from Taiwan (Photo: ST)

Nougat Candy

Nougat candy, often referred to as the candy of happiness, is made primarily from sugar or honey and various nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. This delicious treat comes in two varieties: crunchy and chewy, catering to diverse palates. Not only does this candy have a long shelf life of 30 to 40 days, but it's also considered a healthy snack, making it ideal for gifting to loved ones.

Nougat Candy (Photo: ST)

Travel Tips for Taiwan

• In Taiwan, the streets are often crowded with many people passing by, so it's important not to keep all your important items in one place. Keep your personal documents, money, and phone carefully stored to avoid theft.
• Upon arrival at the airport, it's advisable to purchase a SIM card from Taiwanese network providers for convenient communication or internet use for navigation and news browsing.
• If you want to call a mobile number in Vietnam, you need to dial the following format: 00-84 + phone number. When dialing the mobile number, omit the leading 0 before the number 9. For example, if you need to call the number 0978 888 888, you would dial 00-84-978 888 888.
• In Taiwan, the standard power sockets are type A, so it's recommended to bring a plug adapter to charge electronic devices.
• Smoking or littering in public places, especially those with no-smoking signs, is highly discouraged as you may face strict penalties due to the stringent laws in place.
• Set your watch or phone to local time for convenience in daily activities and sightseeing.
• If you intend to buy medicine, jewelry, gemstones, or valuable items, be sure to carefully check to avoid purchasing counterfeit goods.
• Goods in Taiwan are diverse, and prices vary greatly between supermarkets and markets. When shopping, choose wisely as prices here are often inflated compared to their actual value.

Above are the comprehensive travel tips for Taiwan that you can refer to for your journey. Hopefully, these insights will provide useful information for you to have a wonderful and joyful trip with your loved ones.