Unlocking the Secrets of Backpacking in Taiwan for Vietnamese Adventurers

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

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Unlocking the Secrets of Backpacking in Taiwan for Vietnamese Adventurers

After more than a week exploring the beauty of Taiwan, I discovered that this island is the perfect destination for backpackers from Vietnam.

Unlocking the Secrets of Backpacking in Taiwan for Vietnamese Adventurers

Taiwan (China) beckons with its mesmerizing landscapes, temples, bustling markets, and breathtaking scenic spots. Despite its allure, Vietnamese backpackers often shy away due to perceived challenges like the intricate visa policies, limited flight options leading to high airfares, or the locals' limited use of English in communication…

However, after a week immersing myself in Taiwan, I am convinced that this is the ideal island for backpackers from Vietnam. Here are insights from my recent journey, showcasing why Taiwan is a fantastic choice.

Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City – Taipei – Taichung – Alishan – Kaohsiung – Hualien – Taroko National Park – Taipei – Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation: Taipei (2 nights); Taichung (1 night); Kaohsiung (1 night); Hualien (2 nights); Taoyuan Airport (1 night).

Visa for Taiwan

Required documents:

– Stamped employment contract.

– Social insurance.

– Labor insurance.

– Approximately 100 million VND in a bank savings account.

– Signed leave of absence request for travel with director's signature and company seal.

– Round-trip flight ticket.

– Hotel reservation for the entire stay (Choose a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy. Once you have the visa, you can cancel the booking and opt for a suitable hotel or guesthouse).

– Passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of 2 blank pages.

– Two passport-sized photos (4×6).

– Complete the online visa application form at https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_MRVWeb/subroot/MRVWeb0_form.jsp. Print it out and bring it when submitting your documents.

– Note: Submit photocopies but bring the original documents for verification.

Visa Application Procedure for Taiwan:

– Firstly, visit the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City to get a queue number (Parkson Flemington Building, Le Dai Hanh Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City). Ensure you have all required documents to obtain your queue number. After receiving the appointment, the staff will stamp the number on your application. Typically, you officially submit your application the next day.

– The following day, queue up again with your stamped application and appointment number. Once inside the waiting area, wait for your turn and then submit your application. If approved, you'll be instructed to pay a $50 fee, receive an appointment slip, and wait for 5-7 days to collect your visa. The process is straightforward, and you can handle it yourself to save costs.

If you hold a valid visa from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries, you are exempt from a Taiwan tourist visa for 30 days. Complete the form at https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/languageAction.

After filling out the form, you'll receive a visa confirmation via email. Print it out and bring it when completing airport procedures and immigration.

Upon arrival at Taiwan's airport, present your passport, round-trip flight ticket, hotel reservation, and you'll be stamped for a 30-day stay. If visas from the mentioned developed countries are still valid in your old passport, carry them for Taiwan's visa waiver policy.

Air Travel

From Saigon or Hanoi, airlines like Eva Air, China Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air operate flights to Taipei and Kaohsiung. Prices vary among airlines and promotions. I booked 10 days in advance with a budget airline, securing a round-trip ticket for around 2.8 million VND with 7 kg of carry-on luggage. The flight duration was reasonable, allowing ample time for thorough exploration in Taiwan.

Public Transportation in Taiwan

Taiwan boasts a diverse and well-organized public transportation system. Almost every city has a central railway station, serving as a hub for various public transport options to support travelers in reaching their next destinations.

In major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, using the subway is incredibly convenient. All directional signs are in both Chinese and English, making it traveler-friendly.

Travelers can buy tickets at the station or conveniently online. Options for intra-city transportation include buses, taxis, and the subway. If opting for public transport, consider getting the Easy Card, which is both convenient and cost-effective. It can be used for bus fares, MRT, THSR, and even shopping at stores like 7eleven or Pizza Hut…

You can purchase this card directly at the train station exit or the airport bus station.

On inter-city routes, you can choose from high-quality regular buses, express buses, or standard, fast, and high-speed trains.

Safety in Taiwan

Taiwan's extensive camera system covers every corner. Police presence on the streets is minimal. A friend living in Taiwan for 20 years mentioned that in cases of security or traffic incidents, the police easily extract data from these cameras to identify culprits.

Power Outlets

Taiwan uses flat 2-pin power outlets.

Taiwanese Cuisine

The culinary scene in Taiwan is diverse, delicious, affordable, healthy, and less oily and spicy than Chinese cuisine.

While in Taiwan, don't miss out on specialties like beef noodles, sesame pastries, Tian Bu La (stir-fried rice noodles), sausage in sticky rice, stinky tofu, vegetarian hot pot, and Taiwanese bubble tea. Travelers are eager to explore the culinary culture at vibrant night markets found in almost every city across Taiwan.

Hygiene

Taiwan can be described as one of the cleanest islands in Asia, second only to Japan. The streets are orderly, neat, and immaculate, even in areas like fish markets or night street markets. However, finding public trash bins on the streets of Taiwan can be challenging.

Conveniences for Backpackers