A comprehensive travel guide to Taipei, from A to Z.

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, beautifully preserves its traditional culture while embracing modern life. Let Mytour help you explore this travel guide for a seamless trip experience!

Taipei Travel Overview

Located in the northern part of Taiwan, Taipei is the island's capital city. It enjoys a prime location in a valley surrounded by mountains. Taipei is also the most important economic, cultural, and political center in Taiwan. Traveling to Taipei offers a rich and diverse experience thanks to its unique blend of traditional charm, modernity, and stunning natural landscapes.

Best time to visit Taipei

You can visit Taipei at any time of the year. However, depending on your preferences and personal circumstances, you can choose the most suitable time to go:

Spring (March to May): The weather is cool and pleasant. It's the perfect time for sightseeing and admiring the blooming cherry blossoms.

Autumn (September to November): The climate is crisp and comfortable. It's an excellent period to explore the countryside and enjoy the natural beauty.

Summer (June to August): Although temperatures can be quite high and sometimes there may be rain, this is the best time for outdoor activities and summer festivals.

Winter (December to February): This is the coldest season. However, the weather is not too harsh, making it ideal for visiting popular tourist destinations.

Tips for applying for a Taiwan tourist visa

Visa application documents

Personal documents

– Original passport with at least 6 months validity (signed);

– Previous passport (if available, original copy);

– 2 recent 4×6 passport-sized photos with a white background taken within the last 3 to 6 months;

– Household registration, ID card/CCCD (original copies);

– Birth certificate or marriage registration (if traveling with family) (original copy).

Proof of Employment

Employee:

– Employment contract, salary statements for the last 3 months (original copy);

– Health insurance and social insurance (mandatory, must be captured via the app);

– Leave request form stamped and signed by the company manager.

Business owner:

– Original business license and notarized copy;

– Tax payment confirmation for the last 6 months (not the tax declaration form).

Proof of assets/financial status

– Original savings book with more than 100,000,000 VND (along with one photocopy);

– Documents proving ownership of property, real estate, car, etc.

Note: All documents above must be accompanied by the original copies for verification and returned on the same day. A power of attorney authorizing a company employee to collect the results on your behalf must be notarized. Documents must be printed on one side and stapled if there are two pages.

Mode of transportation

Traveling to Taipei

Currently, many airlines operate flights from Vietnam to Taiwan. Travelers heading to Taipei will land at Taoyuan Airport (Taoyuan). To meet the growing demand, Vietnam Airlines has resumed direct flights from Hanoi to Taipei, connecting Noi Bai International Airport with Taoyuan International Airport (Taiwan). There is one flight per day, with three flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The average flight time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Traveling from the airport to downtown Taipei

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is located about 40km from downtown Taipei. It is the busiest airport in Taiwan and is known as a major commercial hub, featuring medical services, restaurants, and duty-free shops. TPE serves over 50 million passengers annually and handles over 2 tons of cargo. There are many transportation options available from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei. For more details, refer to the article “Guide to traveling from Taoyuan Airport to downtown Taipei.”

Transportation in Taipei

Here are some popular transportation options when traveling in Taipei and Taiwan in general:

– High-speed trains (Taiwan High Speed Rail - THSR): Used for travel between cities.

– Metro trains (MRT): Used for commuting within Taipei city or other cities.

– Public buses: A common mode of transportation for getting around Taipei and other cities.

– Ubike (Bike rental): A unique and impressive mode of transportation, available exclusively in the Taipei area.

– Taxi: Fast transportation, but with a high cost.

– Other modes of transport include: motorbikes, trains, etc.

Some tips for using the Metro (MRT):

– The MRT operates only until 12 am (midnight).

– Be careful not to exit from the wrong door, as each train station has 9 exit doors.

– Make sure to check the direction of the train, so using the Google Maps app for MRT or a map is very important.

Explore the attractions in Taipei

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a famous landmark in Taipei, Taiwan, built to honor Chiang Kai-shek. The building features traditional Chinese architecture with a blue-tiled roof and white walls. It is situated in a large square, flanked by two auxiliary buildings: the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. Inside the memorial hall, there is a large statue of Chiang Kai-shek, along with exhibitions showcasing his life.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum in Taipei is renowned for its vast collection of priceless artifacts from Chinese history. The museum houses nearly 700,000 valuable items, ranging from jade, ceramics, calligraphy, to paintings. The majority of the exhibits date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Taipei 101

Taipei is famous for the iconic Taipei 101 tower. Standing at 508 meters with 101 floors, it was once the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. The design of Taipei 101 is inspired by the bamboo plant – a symbol of growth and longevity in East Asian culture. The tower is also known for its earthquake-resistant and typhoon-resistant features, with a massive pendulum inside to stabilize the building. Visitors can go up to the observatory on the 89th floor to enjoy panoramic views of Taipei.

Ximending Night Market

Ximending Night Market is often referred to as the 'Shibuya of Taiwan.' It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially the younger crowd. Ximending is filled with fashion boutiques, cosmetic stores, cafes, restaurants, and street food stalls. You can try delicacies such as bubble tea, fried dumplings, stinky tofu, and grilled squid. The market is also known for its vibrant street performances and unique themed shops.

Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple, located in the Wanhua district, is an ancient and sacred site that was built in 1738. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, along with various other gods in Taiwanese folk religion. The architecture of Longshan Temple is renowned for its curved roofs and intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes. Every year, thousands of visitors and locals come to pray and pay their respects.

Yangmingshan National Park

Công viên Quốc gia Dương Minh Sơn có cảnh quan thiên nhiên đa dạng gồm núi non, thung lũng, đồng cỏ, và suối nước nóng. Nơi đây nổi bật với hoa anh đào, hoa hướng dương và hoa đỗ quyên, nở rộ suốt các mùa trong năm. Vào mùa xuân, công viên trở nên đặc biệt hấp dẫn khi các loài hoa đua nhau khoe sắc. Ngoài ra, công viên còn có hệ thống đường mòn leo núi dẫn đến các điểm ngắm cảnh tuyệt đẹp.

Suối nước nóng Beitou

Suối nước nóng Beitou là một trong những khu vực suối nước nóng nổi tiếng và lâu đời nhất Đài Loan. Được hình thành từ hoạt động núi lửa trong khu vực, Beitou có nhiệt độ nước dao động từ 37°C đến 40°C. Nguồn nước chứa nhiều khoáng chất có lợi cho sức khỏe, đặc biệt là lưu huỳnh, giúp thư giãn cơ bắp và cải thiện tuần hoàn máu. Beitou còn nổi bật với không gian thiên nhiên xanh mát, các resort và nhà tắm công cộng phục vụ du khách.

Phố cổ Tamsui (Đàm Thủy)

Phố cổ Tamsui nằm ở ngoại ô Đài Bắc, Đài Loan, dọc theo bờ sông Đàm Thủy. Khu phố cổ này từng là một cảng biển quan trọng trong thời kỳ Đài Loan còn chịu sự quản lý của Hà Lan và Tây Ban Nha. Phố cổ nổi bật với những con đường lát đá, các ngôi nhà cổ, quán cà phê, cửa hàng lưu niệm và nhà hàng hải sản. Khách du lịch Đài Loan có thể thưởng thức những món ăn như trứng sắt, bánh cá, kem mực đen. Và tham quan các di tích lịch sử như Pháo đài San Domingo, Trường Đại học Oxford cũ và Nhà thờ Tamsui.

Bảo tàng Nghệ thuật Đương đại Đài Bắc (MOCA Taipei)

Bảo tàng Nghệ thuật Đương đại Đài Bắc nằm trong một tòa nhà cổ điển mang phong cách kiến trúc Nhật Bản. MOCA Taipei nổi bật với các triển lãm nghệ thuật đương đại độc đáo, bao gồm tranh, nhiếp ảnh, điêu khắc, nghệ thuật số… Đây là điểm đến lý tưởng cho những ai yêu thích khám phá nghệ thuật đương đại và muốn tìm hiểu về sự sáng tạo nghệ thuật mới mẻ.

Công viên Nghệ thuật Huashan 1914

Công viên Nghệ thuật Huashan 1914 nằm trong một khu nhà máy rượu cũ được xây dựng từ năm 1914. Công viên mang phong cách công nghiệp độc đáo, kết hợp giữa vẻ đẹp cổ điển và không gian sáng tạo hiện đại. Huashan 1914 được cải tạo và trở thành một không gian nghệ thuật từ năm 2005. Tại đây, du khách có thể thưởng thức các triển lãm nghệ thuật, buổi biểu diễn, hội chợ sáng tạo…

Ẩm thực Đài Bắc

Mì bò hầm

Mì bò hầm Đài Loan là món ăn truyền thống nổi tiếng với nước dùng đậm đà, thơm nồng từ các loại thảo mộc và gia vị như gừng, tỏi, hồi và ớt. Thịt bò được hầm mềm, thấm đẫm hương vị, kết hợp với sợi mì dai ngon, thường ăn kèm rau xanh. Đây là món ăn đường phố phổ biến, mang đến hương vị đặc trưng, cay nhẹ và ấm áp, đặc biệt lý tưởng vào những ngày se lạnh.

Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings have a soft, thin dough filled with either meat or seafood and a rich broth. When steamed, the broth inside blends with the filling to create a flavorful, savory taste. When eating, diners often bite gently into the dumpling skin to savor the hot soup before consuming the entire dumpling.

Braised Pork Rice

Braised pork rice features finely chopped or minced pork cooked tender in a savory soy sauce-based broth with garlic, onions, and a mix of spices. The braised pork is served over steaming white rice and typically accompanied by cucumber, leafy greens, and occasionally a braised egg. Taiwanese braised pork rice is a simple, hearty, and beloved dish.

Taiwanese Yogurt Cake

Taiwanese yogurt cake is delicious with its smooth, soft exterior and fresh yogurt filling. The cake offers a subtle tang from the yogurt paired with a mild sweetness, delivering a refreshing and pleasant taste. With its small, charming shape and delightful flavor, this yogurt cake has become a popular snack for both locals and visitors.

Đậu hũ thối

Đậu hũ thối là món ăn đường phố nổi tiếng với mùi hương độc đáo. Đậu hũ được lên men, tạo ra mùi mạnh đặc trưng, sau đó chiên giòn hoặc hấp và ăn kèm với nước sốt cay, dưa chua hoặc rau thơm. Mặc dù mùi của đậu hũ thối có thể khiến nhiều người e ngại, nhưng khi thưởng thức, bạn sẽ cảm nhận được lớp vỏ giòn tan bên ngoài, bên trong mềm béo, đậm đà.

Trứng sắt

Trứng sắt có cách chế biến độc đáo: trứng gà hoặc trứng cút được luộc rồi hầm trong nước tương đậm đà cùng hoa hồi, quế, và tỏi. Quá trình hầm lặp đi lặp lại giúp trứng trở nên dai, vỏ ngoài chuyển màu đen tuyền. Trứng sắt không chỉ hấp dẫn bởi vị ngon mà còn bảo quản được lâu, thích hợp làm quà lưu niệm hoặc ăn vặt.

Bánh hành

Bánh hành là món ăn đường phố nổi tiếng được làm từ bột mì và hành lá tươi. Bánh có lớp vỏ giòn rụm bên ngoài và mềm mịn bên trong. Để tạo ra độ giòn, bánh hành thường được chiên trên chảo với chút dầu, đôi khi còn được thêm trứng hoặc cuộn với phô mai, thịt hoặc hải sản. Bánh hành là món ăn sáng yêu thích của người Đài Loan.

Eel noodles

Eel noodles are a popular and delicious specialty often found at night markets. This dish consists of chewy noodles paired with fresh eel, either stir-fried or deep-fried to perfection. The noodles are served with a rich, slightly thickened broth. The eel is tender, flavorful, and well-seasoned, blending seamlessly with the sweet and mild broth, offering a unique culinary experience.

Aiyu jelly

Aiyu jelly is made from the seeds of the aiyu plant, native to Taiwan. This jelly has a light yellow color and a smooth, delicate texture with a refreshing sweetness. It's often served with fresh lime, honey, or syrup, making it a perfect treat to cool off and enjoy a fresh burst of flavors.

What to buy as a souvenir when traveling in Taipei?

Tea

When visiting Taipei, you can purchase tea as a gift for your friends and family. Some popular varieties include oolong, cao sơn, Dong Feng Mei Ren, bao zhong, and Alishan tea.

Pineapple Cake

Pineapple cakes have a mild, sweet flavor. Visitors can buy these as gifts from famous bakeries such as Chia Te Taipei, LeeChi, and Sunny Hills.

Almond Nougat Candy

Almond Nougat is a traditional Taiwanese candy with a gentle sweetness and rich, creamy taste. Made with honey, sugar, egg whites, butter, and almonds, it has a crisp texture with soft and chewy candy. Nougat comes in various flavors, such as green tea, fruit, or with added dried fruits.

Matcha Powder and Instant Milk Tea

If your loved ones are fond of Taiwanese milk tea, you can consider buying instant milk tea or matcha powder as a gift. Just mix it with hot water to instantly enjoy a delicious cup of Taiwanese milk tea at home.

Phat Thu Da Quy and Feng Shui Items

Taiwan is renowned for its Feng Shui products, especially the Phat Thu statues crafted from precious stones such as jade or quartz. These items make meaningful gifts, symbolizing peace and good fortune, making them perfect for family presents.

Miniature Taipei 101 Statue

The Taipei 101 building is an iconic symbol of tourism in Taipei. Miniature versions of this landmark are highly popular. These statues come in various sizes and materials such as glass and metal, ideal for decorating your desk or bookshelf.

Important Tips for Your Taipei Travel Journey

For additional information about Taoyuan Airport to help you navigate the airport and plan your itinerary, refer to the details provided.

– Documentation proving your Chinese nationality, or a valid passport for government, diplomatic, or business purposes, including an APEC Business Card

– The immigration form

– Personal identification documents

– A passport valid for at least 6 months

Other Important Notes:

It is recommended that travelers carry some Taiwanese Dollars (TWD) in cash. You can exchange currency at Vietnamese banks, foreign exchange stores, or gold shops.

The local languages spoken in Taiwan are Mandarin Chinese and Hokkien. English is also commonly used on signage throughout the area.

If you're using public transportation, it's advisable to have an EasyCard for smoother and more convenient payments.

Taiwan highly respects religion and spiritual beliefs, so it's important to dress appropriately when visiting temples or shrines.

Smoking in public places, air-conditioned rooms, or elevators is subject to a fine of 10,000 TWD.

Littering in public areas can lead to a fine of up to 10,000 TWD.

Sunroute Taipei Hotel

Located in the bustling area of Taipei, Sunroute Taipei blends sophisticated Japanese style. The hotel is centrally situated, offering easy access for guests to explore the city. With 125 modern, well-equipped rooms, it is a great choice for both business travelers and tourists.

Contact us through our hotline (028) 3933 8008 for quick and helpful assistance. Alternatively, download the Mytour flight booking app on Android or iOS to access exciting offers and promotions!

Source: Mytour.vn

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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide