Taiwan Tour Review: 5 Days in Taipei, Sun Moon Lake & Taroko Gorge

Okay, so you’re thinking of checking out Taiwan, that is, doing that “5 Day Taiwan Tour from Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, Kaohsiung, and Taitung”, and want the lowdown, right? Well, you have come to the right place! You, like your fellow traveler, want to know if it is worth it. Very, very good thinking before shelling out the dollars and using precious vacation time, eh? This review gets into the stuff that makes the tour tick. It will cover sights, transportation, food, lodging, the tour company’s supportiveness and how to make the most of it all. As a matter of fact, hopefully after this chat, you will be prepared to soak in all that Taiwan has to give! Read our full review: Taiwan Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (5 Day Taiwan Tour)

First Impressions: Taipei’s Urban Charm

Now, Taipei, often the kickoff spot, tends to throw a lot at you right off the bat. So it is loud! This is almost a full-on blast of neon lights, crazy busy markets, and, yes, that legendary stinky tofu aroma. In a way, expect to land in a spot that feels both incredibly modern, that is the gleaming skyscrapers, yet deep-rooted in tradition, you know, the ancient temples tucked between city blocks. That part where you check out places such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum? Quite possibly highlights, still brace for crowds, especially if you are rolling through during peak tourist times. That early part of the adventure? That could be a bit overwhelming if you are the type who needs things calm and orderly, to be honest.

I guess the food scene? This is where Taipei really shines. Street food stalls are all over and that means tasty little eats are super accessible, but some finds may require a brave appetite and open mind. A good start to a good adventure, right?

Sun Moon Lake: Serenity Amongst the Mountains

Alright, after the craziness of Taipei, Sun Moon Lake is certainly like taking a big, deep breath. More or less surrounded by mountains, and that part alone makes the scenery super gorgeous. Typical boat rides on the lake? Absolutely something you might find worthwhile and typically they bring a bunch of really nice views, plus stops at some pretty cool spots like the Wenwu Temple and Lalu Island. Getting around on those tour buses? They are convenient, that is, a good way to see everything, but could be very crowded, so keep that in the back of your head.

Is that quiet you hear? Well, Sun Moon Lake is a solid place for some contemplation and disconnecting a bit, very far from all the usual tourist mayhem you can get stuck in sometimes.

Taroko Gorge: Nature’s Majesty

You are talking about a landscape full of marble cliffs and hiking paths with views you will absolutely remember when you get to Taroko Gorge. That natural beauty that others claim you simply have to see to believe? Yeah, actually, pretty much true. The tour typically takes you through some key spots, you know, the Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto, yet bear in mind, just a little of the hiking trails could be moderately challenging. Is it dangerous? That is all relative. Still be reasonably prepared, you may even think about some proper shoes!

Basically, seeing Taroko is easily one of the high points of the whole tour, mainly because of how wildly different it is from the cityscapes.

Kaohsiung: A Coastal Vibe

If you end up in Kaohsiung after the natural awesomeness of Taroko, there is just a little coastal atmosphere going on. Very many agree, so Kaohsiung has a bit more laid-back, that is an unhurried kind of feel than Taipei. Usually places to check out are the Lotus Pond and maybe the Pier-2 Art Center; actually the art center rocks. Kaohsiung is a solid city for some chill wandering and street photography. Street photography, you know, capturing the everyday Taiwan that most tourists simply don’t stick around long enough to notice. Anyway, there might not be those like huge must-see landmarks that the others push so hard, just an all-around nice city to take it easy and take it in.

Taitung: The Serene Finale

Still, Taitung is that low-key spot that’s sometimes tacked onto the end of tours, often almost more of a travel day with just a few glimpses of the coast. That might not sound super exciting, so consider that the chill vibe can really be great if you are coming straight from the more frantic parts of the trip. If you get some time, you may go look at Sanxiantai, and yeah it’s really beautiful, in a quiet way. I mean, is this the most thrilling part of the tour? Very, very possibly not, yet that down time is usually quite welcomed to mellow out just a little and think over all that you just saw.

Digging Into the Tour Company: Are they actually good?

Now, when judging a tour, tour companies can make or break the experience, isn’t that the truth! After you check, it’s generally a good thing to verify their reviews for things such as: their support levels; you know the quickness they have when getting back to emails. In addition to support responsiveness, here’s some thoughts that often are expressed:

• Are their guides informative? Are they friendly and able to communicate well in several languages, if necessary?
• Are their itineraries rigid? Or do they allow enough room and flexibility, maybe even with time to walk around, so you feel you can breathe!
• Did their overall organization allow the group, or small family group, to get from Point A to B safely, that is, comfortable? Did you have good and clear communications. Or were they very “hands-off”?

Making the Most of Your Time

Are you considering this specific, “5 Day Taiwan Tour”? Well, here’s how you can actually make it especially fantastic:

• Do some prep ahead of time: You will probably want to dig around and know those sights, the ones you can get particularly thrilled for, especially the food! Knowing a place such as Taiwan, usually this type of pre-work will just increase excitement to explore, especially if you read this travel review first.
• Travel needs?: You might want to grab a travel adapter before leaving. Is that something you might not even have thought about? Well, Taiwan uses a different type of plug for their electricity so that adapter is going to come in handy, especially on Day 1!
• Communicate needs when the tour starts, especially food allergies or dietary needs: Basically, you do that and that lets the guides help make sure you will be fed well.
• Remember you may need a Visa: Finally, just in case, remember that Visas will sometimes be required and/or need to be obtained well in advance. You definitely do not want any surprises there… So be sure to know if you do!

Is that Tour for you? Final Thoughts

Basically, that “5-Day Taiwan Tour from Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, Kaohsiung, and Taitung”? That offers just a little slice of what Taiwan can really bring. You are talking cities to natural landmarks! Even though it feels speedy, with all the transportation, so each stop can often have a “teaser vibe.” The good thing to consider: is the tour is really convenient, specifically for first-timers who have just a little time and they’re hunting a highlight reel.

Alright, but for people that may need less hustle or have time to go slow, maybe you should look at doing Taiwan totally on your own, which lets you deep-dive into whatever strikes your fancy. Anyway, that specific tour? It’s a really quick way to do those popular tourist destinations. So you can easily get some Instagram photos to show those friends when you get back home! Is that tour worthwhile to actually experience that place? Possibly; with that much traveling and driving? Remember what your needs actually are… Very wise. In any case, that trip should surely be memorable!