100% customisable travel idea

Taiwan from every angle Urban contrasts, golden beaches and wild nature

Taiwan - Kenting - Kaohsiung - Tainan - Sun Moon Lake - Taipei

Ilha Formosa,the magnificent island

From $6000 to $7600 per person for 13 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • Choose Taiwan as a destination in its own right and, from north to south, marvel at the diversity of the island of the dragon.
  • Move from ultramodern cities to unspoiled nature, from creativity to gastronomy, from vibrant energy to tranquillity.
  • Everywhere, your accommodations blend with their surroundings and your experiences are carefully chosen, always in the company of locals.
  • Carbon absorption, private transfers and train connections, portable Wi-Fi, on-site Concierge service: travel with Voyageurs.
Taiwan rarely features on travellers’ to-do lists. This puts it on the coveted list of off-the-beaten path destinations, remaining just beyond the reach of the crowds. This quiet island, often seen as just a stopover for a quick break, truly deserves more of your time. Besides its ultra-modern cities, Taiwan boasts unspoiled wilderness, dominated by towering green mountains, some of which rise to over 3,000 metres above sea level. This epic journey begins in Kenting National Park, on the shores of the Pacific. Here, sandy beaches meet a lush tropical forest teeming with biodiversity. Next, set course forKaohsiung. Bewildering at first glance, Taiwan’s second-largest city proves surprising and decidedlyarty. From there, we head to Tainan, the historic and culinary capital, teeming with Dutch colonial landmarks, Japanese influences and all kinds of gourmet spots. Then, you leave the coast and venture into the heart of the island, along the shores of Sun Moon Lake, a favourite retreat for Taiwanese people who come here to recharge, cycle and meditate. The trip ends in Taipei, the current capital. Arguably the most well-known city in Taiwan. Behind the stereotype of “made in Taiwan”and high-tech supremacy is a vibrant whirlwind of cultures and eras. Creativity here seems boundless, thriving in a part of the city far removed from the traditional urban landscape, where each neighbourhood hovers between vintage charm and a manga-like world, night markets and cosy cafés. The final days of the trip are an opportunity to take in the postcard-perfect view of Taiwan. And the nickname given to it by Portuguese sailors - “Ilha Formosa” - makes perfect sense. Centuries later, Taiwan continues to fascinate and keeps reinventing itself. 

Your trip

Private transfers and train journeys make crossing the island from end to end simple. And seamless. At each stop, your hotels have been carefully selected to blend with their surroundings: in Kenting National Park, a -minsu , a traditional guest-house with a bold Balinese style on the edge of Sail Rock Bay; in Kaohsiung, a more contemporary hotel; on the shores of Sun Moon Lake, a zen and minimalist accommodation; in Tainan, a new minsu redesigned by an interior architect; and finally, in Taipei, a chic hotel with views of Taipei 101 in all its splendour. We have also planned a series of activities for a full immersion in the local culture: exploration of Kenting National Park with a driver, a guided tour of Tainan followed by dinner of Taiwanese specialities, discovery of Taipei with a local, and finally, a relaxing break in the Beitou hot springs before your return flight. Perhaps you would like to venture as far as Alishan National Park, renowned for its breathtaking hikes through tea plantations. Just let us know. In case of an unexpected whim or a minor setback, the contact details of our on-site Concierge ensure a quick response. Working with your travel specialist, they can even adjust your trip to suit your preferences as it unfolds.
Taïwan © Chijui Yeh / Unsplash.com
Taïwan © Chijui Yeh / Unsplash.com
Tainan - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Tainan - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Tainan - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Tainan - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Taipei - Taïwan © Dina Litovsky/REDUX-REA
Taipei - Taïwan © Dina Litovsky/REDUX-REA
Taïwan © colin/stock.adobe.com
Taïwan © colin/stock.adobe.com
Parc national de Kenting - Taïwan © Young Shih / Unsplash.com
Parc national de Kenting - Taïwan © Young Shih / Unsplash.com
Taipei - Taiwan © lisanto / Unsplash.com
Taipei - Taiwan © lisanto / Unsplash.com
Sun Moon Lake - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Sun Moon Lake - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Temple - Tainan - Taïwan © Eagan Hsu / Unsplash.com
Temple - Tainan - Taïwan © Eagan Hsu / Unsplash.com
Kaohsiung - Taïwan © PPR109103 - stock.adobe.com
Kaohsiung - Taïwan © PPR109103 - stock.adobe.com
Kaohsiung - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Kaohsiung - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Taipei - Taiwan © Andrez Haimerl / Unsplash
Taipei - Taiwan © Andrez Haimerl / Unsplash
Ningxia marché de nuit - Taipei - Taïwan © kxithvisuals / Unsplash.com
Ningxia marché de nuit - Taipei - Taïwan © kxithvisuals / Unsplash.com
Sun Moon Lake - Taïwan © Droits réservés
Sun Moon Lake - Taïwan © Droits réservés

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Night spent on the plane, arrival the next day.

Private transfer to Kenting. Stay two nights by the charming Sail Rock Bay. Your minsu (typical Taiwanese guesthouse) has rooms decorated in vibrant Balinese decor, a lush garden filled with bougainvillea, jasmine and hibiscus, and a soothing atmosphere. The nearest beach is only a few steps away - perfect for unwinding after the flight!

Here you’ll find idyllic fishing villages, golden sand beaches and peaceful bays against a backdrop of dramatic limestone and coral formations, partly covered with lush rainforest. Kenting National Park unveils breathtaking natural diversity. The crystal-clear waters attract swimming and diving enthusiasts who come to admire the preserved reefs teeming with brightly coloured tropical fish.

Included - a morning excursion to Kenting National Park. An English-speaking guide-driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you through the park to explore other beaches edged with impressive limestone formations, as well as the lush rainforest inhabited by the iconic Formosan Rock Macaques.
Later in the day, arrive in Kaohsiung, the largest city in southern Taiwan and the country’s largest port. Behind its ultra-modern appearance, Kaohsiung hides a thriving art scene - with museums, galleries and colourful street art. Stay one night in a hotel with contemporary decor. The rooms feature shades of white, wood, cream and blue, creating a soothing, harmonious atmosphere. Discreet artwork and avant-garde furnishings add a touch of modernity to the whole setting. You’ll especially appreciate the sauna and outdoor pool, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest after a day exploring.
Optional - night market and Taiwanese dinner.

Private transfer to Kaohsiung Station to take the train to Tainan. Another private transfer takes you to your next accommodation in the heart of the old town, where you’ll stay for two nights. This is a charming minsu, tucked away in a narrow street just a short walk from Fort Provintia. Completely redesigned by interior architect Jimmy Pan - who brought a touch of his boundless imagination to every corner - this former Japanese house blends retro charm with contemporary elements, such as white walls, soft lighting, wooden furniture and touches of modern art.
Already included - evening meal featuring Taiwanese specialities. Enjoy a traditional seven-course dinner in a traditional house in the historic centre of Tainan. This is a chance to taste some Taiwanese delicacies and fully immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Included - guided walking tour of Tainan. The island’s former capital has retained a rich cultural and architectural heritage from its bygone status: the Anping district with its Dutch fort; the remarkable Tree House, a former warehouse now completely covered by sprawling banyan trees with endless roots; and the famous Confucius Temple - built in the 17th century, it is the oldest in Taiwan. Tainan also enjoys the flattering reputation of being Taiwan’s foodie capital, as you might guess from Shennong Street and its surrounding alleyways, full of street food stalls and shops. Your guide will reveal the hidden side of this fascinating city.
Optional - we can also dish up a visit to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple and Meinong Folk Village.

Private transfer to the station, then train to Taichung. Another transfer then takes you to Sun Moon Lake to stay two nights on the northwest bank. Your minimalist Zen-style hotel sits on a hill opposite Xuanguang Temple. As well as enchanting views, there are first-class facilities for an exceptionally comfortable stay. The restaurants serve Japanese, Taiwanese and Western cuisine.

Sun Moon Lake is a vast expanse of turquoise water surrounded by lush mountains. Once the homeland of the Thao people, it is now a favoured retreat for Taiwanese seeking serenity, escapes from the bustle of city life, and opportunities for peaceful reflection while walking or cycling along its shores. The romantic setting is a popular honeymoon destination for newlyweds. Around the lake, Ci'en Pagoda and Wenwu Confucian Temple are key sights.
Add to your agenda - guided bike ride around the lake.

Private transfer to the train station, then train to Taipei. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the heart of the financial district, opposite the Taipei Dome. Check in for three nights. From your room you’ll have a stunning view of the vertiginous Taipei 101. The style of your accommodation is classic, but meets modern standards of comfort.
Optional - night market and street food: what better introduction to the capital?

The gigantic Taipei 101 Tower rises to 509 metres (1,670 feet) and is inevitably fascinating. Step aboard the world’s fastest lift, marvel at the 660-tonne golden sphere that stabilises the building between the 87th and 91st floors, and let yourself be captivated by its symbolic architectural features. Far from these futuristic heights, there are also a few charming, wooden, Japanese houses still scattered here and there to catch your imagination. Chiang Kai-shek Mausoleum is almost a moral obligation. To the north of the city, the National Palace Museum holds the world’s largest collection of traditional Chinese art treasures. Largely transported from Beijing’s Forbidden City, the collections of calligraphy and paintings are displayed on a quarterly rotation. This remarkable museum alone justifies the trip. Alongside, there are night markets, trendy cafes, countless restaurants, parks, theatres, galleries, tea rooms and dumplings.
Already included - Taipei Like a Local. This walking tour with a local guide lets you experience the city through the eyes of one of its residents. They’ll present their city’s trendy spots, hidden neighbourhoods, street food, and markets. Blend into the crowd or escape from it - and above all, chat about daily life in Taiwan. It’s a wonderfully spontaneous encounter where nothing is really planned in advance, and the walk unfolds to suit your preferences and interests.
Optional -full day excursion to Datun Volcano.

On your itinerary - relaxing in Beitou Hot Springs. Before boarding your return flight, treat yourself to one last invigorating break at Beitou Hot Springs, naturally warmed by underground volcanic activity. A private transfer takes you to this former private residence, set on a hillside, that once belonged to an associate of Chiang Kai-shek. 
Transfer to the airport, then international flight home. Night on board, arrival the next day. 

À la carte

This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.

And with a few more days at hand: Alishan

Even though it attracts many tourists, the Alishan region deserves to be explored off the beaten track. This mountainous region is home to mysterious forests where thousand-year-old trees whisper ancient secrets. Tea and coffee plantations, some cultivated by the island’s indigenous communities — the island’s first inhabitants — dot the landscape with intoxicating aromas. You will meet them in local farms and villages. The majestic peaks of nearby Yu Shan, “Jade Mountain”, rise above a sea of clouds, offering a breathtaking vision that alone would justify the journey. On the road to Sun Moon Lake, the Shiuli vineyards stand out as a curiosity in this subtropical region, often battered by typhoons and monsoons. The calm waters of the lake reflect the sky and soothe the soul. Popular with Taiwanese holidaymakers, the area also delights curious travellers, who can visit the impressive Wenwu Confucian Temple and the Ci’en Pagoda, which seems to watch over the landscape from its hilltop. All these attractions encourage you to keep exploring the wild heart of Taiwan.
Optional -
3 days/2 nights.

Kaohsiung by night

You have an appointment with Yvette, a Taiwanese from Kaohsiung, for a stroll through the night market. The evening continues with a traditional dinner at a local brasserie in her company, sharing stories and culinary specialities.
Optional

The Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple and the Meinong artisans’ village

An hour’s drive from Tainan, in the suburbs of the large city of Kaohsiung, stands the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. This impressive site is home to carefully maintained gardens, majestic pagodas and a fascinating museum filled with ancient relics. The highlight of the visit is the Fo Guang Shan Great Buddha, a 108-metre-tall bronze statue that ranks among the largest in the world. Next, head to the village of Meinong - a stronghold of Hakka traditions, famous for its temples with curved roofs and traditional houses. . 
Optional

Taipei - Night market and Taiwanese street food

At the end of the day, you follow Gin to a night market popular with locals. Here, the stalls have been run by the same families for generations. Soak up the authentic atmosphere, sample some typical dishes, and finish on a high note with dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Optional

Datun volcano

This day of exploration takes you north of Taipei, to Yangmingshan National Park, known for the Datun volcano. It's the ideal opportunity to explore the sulphur spring areas, where dramatic fumes rise, and to relax in the naturally warm hot springs A lunch awaits you in a historic family home dating back to 1876, followed by a visit to Tianyuan Pagoda. The return journey follows the beautiful north coast, with a final stop by the sea.
Optional

Why visit Taiwan with Voyageurs du monde?

Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)

Let us create your trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Taiwan

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Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

The estimated budget for this trip is $6,000 to $7,600 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $6,900 per person *
* Recommended period for this trip: mid-September to May.

Included in this suggestion

  • International flights on a scheduled airline
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Access to the Air France Business Lounge at Roissy (for departures from Paris)
  • Private transfers as mentioned in the travel itinerary
  • The train between Kaohsiung and Tainan, between Tainan and Taichung, and between Taichung and Taipei
  • Two nights in Kenting, in a double room with breakfast included
  • One night in Kaohsiung, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Two nights in Tainan, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Two nights at Sun Moon Lake, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Three nights in Taipei, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Exploring Kenting National Park with a private guide-driver
  • A walking tour of Tainan with a private guide
  • The seven-course Taiwanese speciality dinner (excluding drinks), in a restaurant in Tainan.
  • A tour of Taipei with a private guide
  • Access to the Beitou thermal springs
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • Wi-Fi access during your trip: an international mini router or eSIM allowing you to connect your various devices (phones, tablets, computers)
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
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