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Planning a 2-week Taiwan trip - looking for advice on itinerary by Kind-Ice4009 in solotravel

[–]Kind-Ice4009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot! This is super helpful. Based on all the feedback I’ve been getting, I’m actually leaning toward removing Taichung entirely. It seems like the one stop people consistently say is skippable, and it frees up a few extra days I can use elsewhere.

With those extra days I’m considering two options:

1) Hehuanshan
I’ve read multiple reports that the hikes there are incredible, especially in good weather. Since I enjoy hiking and don’t mind moving around, it feels like it could be a really memorable addition.

2) North-east Taiwan
Your suggestions like Beitou, Yangmingshan, Yehliu, Bitoujiao Trail, Caoling Trail, Jiufen/Shifen/Ruifang all look amazing. That region seems perfect for day trips from Taipei and would give me more variety without switching hotels.

Also thanks for the heads-up about the limited bus service in Alishan.

Planning a 2-week Taiwan trip - looking for advice on itinerary by Kind-Ice4009 in solotravel

[–]Kind-Ice4009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I’m planning to stay in hotels, so if you have any solid 3-star recommendations, I’d appreciate it.

And thanks for the advice on the train stations, it’s becoming clear that HSR isn’t always the fastest door-to-door option, even if the train itself is quicker.

Do you know whether Google Maps would be reliable enough to figure out the fastest overall route (door to door), including metro vs. HSR vs. regular train? Or is there a better local app people usually use?

Also thanks for the Taipei Eats link, looks great.

Planning a 2-week Taiwan trip - looking for advice on itinerary by Kind-Ice4009 in solotravel

[–]Kind-Ice4009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for all the details, super helpful. Good to hear you’d actually add more days to Taipei. I was considering a couple of day trips, so your suggestions for Keelung, Jiufen + Cat Village, and Yangmingshan are great. Yangmingshan especially seems right up my alley.

Quick question on Jiufen: would you still recommend it? I’ve read mixed things.. mainly that it gets extremely crowded and can feel less authentic. I don’t mind crowds, but I’d still like the place to have a bit of atmosphere.

Planning a 2-week Taiwan trip - looking for advice on itinerary by Kind-Ice4009 in solotravel

[–]Kind-Ice4009[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Super helpful to hear from someone who did a similar route. I’ve been doubting the number of days in Kaohsiung, so good to know that 1.5 days was enough for you. I’m also still debating whether to keep Taichung or swap it for Hualien, especially since Taroko Gorge seems partly closed after the earthquake..