taiwan vs singapore tourism

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taipei vs. Singapore for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

• Which is Cheaper, Taipei or Singapore? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Taipei or Singapore?

Should you visit taipei or singapore, which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Taipei and Singapore. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Taipei or Singapore?

Few cities in the world are full of more diverse opportunities than the cultural crosshairs city of Taipei . As the capital of Taiwan, this 300-year-old city is the financial, cultural and governmental center of Taiwan. Located in the northern part of the island between the Yangming Mountains and Central Mountains, this city of 2.6 million people is always ready to welcome more visitors.

Singapore is a city-state that was originally founded in 1819 as a British trading colony. Today it is a very international country that is incredibly modern and cosmopolitan. There is a strong financial industry in this country, and a correspondingly strong work ethic. It is one of the most prosperous cities in the world, and has one of the world's busiest ports.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Taiwan , The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan , The Best Cultural Tours in Singapore , and The Best Budget Tours to Singapore .

Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Taipei?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Taipei Prices Taiwan Prices Singapore Prices Singapore Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Taipei $ 183 Singapore $ 157

The average daily cost (per person) in Taipei is $183, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $157. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Taipei and Singapore in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Taipei $ 147 Singapore $ 102
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Taipei $ 294 Singapore $ 204

Compare Hotels in Taipei and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Taipei or Singapore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Taipei

Hotels in Singapore

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Taipei $ 10 Singapore $ 11

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Taipei

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Taipei:

• Easycard $ 2.03
• Easycard $ 9.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taipei

Also for Taipei, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Return Bus Transfer: $8.76
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Taipei APT-HTL (TSA): $28
• Taiwan Taipei Taoyuan International Airport（TPE) Private Transfer: $31
• Taiwan Taoyuan Airport (TPE) to Taoyuan/Taipei hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
• Taoyuan Airport TPE to Taoyuan or Taipei Arrival Private Transfer: $40
• Taipei City to Keelung (Taipei) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $40
• Keelung (Taipei) Cruise Port to Taipei city - Arrival Private Transfer : $40
• TPE Airport: private transfer to and from Taipei City: $40
• Private Transfer between TPE-Taoyuan int. Airport and Taipei City: $40
• Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Taipei HTL- APT (TPE): $41
• Jiufen: private transfer to and from Taipei City: $42
• Taipei Arrival Private Transfer: Taoyuan International Airport to Hotel: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:

• Taxi to Airport $ 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

• Try find better than us! Airport Transfer service in Singapore HTL-APT (SIN): $24
• Transfer Singapore Airport to Singapore City by Luxury Vehicule: $98
• Transfer City Hotel to Cruise Terminal ( SCC OR MBCC ): $30
• Starry Night Singapore Tour + Roundtrip Transfers: $101
• Universal Studios Entry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $191
• Singapore Zoo & Night Safari with Hotel Transfer: $215
• Point to Point Transfer (Exclude Airport/Seaport): $62
• Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $167
• Marina Bay Sands & Gardens By The Bay & Transfer: $142
• Effortless Cruise Transfers in Singapore: $54
• City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $63
• City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Taipei or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore and Taipei change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Taipei $ 16 Singapore $ 29

Typical Food Prices in Taipei

For Taipei, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

• EasyCard $ 16
• Lunch at The Can $ 6.87
• EasyCard $ 31
• Lunch $ 2.96
• Lunch $ 1.87
• Dinner $ 6.24
• Lunch $ 3.59
• Lunch $ 4.68
• Louisa coffee $ 2.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Taipei

For Taipei, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• Taipei Shrimping Food Tour: Shrimping, Beer, Jazz, Food Included: $39
• Historic Night Market Food Tour with Tastings: $45
• Local Favorites: Taiwan Night Market Food Tour in 2 hours: $49
• Taipei Shrimping Food Tour: Shrimping, Beer, Jazz, Food Incl: $52
• Taipei Food Tour: Yongkang Street for Foodies: $58
• Taipei Food Tour: $58
• Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun: $75
• Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $76
• Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Experience-A (Taipei Cooking Class): $77
• Iconic Food Tour: Local Street Food, Drinks & Sites: $78

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:

• Breakfast $ 4.67
• Sugarcane Juice $ 1.53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

• Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $48
• Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker: $58
• Hawker Culture Food Tour and Sightseeing: $64
• Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $68
• Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $68
• Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $75
• Eat Snap Katong Walking Food Tour: $75
• Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $76
• Gourmet Street Food Tour with Tastings: $79
• Hands-on Cooking Class with Cultural Immersion: $85
• Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $85
• Local Food Tour: $85

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Taipei $ 17 Singapore $ 34

Tours and Activities in Taipei

For Taipei, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

• Old Town Walking Tour: $1.00
• Taipei's Origin & Longshan Temple - Taiwan Cultural Tour: $1.00
• Taipei Historic Shared Walking Tour: $1.00
• Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence Ticket: $3.13
• Zoo Entrance Ticket: $3.13
• Night Market Walking Tours in Shilin, Ningxia, Longshan, Ximen: $4.00
• Walking Tours in Taipei Dihua, Longshan Temple, Shuanglian Market: $4.00
• Taipei Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.82
• Taipei Cultural Heritage Walking Tour: $5.00
• Taipei's Origin & Longshan Temple - Taiwan Cultural Walking Tour: $5.00
• Miramar Ferris Wheel Ticket: $6.26
• Sights & Highlights tour: $7.54

Tours and Activities in Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

• Comprehensive Singapore Tour from Cruise Port: $77
• Singapore Family Explorers Cultural and Natural Wonders Tour: $279
• Singapore's Chinatown "Off The Beaten Track" Foodie Tour : $110
• #16Hrs Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $140
• 2-4 days in Singapore Guided Tour Pass: $130
• 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $157
• 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $252
• 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $71
• 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver: $244
• A Private Arts Heritage Experience with Dining at Little India: $134
• Airzone Admission Ticket: $23
• ArtScience Museum Admission Ticket: $22
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Taipei $ 18 Singapore $ 28

Sample the Local Flavors in Taipei

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taipei:

• Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes): $30
• Private Tour to Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery: $130

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

• Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $18
• Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $27
• Singapore Pub Crawl: $28
• Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket: $40
• LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $77

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taipei and Singapore, we can see that Taipei is more expensive. And not only is Singapore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Singapore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Singapore and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Taipei would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taipei than you might in Singapore.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Taipei Expensive? and Is Singapore Expensive? .

Taipei has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Singapore. When comparing the sizes of Taipei and Singapore, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

Related Articles for Taipei

Related articles for singapore.

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The best cities for first-time visitors to Asia

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Asia is huge and diverse, with so many attractive travel destinations. From Indonesia to China, Nepal to Cambodia, and Vietnam to Japan, there's so much to love about this fascinating and vibrant continent. But with almost 60% of the world's population (yes, you read that right) and some seriously crowded cities, all but the most experienced of travelers may feel daunted considering where to start for a first-time visit to the continent.

All visitors to Asia's major cities must come to terms with the fact that they are very crowded, with an almost endless amount to see and do. But that doesn't automatically mean that they're difficult to navigate or stressful places to spend time.

Certain East and Southeast Asian cities are best suited to first-time travelers to Asia, as they're highly organized, generally very safe for travelers and you don't need to know much (if any) of the local language to get around, while other South and Southeast Asian destinations (such as India or the Philippines) are probably better left until you have more travel experience in the region.

We've identified a few of the best cities for first-time travelers to Asia to check out. They're all worth a city-break vacation in their own right, or can be used as jumping-off points for exploring other parts of the country and region.

Tokyo, Japan

Major airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), Haneda International Airport (HND)

Related: Tokyo Narita vs. Haneda: Which airport should I fly to?

Who flies there: Many major international airlines fly to Tokyo's airports, including United, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines , Qantas and Singapore Airlines. ( Both ANA and Japan Airlines have announced that many of their flights will move from Narita to Haneda. )

Related: 3 ways to do Tokyo on points

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Tokyo: Tokyo is the definition of a mega-city, with around 10 million inhabitants, but it's not intimidating. Everything from the public transit to the garbage disposal runs smoothly and efficiently, Japanese people are generally very polite and introverted in public spaces, the crime rate is very low and tourists are highly unlikely to be a target. There's an enormous amount to see and do, whatever your interests. And if crowds aren't your thing, there are many peaceful parks and temples to which you can retreat.

While Tokyo is generally an expensive destination to visit, there are many ways to keep spending in check. Lots of attractions in Japan are free, including some parks and temples. Transportation is not very expensive, and you can make it even more affordable by buying a pass corresponding to the length of your stay.

Language(s) spoken: Japanese. English is spoken and understood by many in the travel industry, and English signs can be found in most public transportation situations. In general, though, the use and comprehension of English is not high, and the average Japanese person on the street won't understand you if you stop them to ask for directions in English.

How to get around: Tokyo has an extremely extensive network of public transportation, so there's no need to rent a car or take taxis most of the time. Overland and subway trains are generally more useful and user-friendly to international visitors than buses. There are many train lines run by different companies, and while tickets are not always interchangeable between these networks, you can buy daily or weekly transport passes to reduce costs. The subway is handy for getting around the central city, as is the circular above-ground JR Yamanote line.

Top sites: Whatever your interests, Tokyo will satisfy you. The neighborhood of Asakusa is a great place to start your Tokyo exploration, as it has a more traditional feel than most other parts of the city. In July and August 2020, the Olympics will be held in Tokyo. To experience quintessential neon Tokyo, head to Shinjuku and Shibuya. For a glimpse into the future, check out the artificial island of Odaiba. For a peaceful temple experience, visit Hikawa Jinja. For high-end shopping (or browsing), don't miss Ginza.

Top points hotels: Tokyo is an expensive destination, but there are many points options to reduce the cost of your stay. Here are a few:

• Courtyard Tokyo Station (Category 5, 35k Marriott points on standard nights or use a 35k free night certificate )
• Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Category 3, standard rooms from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night or 17k for a room with Club Lounge access. Or, use a Category 1–4 free night certificate .)
• ANA Intercontinental Tokyo (From 55k IHG Rewards Club points per night)
• Conrad Tokyo (95k Hilton Honors points per night or use a Free Weekend Night certificate )
• Park Hyatt Tokyo (Category 7, standard rooms from 30k points per night)
• Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho (Category 8, 85k Marriott points on standard nights)

Related: 3 of the best-value points hotels in Tokyo

If you're looking for a more affordable stay in Tokyo, look for business hotels. They are generally not spacious and lack character, but come with all the basics and are a decent place to lay your head for the night in a lower price point. You could also try a capsule hotel; here's what it's like to stay in a capsule hotel with kids .

Major airport: Changi International Airport (SIN)

Who flies there: Many major international airlines fly to Singapore, including United, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Emirates and Qantas. East Coast-based travelers can even take what is currently the world's longest flight , from Newark to Changi.

Related: How to book Singapore Airlines awards using Alaska miles

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Singapore: The city-state is a major financial hub in the region, which is evident in its glitzy high-rises and waterfront developments, but you can also find pockets of older, more traditional Southeast Asian culture, as well as green spaces both within the city and just outside. It's a very safe city (the country's notoriously strict punishments play a major part in this), and English is one of its four languages, so you won't have trouble being understood. Plus, Singapore's reputation for orderliness and cleanliness is not a myth.

Singapore is also an excellent destination for first-time family travelers to Asia, as the mix of indoor, cultural, and nature-oriented attractions should appeal to all members of the family (not to mention the general cleanliness).

Related: 3 ways to do Singapore on points

Language(s) spoken: Malay is the official language of Singapore, and Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and English are also widely spoken. Most Singaporeans are either fluent or conversant in English, even if it's not their first language, as it's the language of instruction in schools. All public signs are in English as well as Malay, Chinese and Tamil.

How to get around: Singapore has a good network of trains (the MRT) and buses, plus taxis are very affordable.

Top sites: A bumboat cruise down the Singapore River is a good and relaxing way to get an overview of the central city area, as is a circuit on the Singapore Flyer, an enormous Ferris wheel. The futuristic Gardens by the Bay could entertain you for an hour or a day. Don't miss the famous Merlion Statue. The Singapore Zoo is highly respected. To get out of the concrete jungle, head to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for a hot and steamy forest hike. Note that Singapore is a tropical country, so it's hot and humid year-round, which may affect your sightseeing plans depending on how you like your weather.

Top points hotels: Singapore is a major business hub, so there is a huge range of hotels catering to different types of traveler. Some great hotels where you can use and earn points include:

• JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach (Category 7, from 60k points per night on standard dates)
• The Westin Singapore (Category 6, from 50k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 50k free night certificate )
• Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong (From 35k IHG Rewards Club points or use an Anniversary Night certificate from the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card)
• Six Senses Duxton (Pay with a card like the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card that allows you to "erase" travel purchases from your statement using your Capital One miles .)

Related: These are the best times to visit Singapore

Bangkok, Thailand

Major airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK, mainly for regional low-cost carriers).

Who flies there: A large number of international airlines fly to Bangkok, but travelers coming from the U.S. may need to stop elsewhere first, or board a code-share flight. Airlines that fly to Suvarnabhumi include Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates and Cathay Pacific .

Related: The best ways to get to Thailand using points and miles

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Bangkok: Bangkok offers an enticing mix of glitzy modernity and traditional Thai culture. The spectacular, sparkling temples and palaces are unlike anything that most first-time visitors to Asia will have seen before, and the shopping experiences combine high-end glamor, outlet bargains and traditional markets. Plus, once you've had your fill of big-city Thai life, it's easy to get to the beautiful islands and beaches of Thailand from Bangkok. Although you should keep your wits about you, as you would in any large city, Bangkok is relatively safe.

A very, very important thing for first-time visitors (or, any visitors for that matter) to understand is Thailand's strict lese majeste laws. Saying or writing anything that could be understood as insulting the king is a highly punishable offense. If you have opinions on the monarchy, keep them to yourself while in Thailand. Read more in the following article: 11 Mistakes Tourists Make in Bangkok and Beyond

Language(s) spoken: Thai. English is not commonly understood, although it is used by people working in tourism and at restaurants frequented by tourists. Road and transport signs are also usually in English. You can't expect taxi drivers or other Thais not working in tourism to understand or read English: ask your hotel for a business card in Thai in case they have trouble understanding where you want to go. (Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find taxi drivers who can't read Thai either, which is a good reason to opt for the Skytrain when you can).

How to get around: While taxis and tuk-tuks are abundant in Bangkok, the traffic is often gridlocked, so a better way of getting around is the elevated Skytrain system. While you can't get everywhere in the city on the Skytrain, it does criss-cross much of Bangkok, so if you combine it with shorter taxi or tuk-tuk rides you'll save yourself a lot of time. Water taxis are a convenient way of getting between parts of the city located along the river.

Top sites: Bangkok's temples and palaces should be a first port of call for first-time visitors to the city. The Grand Palace complex is absolutely dazzling -- literally and figuratively -- and contains many temples within its walls. Other unmissable temples include Wat Pho and Wat Arun. If you're in Bangkok at the weekend, head to the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Markets. If you're interested in Thai art and culture, head to the beautiful Jim Thompson's House. To get out of the city for a day, make a day trip to Ayutthaya, the old capital, dotted with ruined temples.

Top points hotels: Bangkok has a huge range of hotels to suit any budget, from backpacker to boutique to luxury. Here are a few of the best points hotels in the city:

• St. Regis Bangkok (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 35k free night certificate )
• Waldorf Astoria Bangkok (From 74k–80k Hilton Honors points per night or use a Free Weekend Night certificate )
• The Athenee Hotel (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night on standard dates, or use a 35k free night certificate)
• Park Hyatt Bangkok (Category 5, from 20k World of Hyatt points per night)

Taipei, Taiwan

Major airport(s): Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Who flies there: Several international airlines fly to Taipei, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, All Nippon Airways (ANA), EVA Air , China Airlines , Emirates and Cathay Pacific.

Related: 8 things to know before you go to Taipei

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Taipei: Taiwan's capital is often overlooked by travelers in favor of other East Asian giants like Tokyo or Hong Kong, but that's all the more reason to visit. Infrastructure is well set up for tourists, without the city being "touristy." Plus, Taipei is more affordable than, say, Tokyo or Singapore. First-time travelers to Asia shouldn't just stick to Taipei, as the small island of Taiwan is underrated, with beautiful outdoor attractions like mountains, beaches, forests and interesting indigenous cultures within easy reach of the city.

Language(s) spoken: Mandarin Chinese, and other dialects of Chinese (Hokkien and Haka). While many Taiwanese people don't speak or understand English, traveling to Taipei without any knowledge of Chinese isn't a problem. Major signs usually have an English translation, and in many places you'll be able to find an English speaker if you really need one.

How to get around: The extensive Taipei Metro is the best way to get around the city. Most points of interest to travelers are reasonably close to a station, and it's fast and efficient. There are also buses if you want to go somewhere a little further afield that's not covered by the metro, but they can be harder to navigate if you don't read or understand Chinese.

Top sites: Night markets are a big deal in Taipei, and they're both a great way to try tasty local food on the cheap and experience local culture. For a literal overview of the city from what was, for a few years, the tallest building in the world, head on up to the 89th-floor observatory of Taipei 101.

Top points hotels: Taipei is an affordable city, so if you can't (or won't) use points to book a hotel, you can easily find a central-city room in a decent hotel for a very good price. But, here are a couple of points hotel suggestions:

• Grand Hyatt Taipei (Category 4, from 15k World of Hyatt points per night for a standard room or from 21k points for a room with Club access, or use a Category 1–4 free night certificate)
• Hotel Eclat Taipei (Category 3, from 12k Hyatt points per night, or use a Category 1–4 free night certificate)
• Le Meridien Taipei and W Taipei (Both are Category 6, from 50k points per night on standard dates, or use a 50k free night certificate)
• Holiday Inn Express Taoyuan (not actually in Taipei per se, but conveniently close to the airport)

Seoul, South Korea

Major airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN), Gimpo International Airport (GMP, mainly for short-haul flights to China and Japan).

Who flies there: Many international airports fly to Incheon, including United, Hawaiian Airlines, Korean Air , Qantas and Emirates.

Why first-time travelers to Asia should visit Seoul: Like Taipei, Seoul is not as well-known to international travelers as Tokyo, but it's just as big and vibrant. The capital city of South Korea is a great first-time-Asia travel destination if you're looking for somewhere a little different. Korean food is distinct from that of its neighbors and growing in popularity around the world. Seoul is a very modern city in many respects, but some of the most beautiful and fascinating attractions here are historic, including numerous palaces and temples. Plus, for a change of pace, Seoul's nightlife is fun.

Language(s) spoken: Korean. English is not widely spoken in Korea, although many people in Seoul will understand some, and transportation signs are usually in English as well as Korean. You will usually be able to find someone who can understand you in Seoul, although less so in other parts of Korea. Some restaurants have an English menu or one with pictures that you can point to. Hotel staff will likely speak and understand some English.

How to get around: The subway is the easiest way to get around Seoul. It's extensive, and most places of interest to travelers are within walking distance of a station.

Top sites: Seoul is heavy on history and culture, which to the uninitiated will appear as a mix of Chinese and Japanese elements, since Korea's two giant neighbors have had a lot of influence on the country over the centuries. Some top sites to check out include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and Gardens, and the National Folk Museum of Korea. If you're interested in 20th-century history and contemporary global politics, day trips to the DMZ, the border with North Korea, can be taken from Seoul. The city's markets and shopping districts are also fun, whether you're shopping or not; check out the Myeong-dong neighborhood, Insa-dong neighborhood, and Namdaemun Market.

Top points hotels: Because Seoul isn't as popular as neighboring Tokyo, fewer points will get you further in the South Korean capital. Here are some top picks:

• The Westin Seoul Chosun (Category 5, from 35k Marriott points per night, or use a 35k free night certificate)
• Grand Hyatt Seoul (Category 3, from 15k World of Hyatt points for a standard room, or from 21k points for Club access)
• Park Hyatt Seoul (Category 6, from 25k World of Hyatt points per night)
• Four Seasons Seoul (Book using Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase travel portal)

Bottom line

We've included these top cities but, of course, there are many other destinations across Asia that would also suit first-time visitors to the region. There's no need to feel overwhelmed by planning a first trip to Asia, as there are experiences, sights and price points to suit all needs. Selecting one of these entry points and then exploring the country or region from there is a great way to start. Have fun!

Note: Hong Kong is not on this list but it's a fabulous city to visit. Just be aware that protests at the airport and throughout the city have been an issue for the past several months . Now might not be the best time for timid or nervous travelers to explore the city.

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Itinerary Planning Cheatsheet For East Asia — Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (incl. deals and pro-tips)

1-for-1 flash deals, promo codes, and other exclusive deals for those travelling to Taiwan, Japan or Korea this year-end!

First it was Korea, then Japan and finally, Taiwan opened its borders on 13 October. Stretch out those fingers — now all that’s left to do is to book that holiday you’ve been waiting for!

Yet the thing with holiday-planning, there’s just so many bookings to account for. Hotels, transport passes, SIM cards, attraction tickets — the list goes on. 

If you’re having trouble creating your “List of things to book”, we’ve collated a checklist of travel essentials and highly recommended activities for that East Asia trip. Bookmark this article for your next holiday to any of these East Asian countries!

There are also attractive deals to score this weekend at Klook’s Travel Fest — more details at the end !

Jump to: Japan | Taiwan | Korea

Travel Necessities

Before diving head-first into the exciting activities, let’s get the important stuff out of the way.

Travel insurance: Be sure to find a plan that has Covid coverage, covers adventurous activities you might be planning to do, and worldwide travel assistance — TravelCare

SIM Card and Hotel Transfers: Get connected once you land by pre-booking your SIM Card. Book your hotel transfer too, if you usually struggle to find your bearings in a new place, and want to save that hassle when travelling with family.

Transport Passes

Photo credit: Central Japan Area

Japan’s transport networks are extensive but can be disorienting for first-timers. Save yourself some confusion by booking transport passes pre-trip and checking out this Japan Rail JR Pass guide .

Do some research before booking your passes as they vary in coverage categorised by prefecture. Some options include the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (~S$95), JR West Kansai Pass (~S$23), Hokkaido Rail Pass (~S$237), JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)  (~S$192) and more.

Read also: 10-Day Japan Rail Itinerary For First Timers Under S$900 — Tokyo to Osaka

Alternatively, the Whole Japan Rail Pass (from S$284) is great for travellers exploring the whole of Japan. For your choice of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, it covers travel along the Hokkaido Shinkansen, Tokyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, and more. 

All-inclusive/Activity Passes

A good budget tip when exploring city areas is to purchase activity passes. These passes cover a range of tourist essentials including unlimited trips on subways, buses, free entry to attractions, redeemable vouchers, and more. 

Each pass varies in coverage. For example, some operate on a day-basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while others work on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options). Some cover transport rides while others do not, so double check these details.

Some activity passes to consider in Japan:

Theme Parks

Japan’s theme parks are notoriously crowded all year round. While you can purchase tickets on-site, save time on queueing by pre-booking these tickets — more time chasing rides!

Consider pre-booking these if they’re in your Japan itinerary: – Universal Studios Japan (USJ) (~S$80) — with 1, 1.5 and 2-day studio passes – USJ Express Pass 4 (from S$65) or Express Pass 7 (from S$103) – 1-Day Passports to Disneyland or DisneySea (from S$85)

Check out our ultimate USJ guide and Disneyland and DisneySea guide to find your way around!

Cultural Experiences

Check out lesser-known cultural experiences like this Sumo Morning Training Visit (~S$144) where you’ll get a sneak peek into the lives of professional Sumo wrestlers.

If you love dressing up, check out the Kyoto Kimono Rental and Maiko Dinner Show (~S$670), or this Ninja Experience in Tokyo (S$74) — learn ninja tricks like the shuriken and blowgun as you visit some of Japan’s iconic shrines in a ninja outfit.

Guided/Day Tours

Remember to explore other neighbouring cities too! If you’re short on time to plan, consider booking day tours. They offer both the flexibility of a self-planned trip together with the convenience of guided tours. Some options include the Nara Park Half-day Bus Tour from Kyoto (~S$77), the Hakkoda Ice/Snow Monsters Snowshoeing Guide Tour (~S$74), or a Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip (~S$122).

Limited-time Exhibitions

Photo credit: Klook

If you’re travelling before the end of 2023, check out TeamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu (S$30). This is a limited-time exhibition offering visitors a barefoot museum experience with a collection of 9 artworks discovering teamLab’s concept of “Body Immersive”.

Taiwan’s transport system includes three types of train services: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and Taipei Metro (MRT) train services.

The THSR travels up to 300km/h across Taiwan, connecting travellers from the Northern end of Taipei to the Southern tip of Kaohsiung. The slower TRA connects smaller cities uncovered by the THSR. Lastly, the Taipei Metro serves areas in New Taipei.

Choose transport passes that best suits your Taiwan itinerary best:

You can also get discounted individual tickets for the THSR starting from Taipei , Taichung , Taoyuan , Zuoying , Tainan , Banqiao , Chiayi , Hsinchu or Nangang  

One of the best ways to discover the best food in a country is to ask a local! If you’re too shy to talk to strangers, consider a Shihlin Night Market Food Walking Tour (~S$15) for a blend of food and vibrant culture!

Travelling solo? Meet up with other like-minded travellers by signing up for a Taipei Pub Crawl (~S$30).

After a night of alcohol, consider detoxing with a Taipei Tea Culture Day Tour (~S$120) at Bagua Tea Plantation.

Iconic Attractions

Catch Taipei’s famous night view from the Taipei 101 Observatory Tower (or the sky lounge) (~S$24).

Then head to Yehliu Geopark for its natural landscapes (~S$5) showcasing an array of unique rock formations. While you’re there, also stop by the Yehliu Ocean World (~S$16) for a fascinating water show with underwater animals.

Transport Passes & T Card

The Korea Tour Card (T-card) also offers discounts at tourist spots and allows payment at retail outlets. Any unused balance at the end of your visit can be refunded.

*Note: The Discover Seoul Pass acts as a T-money transportation card as well, so you won’t have to purchase the Korea Tour Card separately if getting the Discover Seoul Pass.

All-inclusive/Activity Passes 

With many tourist attractions to visit in Seoul, you’ll want to grab activity passes to enjoy additional discounts when touring the city. There are two options for touring Seoul: one operates on a day basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while the other works on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options).

Attractions

Korea’s theme parks too are often packed with long queues. Pre-booking entrance tickets help you skip queues and save time. If these are in your Korea itinerary, definitely have them pre-booked: – Everland (~S$30) – Lotte World (from S$40)

A Korean holiday must-do — don a Hanbok with Korean hairstyling (~S$6.50) as you stroll Gyeongbukgong Palace. For a closer look into Korea’s culture, check out the Nami Island and Gwangjang Market tour (~S$144). For Hallyu fans, there’s also a Seoul Hallyu Kpop tour (~S$45) for a chance to meet your favourite idols!

Seasonal winter experiences

For those heading over during Winter, check out the Cheongyang Ice Fountain Festival (~S$60) or the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (~S$80).

Score attractive travel deals at Klook’s Travel Fest from 29th – 30th Oct 2022

Alright, if you’re heading to East Asia this year-end, Klook’s Travel Fest is the event you won’t want to miss.

This includes event-exclusive 1-for-1 flash deals for top attractions like Everland, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Amazing Pass, Taiwan High-Speed Rail, and other items mentioned in this article.

Not only can you redeem event-exclusive promo codes offering up to $80 off , but the first 100 visitors for each day also win goodie bags with extra promo codes. One lucky visitor will also find a golden ticket in the goodie bag to redeem a 3D2N Genting Dream cruise! Other prizes to redeem include $800 Klook e-Gift Card, a Swiss Travel Pass, etc.

Prepare yourself and check out the full list of deals and promotions before heading down!

Meet us there

The Klook Travel Fest will be held at Suntec City West Atrium on 29 and 30 October 2022, from 11am to 9pm. Entry is free, but note that registration is required .

On 30 October, TTI will be sharing a Japan spotlight at 3:30pm — join us for an overview on travelling with the JR Pass and car rental! Check the full schedule for sessions with other travel gurus as well.

Make a note on your calendars, and be sure to say hi when you catch us there!

Which East Asian country are you visiting this year-end? Share with us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

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Hong Kong, Taiwan & Japan: Which one should you visit first?

Last week saw Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan all announce plans to reopen. But which is the best candidate for a year-end vacation?

You know how they say there are decades where nothing happens, and weeks where decades happen?

Last week was a prime example of that, as long-time COVID holdouts Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan all announced plans to scrap mandatory quarantine and reopen their borders.

All three were highly popular destinations for Singaporeans pre-COVID, and you might be forgiven for feeling like Christmas has come early.

Speaking of which, if you’re planning year-end travel, just how do you deal with this sudden windfall? What are the relevant visa, vaccination, testing and COVID restrictions, and how do those have the potential to affect your vacation?

Let’s find out. 

Here’s a summary of the procedures for each destination, which take effect from the respective reopening dates

Visa requirements

Hong Kong has already restored its visa-exemption scheme for all previously-eligible countries, including Singapore. 

The visa exemption period for Singaporeans is 90 days. 

Taiwan has already partially restored its visa-exemption scheme for some previously-eligible countries. Singapore’s exemption will be restored from 29 September 2022. 

The visa exemption period for Singaporeans is 30 days .

Japan will restore its visa-exemption scheme for all previously-eligible countries, including Singapore, from 11 October 2022. 

The visa exemption period for Singaporeans is 90 days.

“Fully vaccinated” definition

Hong Kong requires all travellers to be fully vaccinated, unless they are Hong Kong residents. The following vaccinations are recognised.

Children under the age of 12 are currently exempt from the vaccination requirement.

However, do note that Hong Kong intends to tighten the fully vaccinated definition from 30 September 2022 onwards:

• Persons aged 12 and above must have received a 2nd dose no more than five months ago, or a 3rd dose if more than 5 months have passed since the 2nd dose
• Persons aged 5-11 must have received a 1st dose no more than 3 months ago, or a 2nd dose if more than 3 months have passed since the 1st dose
• Persons aged 12 and above must have received a 3rd dose
• Persons aged 5-11 must have received a 2nd dose

Taiwan accepts both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. There is no distinction in the measures for either. 

Japan accepts both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, although there are differences in the measures for the two groups. 

Japan defines “fully vaccinated” as individuals who have received at least  three doses  of the  following vaccines:

• AstraZeneca
• Janssen (only two doses required)
• Pfizer-BioNTech

Any combination of the above is acceptable as well.

From 11 October, CanSino, Sinovac and Sinopharm will be added to the list of recognised vaccinations.

Unvaccinated children  under the age of 18 who travel with fully vaccinated parents/guardians will be treated as fully vaccinated (refer to the bottom of page 17 for the source).

Pre-departure testing

Hong Kong requires all travellers to take a pre-departure ART within 24 hours of departure. This can be self-administered , so it won’t cost more than a few dollars.

A declaration of your negative result must be made on the Health & Quarantine Information Declaration system. 

No pre-departure testing is required for Taiwan, regardless of vaccination status.

If you meet the definition of fully vaccinated, no pre-departure testing is required for Japan. 

If you do not meet the definition of fully vaccinated, Japan requires a pre-departure PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. The cost starts from S$50 in Singapore.

On-arrival testing

All arrivals in Hong Kong must take a PCR test at the airport. After providing the sample, they can proceed to claim their luggage and leave the airport by any mode of transport (i.e. it’s not necessary to wait for a negative result). 

All arrivals in Taiwan aged two and above will be issued four ART kits on arrival at the airport.  They will need to do a self-administered ART on the day of arrival or the day after. 

For Japan, the arrival measures depend on your vaccination status and 14-day travel history. Japan divides all countries into three categories: Blue, Yellow and Red. Singapore is a Blue country; there are no countries currently on the Red list.

If you meet the definition of fully vaccinated:

• No on-arrival testing is required if your travel history includes Blue or Yellow countries only
• On-arrival testing is required if your travel history includes a Red country

If you do not meet the definition of fully vaccinated:

• No on-arrival testing is required if your travel history includes Blue countries only
• On-arrival testing is required if your travel history includes a Red or Yellow country
• A 3-day quarantine is required if your travel history includes a Red or Yellow country

Yellow countries include India, Maldives, Turkey, Fiji and Vietnam , so take note if you’re unvaccinated and planning two trips in quick succession. 

Post-arrival testing

Hong Kong’s post-arrival testing regime is rigorous, to say the least.

All arrivals must take daily self-administered ARTs from Day 1-7 (the day of arrival is considered Day 0).

In addition to the ARTs, they must take a PCR test on Days 2, 4 and 6 . This can be done free-of-charge at community testing centres or mobile specimen collection stations. No isolation is required after taking the PCR tests. 

During the seven-day health monitoring period, travellers should take a self-administered ART every two days. They can use the leftover kits (3) they received on arrival at the airport for this. 

No post-arrival testing is required, regardless of vaccination status.

Masks are still required everywhere in Hong Kong, including on flights. 

Limited exceptions exist for outdoor exercise and eating/drinking. Smokers beware- there is no exception for removing a mask to smoke.

Masks are not required on Singapore Airlines flights to or from Taiwan. However, other Taiwanese carriers like EVA Air and China Airlines still require masking. 

Taiwan still requires indoor and outdoor masking, with the following exceptions:

• When exercising outdoors or indoors;
• When taking individual/group photos indoors or outdoors;
• When driving a vehicle or riding a scooter or bicycle by oneself or with live-in family members;
• When livestreaming, filming, moderating an event, reporting, delivering remarks, giving a speech, lecturing, or during activities or events involving conversations with others;
• When outdoor workers working in open spaces;
• When people are in forests/mountains (including forest recreation areas) and on the beach;
• When people are in hot/cold springs, dry sauna rooms, spas, steam rooms, saunas, during water activities, or in venues where masks can get wet easily.
• Masks may be removed when consuming food/beverages outside.
• Masks may be temporarily removed in venues or during activities (e.g. art performers performing a show, film crews/TV news anchors when filming, and athletes and referees participating in sports competitions) that comply with the CECC’s or competent authority’s epidemic prevention and control rules.

The full list of masking requirements can be found  here.  

Japan is an interesting case. There is no official mask mandate; the health ministry’s stance is that masks are not required outdoors or indoors assuming you can keep a minimum distance of 2-metres from others.

However, an argument could be made that masks are de facto compulsory, since the vast majority of locals wear them everywhere.

Masks are not required on Singapore Airlines flights to or from Japan, although ANA and Japan Airlines continue to enforce the rule. 

Other restrictions

Here’s the major deal breaker for would-be tourists to Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong uses a vaccine passport system known as the Leave Home Safe app ( Android | iOS ). On arrival, they will be issued with an Amber code that prevents them from visiting the following venues for the first three days.

It basically means you can’t visit the pool or gym at your hotel, eat out at a restaurant, visit Hong Kong Disneyland or board a cruise during your first 3 days. 

If the Day 2 PCR test result is negative, Amber code restrictions will end at 9 a.m on Day 3,. Travellers will receive a Blue code which allows them to visit any venue. 

Taiwan 

There are no restrictions on the movement of tourists, nor the places they can visit.

What if you test positive?

According to Bloomberg, travellers who test positive will not be sent to government-run isolation facilities like Penny’s Bay. Positive travellers can continue to stay in their hotel, at their own expense.

If they test negative on day 6 and day 7 after their infection, they may exit isolation.

If your on-arrival test is positive, you will be required to quarantine at home or in a designated hotel.

I’m not able to find any specific information on the mandatory isolation period. 

Since Japan does not have  on-arrival or post-arrival testing for fully vaccinated individuals, the only way you’ll get a positive result is if you do a voluntary test. 

In any case, if you do test positive while in Japan the isolation procedure depends on whether you are symptomatic or asymptomatic:

• Asymptomatic: Isolate until 7 days after the positive test result
• Symptomatic: Isolate until 10 days after the onset of symptoms and 72 hours after symptoms end or 2 consecutive negative results on COVID-19 tests taken at least 24 hours apart, whichever comes later

Isolation can take place in a hotel.

Where would I visit?

If you asked me to rank the three in order of how “tourist-friendly” their regulations are, I’d go with:

Japan’s rules are clearly the most favourable, given the absence of on-arrival testing for fully vaccinated individuals. With visa waivers reinstated and no more need for a package tour, I’d say that travel conditions are basically back to pre-COVID days- assuming you’ve got your jabs. 

Taiwan is a close second, although its on-arrival testing has the potential to mess up your plans should a positive result be received. 

Hong Kong is a place I’d definitely avoid for now, given the battery of PCR tests and the restrictions on where you can visit for the first three days. Most Singaporeans take short trips to Hong Kong, so there’s really no point if the vast majority of your trip is testing and pseudo isolation (let’s face it, that’s what it really is). 

As it stands, I’m already planning a Japan trip in late October, with Taiwan to follow as soon as the on-arrival test is removed.

At long last, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan have finally announced their plans to reopen. That said, not all plans are equally tourist friendly. While I’d be completely fine with visiting Japan and Taiwan, Hong Kong is off the list until the testing regime and visiting restrictions are removed. 

Which of the three are you planning to visit?

Similar Articles

I rented an electric vehicle in the usa (and regretted it), baby on board: learnings from one year of travel with the milecub, 13 comments.

When you go to Taiwan, maybe you could try Starlux? Seems like quite an interesting airlines. They also have some pretty decent pricing ($2700 rtp Biz).

How to prove that u are fully vaccinated? Thru singpass app?

Download your healthhub vaccination cert or obtain it through notarise.gov.sg for a better version with QR code. No country will recognise the singpass version.

Japan. End of thread.

Hong Kong shouldn’t even be in the discussion with their ridiculous 0+3 nonsense. Pok gai lah!

And as long as Taiwan still has stupid Covid regulations in place it’s Japan all the way.

Ya lo, why is there a need to choose between the 3. It’s obvious that the only option is japan. The other 2 may still have a possibility to land you in quarantine.

I concur, why is HK even in the discussion when they have clearly no interest in following science.

Doesn’t seem accurate to say that for Taiwan there are no restrictions on where tourists can go. this should still be subject to the 7 day self-monitoring period restrictions that haven’t been announced yet?

they have, actually. and none of them affect your enjoyment of a holiday. III. Epidemic prevention rules to follow during the seven-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period: A. In principle, an arrival should stay at home or a residence of a friend or family member or a hotel room that meets the requirement of “one person per room” (with an en suite bathroom) in the self-initiated epidemic prevention period. B. During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, arriving travelers should avoid coming into contact with persons who have high risk of developing severe COVID-19 (including elderly people 65 and older, children under …  Read more »

Is there any further clarity on the “one person per room” rule? Surely if we are a couple travelling together we should be able to share a hotel room during our 7 day period? Now that you dont have to fill out a health declaration, I guess no one is going to check anyway?

Question: technically transit at ho chi minh or hanoi (remain at airside only) means the yellow list doesnt applies right?

Only Japan & maybe Taiwan some time in future. But Never to HK.

Hong Kong is forever off my list. Given that they are now wagged by CCP, you never know when John will be forced to make a sudden whiplash change in the policies at the whim of the comrades up north. Fancy getting stranded in HK or worse, forced into one of their quarantine centres and separated from your kids in the middle of your holiday.

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2024 taipei taiwan travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, tips and budget for first-timers.

Traveling to Taiwan for the first time this 2024? Let this Comprehensive Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide Blog 2024 with Sample DIY Taiwan Itinerary (pdf), list of top things to do in Taipei, and breakdown of expenses help you plan your trip. Best of all, Filipinos can enter Taiwan Visa-Free! Read on this post to learn more!

Updated 2024 first-timer's travel guide blog to taipei, taiwan, if you're looking for a trip to taiwan package from the philippines , this is not a packaged tour. but i could help you plan your trip diy (do-it-yourself) style. now, let’s get started., quick facts about taipei taiwan.

• Currency - New Taiwan Dollar (NTD / NT$)
• Language - Mandarin Chinese. Learn a few Mandarin words and phrases before traveling to Taiwan.
• Weather - 4 Seasons (Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall)
• Electricity - 110 Volts at 60 Hertz (uses Type A socket with 2 flat pins and type B socket with 2 flat pins and an extra prong for grounding)
• Time Zone: - UTC+08:00

Visa Requirements to enter Taiwan

Requirements for visa-free entry to visit taiwan for filipinos.

• An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
• A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller's next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
• No criminal record in Taiwan;
• A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor's contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.
• Sufficient travel funds.

Taiwan Quarantine Rules

• For all foreign travelers arriving in Taiwan, you must undergo a 3-day quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel and a 4-day self-initiated epidemic prevention following the end of quarantine.
• By October 13, 2022, Taiwan government eyes to end COVID-19 quarantine.
• Taiwan COVID-19 Quarantine Rules are continuously changing. Restrictions implemented for arriving travelers can change quickly. Please check regularly the updated quarantine rules in the destinations you're travelling to and transiting through before you travel.

Cheap Flights to Taipei Taiwan

How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City?

Taoyuan airport mrt, private car transfer, taiwan weather, when is the best time to visit taiwan, how many days to spend in taiwan, taiwan time zone, useful mandarin words and phrases.

• Hello - Nĭ hăo (sounds like Nee how)
• Thank You - Xièxiè (sounds like Shieh-shieh)
• Good morning - Zǎo (sounds like Zhow)
• Goodnight - Wǎn'ān (sound like One-un)
• I don't understand - Tīng bù dǒng (sound like teeng boo dong)
• How much? - Duō shǎo qián (sounds like dwo shaow chyen?)
• Excuse Me / Pardon / Sorry - Bù hǎo yìsi (sounds like boo haow eeh si)
• Where is…? - Zài nǎli (sounds like dzaiy nah lee)
• I want to go to… - Wǒ yào qù… (sounds like wo yaow chyoo)
• Restroom - Cèsuǒ (sounds like Tse soo-oh)

Where to Exchange Taiwan Currency?

Pocket Wifi Rental and Data SIM in Taipei

Pocket wifi rental in taiwan, taiwan data sim card.

How to Get around Taipei?

Taipei transport fun pass, taipei unlimited fun pass.

• Taipei 101 Observatory

National Palace Museum

• Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel
• Taipei Children’s Amusement Park
• Tamsui Historical Museum
• Tamsui to Fisherman’s Wharf roundtrip ticket

Gold Museum

• Yeliu Geopark

Juming Museum

• Sky Lantern Police Station Electric Sky Lantern ticket
• National Museum of Marine Science & Technology

5-DAY JOINT TRAIN PASS (THSR+TR)

Maokong gondola.

Where to Stay in Taipei?

SLEEPBOX HOSTEL XIMEN

• Mixed Dormitory - PHP 926.00 per person
• Female Dormitory for 8 - PHP 927.00 per person
• Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed - PHP 1,806.00 for 2 persons

ANGELS' HOSTEL - TAIPEI XIMEN

• Shared Male Dormitory - PHP 512.00 per person
• Shared Female Dormitory - PHP 512.00 per person
• Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (1 Double Bed) - PHP 1,617.00 for 2 persons

GRAND HYATT TAIPEI

INN CUBE XIMEN

• Room Selected By Hotel, Shared Bathroom - PHP 1,001.00 for 1 person
• Room, Shared Bathroom (Bunk Bed) - PHP 1,717.00 for 2 persons
• Double Room, Shared Bathroom - PHP 1,860.00 for 2 persons

SHILIN HOME TAIPEI

• Double Room - PHP 2,957.00 for 2 persons
• Twin Room - PHP 2,957.00 for 2 persons
• Triple Room - PHP 3,827.00 for 3 persons
• Quadruple Room - PHP 4,697.00 for 4 persons

CITY INN HOTEL PLUS XIMEN

• Standard Room - PHP 3,858.00 for 2 persons
• Elite Double - PHP 4,328.00 for 2 persons
• Twin Room - PHP 5,034.00 for 2 persons
• Deluxe Room - PHP 5,034.00 for 2 persons
• Triple Room - PHP 6,672.00 for 3 persons
• Family Room - PHP 7,562.00 for 4 persons

ART INN HOSTEL XIMEN TAIPEI

• Twin Room - PHP 1,500.00 for 2 persons
• Standard Quadruple Room - PHP 4,000.00 for 4 persons
• Family Room - PHP 5,387.00 for 6 persons

TOP-RATED HOTELS IN TAIPEI

Here are the popular and highly-regarded hotels in taipei, taiwan with excellent ratings from previous guests. you can save as much as 50% discount on published room rates when you book in advance., other hotels & hostels in taipei, here are the other popular and top-rated hotels in taipei, taiwan. book now to save as much as 50% off on your hotel bookings.

• Hotel Papa Whale - See rates and room availability
• San Want Hotel - See rates and room availability
• New Riverside Suites - See rates and room availability
• Hotel Midtown Richardson - See rates and room availability
• Sato Castle Motel - See rates and room availability
• Westgate Hotel - See rates and room availability
• Amba Taipei Ximending - See rates and room availability
• CitizenM Taipei North Gate - See rates and room availability
• Fortune Hiya Taipei - See rates and room availability
• Just Sleep Hotel Ximending - See rates and room availability

THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI + TOURIST SPOTS & ATTRACTIONS

Taipei 101 and Observatory

Travel tip:.

Elephant Mountain

Martyrs' Shrine

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

• Memorial Hall - 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM, daily
• Memorial Parl - 05:00 AM - 12:00 MN, daily

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Hop on hop off bus ticket prices:.

• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00

Longshan Temple

Bopiliao Historical Block

Shilin Night Market

Miramar Entertainment Park

Dadaocheng District

Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence

Ximending Shopping District

And just outside Taipei...

Side trips and day tours from taipei.

Shifen Waterfalls

Pingxi Old Street

Jiufen Old Village

Nanya Rock Formations

Ying Yang Sea

Yehliu Geopark

Top Best Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan

Visit the taipei 101 observatory.

• Taipei 101 is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions and most photographed landmarks. This is one of the reasons why I've been wanting to visit Taiwan is to see and climb the famed Taipei 101 . Read more here.

Climb Elephant Mountain and Enjoy the Best View of Taipei

• If you're wondering where to get the best view of the city and of Taipei 101 , I highly suggest that you climb the Elephant Mountain . It requires a hike to the stairs to get to the viewpoint where you will be greeted with an amazing view of Taipei City and the towering Taipei 101 dominating the city's skyline. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Read more here.

Eat, Shop, and Wander at the Best Night Markets in Taipei

• Food trip and shopping are two of the best ways to enjoy a visit to Taiwan. Forget about bars and night clubs. The night markets are the best places to visit at night when in Taiwan! The night market is a Taiwanese cultural tradition that you should experience when visiting Taiwan. Eat, shop, stroll, and immerse yourself with the night market culture as you share the experience with the Taipei locals and tourists visiting Taiwan. Read more here.

Taipei City Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

• This tour is a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour to some of the major tourist spots and attractions in Taipei. Composed of 23 bus stops and 2 routes, it gives you the convenience of taking the bus that goes to the different interesting sites in Taipei. With this tour, you can choose to hop off at any stop for sightseeing, and hop back on when the next bus on the schedule arrives. Read more here.
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour in New Taipei City, Taiwan
• This northeast coast tour in New Taipei City will bring you to some scenic spots in Taiwan, such as the Bitou Cape, Nanya Rock Formations, and Ying Yang Sea. The highlight of this tour is the visit to Jiufen Village which is an old mining town that is now a popular tourist destination near Taipei City. Located in the mountain area of Ruifang District in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Jiufen Village is a quaint village with rich history and culture to tell. Read more here.

Shifen Waterfalls, Pingxi Old Street, and Keelung Miaokou Market

• This tour will bring you to Shifen Waterfalls which is located within a beautiful forested mountainside in Pingxi District, New Taipei City. It is popular tourist destination that is about 20 meters high and 40 meters wide, making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. Also not to be missed is the Pingxi Old Street which is located near a train station that is rich in culture and history to tell. You could end your tour with a visit to Keelung Miaokou Street where you could explore the different shops and food stalls in the area. Read more here.

Pineapple Cake Making Workshop in Taipei

• Don’t miss this workshop that will let you to experience the handmade process of pineapple shortcake making when visiting Taiwan. Located in Shilin District , The Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry is a pastry culture and making museum in Taipei, Taiwan. Read more here.

The Shu's Pottery DIY Workshop

• Learning pottery making for the very first time is such an awesome and memorable experience. There's no better way to learn it than from the guidance of experts and from a place rich in history. This is recommended for your group of friends, family, and even kids. Read more here.

Soap Making Workshop at TeaSoap since 1957

• This activity will surely bring out the creativity in you. It's an ideal activity and new things to do in Taiwan that the family, group of friends, and kids of all ages will surely love and enjoy. Read more here.

Blue Dye Making Workshop at The Can

• This traditional Taiwanese cloth dyeing technique can still be found in Sanxia District in New Taipei City. Because of the abundance of the dye plant called "Da Jing" in the area, Sanxia became the center of the cloth dyeing industry of Northern Taiwan during the late Qing dynasty. To keep the tradition alive, locals have set up dyeing workshops along the old streets of Sanxia to let other people learn and appreciate the art of Blue Dye . Read more here.

Best Food and Must-eats in Taipei

Din Tai Fung

Meat boss hot pot in taipei, buffet options.

• Eatogether in Taiwan
• Chao Guo Shabu in Banqiao Station
• Cafe83 at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station
• Mantanghung Spicy Hot Pot at Taipei City Hall Station
• Jing He Jia at Fuzhong Station

Other Tours and Experiences in Taiwan

A Day at Sun Moon Lake

Yangmingshan National Park & Hot Springs Tour

Taiwan's Northern Coast

Fo Guang Shan and Cheng Ching Lake

Wuling Farm Day Tour from Taipei

Sightseeing Carpool Between Taipei and Hualien (via Jiufen)

Gaomei Wetland & Rainbow Military Community

Leofoo Village Theme Park

Thousand Island Lake & Pinglin Tea Plantation

Taroko Gorge, Swallow Grotto, & Seven Star Lake Day Tour

Qingshui Cliff Sea Kayaking in Hualien

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

Sample 5 days and 4 nights taipei diy itinerary.

• Arrival in Taiwan
• Check-in at the Hotel
• City tour via Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour
• Back at the hotel/hostel
• Morning walk in Taipei, go to Bopiliao Historical Block
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour
• Jingmei Night Market Tour and Dinner
• Half day Explore Taipei City Tour
• Visit Taipei 101 Observatory
• Climb Elephant Mountain
• Dinner at Tonghua Night Market
• Join the FREE Taipei Walking Tour Historic Route
• Explore Bopiliao Historical Block
• Shop for pasalubong
• Walk around Ximending Shopping District
• Dinner at Shilin Night Market
• Prepare for departure
• Check out of the hotel
• Flight back to Manila

Taipei Trip Budget and Expenses

List of basic expenses.

• Accommodation: PHP 1,000 - 5,000 per night
• Food: PHP 500 - 800 per day
• Transportation: PHP 300 - 400 per day
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket - PHP 859 per person
• Half-day Explore Taipei City Tour - PHP 1,704 per person (includes entrance ticket to the National Palace Museum)
• Taipei at Night Tour - PHP 2,324 per person (includes dinner at Din Tai Fung )
• Jingmei Night Market Tour - PHP 842 per person (includes tasting 12 local snacks)
• Taipei Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00 per person
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00 per person
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour: PHP 2,014 per person
• 4G Pocket WiFi Rental: PHP 133 per day
• Airport Transfers: PHP 1,390 per way good for 4 persons

Sample Expenses for 14,000 PHP Budget

• Train to Taipei - 272.00
• Hostel (1st night) - 512.00
• One day Bus Tour via Klook - 1,059
• Food Expenses - 300.00
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour via Klook - 2,324
• TOTAL - 4,467
• Hostel (2nd night) - 512.00
• Jiufen Tour - 2,014.00
• Jingmei Night Market Tour via Klook - 842.00
• Transportation - 60.00
• TOTAL - 3,728
• Hostel (3rd night) - 512.00
• Explore Taipei via Klook - 1,704
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket via Klook - 859.00
• Elephant Mountain - Free
• Transportation - 100.00
• Food Expenses - 500.00
• TOTAL - 3,675.00
• Hostel - 512.00
• TOTAL - 1,112.00
• Train to Taoyuan Airport - 272.00
• TOTAL - 772.00

GRAND TOTAL = 14,086.00 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Taipei-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Budget for pasalubong and tips
• Food expense for snacks

You can download a PDF copy of this Taiwan DIY Itinerary Travel Guide, HERE .

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights (3D2N) Itinerary for 8,000 Pesos

Day 1 - gold museum, jiufen and miramar entertainment park.

• 06:00 - Arrival in Taipei. Take the Airport Express to Taipei Main Station
• 07:30 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 08:00 - Have Breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:10 - Eat breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:40 - Walk to Ximen Bus Stop Station
• 09:00 - Take the city bus number 965 to Gold Museum
• 10:10 - Gold Museum Tour
• 11:50 - Lunch
• 12:30 - Gather and head to Jiufen by taking bus 965
• 13:00 - Explore Jiufen Old Street
• 14:30 - Gather and take bus 965 to Taipei
• 15:30 - Arrive at Taipei's Beimen MRT Station
• 15:45 - Take the MRT Green line and alight at Nanjing Fuxing
• 16:00 - Transfer the MRT brown line and take the train to Jiannan Rd. Station
• 16:30 - Go to Miramar Entertainment Park, ride the Ferris Wheel
• 18:30 - Dinner
• 20:00 - Head back to Ximen by taking the MRT Brown Line from Jiannan Rd. Station to Nanjing Fuxing
• 20:30 - Transfer to MRT Green Line to Ximen Station
• 21:00 - Back at the hotel/hostel

Day 2 - National Palace Museum, Shilin Residence, Dadaocheng, and Taipei 101

• 07:00 - Breakfast
• 08:00 - Take the MRT to Shilin Station and transfer to the Bus Red 30 (R30) which will take you directly to the National Palace Museum.
• 09:10 - Arrive at National Palace Museum, explore
• 10:50 - Gather at the exit and take the bus Bus Red 30 (R30) and head to Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 11:10 - Tour of Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 13:00 - Lunch
• 14:00 - Take the MRT to Daqiaotou Station. Take exit 1 and walk towards Dadaocheng district
• 15:00 - Arrive at Dadaocheng district
• 15:45 - Explore the district of Dadaocheng
• 18:00 - Dinner
• 19:00 - Walk back to Daqiaotou Station
• 19:30 - Take MRT from Daqiaotou Station to Dongmen Station and transfer to red line to Taipei101/World Trade Center Station.
• 20:00 - Arrive at Taipei 101 and visit Shou Xing Fang for souvenir shopping
• 20:30 - Go up to Taipei 101 Observatory
• 22:00 - Take the MRT back to Ximen Station
• 22:30 - Back at hotel/hostel

Day 3 - Yehliu Geopark and Juming Museum

• 06:00 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 06:30 - Breakfast
• 07:00 - Take the MRT from Ximen to Taipei Main Station then transfer the MRT Red Line to Tamsui Station
• 08:30 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service 862 to Yehliu Geopark
• 10:00 - Arrive at Yehliu Geopark, explore
• 12:00 - Lunch
• 13:00 - Depart for Juming Museum by taking Bus 862
• 13:30 - Tour Juming Museum
• 15:30 - Gather at the entrance of Juming Museum
• 15:45 - Take the Bus 862 back to Tamsui Station
• 17:00 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the MRT Red Line to Taipei Main Station then transfer to Ximen Station via the Blue Line.
• 17:40 - Arrive at Ximen Station/Taipei Main Station and Go to the hotel to pick-up bags
• 18:00 - Take the Airport Express Train to Taoyuan Airport
• 19:00 - Arrive at Taoyuan Airport. Check-in for your flight.
• You will be staying in a hostel for 1,000 pesos per night.
• Your food expenses is 800 pesos per day.
• You'll be taking the Airport Express Train from and to the Airport for 544 pesos round trip.
• You will be using a 3-day Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass worth 3,243 pesos. You can buy Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass here .

Breakdown of Expenses:

• 3 days Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass - PHP 3,243
• Hostel for 2 nights - PHP 2,000
• Food for 3 days - PHP 2,400
• Round trip Airport Express Train - PHP 544

TOTAL - PHP 8,187 per person

Taiwan travel blogs.

• Sample Taiwan Itineraries for 3, 4, 5 Days Tour
• 10 Free Things to Do in Taipei + Tourist and Attractions
• Taipei Taiwan Night Markets: Est, Shot and Explore!
• 3 Awesome Ways to Explore and Discover Taipei, Taiwan
• Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain (Best Views of Taipei + Travel Tips)
• Top Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Taipei, Taiwan
• The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Taipei using the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass
• Sample 2 Days Nantou, Taiwan Itinerary using the Nantou Fun Pass

I hope this COMPREHENSIVE TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG for First-timers help you in planning a memorable Taiwan Adventure! Enjoy and have fun in Taiwan!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 10 comments :.

Hi my husband is working in taiwan for almost 4 years and i will visit him this may 2018...in this case do i still need to show in the immigration a hotel accommodation or is it enough to show to them the address where my husband is staying as my proof of accommodation?

Great to know this TAIWAN VISA-FREE ACCESS for Filipinos is extended until July 31, 2019! I'm planning a trip soon, this Taipei Budget Travel Guide with sample DIY Itinerary is very helpful. This First-Timer's Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan is such a big help especially for first-timer like me.

Indeed, there are so many THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI. I used this as my travel guide. Get to Know the City on a Hop On Hop Off Tour. Get a Killer View of Taipei from the Taipei 101 Observatory. Eat Your Way Through Shilin and Raohe Night Markets. Get Artsy at a Museum or Creative Park. Go on a Free Walking Tour. Feel Tiny at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Planning a trip to Taiwan sometime soon? This is a comprehensive DIY itinerary travel guide that covers attractions and activities every first timer’s should not miss.

yong iti's mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers

yong iti portion mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers, i mean not the whole post

Hi. Me and my brother are planning to travel to Taiwan next month. It will my first time while second trip for my brother because he's already been to SG last year. Question, cos i'll be really on a tight budget for this trip like everything will be budgeted. Im just afraid that i'll be checked regarding my financial capability. Well, im actually employed for two years already but i dont have that "show money" thing. Is it okay? Thank you so much.

Hi, paano po kapag sa apartment ng bf/gf ka magtitigil for the rest of your vacation? Okay lang po bang sabihin na you'll be staying at your boyfriend's or girlfriend's place?

I love how detailed you are when explaining everything! Thank you for this! Excited to visit Taiwan again!

Thank you for this guide! Super detailed and helpful! God bless 🙏

thank you for this is very helpful. can i ask if how much money needed for my bank to not get offloaded if i want to travel i taiwan.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

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Taiwan or Thailand? A Mostly-Objective Travel Comparison

Once upon a time and not long ago, telling folks that you were planning to travel around Taiwan would generally be met with a puzzled reply of

“You mean Thailand, right?”

Indeed, the Taiwan/Thailand thing was so common as to have become something of an in-joke among western expats living in Taiwan. Those days are by and large behind us. While Thailand still ranks as one of the world’s top tourist destinations (and deservedly so), Taiwan has emerged as a travel destination in its own right, and nowadays even casual travelers can differentiate between Taiwan and Thailand despite the fact that both nations start with the letter T and are located in Asia.

As a writer who lives in Taiwan and traveled extensively in Thailand (most recently on an eight-day trip to Chiang Mai and the surrounding area), I thought it would be useful to compare and contrast these two countries from a travel perspective, answering the following questions:

• How are Taiwan and Thailand different?
• How are they similar?
• Which place is better for what kinds of travel?

First, let’s get the physical comparison out of the way. 

Taiwan and Thailand: A Quick Comparison

– thailand on a map.

Thailand weighs in at 514,000 sq km (198,456 sq mi) and has a population close to 70 million.

– Taiwan on a Map

Taiwan is tiny by comparison, coming in a tad over 36,000 square km (around 14,000 square miles) with a population of 23.5 million. So no question here, Thailand has a population three times the size of Taiwan, while the latter has a greater population density by virtue of its population-to-land mass ratio.

So while both countries offer a good mix of urban adventure and bucolic splendor, if taking overnight trains (often filled with smiling monks) is your thing, The Land of Smiles is your best choice.

If getting between major cities by train in an hour or two – or getting from one end of the country to the other in an afternoon – is what you’re after, The Heart of Asia wins hands down.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s move into the stuff to do categories. Both countries offer enough to attract active travelers for weeks, months or even longer. So let’s break it down.

Over Hill, Over Dale: Best Place for Hiking and Mountain Climbing

– hiking in taiwan.

Though the smaller of the two, Taiwan has no shortage of bucolic back-country to explore and significantly higher mountains to climb; Taiwan’s tallest peak, Jade Mountain , clocks in at 3,952 meters. ( Read also: Take a Hike: the Best Hiking Trails in Taiwan )

– Hiking in Thailand

At 2,565 meters, Thailand’s tallest Doi Inthanon is around 2/3 as high. So while visiting hill tribes in Northern Thailand is amazing, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that where hiking and mountain climbing is concerned, Taiwan offers more challenge and is the better destination for serious mountain climbers. This Round Goes to Taiwan!

The Life Aquatic: Best Place for Beach Activities

While Taiwan has pretty good beaches, scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling (especially in the southeast), Thailand has way more coastline to explore and a more tropical climate, making it a prime destination for people looking for beach activities.

So while Taiwan puts up a darn good fight in this category (Xiao Liuqiu has great snorkeling, and the scuba diving in Green Island is awesome), Thailand has Taiwan outclassed for nautical stuff. Kenting may be the Cancun of Taiwan, but there are legitimate cinematic reasons that Danny Boyle and Leonardo DiCaprio filmed their 2000 trouble in paradise film The Beach in the Gulf of Thailand and not in Kenting (or even Wai’ao) . ( Read also: 10 reasons to visit Xiao Liuqiu, Taiwan’s Hidden Island Gem )

Two Wheel Travel: Best Destination for Cycling

– cycling in taiwan.

Where cycling is concerned, Taiwan shines brightly. While offering different terrain and riding experiences, both places are popular with long-distance bicyclists. Whereas even the heartiest ex-NYC bike messengers will find Bangkok traffic insanely challenging (or just insane), most Taiwanese cities are pretty well set up for city cycling, offering a good variety of bike paths and a population more-or-less used to having to share the road. Taiwan is generally a more bicycle-friendly place to ride than Thailand, where traffic patterns are a bit more Mad Max-esque . Brits, Australians, and folks from left-side driving places will have less of an adjustment to make in Thailand (where they also drive on the left), while Americans, Canadians and other right-siders will be more at home in Taiwan (where they drive on the right). ( Read more: Eight Unforgettable Taiwan Cycling Routes )

As far as climate is concerned, subtropical Taiwan has a cooler winter than tropical Thailand, but both have longish hot and humid seasons. Thailand, being connected to Asia can be ridden to, obviously, whereas Taiwan, being an island, cannot. That said, circumnavigating Taiwan is an achievable goal while circumnavigating Thailand by bike would be a somewhat trickier proposition. While there’s much to be said for riding in both places, Taiwan gets the gold in this category for five reasons:

• Taiwan is significantly cooler, especially from November to April;
• Taiwan has better roads and bike trails;
• Taiwan has higher mountains for riders who like to climb;
• Bicycle culture is quite ingrained in Taiwan’s national psyche;
• I’ve been cycling in Taiwan for over 20 years and I’m still not bored.

Religious Attractions: Best Place for Spiritual Travellers

Religion plays a strong role in both Taiwanese and Thai culture. Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation with a large Muslim minority, while Taiwan is a predominantly Buddhist/Taoist country with a sizable Christian minority (most pronounced among indigenous tribes). You’ll find a cornucopia of stunning temples laden with Buddhist artwork and other spiritual treasures in both countries. But the Buddhism practiced in Thailand is, to its Taiwanese counterpart “Same Same but Different” (to borrow a phrase often heard on the streets of Bangkok). While the Taiwanese people predominantly practice Mahayana Buddhism heavily flavored with Confucian principles and Taoist tradition, Thai Buddhism is drawn from the Theravada school, which tends to be more conservative. Visitors (especially women) should dress a bit more conservatively at Thai temples. And on that note, while you’ll never see a sign forbidding women from entering temples in Taiwan, you’ll definitely see them in Thai temples. ( Read more: 1 3 Tips for having a deeper Taiwan Temple experience )

And while you’ll occasionally come across more “Chinese” style temples in Thailand, stylistically and architecturally, Thai and Taiwanese temples are quite different. Taiwan Scene Temple expert Stephanie Huffman writes:

“Thailand temples are focused solely on Buddhist iconography and mythology. Taiwanese temples are more of a communal nature. While a temple will focus on a main deity, other deities are given space. Visit a temple in Taiwan and you’ll likely find Buddhist deities coexisting peacefully with Taoist gods and Confucius figures. The main deity is always consulted before a new god is introduced into the building. This co-mingling of beliefs is a reflection on the multi-diversity of Taiwanese society. Aesthetically, these temples are quite different. Thailand temples are more angular and have several peaks on the roofs. Taiwan temples have their own peaks but less in number and there is more incorporation of round edges. Thai Temples use gold leaf for decoration and it is a predominant color. Taiwanese temples embrace a multitude of colors and combinations of gold, yellow, red, green, white, blue and black colors create a mosaic effect.”

Religion, of course, is a deeply personal (not to mention historically highly sensitive) issue, one which really ought not to be compared in terms of “greater” or “lesser”. I don’t think anyone (Thai or Taiwanese) will begrudge my answering this question indirectly and diplomatically. Thailand and Taiwan are both must-visits for spiritual travelers, especially those with an interest in Buddhism. 

Culinary Travel: Best Place for Foodies

Though not quite as likely to cause a brawl as religion (except in Singapore, where it often does), cuisine is another deeply sensitive subject. Both countries have Michelin-starred restaurants, both have long and storied culinary histories blending influences from all over Asia, both have excellent night markets, both have great local fruit, and both have legions of expat fans willing to throw down at any perceived slight to the cuisine of their adopted homeland. ( You might also like: Taiwan Knows Food: A Guide to Taipei’s Michelin-Worthy Night Markets )

So at the risk of being accused of being wishy-washy, I’m calling this category a draw with the following caveats:

• Travelers drawn to the culinary traditions of the Middle Kingdom, Austronesian tribal groups and Japan will probably prefer Taiwan.
• Travelers drawn to the culinary traditions of SE Asia, or those looking for extreme day-after bowel searing levels of spiciness will probably prefer Thailand.

Verdict: Though different, Taiwan and Thailand are equally great places to eat!

Budget Travel: Best Bang For The Travel Buck

Like beaches in Thailand and Mountains in Taiwan, this category isn’t going to be hard to call.

Thailand has a long history as a budget travel destination, and while prices have risen steadily there over the decades, Thailand is still the cheaper destination of the two. As of this writing (May 2019), the Thai Baht (THB) and New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) are pretty much equal, both hovering between 30-32 to the USD.

(roughly) =

While deals abound on both sides (especially through sites like hotels.com and others), you’ll have a much easier time finding decent hotels under 1000 THB in Thailand than you will finding hotels for under 1000 TWD in Taiwan, and your standard “Under 50 USD a night” hotel in Thailand will generally offer more luxury than a similarly-priced hotel in Taiwan. The same applies to hostels, with Thailand having generally more and generally cheaper hostels than Taiwan. 

Where food is concerned, it’s pretty much the same story. Whether you’re going to restaurants or night markets, a thousand THB is going to buy you a lot of great Thai food, and a thousand NTD is going to buy you considerably less great Taiwanese food. The same applies to souvenirs, clothing and memorable bric-a-brac of all sorts. Not only is Thailand cheaper, but many major city markets have nearby post offices where they’ll help you pack your stuff up and mail it back home (after checking, of course, that you’re not trying to ship home Buddha statues, which is illegal in Thailand).

So in this category, it’s no contest. While the Thai Baht and Taiwan Dollar have roughly the same exchange value at the bank, the Baht has about 35% more local buying power than the Taiwan Dollar. While it’s possible to be a budget traveler in Taiwan, Thailand is made for budget travel.

Far From the Maddening Crowd: Best Place to Escape Other Tourists

As the previous category was uncontested for Thailand, our final category goes hands down to Taiwan, and to prove it, I’m calling in one of the biggest names in the Marvel Universe. But before bringing Thanos into the argument, a few facts are in order.

Thailand was the 9th most visited nation globally in 2018 and has pretty consistently been on the top-ten most visited nations list for years. While you can find plenty of untouristed spots throughout Thailand if you look hard enough, so many of the country’s must-see highlights are so geared towards foreign tourists (and increasingly visitors from China, who can now drive overland through Laos from Kunming to Chiang Mai in about ten hours) that it’s almost impossible to imagine them existing without tourism.

While inbound tourism in Taiwan is growing every year as more and more people realize the island has a great deal to offer to travelers of all interests, Taiwan is nowhere close to being considered an oversaturated tourist market. Outside of a few dozen spots which are generally considered tourist must-visits (Jiufen and Pingxi definitely come to mind), tourists are in the distinct minority even in that the government has gone out of its way to designate as “tourist” spots (The Raohe or Shilin night markets, Taipei 101, Dadaocheng…the list goes on). From crowded night market to bustling temple, Taiwan’s popular attractions were popular with locals before (most) anyone outside of Taiwan knew they existed. ( You might also like: Secrets to Traveling around Taiwan over Chinese New Year )

Which brings us to Thanos (and this article to the Endgame):

Imagine, if you will, that the mighty Thanos, having had one too many bad experiences getting jostled by Lonely Planet-wielding backpackers, had decided to focus the unthinkable power of the Infinity Gauntlet not on the general population, but just on tourists .

Appearing on Earth, the purple Titan declares “When I snap my fingers, anyone who doesn’t reside in the country in which they’re currently standing will be reduced to dust!”

From the Pattaya to Chiang Mai, every temple, tourist neighborhood and night market is suddenly reduced in population by 80% or more. Those left are in a state of shock and bewilderment. The air is filled with ash and cries of Thuk khn xyū̀ thī̀h̄ịn? (“Where is everybody?”)

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, the reduction in night market crowds are barely perceptible, and outside of merchants who’d at the moment of *snapture* been chatting with a foreign customer, the event passes largely unnoticed. Temples around the island are still noisy, and the slight increase in windblown ash (if noticed at all) will be attributed to a strong breeze blowing across the courtyard brazier. (Read more: Seven Taiwan Night Markets Everyone Needs to Visit )

In conclusion, Taiwan and Thailand are both excellent travel destinations, and both countries should be on any serious traveler’s bucket list.

But why choose at all? Taipei to Chiang Mai is quick and cheap flight, as is Kaohsiung to Bangkok. Whether you’re planning a Taiwan Layover or your trip of a lifetime, click here to see what options you have !

Start Your Trip to Taiwan Now!

• Taiwan Travel Tips:Read Before You Go
• “Baby, it’s cold outside!” Winter in Taiwan
• Swim Good: A Guide to Taiwanese Swimming Etiquette
• Do in Taiwan as the Taiwanese do! Seven Taiwan Taboos worth knowing about

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A foreigner who has lived both in Taiwan & Singapore makes a comparison between the two countries when it comes to living as an expatriate.

He gives a fair comparison on several aspects:

• Ease of Getting Things Done
• Government Services & Taxes
• Car Ownership
• Daily Commute

His name is Richard and he describes himself as such:

“I’m Richard, a forty-something Brit who has been living and working in Asia for almost half my life. ​A part-time fascination with high places developed into a full-time addiction while living in Taiwan, and now I try to spend any free time available tramping the trails of this vast and beautiful continent. Through this channel I hope to introduce the pleasures of hiking to as many people as possible and inspire them to get active, get outside and in touch with nature. When not scaling peaks I like to cook, eat, read, and spend time with my family.”

Richard runs a YouTube channel named Asia Hikelopedia .

Among the aspects he has shared, he finds that the cost of living in Singapore is much higher than in Taiwan. That’s no surprise, actually. He rented a home Taiwan for NT30,000 (SGD1,388) while in Singapore, it would cost him NT65,000 (SGD2,800).

For healthcare, Taiwan wins with their national healthcare system while in Singapore, it’s basically private healthcare for foreigners.

Regarding public transport both countries are very similar in terms of cost and convenience.

He does find that groceries are generally cheap, if one knows where to buy their food from, such as wet markets.

Education is another peeve for him as it is rather expensive to put kids through school in Singapore as a foreigner. The education costs that a Singapore is often used to is heavily subsidised while a foreigner is not eligible for these subsides. In Taiwan, it’s as good as free.

He gives a fair assessment and comparison.

We shall not spoil all the point he covered. Watch the video below. Let us know what you think.

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