Taiwan: A Budget-Friendly Adventure Awaits

In 2016, Taiwan emerged as a top travel destination, offering an experience reminiscent of Japan at a fraction of the cost. This affordability, coupled with stunning scenery and a welcoming atmosphere, makes Taiwan an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Join us on a 6 August Journey as we explore the wonders of this captivating island nation.

Where have we been? - We've been there twice to collect these places to share, so let's rank them by what's there and what you don't want to miss.

The cost of admission is fixed for everyone, but the cost of food and flights will vary depending on individual choices. Therefore, these costs are not specified.

Our shared travel experiences:
"Backpacking" in "Chiang Rai": You can travel without a car, did you know? : https://pantip.com/topic/34045582
"Tokyo": Exploring "by zone" to save time, did you know? : https://pantip.com/topic/34467783
"Kyoto": Living on "2,500" baht, did you know? : https://pantip.com/topic/34523298
"Backpacking" in "Chanthaburi": Easy travel, did you know? : https://pantip.com/topic/35483016
"Angkor Wat" to "Mui Ne": 5 days, 3 cities, 2 countries, easy travel, did you know? : https://pantip.com/topic/35924949
"NOOJO ART AND FARM": A self-sufficient lifestyle accessible by "free train": https://pantip.com/topic/36068671

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**Our top pick: T**oroko National Park [Hualien City]

Has anyone ever taken the romantic train line in Kyoto? The scenery here is breathtaking, with vibrant blue hues and a refreshing breeze.

We think that during the fall foliage season, we would like to come back here again. The atmosphere here is truly enchanting.
For those who are planning to visit here, we recommend using the bus service. They offer a chartered bus service for the day.
If you have been to Kawaguchiko, you can imagine that there are buses running every few minutes. You can check the timetable to see when the buses will arrive at each stop.
This is the best option. However, if you are coming with your family, you can also charter a car. It's like a private group, and it might be less tiring. It costs around 500-600 baht per person. But if you take the bus, it's around 100 baht.

Second place to visit: Alishan forest recreation area [Chiayi City]

The Alishan Forest Railway evokes a sense of romanticism akin to Kyoto's Torokko train line. While the platforms and trains may differ, the captivating scenery along the tracks remains a shared element. The Japanese influence on Alishan stems from its historical occupation by Japan, resulting in a striking resemblance to the aesthetics of the Land of the Rising Sun. The railway's breathtaking beauty has earned it international recognition, ranking among the world's most scenic train journeys. Amidst the fresh air and lush greenery, a stroll through this century-old forest transforms into a premium experience. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this natural sanctuary, where time seems to stand still.

Third place to recommend: Beitou [Taipei City]

Beitou, a district renowned for its hot springs, offers a relaxing escape. The resemblance between Taiwan and Japan is undeniable. While Japan boasts onsen, Taiwan offers hot springs, complete with hotels that provide services at a premium price. However, due to our limited time, we opted for a scenic walk instead, capturing the essence of the place before our hurried return to Thailand.

The fourth most famous is: Sun Moon Lake [Nantou City]

The first step is to purchase tickets, preferably as a package deal. This package includes transportation by bus, boat, and train, as well as entrance to various attractions. Similar to the Osaka Amazing Pass, the details of this package vary depending on the duration of your stay. Our journey begins with a scenic boat ride around the lake. Boats depart in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Choose the operator you purchased your package from and board their vessel. There are approximately four stops, each offering stunning temples. While I can't recall the names of each temple, we visited them all.

Fifth place for rejuvenation: Totoro Figure [Taichung City]

The image of a Halloween costume at a kindergarten, where parents dressed up as their children's older siblings, is unforgettable.
It originated here. Totoro fans, don't miss the bus stop that imitates the cartoon, where you can stand and wait.
It's fun, and I really want to take these characters home with me. 55+

**Sixth Place: Yehliu Geopark [Taipei City]**

The entrance fee is 80 Taiwanese dollars, which is about 90 Thai baht. You can walk around as much as you want and take pictures of all the rocks. It's worth it!
I forgot to mention that this is considered a natural beauty that was created millions of years ago when the ground collided, creating rocks.
The beauty is beyond nature, it's amazing!

**Seventh Place: Juifen Old Street** [City: Taiwan]

Juifen Old Street is a great place to grab a bite to eat and wait for dusk. They have giant grilled squid here, which is the same kind they sell at the EmQuartier mall in Bangkok for 100 Taiwanese dollars. You can actually find it in many places, but it's more fun to eat it here. 55+
Juifen is especially beautiful near dusk. This town is famous for inspiring the cityscape in the popular anime film Spirited Away.

Eighth Place: Taipei This city alone has many must-see places.