Taiwan: A Complete Guide for Indian Travelers on a Budget šŸŽ’

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pingxi sky lantern festival in taiwan
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Rich culture, a food loverā€™s paradise :steaming_bowl: and buzzing nightlife :night_with_stars:. No, this isnā€™t Singapore or Thailand. This is Taiwan :taiwan: an island gem, where tradition meets modern charm, known for its vibrant night markets, lush landscapes and rich culture.

This guide will tell you why you should travel to Taiwan :taiwan: this fall! :smiley:

Why Visit Taiwan?

  • Cultural Fusion: Taiwan is a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures. From temples to tea houses, every corner tells a story!:books:
  • Stunning Landscapes: Explore breathtaking national parks, rolling hills, and coastal views.:national_park:
  • Delicious Cuisine: From bubble tea to Scallion Pancakes , Taiwan is a foodieā€™s paradise.

When to Visit Taiwan? :spiral_calendar:

  • Best Seasons: Visit in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. :cherry_blossom::fallen_leaf:

  • Festivals Galore: Try to catch the Lantern Festival or Dragon Boat Festival for a cultural immersion like no other! :fireworks:

How to Get There? :airplane_departure:

Flights with Layovers: Most flights from major Indian cities offer a one stop trip to Taipei :cityscape:.

Pro TipšŸ’”: Compare prices and check for connecting flights in popular cities like Singapore or Bangkok to find the best deals.

Visa for Indian Travelers

  • Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC): You may be eligible for a free, online TAC :laptop: if you have a valid visa or resident permit :passport_control: (or had one in the past 10 years) from countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, any Schengen country, the UK, or the US. This certificate is valid for 90 days.

  • Standard Visa: If you donā€™t qualify for the TAC, youā€™ll need to apply for a standard visitor visa :memo: through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India.

  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months :date: and have your itinerary ready :luggage: for a smooth application process :page_facing_up:.

NOTE: :memo:
:one: Online TAC: Eligible Indian citizens with specific valid visas can get a free online permit for a 14-day stay :spiral_calendar:.
:two: Standard Visa: Those not eligible for TAC must apply for a visa :passport_control: at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center.

Must-Experience in Taiwan :glowing_star:

The ā€œGolden Triangleā€ :sparkles:

Taipei (North): The bustling capital :cityscape: is a must-see :eyes:.

  • Taipei 101: An iconic skyscraper that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city :milky_way:. Take a ride on one of the worldā€™s fastest elevators to the top and see the giant pendulum inside that helps stabilize the building.
  • Jiufen Old Street: A charming, historic village with a magical, lantern-lined atmosphere :red_paper_lantern:.
  • National Palace Museum: Home to one of the worldā€™s greatest collections of Chinese art and artifacts :framed_picture:.
  • Shilin Night Market: The most famous night market for a deep dive into Taiwanā€™s food scene :steaming_bowl:.

Taichung (Central): Known for its pleasant climate :sun_behind_small_cloud: .

  • Sun Moon Lake: Taiwanā€™s largest lake, perfect for biking, boating, and enjoying peaceful scenery :sunrise:.
  • Rainbow Village: A small, colorful village painted by a local veteran, creating a whimsical and unique art installation .

Kaohsiung (South): A major port city with a relaxed vibe :relieved_face:.

  • Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: Iconic twin pagodas :dragon: at Lotus Pond , where you enter through the dragonā€™s mouth and exit through the tigerā€™s mouth for good luck.
  • Pier-2 Art Center: A vibrant, redeveloped port area filled with creative studios, public art, and cafes :hot_beverage:.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
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The Natural Wonders :herb:

  • Taroko Gorge (Hualien): A breathtaking marble gorge on the east coast, with dramatic cliffs and scenic hiking trails :person_walking:.
  • Alishan National Scenic Area: Famous for its ā€œsea of cloudsā€ sunrises , ancient forests, and the historic forest railway :locomotive:.

Alishan National Scenic Area
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Best Food to Try in TaiwanšŸ§‹

  • Street Snacks: Relish street food like stinky tofu and scallion pancakes. They are affordable and delicious! :chopsticks:
  • Bubble Tea: Originating in Taiwan, this drink is beyond taste, offering a fun, multi-sensory experience.

What to Buy in Taiwan? :shopping_bags:

  • Local Handicrafts: Take home unique crafts and souvenirs from local markets.
  • Tea Leaves: Taiwan is famous for its oolong tea. Buy some to enjoy a taste of Taiwan at home. :teacup_without_handle:

Some useful Tips :airplane:

  • :convenience_store: 7-Eleven is your hub: Use them for everything, even paying bills.
  • :credit_card: EasyCardā€™s secret: It pays for You Bikes, store items, and TRA trains.
  • :train: Go TRA, not HSR: TRA trains are cheaper, more convenient for scenic routes.
  • :litter_in_bin_sign: No public trash bins: Carry your garbage with you until you find one.
  • :spiral_calendar: Book weekends early: Hotels and tickets sell out fast. Plan ahead!
  • :mobile_phone: Stay Connected: Download a translation app to help with language barriers. Itā€™s a lifesaver!

From night markets to mountain trails, Taiwan proves you donā€™t need to spend big to experience something amazingā€‹:sunrise_over_mountains::steaming_bowl:.

Discover more about Taiwan::link:

Taipei Travel Guide for Indian TravelersšŸŒ
Taiwanā€™s Night Markets: A Culinary Journey for Travelers :steaming_bowl:

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