The Ultimate 8 Day Taiwan Road Trip Itinerary & Guide

After two weeks of resting, catching up on work and exploring Taipei Mathew and I came up with a crazy last minute idea to explore the rest of Taiwan. “Lets rent a campervan and go on a Taiwan Road Trip around the entire island”.

Now we’ve done road-trips in Iceland, New Zealand and several back home in America but never once did it ever occur to us that Taiwan would be a road trip kind of country. But we’re here to officially say that renting a campervan and exploring the island of Taiwan should be on every nature and adventure seekers bucket list.

Now you’ll quickly realize that there isn’t much information on campervaning in Taiwan. We actually only saw one other van on our 8 day journey through Taiwan, but I have a huge feeling this will be changing very soon.

So here is a Taiwan Road Trip Guide that will hopefully makes your experience a little bit easier than ours.

In this guide I will talk about the route we took, recommend stops, food stops, showers and of course any travel tips to make your road-trip in Taiwan go as smoothly as possible.

This post is The Ultimate 8 Day Taiwan Road Trip Itinerary & Guide.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information. Thanks for your support!

Taiwan Fun Facts

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• Official Language: Taiwanese and Mandarin 
• Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or NT)
• Population: 24 Million
• Capital City: Taipei
• Major International Airport: Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, Taichung International Airport and Songshan Airport 
• Best Time to Visit: February-April & October-December
• Taiwan is the most mountainous island in the WORLD.
• Taiwan was a Japanese colony for 50 years from 1895 to 1945.
• Bubble Tea was invented in Taichung Taiwan, you can still visit the original store “Chun Shui Tang”
• Taiwan has the 2nd highest concentration of convenience stores, hello 7-Eleven and Family Mart!

Taiwan is giving away free money! It’s called Taiwan the Lucky Land and is running until June 30, 2025. Below is the link to register. It’s completely free!

8 Day Taiwan Road Trip Itinerary & Guide

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Recommended Days for Taiwan Road Trip

Although we did our trip in 8 days I actually recommend adding an additional 2 days. We felt a little rushed and in the end we both agreed that an additional two days would have been perfect.

Renting the campervan for 9-10 nights will allow a slower pace and shorter travel days.

Places we Wished we Had Time to Visit:

• Walami Trail in Yui
• Sixty Stone Mountain 
• Sun Link Sea Forest Nature Park
• Permitted Hike at Yushan National Park 

Campervan Rental in Taiwan

Since campervans are a new thing in Taiwan it was actually quite challenging to find a source. After days of research and some emails I finally found one place that seemed to have exactly what we needed. We got lucky!

We found a very friendly company called SCD Camp, located in Taipei who rents micro campers. The van was equipped with an awning, chairs, table, fan, speaker, twinkle lights, pans, kitchenware and stove. Pretty much everything we needed to get on the road. 

The only thing we did need to buy was pillows and a blanket. We asked SCD Camp why they didn’t provide bedding and they said that all their customers are currently from Taiwan, so they bring their own.

I’m would imagine in the near future once they start getting more bookings from international guests that they will start providing bedding for their customers. In the meantime I will tell you were we found some cheap bedding for under $40 USD.

We found what we needed at Carrefour, you can find all your supplies you might need for your journey here.

Now if you’re asking yourself, where do you sleep? This adorable micro camper has a back seat that turns into a bed. Plus it has AC and most importantly this vehicle is reliable and comfortable.

Have WhatsApp contact SCD Camp Rental directly at +886 987 332 277

Taiwan Camper Van Rental Requirements

In order to drive in Taiwan you will need an International Driving License, which can only be obtained in your home country.

Mathew got his IDP (International Driving Permit/License) at AAA. Cost for IDP is $20 USD.

You will also need rental insurance. Contact your current car insurance and ask if coverage can be used for a campervan rental in Taiwan or in our case we used our travel insurance Saftey Wing to cover our rental. SCD Camp provides rental insurance for Taiwanese customers only.

Must Visit Places on Taiwan Road Trip

This Taiwan Road Trip starts in Taipei heading north then driving along the eastern shoreline via Highway 9. Gradually making our way to the southern tip of Taiwan via Highway 11, stopping in central Taiwan for a couple days before finishing back in Taipei.

The beauty of road-trips has to be the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eyes and trust me you’ll be pulling over A LOT!

But below is a list of our recommend stops.

Yehliu Geopark

Our first official stop is, Yehliu Geopark.

Located in northern Taiwan, renowned for its unique geological formations shaped by natural erosion and weathering. The park features remarkable rock structures, including the famous Queen’s Head, which attracts visitors from around the world.

Its stunning coastal scenery and diverse geological wonders make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Yehliu Geopark Entrance Cost: $4 USD/ NT $120

Open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Parking: Free

Tip: If you’re interested there’s a small trail that takes you to the end of the peninsula. It’s an easy 35 minute walk off the main trail. You will see some steps leading up near the cafe/ book store.

Jiufen Old Street

Have you heard of the Japanese Anime Spirited Away? Well locals say Jiufen was its inspiration. Situated on a cliffside lit up by beautiful red lanterns you would easily be convinced that it in fact was.

Jiufen Old Street, nestled in the mountains of northern Taiwan, is a charming and historic area known for its narrow alleyways and traditional teahouses. The street offers local snacks, artisanal crafts, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape and ocean.

Craving something sweet make sure to stop by either Grandma Lai’s Sweet Taro Balls or A Gan Yi Taro Ball Shop for a Jiufen specialty.

Parking in Jiufen can be a little hectic but honestly wasn’t too bad. You’ll see parking attendants flagging down customers to park in their garage for a fee of $6 USD/ NT $200. A bit pricey but saved us the headache of looking for parking and it was right at the Old Street entrance, so it was super convenient.

Teapot Mountain

Teapot Mountain known for its distinct teapot-shaped rock formation at summit is a popular day trip from Taipei but lucky for you you’ll have your own car and can plan it accordingly.

After exploring Jiufen drive to Teapot Mountain Trailhead and spend your first night in the parking lot near Quanji Temple. I know not the best location but I promise you it’ll be worth it. Be on the trailhead by 8:00 am and you’ll get to enjoy this hike and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush green valleys below all to yourself.

To find the trail from the parking lot you can either follow the road around the side of the hill, or take this tunnel cutting through the hill. 

Distance: 3 miles/ 5 KM

Duration: 2 Hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking: $3 USD/ NT $100 for weekdays, $4.50 USD/ $150 on weekends but we were there so early nobody was there to charge us.

Tip: Their is a couple porta potties near the trail but the restrooms at Quanji Temple are much nicer, this is where we went in the morning to freshen up and use the restroom.

Hualien

Driving along the coast from Teapot Mountain Trail to Hualien offers a spectacular journey through Taiwan’s scenic eastern shoreline. The route winds past dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and pristine beaches, with the Pacific Ocean as a constant stunning backdrop. Stop as you please and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.

If open make sure to stop by Qingshui Cliffs near Hualien.

End your day at Qixingtan Scenic Area in Hualien. This area has clean restrooms and beautiful beachfront views of Qixingtan Beach.

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park, located in eastern Taiwan, is renowned for its stunning marble gorge and dramatic landscapes. The park features towering cliffs, winding rivers, and lush forests, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. With its rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery, Taroko is one of Taiwan’s most treasured natural wonders.

Unfortunately due to the recent earthquake in Hualien, Taroko National Park was closed during our visit. If it’s open during your visit this is a must stop and would dedicate 1 full day here.

Dashibishan Trail

Again, because of the recent earthquake this trail was closed during our visit, but would be a great stop to stretch your legs.

Shitiping

Before leaving Hualien we really enjoyed breakfast at a local eatery called (茱莉早餐吧).

After breakfast we set off for our next stop, Shitiping. This was Mathew’s favorite stop.

Shitiping, offers unique coastal terraces and striking rock formations. The area’s tidal platforms and blowholes create a dramatic seascape, perfect for exploring and photography.

Shitiping’s blend of geological wonders and oceanic beauty make it a captivating spot to wander around and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.

You can also see brave fishermen perched on top rock formations trying to reel in their catch of the day.

Parking: $1.50 USD/ NT $50

Sanxiantai Arch Bridge 

Our second favorite stop on our Taiwan Road Trip, Sanxiantai Arch Bridge.

This iconic dragon like structure connects the mainland to the picturesque Sanxiantai Island. The bridge, with its distinctive eight arches offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and rugged coastline.

This landmark is renowned for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for visitors seeking both natural and architectural marvels.

Make sure to dedicate 2-3 hours for this visit. There’s a trail from the mainland to Sanxiantai Island that should not be missed.

Parking: $1.50 USD/ NT $50

Hot Spring Spa

At this point in our Taiwan Road Trip we were ending day 3 and desperately needed a shower. We decided to make an experience out of it and to our surprise ended up being one of our favorite moments of our trip. On our way to Kenting we decided to stop in Taitung in search of a hot springs spa.

I mean Taiwan is known for their hot springs so it was definitely something we wanted to try while we were in Taiwan. Let me tell you, it was a ton of fun and highly recommend it.

We decided on Toyugi Hot Spring Resort & Spa.

Toyugi Hot Spring Resort & Spa Cost: $11 USD/ NT $350, this also included a mandatory swimmers cap.

We really enjoyed our time at Toyugi Hot Spring Resort & Spa. As the only foreigners there it was so funny trying to figure out all the different buttons.

For obvious reason we showered before getting in the pools and of course afterwards. Shampoo and body wash are provided and the water pressure is beautiful. Don’t forget to bring a towel, they don’t provide one.

Tip: Drop your swimsuit, towel and cap into the small dryer you’ll see in the changing room, this will ring out any excess water and dry your cloths in half the time.

From Taitung we drove down to Kenting and ended our night near the Haikou Fishing Harbor located HERE or type (海口沙灘公廁) into google maps. To our surprise this rest stop actually had free showers along with clean restrooms, but if you want an official campsite google (露營區).

Kenting National Park

Welcome to the oldest National Park in Taiwan, Kenting National Park, located on the southern tip of Taiwan. Renowned for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and diverse marine life.

The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife watching.

Kenting National Park is free with the exception of one area, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. Kenting National Forest Recreation Area offers lush tropical forests, unique limestone formations, and diverse plant life.

Visitors can explore serene scenic trails, botanical gardens, caves and panoramic viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Kenting National Forest Recreation Area Entrance Cost: $3 USD/ NT $100

Parking: $1.50 USD/ NT $50

I also recommend stopping at

• Southernmost Point of Taiwan
• Longpan Park
• Fengchuisha

Kaohsiung

Next up on our Taiwan Road Trip is Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s vibrant southern port city.

Highlights include the picturesque Love River, Lotus Lake, the futuristic Dome of Light in the MRT, and the artistic Pier-2 Art Center.

We spent one day in Kaohsiung and had some of the best food of our entire road-trip in this city. Make sure to stop by Chun Lan Gua Boa and right next door is a dumpling place called (天饞餃麵食館). Honestly try both!

Instead of staying the night, we decided to head closer to Alishan. Here is where those extra days could have saved us from some really long travel days.

We stayed at the Longyin Temple parking lot near the river. The temple offers clean restrooms, is close to restaurants and a Family Mart.

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Alishan, located in central Taiwan, is renowned for its stunning sunrises, misty mountain landscapes, and the historic Alishan Forest Railway. The area features lush forests, ancient cypress trees, and scenic trails.

This was my favorite stop on our entire Taiwan Road Trip. It reminded us a lot of home with such beautiful large cypress trees, we felt like we were in Northern California. It was misty, cool and absolutely beautiful. I would dedicate at least 5 hours for this stop.

If you need help planning out your route head into the Visitor Center. The staff was kind, informative and helped us plan out our visit.

Alishan Entrance Cost: $10 USD/ NT $350.00

We also wanted to experience the historic Alishan Forest Railway. So after exploring around Alishan for 5 hours we hitched a ride from Sacred Tree Station back to Alishan Station, close to where our car was parked.

Alishan Train Ride Cost: $3 USD/ NT $100

Tip: Grab lunch at Xianling Service Area, we ordered a huge meat bowl that fed both of us and it was honestly so delicious for $15 USD/ NT $500. You can also grab coffee and tea at various stands.

Yushan National Park

Yushan National Park,is a short 40 minute drive from Alishan and is home to the majestic Yushan (Jade Mountain), the highest peak in East Asia. The park features diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged cliffs, making it a haven for hikers.

With its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, Yushan National Park offers an unparalleled outdoor adventure experience.

After talking to a ranger at Yushan National Park we planned our hike for the following morning. We also asked where we could stay for the night, she responded “If you’re in a vehicle and not camping in a tent you can stay anywhere”. So we found a beautiful parking area close to the trailhead for our hike the next morning.

Now Yushan is one we regret not planning out ahead of time, so lucky for you you’ll have plenty of time to get a permitted hike. We would have loved to hike either Yushan, Yushan Main Trail North Peak or Yushan Front Peak, but all of these hikes need a permit.

International travelers should apply for permits at least 35 days-4 months in advance.

If you do not have enough time to reserve a permit I recommend the hike we did which doesn’t require a permit.

Hike: Mount Linjhih Loop

Distance: 6 miles

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Overall it was a beautiful hike and surprisingly we were the only ones on trail for almost the entirety of the hike.

Tip: If you’re looking for a place to eat the restaurant at Yushan National Park Visitor Center was actually so good. We ordered the Kimchi Hot Pot which fed both of us for $11 USD/ NT $350.

Sun Moon Lake

For our night in Sun Moon Lake we decided to pay for a campsite. We really wanted to be close to the lake and have a shower, so we googled some campsites and ended up finding a great spot to park our van.

The owners were so nice and welcoming!

Find the location HERE or type (日月潭翠湖休閒渡假中心) into google maps.

Campsite Cost: $30 USD/ NT $1000 (This was for a site closest to the lake on the bottom level)

Sun Moon Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake renowned for its serene beauty and surrounding lush mountains.

This area offers a variety of activities including boating, cycling, and hiking, along with exploring cultural sites like the Wenwu Temple.

Before exploring we found a local spot for breakfast called (黃記早餐) and within walking distance of breakfast found coffee at (Novia’s Café and The’) which happened to be the best cappuccinos we had on our entire roadtrip.

Afterwards we explored Ci En Pagoda, Wenwu Temple, Nine Frogs Stack and cycled around the lake, which I highly recommend.

If you need a little afternoon pick me up during your bike ride, head into Xiangshan Visitor Center. They serve creamy and delicious soft serve ice cream. Try the mixed which is half vanilla half matcha! So good.

Surprisingly there is no swimming allowed at Sun Moon Lake.

Bike Rental Cost: $9 USD/ NT $300 for a 3 hour rental

In town you will see tons of shops renting bikes. In the end we decided to go with a shop that was right across from the parking lot we happen to park in, you can find the shop HERE or type (日月潭悠遊單車 租賃行) into google maps.

Taichung

Our final stop on our Taiwan Road Trip is Taichung.

A vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene, bustling night markets, and innovative architecture. The city boasts attractions like the National Taichung Theater, Rainbow Village, and the picturesque Gaomei Wetlands.

With its blend of modernity and tradition, Taichung offers visitors a dynamic and diverse urban experience.

Love boba milk tea? Make sure to visit The Original Store of Chun Shui Tang where the delicious drink was invented, also if time allows visit the FengChia Night Market.

After spending the day in Taichung we decided to head back to Taipei. This way we could have nice relaxing morning.

We ended our night near Shoushan Love Lookout. The views from this lookout are absolutely amazing but sadly weren’t allowed to stay inside the parking area.

Just outside the entrance we found a safe place to stay the night, we used the restroom before going to bed at Shoushan Love Lookout and in the morning as well.

Taipei

Sadly after 3 weeks our time in Taiwan had come to an end. After returning our campervan, SCD was kind enough to take us to the MRT station where you can take a direct train to the airport. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to Taoyuan International Airport.

If you are spending some time in Taipei after your Taiwan Road Trip you might also like to read The Best of Taiwan Travel Guide where I cover the top Taipei attractions, the best Taipei Night Markets, where to eat in Taipei and how to get around Taipei.

Taiwan Road Trip Summary

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Day 1: Yehliu Geopark and Juifen Old Street

Day 2: Teapot Mountain and Hualien

Day 3: Shitiping, Sanxiantai Arch Bridge and Hot Springs Spa in Taitung

Day 4: Kenting National Park and Kaohsiung

Day 5: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Day 6: Yushan National Park

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake and Taichung

Day 8: Taipei

Taiwan Road Trip Distance & Cost

• Distance Travelled: 839 Miles/ 1350 KM
• 7 Night 8 Day Campervan Rental: $770 USD/ NT $24,800
• Cost of Gas: 125.66 USD/ NT $4100
• Tolls 9.48 USD/ NT $325
• Campsite (1 Night Only) $30 USD/ NT $1000

Campsites in Taiwan

According to the Yushan Park Ranger, Freedom Camping is allowed throughout Taiwan, even inside National Parks as long as you stay inside a vehicle and not a tent.

We freedom camped at temples, parks, scenic areas and harbors. If you prefer official campsites google (露營區).

Taiwan Road Trip Bathroom Facilities

Finding a restroom on the road is not a problem. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll find a bathroom at 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Parks, Scenic Recreation Areas, Visitor Centers, popular attractions, and temples.

Plus public bathroom facilities in Taiwan are aways clean and free.

Where to Find Showers on Taiwan Road Trip

On the other hand finding a shower is a bit more challenging especially if you’re mostly freedom camping like we did. After doing a lot of research we found a Reddit post from Taiwanese locals saying that showers can be used at Sports Centers, Internet Cafes, Police Stations and Fire Departments.

Police and Fire Departments have rest stops for cyclist, since Taiwan is a huge cycling destination they offer a safe area to rest and freshen up. So there is a high chance that visitors campervaning will also be allowed to use these facilities.

We also found showers near the city harbor restrooms.

Of course you can always find realiable showers at paid campsites and Hot Springs Spas.

Where to Find Food on Taiwan Road Trip

So our best friend on our Taiwan Road Trip was 7-Eleven and Family Mart. Don’t think these convenience stores are like the ones in America, no you can find amazing fresh meals, local drinks, desserts, snacks and even a cafe that can prepare milk tea, cappuccinos and iced lattes.

The best part is that you are never more than 30 minutes away from a 7-Eleven or Family Mart.

We usually tried to have at least one meal at a local eatery and Iisted those stops in the recommend stops section.

Best Time to Visit Taiwan

You can do this road trip at any time of the year.

Spring (March-April) is one of the best times to visit Taiwan when temperatures are mild and cherry blossoms are in season.

May and June can bring the Plum Rain season. Known for grey skies and near contant rain for weeks on end.

Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Taiwan, but is much less when compared to the rainy season during the summer typhoons season of (July-September). Humidity is also at its peak.

Autumn (October to November) is considered a great time to visit Taiwan, weather is warm during the day and cool at night, you’ll experience the least amount of rainfall during these months. This enjoyable temperature is also the country’s clearest and least humid time of the year. 

We went during the month of June and the humidity was definitely present on the coast. Some rainfall with a couple days of grey skies. Once we got into the mountainous area of central Taiwan the weather was beautifully cool with blue skies.

Taiwan Entry Visa

U.S Passport holders qualify for a Taiwan Visa Exemption up to ninety days if your passport is valid for more than 90 days.

Check to see if your passport qualifies for a Taiwan Visa Exemption HERE.

Taiwan Travel Tips

• No right turns on red lights, cameras are installed at traffic lights so be cautious.
• Keep a plastic bag with you for trash, this helped keep our small space extremely tidy throughout our 8 day journey.
• When you arrive in major cities don’t be afraid to park on the streets, a parking attendant will come around every hour or so issuing an invoice that can be paid at 7-Eleven or Family Mart.
• Charge electronic devices while driving, since you have no shore power most nights if you’re freedom camping.
• Bring an umbrella or rain jacket no matter the season you visit. The weather is Taiwan is funny, one second it’s beautifully sunny the next it’s gloomy and raining.
• A small portable fan is recommended if one is not included in your rental, it helped keep us cool and drowned out road noise.
• Don’t forget your ESIM or SIM card. We purchased an ESIM at the Airport for $31 USD/ NT $1000 this included 30 days validity and unlimited data, it worked great throughout our entire Taiwan Road Trip.
• Cell service is readily available throughout Taiwan so Google Maps works great but I still recommend stopping by Visitor Centers, they can help find campsites, local eateries or hidden gems that you would otherwise not find on google.
• Bring a comfy pair of shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing steps at almost every stop.
• CASH is king for street vendors and small local eateries, thankfully ATMs are plentiful throughout Taiwan. You can always find one inside a 7-Eleven or Family Mart.

That concludes this post The Ultimate 8 Day Taiwan Road Trip Itinerary & Guide.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:

• The Best of Taiwan Travel Guide
• Iceland Camper Van Road Trip: 15-Day Itinerary
• The Best of Hong Kong Travel Guide
• Cambodia 14 Day Travel Itinerary: SEA’s Underrated Gem

Travel Resources

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Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.

CAMPSITES/CAMPGROUNDS We like to use a couple apps for last minute campsite bookings. Our favorites are HipCamp, The Dyrt and Campendium.

ACCOMMODATION: We find the best deals with BOOKING.COM. The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.

CAR RENTALS: We have always used RentalCars.com and find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.

FLIGHTS: Our go to for looking up flights is SKYSCANNER, but we try to always book directly with the airline.

TOURS/EXCURSIONS: GET YOUR GUIDE and VIATOR are two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we use SafetyWing. We are currently using them for our 1 year trip.

TRANSPORTATION: For all our bus, ferry and train transfer needs in Asia we use 12go.asia.

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