Taiwan Round Island Tour: Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung & Hualien

Summary

From lakeside silence to city bustle Taiwan’s colors and flavors

You’ll circle Taiwan from misty Sun Moon Lake to lively Tainan streets and Kaohsiung’s golden temples, tasting local snacks and hearing stories from guides who really know their stuff. Expect moments of quiet awe (and maybe a few laughs) as you cross mountains and coasts—all with comfy hotels and easy transfers smoothing your way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air at Sun Moon Lake to smell so clean—almost sweet, like wet leaves after rain. We’d left Taipei early (I barely finished my coffee), and by the time we reached the lake, the sun was just starting to burn through the clouds. Our guide, Mrs. Lin, kept pointing out little things—a fisherman’s boat gliding past Lalu Island, kids laughing in Ita Thao village. I tried a sticky rice snack there (can’t remember the name—Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin) and it was warm in my hands, sticky-salty-sweet all at once. The pagoda climb was steeper than I thought. My legs were shaking but that view…still think about it.

By day two in Tainan, everything felt older somehow—like even the pavement had stories. Fort Zeelandia looked solid but you could see where time had chipped away at it. On Anping Old Street, we wandered past food stalls and old wooden doors; someone handed me tofu pudding in a paper cup and I almost spilled it because I was distracted by a group of schoolkids singing some song I didn’t know. The guide explained bits of history as we walked but honestly, half of what stuck was just the feeling—humid air, temple bells somewhere far off.

Kaohsiung’s Fo Guang Shan Monastery was quieter than I expected for such a huge place. The golden Buddha statue shimmered in the heat haze; incense drifted everywhere. A monk nodded at us as we passed—didn’t say anything but it felt like he saw right through me. Later that day in Kenting, wind whipped at my hair while we stood near Eluanpi Lighthouse looking out at this wild blue line where ocean meets sky. It’s weird how you can feel tiny and lucky at the same time.

The east coast drive is still blurry in my mind—just flashes of green cliffs and sudden sea views from the bus window. At Sanxiantai Bridge I watched an old couple picking shells along the rocks; their laughter carried on the wind for a second before getting lost in the waves. That night our hotel had hot springs—I sat there soaking until my fingers pruned up and all the road dust seemed to float away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taipei to Sun Moon Lake and Taichung

• Depart from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake
• Visit Ita Thao indigenous village
• See Ci’en Pagoda
• Visit Xuanzang Temple
• Explore Wenwu Temple

Day 2 — Sun Moon Lake to Tainan and Kaohsiung

• Breakfast at hotel
• Travel to Tainan
• Visit Fort Zeelandia
• Walk along Anping Old Street
• Arrive in Kaohsiung
• Visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Day 3 — Kaohsiung to Kenting and Taitung

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Kenting National Park
• See Maopitou
• Visit Eluanpi Lighthouse
• Explore Longpan Park
• See Chuanfan Rock
• Return to Kaohsiung hotel

Day 4 — Taitung to East Coast and Yilan

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Xiaoyeliu (Fugang Geopark)
• Visit Sanxiantai
• Visit Shitiping
• Train from Hualien to Yilan

Day 5 — Yilan to Taipei

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery
• Visit National Center for Traditional Arts
• Bus transfer back to Taipei
• Drop off at hotel or designated point

Top questions

How long is this Taiwan round island tour?

This is a 5-day tour covering major destinations around Taiwan.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from central Taipei hotels or designated points is included.

What are some highlights of this tour?

You’ll visit Sun Moon Lake, Tainan (including Fort Zeelandia), Kaohsiung’s Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Kenting coastal sites, Hualien’s east coast scenery, and more.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included daily; other meals are not included so you can try local foods along the way.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels with only a small amount of walking required.

Do I need cash or can I use credit cards?

You should carry enough cash for meals and shopping since many eateries don’t accept credit cards.

Are guides multilingual?

If you select the German-speaking option when booking, your guide will provide commentary in both English and German.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in 4 different 5-star hotels across Taiwan during this tour.

What’s included

Your journey includes four nights’ accommodation in 5-star hotels across Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung, Taitung, and Yilan with daily breakfast provided; all transfers between destinations are by air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed local guide leading each stop; hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package so you won’t have to worry about logistics along the way.