Health insurance for expats can provide access to quality medical care, regardless of their location. It can also provide financial assistance in the event of an emergency or medical issue. Additionally, health insurance can help expats find the best healthcare providers in their destination.
​
Understanding Taiwan’s Healthcare System
Taiwan boasts an efficient and accessible healthcare system, known as the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The NHI provides comprehensive coverage to residents, including most medical treatments, doctor visits, and hospital stays. However, for expats, there are several factors to consider global health insurance in Taiwan.

Some would say Ecuador is the banana capital of the world, and that is probably right, but I’m sure Taiwan bananas are just as good. One of the great things about living in Taiwan is you can buy fresh bananas on the street almost everywhere, so if you are a banana connoisseur like myself you will not have worry about bananas going bad (I eat bananas single every day).
有人會說厄瓜多爾是世界香蕉之基地，但我相信台灣的香蕉也一樣好。住在台灣的好處之一就是到處都可以在街上買到新鮮的香蕉，所以如果你像我一樣是個香蕉鑑賞家，你就不用擔心香蕉壞掉的沒香蕉吃（我每天吃香蕉）。

​Traveling during peak seasons, be it for holidays or major festivals, is thrilling but challenging. The high number of visitors often leads to crowded attractions and high prices, which affect your trip. However, you can navigate these issues and make the most of your trip with the right strategies.
 
Effective planning is key to successful trips during peak seasons. Researching and organizing your trip in advance helps avoid common pitfalls. You’ll also be sure to secure the best accommodations, transport options, and attractions. Below are a few tips to consider.

Traveling during busy seasons requires meticulous planning. You should begin by identifying peak periods for your destination. These could be school vacations, festivals, or major holidays in the destination. Knowing these patterns helps you make informed decisions about the best time and when to avoid them.
 
You can consult travel guides, forums, or tourism websites that highlight important events in your destination. If you want to travel to Orlando, see this calendar. With a clear idea of when to visit, you should then:

• Make early reservations: Hotels, flights, and other transport options are often overbooked during peak seasons. Booking in advance ensures better rates and gives you a wider selection.
  
  
• Create a detailed itinerary: A detailed schedule is important for navigating crowded destinations. Start with must-see attractions and you should visit them during off-peak hours.
  
  
• Explore alternative attractions: Most people prioritize iconic attractions and landmarks. However, you should consider alternative sites and lesser-known destinations. They provide equally enriching experiences without crowds.

 
Having a detailed plan for your entire visit is important during peak periods. Knowing the busiest hours ensures that you visit your preferred destinations when they aren’t crowded.

Technology and local knowledge are invaluable tools for travelers looking to avoid crowds. You can easily find hidden gems and uncover authentic experiences that you could easily miss out on. Modern technologies provide real-time information about the state of your destination. Websites and apps provide live updates of crowd levels, traffic conditions, and wait times, allowing you to plan effectively.
 
Similarly, social media platforms are great sources for real-time updates and local insights. Local influencers and travel bloggers frequently share insightful tips and recommendations. Most attractions upload updates on their pages, including information on special promotions, temporary closures, and crowd levels. Tech aside, locals have an intimate understanding of their region. You can gather insider tips from them by engaging with them or asking hotel staff for recommendations.

Traveling during peak season is a test, even for seasoned travelers. You should embrace flexibility and patience to enjoy your trip. Adapting a relaxed mindset helps you navigate crowded spaces and enjoy the trip, regardless of the presenting circumstances. Start by anticipating that some things won’t go as planned. Flights may be delayed, or attractions may be crowded.
 
Accepting that inconveniences are part of the experience helps in maintaining a positive attitude. You should also have extra time on your schedule to accommodate unexpected events and delays. This allows you to enjoy every moment instead of being in a hurry.

​Traveling during peak seasons shouldn’t necessarily be overwhelming. Travelers should plan carefully and embrace flexibility to navigate crowded destinations. Researching ahead and leveraging local insights can enhance your traveling experience.

Maokong is only one of a few Gondolas in Taiwan, but it is the most accessible. You can get there via the Taipei MRT. After embarking on the Gondola, you can view grand vistas of Southern Taipei, and then explore the mountainous streets of Maokong, which has tea shops, street food, restaurants, temples, hiking trails, and great views. 

Background:
The Maokong Gondola was completed in 2007 to improve transportation to Maokong, a tea growing area in Southern Wenshan District of Taipei City. Before, the district could only be reached by small mountain roads.
The Gondola was closed from 2008-2010 due to Typhoon damage.
Popular activities in the area include tea drinking, hiking, and picture taking.
There are four stations on the Gondola: Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and Maokong Station. A one way trip takes 12 minutes, and gondola cars which can fit up to eight people (five people in glass cars) come every few seconds.
 
Maokong gets its name from the eroded holes in the rocks around the area; the name literally means “Cat Hole.” The area has been one of the largest areas for tea production in Taipei since the Qing Dynasty. After the completion of the Gondola in 2007, tourists to the area have increased significantly. 

Hours:
9 AM to 9 PM

Price:
120 NT per person one way from Taipei Zoo Station to Maokong Station. 
50 NT per trip for Taipei City residents.
You can book discount tickets to Maokong Gondola on Klook here or KKday here.

Tours:
You can also book a Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola tour, a Chih Nan Temple & Gondola Experience, or a Maokong Tea & Shenkeng Stinky Tofu Private Day Tour with English-Speaking
​on TripAdvisor here.
You can also search for tours on Klook here, or KKday here​. 

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend Ximending Amba, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Tripadvisor here, Expedia here, Kayak here, Trip.com here, or Agoda here).
We also have stayed at and recommend and Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
​We also have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. Some of the Klook links may not work if you are using an Ad blocker. 
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

How to get there:
By MRT: Take the brown line MRT to the Taipei Zoo station, then walk south a few hundred meters until you reach the gondola station on the east side of the main road. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: Drive to the Taipei Zoo, and park somewhere on the street or in a parking lot, the walk to the Gondola Station. You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
(You can also take the Gondola from the southern station inside the Zoo or from Zhinan Temple)
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
Please see below:

Bianzhou Park is a large grassy park in Taoyuan District of Taoyuan City. Here you can enjoy three circular "pump track" bike paths, slides, walking paths, and more. You can also check out the nearby Hexian Temple. 

Historical Background:
Bianzhou Park was completed in 2014, with mostly just grassy spaces. The park was renovated in 2021 to include three pump tracks. Pump tracks are hilly obstacles made especially for bicycles. They have wavy, hilly, and quarter-pipe-like structures. 
The park is popular on weekends and you will often see small children practice riding balance bikes here. 

Hexian Temple was constructed in 1987, and the main deity there is the Lotus Leaf Immortal Master, who is said to be the God of Construction, his God statue was thought to have been brought over from China over 100 years ago. Before the temple was built, the God was carried from place to place and worshipped by construction workers in Taiwan. 
There is also a funeral and cremation area near the temple. 

Price:
Free

Hours:
24/7

Where to stay:
Looking for a hotel in Taoyuan? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).  
We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).  
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Activities in Taoyuan:
Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. 

How to get there:
By Car: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 north and turn right on Jianxing Road. The park is at the end of the road. There is limited free parking on the side of the road and paid parking nearby. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search  Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. 
By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 north and turn right on Jianxing Road. The park is at the end of the road. There is free parking on the side of the road.
Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options.
By TRC/Bus: You can take the local train to Taoyuan TRC Station, then take bus 168 to the Park City station. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.  You can book tickets to travel to Taoyuan via inter-city bus on Klook here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 
​​
Map:
See below:

If Taiwan is the best kept secret in Asia, then Penghu is the best kept secret of the best kept secret in Asia. It has just everything you could possibly want from a tropical island vacation getaway. Less than an hour plane ride from Taipei with multiple flights daily, it's also easy to get to. We are sure that a trip to Penghu is one that you will not regret, and there will be more things to do than you could ever have time for.

History of Penghu:

The Penghu Islands were historically an important strategic position for trade and military defense in the area. The Dutch, French, and Japanese all led campaigns against these islands. The Dutch first invaded Penghu in 1622, but soon after retreated to Anping after a treaty was made with the Ming Dynasty.
Konxinga later took control of Penghu and Taiwan after defeating the Dutch in 1661, Later, Kongxinga's kingdom fell to the Qing Dynasty.
In 1885 during the Sino-French war for control of Vietnam, the French sent a fleet to Taiwan but failed to take the island. Later they attacked the Penghu Islands and occupied them for a short time, before retreating to Vietnam due to the Treaty of Tianjin.
After Japan took control of Korea in 1894, they also attacked and occupied Penghu in 1895, after which the Qing Dynasty ceded the islands to them.
After World War II, the islands were given to the ROC government, which retreated to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War and still controls the islands today under a free democratic government.

How to get there:
By Plane: There are daily flights from Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports to Makung. the flight takes roughly under and hour. Rates can range from around 2200-6000 NT for a round trip.
There are also flights to and from Chiayi, Tainan, Kinmen, and Chimei, with charted flights to Hong Kong starting September 2018.
There are flights to and from Taipei Songshan Airport three times a day via Uni Air. You can book flights on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here.
By Boat: There are daily ferries from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. A one way trip takes about 4 hours from both locations. A one way ferry from Kaohsiung costs about 900 NT for just a reclining seat, and a one way ferry from Chiayi costs about 1000 NT.
You can book ferry boat tickets from Chiayi on Klook here, or ferry boat tickets from Tainan on KKday here.  

Getting Around on the Islands:
By Ferry Boat: The only way to get to smaller islands without airports is by ferry. You can check KKday here or Klook here for ferry tickets or buy them at the harbor. 
By Scooter: We recommend taking a scooter as the most efficient and convenient type of transport on the islands. However, most places require a local scooter license. You can rent a scooter for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Car / taxi: A car is also sensible in Penghu because the main island is pretty spread out. You can rent a car for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bus: a bus is possible on the main island, but it will be slower and more unpredictable. 
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

Tours:
There are many tours and activities available on the islands such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, starlight Marine Ranch, wakeboarding, seafood Barbeque, massage, yachting, glamping, trampoline Water Sports, South Penghu Marine National Park, SUP / Paddle Boarding, kayaking, night fishing, Sheraton Four Points Eatery, Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone, Jibei Sand Tail, and many more options.
​For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here. 

Accommodation:
We have stayed at and recommend Han's Hostel which had great service and is right next to Shanshui Beach, the best beach in Penghu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here), and Cherry Inn Penghu, a newly renovated homestay in downtown Magong with great service and great prices (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Klook here, Trip.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. 
You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here.
​You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.  
Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. 

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. 
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

When to go there:
Spring to Autumn. Winters are rather miserable.

Map: Please see below:

Nangang District of Taipei City is quieter and less busy than nearby Xinyi District, but here you can find a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful mountains, historic buildings, museums, fun parks, great food, and a lack of crowds. Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei.  It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei. 

Background:
Nangang 南港means “South Port” in Chinese. This south port once rested on the southern banks of the Keelung River near what is now the Neihu MRT depot in Nangang District, Taipei. There was a "North Port" on the Keelung River in what is now Xizhi.
Nangang Station was built in 1891 as part of the first railway in Taiwan, connecting Keelung to Taipei, making it a prime location for industry. Nangang's old street sprung up near the train station. Technically the oldest street in Nangang is "Zhongnan Street" which most people refer to when they say Nangang Old Street, but I think the old street also spreads onto Nangang Road and Academia Sinica Road. 
Nangang was once part of Neihu District before it split in the ROC era. In the earliest times, Nangang was known as an industry hub for coal, brick making, and tea farming. In order to ship goods from Neihu to Nangang rail station, at least two suspension bridges were made across the Keelung River.
In the ROC era, Nangang was also an industrial hub for car parts especially the Nankang Tire Factory, which still makes tires today. 
Nangang has a population of about 113,000 people with about 5,200 people per square kilometer, and has the smallest population of any district of Taipei. 
Currently, Nangang is being turned into Taipei's "next Xinyi District" and is the new artistic and cultural heart of Taipei. 

Tours:
You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here.

Cherry Blossom Season: Cherry blossoms can be seen in Nangang from February to late March. Check our our full guide to Cherry Blossom Season in Taiwan here. 

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
​
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. There is paid parking nearby.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  ​
By Bus/MRT: The old street I would say stretches in front of Nangang Train Station on Nangang Road and then loops over to Zhongnan Street near where Zhongxiao East Road Ends. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
Please see below:

Ningxia Night Market is one of the most popular night markets in Taipei. The night market takes up two city blocks and includes food stalls as well as sit-down areas and restaurants. Popular delicacies here include Oyster Omelet, fried chicken, fried squid, and much more. The night market is also very close to the Dadaocheng historical area and is often considered to be a part of it. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei. ​

Historical Background:
Ningxia Night Market began as a few food stalls on on the Jiancheng Roundabout (建成圓環) on Chongqing North Road, not long after the Danshui Railway Line was built in 1908.  It was the most popular night market in Taipei during the Japanese Era. After the ROC took control of Taiwan, it continued to be a popular night market known for great food and cheap prices. After Chongqing North Road was widened in 1973, most of the stalls moved north to either side of Ningxia Road. 
Ningxia Road was refurbished in 2006 making it more sanitary and environmentally friendly. In 2015, it was named the best night market for shopping, the friendliest night market, the most charismatic night market, the most environmentally conscious night market, and the best-tasting night market in Taipei. 

As for the roundabout, the local government saw it as a run-down area with lots of illegal stalls. There were also two large fires there in 1993 and 1998. 
​In 2002, then Taipei Mayor Ma Yingjeou tore down the old  roundabout and built a glass restaurant area in its place. However, restaurant owners found that the new building was poorly designed and bad for business, and the popular restaurants moved out. Later on, in 2008 the area was rebuilt again, but there was a scandal involving how the area was rented, and so the area shut down in 2011. In 2016, the roundabout was made into a park. 

Hours:
Open from 5 PM until 1 AM, every night.

Tours:
You can book a food tour of Ningxia Night Market on Klook here or TripAdvisor here.  

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Budget Hotels: We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT: Take the Red Line to Shuanglian Station and then take exit 1 or 2 west out of the station. The night market is about two blocks down the road. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Scooter: Take Chongqing North Road in central Taipei until you reach Ningxia Road. You can park on the side of the road near Ningxia Road. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Car: Take Chongqing North Road in central Taipei until you reach Ningxia Road. You can park on the side of the road near Ningxia Road. There are some paid parking garages around the night market. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map: 
See below:

The Taipei Museum of Drinking Water is both a children's water park and a museum of tap water engineering dating back to the Japanese Era. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

Background:
​The Water Treatment Facility at the Drinking Water Museum was built in 1908 during the Japanese era to provide drinking water to local residents. The main reason it was built is because so many Japanese soldiers died from disease during the occupation of Taiwan (4,600 disease deaths compared to 164 deaths from war). Waterworks were created to draw water from the Xindian River, purify it, and store it. In addition, infrastructure was built to pump drinking water to the city. Later, the rest of Taiwan's cities also had their drinking water systems modernized. 
In 1952 and 1974 under the ROC capacity was expanded.
In 1977, the old water drawing station was decommissioned. 
The area was later renovated in 1997 and opened to the public as a museum in 2000. 
The area is a popular destination, especially in the summer when many parents bring children to play in the splash pool and water slides. 

Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM every day. 
Swimming pool: July - August only 

Price:
Summertime (July - August): 80 NT
Non-summer time: 50 NT
Kids 12 and under: Free
You can buy discounted tickets to the tap water museum and water park on Klook here. 

Hotels in Taipei:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Taipei Marriot (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Activities in Taipei:
You can look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here or KKday here. 
​
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Roosevelt Road, turn left onto Siyuan Street until you reach the museum. There is paid parking nearby. 
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bus/MRT: Take the MRT to Gongguan Station. The museum is about a ten minute walk. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
Please see below:

Taoyuan's Airport Alley (aka Lane 234, Chunghua Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City 桃園市大園區中華路234巷, or Dayuan Puxin Village Airplane Alley 大園埔心里飛機巷）is a small road along the south side of Taoyuan Airport that is a popular place for plane spotters, aviation enthusiasts, and photographers. It is one of the best views of airplanes at Taiwan's largest and busiest airport. 

Please note this place is not to be confused with Airplane Alley in Songshan, Taipei. 

Historical Background:
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (aka Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport, or TPE) serves mainly northern Taiwan including Taipei City and is the largest and busiest airport in Taiwan.
The Taoyuan International Airport opened in 1979, due to overcrowding in the smaller Songshan Airport in Taipei City, and was part of the Ten Major Construction Projects under President Chiang Ching-kuo. The airport was originally named after his father, former president Chiang Kai-shek, but was changed to the Taoyuan International Airport in 2006. 
Currently, China Airlines, EVA Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan have their headquarters at Taoyuan International Airport. 
Terminal 2 in Taoyuan International Airport was opened in 2000 due to more overcrowding.
Terminal 3 is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2026. A fourth terminal is also planned. 
In 2019 the airport saw over 48 million passengers and 265,000 aircraft. ​

Airplane Alley, officially Lane 234 of Chunghua Road, is a small road in Puxin Village of Dayuan District in Taoyuan City. It is a small road that connects the south side of the Taoyuan Airport to the north side. 
Due to its proximity to the airport, there are no tall buildings nearby obstructing the view, but there is the National Freeway 2 Bridge. 
Specifically, airplanes flying over the road are landing on the 05L runway at Taoyuan Airport.  
There are usually lots of people here on weekends, but there is enough room for everyone to watch the airplanes. 

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

Places to eat / restaurants at Taoyuan Airport:
Terminal 1:
Before Security: B1 Food Court (including Burger King), 1F Subway, 3F Food Court (including Starbucks)
After Security: 3F Departure Hall 
Terminal 2:
Before Security: B2 Food Court, 1F (two coffee shops only), 4F Food Court, 5F Old Street Food Court
​After Security: 3F Departure Hall, 4F Departure Hall
For full food options in the Taoyuan Airport in Chinese, check out this article here. 

Where to stay:
Looking for the best hotels near Taoyuan Airport? We recommend the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport which has great service and is conveniently located right next to Taoyuan Airport, the MRT, and HSR station (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).  
We also recommend the Fullon Hotel Taoyuan which also has great service and is located in downtown Taoyuan City (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).  
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Activities in Taoyuan:
Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Mountain Climbing, Cycling, High Ropes, Ziplining, Archery, Vietnamese BBQ, Batting Cages, Glamping, Van Camping, Photo Shoot, Turkish Mosaic DIY, Thai Massage, Painting, Baking, Go Karting, Imax Theater, Japanese Style Buffet, Tourist Factory Experience, peach and fruit picking, Ring-making DIY, handmade popsicle DIY, and more on on Tripadvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. 

How to get there
By Car/Taxi: Take National Freeway 2 to Taoyuan Airport, then take the next exit and drive on the small backroad (Lane 234 of Chunghua Road) to the airplane watching area. There is free parking on the side of the road. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search  Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. 
Time: about 40 minutes one way.
Price: About 2000 NT one way. 
By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 4 to the airport, then drive to Lane 234 of Chunghua Road to the airplane watching area. There is free parking on the side of the road. 
Looking for scooter rental in Taoyuan? Search Klook here or KKday here to look for options.
Time: about 1.5 hours one way from Taipei.
Price: A full tank of gas (150 NT) one way. You will not be able to take much luggage.
By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): To get to Taoyuan International Airport from Taipei Main Station, take the airport MRT to Dayuan Station. The airplane alley is then about a 20 minute walk from the station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. 
Time: about 40 minutes one way.
Price: About 160 NT one way. 
By HSR (High Speed Rail): Take the HSR to Taoyuan HSR Station, then switch to the Airport MRT and go to Dayuan Station. The airplane alley is then about a 20 minute walk from the station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here.  
Time: about 40 minutes one way.
Price: About 180 NT one way. 
​
Map:
Check out the map of the plane watching spot below: