Some people out there may think that Taiwan and Thailand are the same country. However, one of these countries is clearly better than the other one. To help you understand why Taiwan is better than Thailand, we have laid out the key differences that you need to know here.
I have made Taiwan my permanent home for ten years, and Thailand is my favorite vacation spot in Asia which I have visited multiple times (you can check out our blog on Thailand here). Therefore I feel I am qualified to voice my opinion on this issue. To put it simply, Taiwan and Thailand are both great. Unfortunately, Thailand is much more popular as a tourist destination than Taiwan which is often overshadowed. That is why I have made this blog to show how Taiwan is better than Thailand, to try to convince someone to come to Taiwan instead of Thailand. Table of Contents
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Katz (or Kazi) Popsmile Popcorn Tourist Factory 卡滋爆米花觀光工廠 is the only tourist popcorn factory in Asia, and offers DIY tours in Bali District of New Taipei. Visitors are invited to try out many different popcorn flavors, make their own popcorn and DIY treats, and learn more about the history of popcorn making in Taiwan. Overall it is a fun adventure for the whole family.
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Historical Background: Kazi/Katz “Popsmile” Popcorn was established in November 2006 in a Taipei Cinema. The name “Kazi” comes from the sound of the delightful crunch of popcorn when chewed, and over the years, they’ve crafted dozens of flavors, expanding popcorn sales beyond just cinemas. Kazi has become Taiwan’s pioneering brand for multi-flavored popcorn, particularly popular through online group purchases. Kazzi has developed over 200 flavors, ranging from sweet to sour, spicy to salty, and now sells in over 40 countries worldwide. Their goal is to continue delivering surprising experiences to customers everywhere. The factory opened to tourists in about 2020 and can be busy on weekends and holidays. Hours: Roughly 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Price: 250 NT per person You can book tickets for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. The entrance ticket includes a voucher to purchase popcorn. Tour Schedule: Weekdays:
Where to stay: We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach. We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach. Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality accommodation selection 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: There are many other activities available to enjoy nearby in Taipei such as – kayaking – canoeing – snorkeling – SUP / paddle boarding – water biking and more activities which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 15 to Bali, then take a right on Guanhai Road. There is limited paid parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Tamsui? 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: Take the Shuttle bus Red No. 13 from Bali Old Street or Guandu MRT station (about 20 minutes). The bus stop is called Reiron Park 雷朗園區. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. By Bicycle: Take the MRT to Tamsui, the take the ferry to Bali Old Street. From there you can rent a bicycle and ride 2KM over to the museum. 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. Map: Please see below to see:
Orchid Island (not to be confused with the Fijian Island of the same name), known in the local Tao language as Ponso No Tao (Island of the people), and in Chinese as Lanyu (蘭嶼) is a secret indigenous people's paradise off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. It is different than any other place in Taiwan, and has the best preserved indigenous culture anywhere in the country. If Taiwan's best tourist activity is experiencing the culture of Taiwan's indigenous peoples, then Lanyu has the best tourist experience anywhere in Taiwan.
Background: History: Orchid Island became inhabited about 800 years ago by the Tao indigenous people (達悟族) (aka Yami people 雅美族, which is a name coined by the Japanese, but the native people prefer Tao), which are thought to have traveled from the Batanes Islands in the Philippines, which are a little less than 200 KM away, cut off by the Bashi Channel. However, Orchid Island is very different than the Philippines. Beginning in1644, some Dutch Sailors were sent to investigate the island, and some settled there among the natives. Because of this, the Island was known as Red Head Island (紅頭嶼) by the Chinese and the Japanese. After the Dutch were defeated in Taiwan, Lanyu was claimed but not controlled by the Qing Dynasty. The Japanese claimed the Island shortly after the Sino-Japanese War in 1895, but protected it as an "ethnological research site" and forbid outsiders from entering. After the Republic of China took over Taiwan following the end of WWII, they continued to ban visitors to the island until 1967, after which tourists were allowed to enter and public schools were built there. Christian missionaries began preaching and living on the island starting in the 1950s, and now basically all native people on the island are Christian (mixed with traditional beliefs). However Christianity was introduced much earlier starting with the Dutch in the 1600s although to a lesser extent. In 1982 a nuclear waste storage plant was built on the south side of the Island without the islanders' consent, causing protests from the inhabitants. Also because of this, the Island inhabitants receive free electricity. The island is volcanic in nature, with the last major eruption being over 5 million years ago. The highest mountain is 552 meters (1,811 feet). Currently there are 2,400 people permanently living on the island, 90% of them being of native Tao descent. Tao Culture: The Tao people number about 2,000 living on Orchid Island, with about another 2,000 living on the Taiwan mainland. The Tao people rely on the sea for survival, and much of their traditions and lifestyle are centered on fishing. The Tao people are mostly Christian but also still practice many of their traditional beliefs. However their ancestral religion included a pantheon of Gods. Traditional roles for men are fishing while roles for women include harvesting taro and sweet potato and weaving. The men usually fish at night or early morning and rest on traditional wooden platforms during the day. Boats are made from planks of wood and are painted red, white, and black. The boat usually has human figures, waves, and the traditional sun image (red and black circles and sun rays) which is said to warn off evil spirits. Boats are considered sacred and the ultimate human creation. There is also a launching ceremony for new boats in which traditional clothes and headgear (such as silver helmets for men and wooden hats for women) are worn, pigs are slaughtered, and the boat is lifted into the air multiple times before being set in the water. Traditional clothes include loin cloths and vests for men, and aprons and vests for women. Young people on the street usually do not wear traditional dress. Flying Fish Festival: There are three basic seasons on Lanyu: one is the flying fish season when flying fish can be easily caught and used and lasts from February to May. The other seasons are from May to October and October to February, when flying fish cannot be caught for ceremonial use. There are many taboos during flying fish season which are discussed below. The Flying Fish Festival lasts from aboutMarch to October when flying fish are caught. During this time many ceremonies take place such as for the beginning of the festival, plentiful harvest, etc. During the festival, there are multiple migrations of flying fish species near Lanyu. There are many taboos during this time, especially when it comes to catching and eating flying fish which are the main life source of the Tao people. Weather and Climate: The island has a tropical rainforest climate, with average high temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees year round. The rainy months are in summer, especially due to Typhoons, but the most sunny days are also in summer (expect a lot of sun), and the most rainy days are in winter. Summer is the tourist season, but spring and fall are also popular times to visit. Winters are said to be dreary, cold, and have constant northeastern winds that can stop airplanes and ferries from departing to the island. When to go: The best time to go they say is around May when it is not too hot and there are no northeasterly winds or typhoons which can cancel your transportation to the island. Typhoon season lasts from around June to October. The busy season is during summer break from June to August, during which time it can be hard to book a hostel or airplane ticket. Winter is the less crowded season, but the water will be cold, there will be constant wind (which could cancel transportation), and it will rain more often. Taboos: General Taboos:
How to get there: By Plane: You can book discount air tickets from Taipei to Taitung on KKday here. The only planes to and from Orchid Island come from Taitung. Flight times: As of the time of this blog, there were six flights per day byDaily Air Corporation from about8 AM to 4 PM (Please note their website is only in Chinese). The flight from Taitung to Lanyu takes about 25 minutes. Please note that the aircraft are small and flights can be cancelled due to high winds or unfavorable weather. Costs: NT 1428 to Lanyu and NT 1360 from Lanyu. You can purchase plane tickets through a tour agency such as Klook or a similar website. By Boat: There are two places that offer ferry rides to Lanyu: Houbihu Harbor (恆春後壁湖漁港) in Pingtung and Fugang Harbor in Taitung (臺東富岡漁港). There are also two ferry companies that operate at both harbors. Both companies leave from both harbors at the same time and arrive at the same time for the same price (2300 NT per person round trip/1150 NT per single trip). Ferry Boat costs: 2300 NT per person round trip (1150 NT per single trip)from both Taitung and Pingtung. Both ferry companies have the same price. Ferry Boat Times: 7:30/7:00 AM departure, 9:30 AM arrival to Lanyu. 12:00/12:30 PM departure, 3:00 PM arrival to Lanyu. 9:30 AM departure from Lanyu, 11:30 arrival to Taitung or Pingtung. 3:00 PM departure from Lanyu, 5:00 PM arrival to Taitung or Pingtung. Both ferry companies depart and arrive at the same time to both locations. You can purchase ferryboat tickets for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. Getting around the island: Rent a scooter! The island is small so you should not need to rent a car. You can rent bicycles but you will not be able to travel as fast. You can also hire a driver to take you on tours. Ask your hostel for more rental information. They can help you book a rental in advance. Tours: You can book multiple tours and activities such as a Tribal Tour, Underground House Tour, day hiking, night hiking, snorkeling, scuba Diving, SUPing / Paddle Boarding, and Freediving. You can search for more tours through Klook here or KKday here. Scooter Rental: Price: expect 500 NT per day. You can book a scooter through Klook here or KKday here. Be sure to book your rental in advance, especially during summer weekends. Ask for help from your hostel owner if needed. I am 100% percent certain you do not need a Taiwan local license to rent scooters here, however they may ask for an international license (but I'm fairly sure they will let you rent without one). Helmet wearing is not enforced at all as you will quickly find, but it's still the law. Also be careful to not hit any goats because they wander as they please. There is only one gas station next to Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor. Car Rental: Price: expect 2000 NT per day. You can rent a car for Lanyu on KKday here. Bicycle Rental: Price: Bike rental is about 400 NT per day. You can rent a bike for Lanyu on KKday here. Accommodation: Booking accommodation on the island can be difficult in summer months and on weekends, when rooms can be fully booked for months in advance. There is a nice selection of rooms on Agoda. Here is a list of every registered hostel on the island, but it is in Chinese. My hostel required that I pay for my room in advance via bank wire transfer (this may not be an option if you are a foreign traveler, so make sure they accept credit cards if you do not have a Taiwan bank account). Expect to pay 2000 - 4000 NT per night for a standard double room on Lanyu. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago 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. Map: Please see below: Nanjichang Night Market (南機場夜市) is a large night market area in Zhongzheng District of Taipei known for its variety of food stalls and local crowds. The night market sits far away from the MRT station, meaning that usually only locals will snack here and prices are generally cheaper. Popular foods here include meatballs, sesame flatbread, stinky tofu, and more. It is definitely an authentic Taipei night market experience.
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Historical Background: Nanjichang Night Market Market was first established on February 3, 1986. Its name originates from the fact that before the construction of Taipei Songshan Airport, this area was used as an airport during the Japanese era, hence the name “Nanjichang” (literally meaning Southern Airport). Later on during the ROC era, several public housing communities here for the families of the Republic of China military personnel were constructed over the former airstrip. Over time, due to the large number of people frequenting the area, a variety of food stalls gathered here, gradually developing into the bustling Nanjichang Night Market. Known for its affordable and reasonably priced food, Nanjichang Night Market mainly serves local residents instead of tourists. Most of the stalls here are independently operated, and most of the vendors sell food. Notable foods here include “ba-wan” (Taiwanese meatballs) which were featured on CNN, as well as the Michelin Guide recommendations for sesame flatbread, stinky tofu, spring rolls, and sesame oil chicken. Although it is called a “night market,” some vendors operate throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening. The night market is usually not too crowded even on weekends and holidays. Hours: Roughly 5 PM to 12 PM. Price: Free Where to stay: 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: The night Market is between Xizang Road and Nanhao Road in Zhongzheng District. There is limited 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: From Taipei Main Station, you can take bus 249 right to the night market. The trip takes about 15 minutes. 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 to see: Willie’s Deli is an American-style deli and grocery store in Tianmu, Beitou District, Taipei City. The deli sells American-style beef and pork sandwiches, and the store often sells imported products from the USA and Europe that are much sought-after by foreigners in Taiwan. If you are missing products from the USA or Europe, then this store is definitely worth a stop.
Table of Contents Historical Background: Willie’s Deli has been in business since 1979 and has specialized in providing products for the expat community in Taipei. Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Closed Tuesdays Activities: Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here. Tours:You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here. You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou. Where to Stay: High end: 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, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com 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, Tripadvisor 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, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.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. How to get there: By MRT/Bus: Take the MRT to Zhishan MRT station. From there you can take the 616 bus to Sanyu Temple stop. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to Shipai Road and turn east until it turns into Tianmu Road. There is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out 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 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. Map: Please see a map below: Taiwan has some delicious sweets and desserts; even if you are a picky American like me you can find something delicious here that you will be sure to miss if you ever leave. Desserts are one of the main things that has brought me back to Taiwan time and time again. Here I will list my favorite Taiwan desserts. Try not to drool too much on your screen or keyboard.
You may also want to check out our Taiwan food guide here. Table of Contents
My Food Journey in Taiwan: Beitou is one of the best day trips near Taipei and a popular tourist location. As a result, many restaurants have opened in the area, especially around Xinbeitou MRT Station. In this guide, we will tell you how to enjoy food in this area like a local and eat your way through Beitou.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive guide. For the latest prices, opening hours, and other information, you should check Google. Table of Contents
Marshall Zen Garden (also known as Shaoshuai Zen Garden 少帥展館) was originally a Japanese era Inn and home to Zhang Xueliang, an outcast Chinese warlord who spent more than 50 years on house arrest here. Now it has been renovated and converted into a restaurant, museum, and hot spring bath. Sitting in the hills of Beitou, it has great views of the surrounding area and Mount Guanyin. It is a great place to enjoy the scenery in Beitou.
Table of Contents Historical Background:Marshall Zen Garden was originally known as Xintaka Inn 新高旅社 which was built in 1920. Later, during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, served as a comfort station for Kamikaze pilots before their suicide missions. In the 1960s, Zhang Xueliang 張學良, the “Young Marshal” (Shaoshuai 少帥 in Chinese) who was placed under house arrest by Chiang Kai-shek, and also lived here in seclusion with his wife, Zhao Yidi 趙一荻. Zhang Xueliang, who lived through significant moments in Chinese modern history, was born in 1901 and was the son of a Chinese Warlord. After his father’s assassination by the Japanese in 1928, Zhang Xueliang took over leadership and played a critical role in the unification of China. Zhang initiated the Xi’an Incident. The Xi’an Incident occurred in December 1936, when Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng detained Chiang Kai-shek to force him to stop the civil war against the Chinese Communist Party. They demanded that Chiang focus on uniting with the communists to resist the growing threat of Japanese invasion. As a result, Chiang harbored deep hatred for Zhang especially because of losses during the Chinese Civil War, and kept him under house arrest for more than 50 years. Following the suggestion of Soong Mei-ling and with the approval of Chiang Ching-kuo, Zhang purchased the land with his own money and built a residence. He remained there until 1995, when he moved to Hawaii and sold the property. Xueliang passed away in Honolulu in 2001, at the age of 101, concluding a life that spanned a century and mirrored China’s turbulent history. Marshal Zen Garden is now a popular spot for tourists and can get crowded on the weekends.
Love At First Bite was a Chicago-style pizza restaurant in Da'an District of Taipei. It was known as the best Chicago-style pizza in Taipei. After 9 years of operations, the restaurant closed after their lease with the landlord ended. Hopefully, the restaurant will open again in a new location soon.
Background: Love At First Bite opened in 2014 and closed on November 12th, 2023. The boss suggested that a new location would open soon, but no further information has been given. Hours: Permanently Closed How to get there: It's closed. No longer open. You can't get there anymore.
Taipei City Mall, also known as Taipei Underground Street, Miki Plaza, Y District Underground Mall, Y區地下街, or Taipei Main Underground Shopping Street 台北地下街 英文介紹, is the largest underground shopping area in Taiwan roughly between and around the underground red line Zhongshan MRT, Airport MRT, and Taipei Main Station. It is like four shopping malls in one. Here one can purchase clothing, toys, electronics, handicrafts, and more. Its location underground between underground public transportation rail lines makes it a convenient and popular place for shoppers. In this blog, we will share our experience including a detailed map of the area.
Background: Taipei City Mall opened on March 29, 2000, and is one of several underground shopping streets in Taipei. The mall provided relocation space for 810 tenants from the Zhonghua Shopping Mall which was demolished in 1992. The Taipei Underground Mall is located beneath Section 1 of Civic Boulevard (Zhengzhou Road), stretching from Beimen Station on the Taipei Metro Songshan-Xindian Line to the Tamsui-Xinyi Line. The mall spans 825 meters and covers an area of 35,738 square meters. The Taipei Underground Mall has a total of 28 entrances and exits, 14 on the north side and 14 on the south side. All are labeled with the letter Y. Taipei City Mall is even known as the “Akihabara of Taipei”. In addition, Taipei City Mall is open throughout the year and is unaffected by changes in weather. It is a great place for kids and families. It also connects with the Zhongshan Underground Mall, Taipei Station Mall, and Station Front Mall. The area includes Taipei Underground Street Mall (Zone Y), MRT Zhongshan Underground Mall (Zone R), Zhongshan Underground Book Street (Zone R), Station Front Metro Mall (Zone Z), Taipei Main Station Underground Mall (Zone M), and Xinzhongshan Linear Park. There are endless toy shops, video game stores, clothing stores, bookstores, and restaurants in the area. Price: Free Hours: About 11 AM to 9:30 PM every day. Hours of individual shops may differ. Tours in Taipei: There are many tour itineraries that you can enjoy in Taipei that will take you to multiple destinations and arrange transportation. For more information, you can check out KKday here or Klook here which are both great tour websites that can connect you with the right tour and tour guide for you. Activities in Taipei: Indoor Skiing, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Wakeboarding, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, SUP / Paddle Boarding, Diving, Snorkeling Kayaking, Canoeing, Water Biking, River Tracing / Canyoneering, ATVing, Horse Riding, Cooking Class, Archery, Ice Skating, Roller Skating, Tree Climbing, Urban Camping, Glamping, Motorcycling, Motorbike Tour, Dragon Boat Racing, Escape Room, Shen'ao Rail Bike, Laser Gun Experience, Batting Cages, Bowling, Paintball, Flight Simulation Experience, Taipei Tram Driving Experience, Rail Simulation Experience, Taipei 101 Observation Deck activity, Strawberry Picking, Professional Photo Shoot, Body Relaxation SPA, Night Tour, Calligraphy Workshop and more on Klook here or KKday 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, Agoda here, or Kayak here). 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, Agoda here, or Kayak 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: You can access the underground mall via Beimen MRT Station, Taipei Main Station, Zhongshan MRT Station, or Shuanglian MRT Station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: There is paid parking nearby Taipei Main Station. 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. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Click here or here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter 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 bike 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. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below: Mangoes are one of the best aspects of living in Taiwan. Taiwan mangoes are the best. They are simply the king of fruit. Also, many mango varieties can only be found in Taiwan. The only downside is Mango season only lasts for a few short months during the summer in Taiwan. In this guide, we…Read More
If you are interested in other Taiwan fruits, you can also check out our full Taiwan fruit guide here. Table of Contents:
Some people out there may confuse Taiwan with Thailand, however they are two very different countries. In fact, there are so many differences that we can’t even list them in this article. To help you differentiate between Taiwan and Thailand, we have laid out the key differences that you need to know here. I have…Read More
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Taiwan is located in East Asia, straddling the Tropic of Cancer. It is positioned to the east of China, with Japan and Korea lying to its north, and the Philippines situated to its south. Taiwan’s strategic location in the Western Pacific makes it a significant hub in the region, offering a blend of tropical and subtropical climates. In contrast, Thailand is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, just below the Tropic of Cancer. It shares its borders with several countries: to the west and northwest is Myanmar, to the south lies Malaysia, and to the east are Laos and Cambodia. Thailand’s central location in Southeast Asia makes it a crossroads of diverse cultures and influences, with a fully tropical climate and rich biodiversity. Mid-Autumn Festival (aka Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival) is one of the major festivals in Taiwan and is also an important holiday in cultures throughout Southeast Asia. In this blog, we will tell you how this festival is celebrated in Taiwan, how you can celebrate it, as well as other activities that will take place…Read More
May Hakka Snow Hakka Food (五月雪-客家私房珍釀) restaurant is a Michelin-star-rated traditional restaurant in Xinyi District of Taipei City. Popular dishes here include salt chicken, braised pork, cuttlefish, and more. It is definitely worth a trip if you are in Taipei...Read More
Hakka Kitchen (廚房客家美食) is a traditional Hakka Chinese restaurant inside a more commercial district of Zhongshan district, on an alley with many other food options near Nanjing Fuxing MRT Station on the Green Line. The defining feature of the restaurant is the giant photo of Jensen Huang, apparently the most important person to ever eat…Read More
Luodong Night Market is the largest night market in Yilan and is one of the area's top tourist destinations. The night market covers a large area and usually is packed with people. Delicacies here include mutton soup, shaved ice, duck noodles, and onion pancakes. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Yilan.
Planning your trip to Yilan? Here are some top travel tips for you:
Background: Luodong Night Market was created in 1990 as part of the local government's plan. The main part of the night market was built in front of a movie theater, so moviegoers could go get food after seeing a movie. Soon a few stalls became many, and the night market soon turned into the large sprawling area that we see today. The night market covers areas along Minsheng Road, Gongyuan Road, and Minquan Road, and also sprawls onto Tianjin Road, Zhentai Street, Xingdong Street, and Zhongshan Road Section 3. Hours: 3 PM to 12 AM every day. Price: Free Tours and Activities: You can purchase tours and tickets for many activities in Yilan such as Lanyang Museum, Turtle Island, Yilan Children's Festival, Toucheng Leisure Farm, Daxi Fishing Port, Caoling Tunnel, and many others through KKday here or Klook here. Accommodation: Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. We have stayed at and recommend Ying Shih Guest House, a resort in Datong Township near Taipingshan and Fan Fan Hot Spring (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), and Jiaosi Hotspring Hotel, a hotel with hot springs in each room (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Trip.com here). We have also stayed at Toucheng Leisure Farm, a recreational farm and experience center in Toucheng (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, on Klook here, or on Trip.com here). How to get there: Bar Car/Scooter: From National Freeway 5, turn west on provincial highway 9 toward Luodong. There is paid parking near Zhongshan Park. Looking for scooter rental in Yilan? You can search KKday here or Klook here to look for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals in Yilan, you can also search KKday here or Klook here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By TRA: The night market is about 200 meters away from Luodong TRA station. You can book tickets to travel to Yilan via inter-city bus on KKday here.. You can book tickets to Yialn via high speed rail (HSR) on KKday here. Bicycle rental: 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 KKday here or Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below:
Tamsui Old Street (aka Danshui Old Street or Tamshui Old Street) is a street in Tamsui District of New Taipei famous for its delicious food and historical atmosphere. It is one of the most popular and well known old streets in all of Taiwan. Some local delicacies here include A-gei, iron eggs, fried squid, and other seafood.
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Background: Tamsui Old Street developed alongside the Tamsui Harbor, which was opened in 1860 during the Qing Dynasty as part of the Treaty of Tientsin which ended the Second Opium War. It was one of only eight ports in the entire Qing empire that was open to trade with the west. As a result, it became a focal point for trade in Taiwan. It was also the western terminus of the Danlan Old Trail, which was a network of roads and trails that sent tea and other goods from Yilan to Tamsui. It remained an important port until it started to silt in during the 1900s, and after the construction of Keelung Harbor. There are also a number of important historical buildings near Tamsui Old Street such as Fort San Domingo, Hobe Fort, and others. Tamsui Old Street has always existed next to the old harbor, and recently there have been projects from the local government to improve tourism, such as widening roads and making a riverside walkway. With the completion of the Red Line MRT with its terminus in 1997 right at the edge of the old street, Tamsui became an extremely popular destination for residents in greater Taipei and remains to be so today. Hours: Every day 11 AM - 8 PM. Price: Free Tours: You can book a tour of Tamsui on KKday here or Klook here. You can book a tour to Taiwan's North Coast on KKday here or Klook here. Activities: There are many activities available around Tamsui such as, SUPing, Sand Bar Digging, Lover's Tower, Sailing, Yachting, and more on KKday here or Klook here. Hotels in Tamsui: We have stayed at and recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, Klook here, Trip.com, Kayak 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, Agoda here, Trip.com here, or Kayak 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: Take provincial highway 2 north from Taipei until you reach Tamsui. The old street is near the Tamsui MRT station. Parking can be hard to find, but there should be plentiful parking at Tamsui Elementary School and other places further away. Looking for scooter rental in Tamsui? You can search on KKday here or Klook 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 KKday here or Klook here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By MRT: Take the red line MRT north to Tamsui station and you have arrived. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from KKday here or Klook here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on KKday here or 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 KKday here or Klook here.. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below:
Liaoning Street Night Market (遼寧街夜市) is a large restaurant and eating area in Zhongshan District of Taipei known for its variety of seafood restaurants and stalls. The night market sits next to Nanjing Fuxing MRT Station, meaning there are always crowds of hungry people looking for cheap snacks here. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
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Background: The market on Liaoning Street started with Fuju Temple (福聚宮), which dates back to 1882 during the Qing Dynasty when many stalls and restaurants began to be established around the temple to feed the crowds of hungry worshippers who visited. Liaoning Street Night Market started in roughly 1970 and many of the stalls and restaurants on the street have continued since that time. Popular delicacies here include Boiled Squid, Seafood Rechao, Oyster Omelet, Goose, Mochi, Tapioca Pearls, and more. Hours: Roughly 4 PM to 12 Midnight every day. Price: Free Where to Stay: 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: The night Market is on Liaoning Street, just a block away from the intersection of Nanjing East Road and Fuxing North Road. There is limited 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 Nanjing Fuxing. The night market is about a five 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:
Shezi Night Market (社子夜市) is a long eating and shopping area on the Shezi Peninsula in Shilin District of Taipei. The night market is small and also doubles as a wet market during the day. You will not find many tourists here, making it an authentic local night market experience. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei.
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Background: Shezi is the part of Shilin District that makes a peninsula between the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers. With a history of floods, it is one of the most underdeveloped parts of Taipei City, however, an MRT station is planned for the future. There are still thousands of people who live in Shezi and need food. Shezi Market is open as a wet market during the day. At around 4 PM, the night market stalls begin to appear, and quite a few people will turn out for dinner or a snack. The night market runs for about one short block on both sides of the street and is not blocked off for pedestrians. Popular snacks here include oil rice, dumplings, and sweet and sour soup. Hours: Roughly 4 PM to 10 PM every day. Price: Free Where to Stay: 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: Take Provincial Highway 2 north toward Shilin. The night market is just behind the intersection where Provincial Highway 2 crosses over the river to Shilin. There is limited paid parking near the night market. 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: From Taipei Main Station, take bus 2 to Shezi Market. The ride takes about half an hour. 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:
Shuangcheng Street Night Market is a large eating and shopping area near Zhongshan Elementary School MRT Station in Zhongshan District in Taipei. The night market includes an open "food court" stall area and a closed market area that sells clothes and other items. Even though it is a relatively small night market, it is one of the oldest and most well-established in Taipei.
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Background: Shuangcheng Street Night Market is named after Shuangcheng Street (雙城街) on which it is located. The market spans from Lane 10 and Lane 13 of Shuang Cheng Street to Nong An Street (農安街) in Zhongshan District, Taipei City, filling what would have been the street with food stalls and shops. The exact origins of Shuang Cheng Street Night Market are unclear, but according to the Taipei City Market Administration, it has a history dating back to at least 1971. Despite being called a night market, Shuangcheng Street Market also operates during the day. Additionally, there is a rotation of stalls between day and night (8 AM - 4 PM, and then 5 PM - Midnight) offering a different experience depending on the time of day, although some stalls operate continuously. While Shuang Cheng Street Night Market mainly consists of food stalls, it is connected to the Qingguang Market (晴光市場) shopping area which is covered and sells mainly clothing items. The night market is popular with both locals and foreigners and is especially busy on weekends and holidays. Hours: Roughly 4 PM to 11 PM every day. Price: Free 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 Minquan East Road, the night market to the north of Zhongshan MRT Station. There is limited 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 market is about a 10-minute walk from either Minquan West Road MRT Station or Zhongshan Elementary School MRT Station. 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:
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)。
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.
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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:
Redodo Hot Pot is a popular hot pot buffet with over 50 locations throughout Taiwan. It has been called the No. 1 Hot Pot Buffet in Taiwan. Here we will take you on a journey to this hot pot and teach you more about hot pot buffet culture in Taiwan.
Historical Background: Ledodo was launched in 2017 by the Leduoduo Group, which has long been engaged in the seafood business in Taiwan for over 50 years. The Ximen branch of Ledodo has been open since 2022. Currently, there are 50 Rododo locations all over Taiwan. This chain restaurant was named as having the number 1 online prescience of any hot pot in Taiwan. Hours: Weekday lunch: 3.5 hours (11:30-15:30, 12:00-15:30, varies by store) Dinner: 180 minutes (21:30-03:30, 21:30-01:00, varies by store). Price: Set Menu Starting at 349 NT Salad bar only: 268 NT Children 91-140 cm: 150 NT Children under 90 cm: free English Menu: https://www.twrododo.com/autopage/1/englishmenu Website: Official Website, Facebook Special Discounts:
Buffet Selection:
How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Taipei Main Station, go east on Zhongxiao East Road until you reach Zhonghua Road and take a left. Take another right on Chengdu Road and you are there. There is some scooter parking on the street, but if you are driving a car I suggest parking at Carrefour and walking over. 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 MRT: Take the green line to Ximen Station. The shopping district can be found at exit 6. 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
Fondue Retro (Kuangyiguo 狂一鍋) Hot Pot is a popular hot pot buffet with over 10 locations throughout Taiwan. It has been called the No. 1 Taiwanese-style hot pot buffet brand in Taiwan. The main difference between these pots and normal hot pots is the stir-fried Taiwan snack ingredients that spice up the pot. Also many of the soups at Fondue Retro are inspired by the history and society of Taiwan. For example, during the period when Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule, a salty and fragrant fried pork dish was invented to cater to the Japanese preference for drinking alcohol. This dish later evolved into a noodle soup, which Fondue Retro has adapted into a hot pot. Another example is the Stir-Fried Squid Hot Pot, a famous dish from night markets, which Fondue Retro uses as a hot pot base. The soups at Fondue Retro are very different from those at other hot pot restaurants, as they have a rich Taiwanese flavor.
Historical Background: Fondue Retro (Kuangyiguo 狂一鍋) Hot Pot was launched in 2021 by the Leduoduo Group, which has long been engaged in the seafood business in Taiwan for over 50 years. The Sanchong branch of Fondue Retro has been open since 2022. Currently there are over 14 locations all over Taiwan. This chain restaurant's name in Chinese literally means "crazy one pot." This brand combines Taiwanese street food with rich, savory hot pot broth, transforming common snacks like crispy pork ribs, salty dumplings, and stir-fried squid into delicious hot pot dishes. Hours: Weekends: 11:30 AM–12 AM Weekdays: 1:30 AM–3 PM, 5:30 PM–12 AM Price: Set Menu Starting at 389 NT Children 121-140 cm: 149 NT Children 101-121 cm: 99 NT Children under 100 CM: Free English Menu: https://www.twrododo.com/autopage/1/englishmenu Website: www.twfondueretro.com, Facebook Special Discounts:
Buffet Selection:
Locations (14 Stores in Taiwan):
How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Taipei Main Station, go east on Zhongxiao East Road until you reach Chongxin Road and take a right. The hot pot restaurant is on the opposite side of the street. There is some scooter parking on the street, but if you are driving a car I suggest parking at Tiantai Movie Theater and walking over. 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 MRT: Take the green line to Taipei Bridge or Cailiao Station. The restaurant is in between these two stations. 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:
Yangmei is a relatively developed and affluent town within Taoyuan. Hidden in the town is the not well known Yangmei Old Street, with a few historical buildings scattered here and there. If you didn't know it, you might mistake it for just an ordinary Taiwan street.
Historical Background: Since prehistoric times, the area around Yangmei was home to indigenous Taiwanese plains aborigines. There was no large-scale Dutch or Chinese settlement in the area during the Dutch rule of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese settlers began to settle the area and begin farming. The township of Yangmei is named after the Chinese Bayberry. During the Qing Dynasty, Han Chinese immigrants found wild Bayberry (Yangmei 楊梅) trees covering the mountains and thus so named the area. During the Japanese era of Taiwan, Yangmei became a transportation hub in northern Taiwan, with convenient railway and highway transportation. Yangmei District was originally an agricultural town. However, with the completion of the National Freeway 1 in 1978 and the establishment of two interchanges, rapid industrial development occurred in the 1980s. There are now multiple industrial zones within Yangmei. The population of Yangmei is about 180,000 and is increasing every year. 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 National Freeway 1 southwest to the Yangmei Exit. The old street starts is right in the middle of town on Dahua Street and Dacheng Street. 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. By Scooter: From Taoyuan, take Provincial Highway 1 southwest to Yangmei and turn right on Dahua Street and Dacheng Street. The old street starts is right in the middle of town. 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 TRA: You can take the local train to Yangmei TRA Station. 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: |
Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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Planning your trip to Taiwan?
Here are some top travel tips for you:
- Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn when it is not too hot or cold and less rainy
- How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
- Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
- Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
- Stay connected with a local SIM
- Rent a car to explore distant sights