~1,385 km
Distance
18 days
Duration
Challenging
Difficulty
May 2025
Trip Date
I spent 18 days riding a scooter all the way around Taiwan, from the packed streets of its cities to quiet mountain roads and long, empty stretches of coast. I rode through green valleys, stopped in tiny villages, and ate my way through food that changed completely from one region to the next. I also squeezed in two islands along the way, which only added to a trip that already felt full of nature, culture, and the warm spirit of this place.
The Route
This loop covered 14 destinations in just 18 days, which made for an intense, pretty complete immersion. Looking back, if you're not in a hurry, I'd take it slower and linger at a few of these stops longer than I did. Here's a rundown of where I stopped and what stood out at each place:
Taipei
Taiwan's capital and home to the island's main airport. This is where I picked up my scooter and set off on the loop.
Taichung
A lively city with great food and creative neighborhoods, and my base for a day trip to Lukang.
Sun Moon Lake
One of Taiwan's most scenic spots, ringed by mountains and temples, with a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.
Alishan/Fenqihu
Known for misty forest treks, mountain scenery, and tea plantations scattered with small villages.
Chiayi
A relaxed city with a local feel and excellent food. A nice taste of everyday life in southern Taiwan.
Tainan
Taiwan's oldest city, packed with temples, history, and some of the best street food I found on the island.
Kaohsiung
The second biggest city in Taiwan, modern and creative, with an interesting seafront and plenty of cultural spots.
Liuqiu Island
A small coral island off the southern coast, known for clear water, sea turtles, and a relaxed island vibe.
Kenting
The southernmost point of Taiwan, home to a national park and long sandy beaches. One of the most popular holiday spots for Taiwanese people.
Taitung
A peaceful city on the east coast, surrounded by mountains and ocean, known for its slow pace and beautiful scenery.
Green Island
Lush and green as the name suggests, with striking rock formations, clear water, and natural hot springs right by the sea.
Yuli
A small town in the East Rift Valley with a calm, rural feel. A convenient stop along the east coast.
Hualien
The main city on Taiwan's east coast and gateway to the famous Taroko National Park.
Luodong
A lively town in Yilan County, known for its local atmosphere, nearby hot springs, and easy access to nature.
Jiufen
A unique mountain town with narrow streets, teahouses, and coastal views, said to have inspired the movie Spirited Away.
Taipei→Taichung1
Taichung1
1Taichung→Sun Moon Lake2
2Sun Moon Lake→Alishan/Fenqihu3
3Alishan/Fenqihu→Chiayi4
4Chiayi→Tainan5
Tainan5
5Tainan→Kaohsiung6
6Kaohsiung→Liuqiu Island7
7Liuqiu Island→Kenting8
Kenting8
8Kenting→Taitung9
9Taitung→Green Island10
10Green Island→Yuli11
11Yuli→Hualien12
12Hualien→Luodong13
13Luodong→Jiufen14
14Jiufen→Taipei
Eighteen days, two islands, and a loop that turned out longer and richer than I ever expected, an incredible journey around Taiwan I know is going to stay with me for a very long time.
Trip Info