Itinerary - Taiwan - October

Kaohsiung → East Coast → Taipei | 16–31 Oct - Taiwan

Hi all,

I’m planning a 2-week trip to Taiwan from 16–31 October and would love feedback on my route. The main goal is to travel south → east coast → north (Taipei) with a focus on scenery, food, and nature.

Planned Route

Kaohsiung → (South Taiwan stop) → Taitung → East Coast Highway 11 → Hualien → Taipei

ITINERARY

Days 1–3: Kaohsiung

Pier-2 Art Center

Lotus Pond

Cijin Island sunset

Night markets (Liuhe / Ruifeng)

Days 4–5: South Taiwan (CURRENTLY FLEXIBLE)

I’ve eliminated Kenting and I’m debating alternatives.

*Option A: Xiaoliuqiu (current preferred choice)\*

Snorkelling with sea turtles

Scooter island loop

Beaches + caves

Relaxed island vibe

*Option B: Tainan extra time\*

More food + cultural exploration

Slower-paced city days

^^Open to other suggestions here^^

Days 6–7: Taitung

Luye Highlands

Chishang rice fields (Brown Avenue)

Sanxiantai coastal area

Days 8–10: East Coast Road Trip

Route: Taitung → Hualien via Highway 11

Dulan surf town

Donghe coastline

Shitiping rock formations

Cliff viewpoints + hidden beaches

Indigenous villages along the coast

Days 11–12: Hualien

Taroko Gorge (if open)

Qingshui Cliffs

Qixingtan Beach sunset

Days 13–15: Taipei

Jiufen Old Street

Shifen waterfalls + lanterns

Elephant Mountain sunset

Night markets (Shilin / Raohe)

Taipei 101

**Day 16:** Departure to HK

_________________________________

Would really appreciate advice on:

1. South Taiwan stop

Is Xiaoliuqiu worth it vs Kenting in October?

Any better alternative stops between Kaohsiung and Taitung?

1. East Coast travel

Scooter vs car rental for Highway 11?

Any MUST-STOP hidden gems between Taitung and Hualien?

1. General pacing

Is this route too rushed anywhere?

Any places worth adding an extra night?

Thanks in advance 🙏