night #1
Grand Hotel
reviews say to skip the breakfast buffet, not worth it
https://www.grand-hotel.org/en/official/main.aspx
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/the-grand-hotel
rent a scooter at 'ZOCHA' near train station
explore Jiufen Old Street / stay overnight
https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/642
https://www.nickkembel.com/jiufen-old-street-taiwan/
https://newtaipei.travel/en/Attractions/Detail/112939
Explore gold museum
Explore Ximending Walking District
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/ximending
Explore Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002090&id=73
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/martyrs-shrine
https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/445
explore a night market
( my region doesn't have night markets )
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/shilin-night-market
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/gongguan-night-market
National Palace Museum
Explore Temples
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/confucius-temple
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/dalongdong-baoan-temple-and-gardens
Beitou Hot Spring ( private hot springs room )
https://www.gvrb.com.tw/en/service/%E6%B9%AF%E5%B1%8B-2/
https://www.springresort.com.tw/en/fac/ins.php?index_id=2
http://www.passportchop.com/asia/6-things-you-must-do-in-beitou-and-tamsui/
Stay overnight to Wulai Hot Springs?
easy to get too
https://www.jaredsdetours.com/wulai-taiwan/
https://www.nickkembel.com/wulai-hot-spring-taipei-taiwan/
Fort San Domingo ( hilltop Spanish fort constructed in 1629 )
https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/660
Taipei 101 Observatory
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/taipei-101
Taipei Christmas Lights & Markets
https://www.taipeitravelgeek.com/christmas-lights-2019
Ride High Speed train to Taichung City 300 KPH
stay overnight in Taichung City
sample different restaurants:
Yakiniku restaurant ( Japanese barbeque )
Teppanyaki restaurant
Ramen restaurant
Korean restaurant
Swiss restaurant / fondue
Russian restaurant
Bulgarian restaurant
overview:
Home base will be in Taipei,
with a couple overnight / day trips
Taipei is easier than Tokyo
everything is organized & easy
We will tour the Taipei sites ( lots of worthy stuff )
overnight trip to Jiufen ( fabulous village )
day trip to Pingxi Sky Lantern with Mike & Kelly ( 03 Mar )
KB, Natasha, Diem may do a flower run, using the high speed rail ( 03 Mar )
The last 2 nights will be in the 5star Grand Hotel ( 1949 )
Taiwan list of options
BKK-TPE
( there are cheaper flights, if you don't mind 737's )
STARLUX Airlines 742 Airbus A350-900 1:45 pm – 6:25 pm
EVA Air 62 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner 11:20 am – 4:00 pm
TPE to Taipei central 28 minutes
Inside Taipei:
Ximending Walking District ( on arrival?)
Liberty Square Archway
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Taipei 101 Observatory
Taipei Rose Garden
National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine
National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine
The Grand Hotel
Costco Wholesale Taipei
Taiwan Cherry Blossoms
( northern part of the island / Taipei region )
Taiwan Cherry Blossoms ( northern part of the island )
Taipei Rose Festival dates not released yet ( in March)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44dhQkSde6w
https://www.flowersfestival.taipei/en/article.html?id=21
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHxwY4Bvmqk/
Taipei hop on / hop off bus
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day trips from Taipei:
Pingxi Sky Lantern Mar 3rd
stay in the Hot Springs district for a night
( very close to Taipei City )
Taipei City ─ Beitou Hot Springs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gEcnSwRFkrXL2jR8
Jiufen Old Street ( overnight , easy bus ) must do**
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Xv4oNr55v3TQn3M7
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zS33TMAv3dmBnSRp6
I made non-refundable reservations here 2 times,
had to cancel twice (disappointing)
Jiufen Chiu Chunt Dint Inn
( stayed here last time )
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High Speed Train / rental car / overnight stay
Zhongshe Flower Market
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JpsR58xwQMmis1xe7
Xinshe Sea of Flowers
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cEeAkHei3qTKPPAQA
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https://www.flowersfestival.taipei/en/article.html?id=18
Alishan Forest Railway ( it's a little too far, not enough time )
