Taiwan

Taiwan's public transport system is a traveller's dream. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network in Taipei is clean, efficient, and intuitive—grab an EasyCard (悠遊卡) at any convenience store to tap on and off without fumbling for tickets. For longer journeys between cities, the high-speed rail is your best friend: Taipei to Taichung takes just one hour, compared to two hours on a standard train.

Navigating between regions is straightforward. Most major cities—Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung—are connected by reliable rail and bus networks. Use the Hello app to track your transport expenses in local currency as you move around, making it easy to stay within your budget. Pro tip: book train tickets in advance during peak travel seasons, especially if you're visiting during holidays or weekends when routes fill up quickly. The MRT is particularly useful for day trips; you can reach mountain areas like Yangmingshan National Park and coastal spots like Jiufen Village within 30 minutes to an hour from central Taipei. If you're travelling with friends, split transport costs through the Hello app to keep everyone's spending transparent.

Taiwan's night markets are legendary for good reason. These bustling outdoor bazaars come alive after sunset, offering an intoxicating blend of sizzling street food, quirky souvenirs, and pure local energy. In Taipei, Shilin is the classic choice, though Raohe and Ningxia offer equally fantastic food with fewer crowds. Each city has its own gems: Taichung's Feng Chia Night Market is massive, while Tainan's Ta-Tung Night Market operates Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings.

Come hungry. Try oyster omelets, stinky tofu, grilled squid, and mochi—most dishes cost between 30–80 TWD ($1–2.50 USD). The beauty of night markets is their affordability; you can eat like royalty without breaking the bank. Arrive early (around 6 PM) to beat the worst crowds and snag the freshest food. Use the Hello app's expense tracker to log what you spend on street food—it's easy to lose track when you're sampling everything. Pro tip: bring cash. While some stalls accept cards, many operate cash-only, and you'll want small bills to navigate multiple vendors without constantly seeking change.

Taiwan punches above its weight when it comes to natural beauty. The Beitou Hot Springs, just 30 minutes from downtown Taipei via MRT, offer a luxurious escape into thermal pools surrounded by lush vegetation and temples like the tiny wooden Puji Temple. Visit the Hot Springs Museum and Thermal Valley (a sulfurous lake with walking trails) to understand the area's geological significance.

For hikers, Elephant Mountain near Taipei delivers spectacular sunset views over the city with Taipei 101 framed perfectly in your photos—just arrive early to secure a decent spot as it gets crowded in evenings. Further afield, Alishan's misty forests and Yehliu Geopark's dramatic coastal rock formations showcase Taiwan's diverse landscapes. The island is home to sprawling national parks, remote islets, soaring mountain ranges, and white-sand beaches, making it easy to mix city exploration with nature immersion. Most hikes are accessible and well-marked. Pack layers; mountain weather changes quickly. Use the Hello app to plan your itinerary and organize which natural sites fit your schedule, then track your entrance fees and transport costs as you explore.

Taiwan's cultural richness is woven into every corner. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei is unmissable—the changing of the guard ceremony is theatrical and moving. Nearby, Lungshan Temple (Bangka Lungshan Temple) represents centuries of spiritual tradition and is a short walk away, creating a perfect cultural loop. The National Palace Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art, a must for history enthusiasts.

Tainan, the island's former capital (1683–1887), preserves more historic buildings than anywhere else in Taiwan. Explore Anping Fort, the atmospheric Anping Tree House, and the Tainan Art Museum. For something different, Lukang—a coastal village near Taichung—is packed with traditional architecture, temples, and atmospheric alleyways perfect for wandering. Many temples and museums charge modest entrance fees (typically 50–200 TWD/$1.50–6 USD). Pair cultural visits with local cafés; Taipei's café scene is world-class and a perfect spot to rest between sightseeing. Use Hello's trip planning feature to organize which sites matter most to you and build a logical route to minimize backtracking.