A Different Way to See Taiwan
When most people think of Taiwan, they picture the neon glow of Taipei’s night markets or racing across the island on high-speed rail. But Taiwan has another side—one that unfolds slowly, like a story told over tea. To truly experience its countryside, you need to slow down.
At Epic Travel Designer, we believe in journeys that go deep, not wide. Two nights in each county, where you linger long enough to feel the rhythms of daily life, soak in mineral-rich hot springs, and watch sunsets from quiet forest railways. This is Taiwan in slow motion—unhurried, soulful, unforgettable.
Two Ways to Travel Slowly
We craft countryside journeys in two styles:
- By Train + Private Drivers
Step onto nostalgic trains that trundle from county to county, past rice paddies and mountain ridges. At each stop, our friendly local driver meets you for day tours—sharing hidden corners and personal stories before returning you to your inn. It’s freedom with the comfort of seamless logistics.
- Fully Escorted Tours
Prefer everything taken care of? We design fully escorted countryside tours where you’re accompanied every step of the way. Think of it as traveling with a well-connected local friend who knows the best detours, eateries, and traditions.
The Eastern Route: Hot Springs, Ocean Cliffs & Cycling Lanes
- Yilan & Taitung Hot Springs
Taiwan is blessed with some of Asia’s finest hot springs, and two of the best are right here. Yilan’s Jiaoxi Hot Springs are famed for their purity, with mineral waters bubbling naturally through outdoor pools and riverside baths. In Taitung, the legendary Zhiben Hot Springs are set against lush forest slopes, where healing waters have been cherished for centuries.
- Hualien’s Oceanic Scenery
In Hualien, mountains meet the sea in breathtaking ways. Trails wind through Taroko Gorge’s marble canyons, suspension bridges sway over turquoise rivers, and the Pacific crashes against sheer cliffs. It’s Taiwan’s wildest side, best savored on foot at a slow pace.
- Taitung’s Slow Rhythms
Nothing embodies slow travel more than cycling along Brown Avenue (伯朗大道) in Taitung. Imagine pedaling past endless rice paddies, their emerald waves shimmering under the sun, framed by distant mountain ridges. Farmers ride scooters along narrow paths, locals wave as you pass, and the only soundtrack is the rustling of the fields. It’s a cinematic countryside moment—simple, pure, and deeply grounding.
- Kaohsiung Stopover
Before looping back north, pause in Kaohsiung for a dash of coastal culture—harborfront strolls, seafood markets, and colorful nightscapes.
The Western Route: Tea Trails, Forest Rails & Indigenous Traditions
- Miaoli’s Slow Walks
At Miaoli’s Houlong Cape of Good Hope, the land gently meets the sea. This coastal headland is ideal for a leisurely walk, where ocean breezes brush your face and the horizon feels infinite. It’s a meditative stop that captures the essence of slow travel.
- Nantou’s Tea Plantations
Beyond Sun Moon Lake, Nantou’s tea-growing hills are a living classroom. On a guided walk, you’ll meet farmers who’ve tended these plantations for decades. You’ll learn the art of tea picking, discover the subtle craft of roasting, and even create your own blend to bring home. The experience is as much about the people as it is about the tea—a story steeped in heritage.
- Alishan’s Forest Railways
The Alishan Forest Railway is one of Taiwan’s most iconic journeys. Wooden trains climb through misty forests, where dawn unveils a sea of clouds and sunsets paint the mountains in gold. In Fenqihu’s old streets, pick up the beloved railway bento—a nostalgic lunch box that tastes of tradition and travel all at once.
- Aboriginal Villages
Deeper into the forests, indigenous villages offer an authentic window into Taiwan’s oldest traditions. Join local guides on foraging walks, learn how hunters once tracked food in the wild, and sit down to a communal meal prepared with foraged herbs and smoked meats. Around the fire, stories are shared, and you’ll feel the heartbeat of a culture that’s as enduring as the mountains themselves.
Why Slow Travel Works in Taiwan
Taiwan isn’t meant to be rushed. Staying two nights in each county lets you connect—whether it’s sipping tea with a farmer, pedaling through green fields, or watching the clouds part over a mountain ridge. Slow travel isn’t about doing less. It’s about feeling more.
Ready to Travel Slow?
At Epic Travel Designer, we design free-and-easy Taiwan journeys that balance structure with spontaneity. Whether you head east, west, or both, your trip will be crafted to linger—because the best journeys aren’t measured in distance, but in depth.