March 26, 2025 | By Anand Shah

There’s a thrill in stepping into a destination that isn’t overrun by clichés. No ‘same old, same old’ skyline shots, no overcrowded landmarks where you have to elbow your way to a decent photo. Taiwan is one of those rare places that defies easy labels. It’s not quite like Japan, not quite like China, and definitely not a ‘smaller Hong Kong.’ It’s something entirely its own. And that, I discovered on this FAM trip, is exactly what makes it magic.

First Impressions: Efficient, Uncomplicated, and Surprisingly Green
From the moment I landed at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s efficiency was on full display. Immigration? A breeze. Luggage? Already on the belt. Wi-Fi? Everywhere. It took me less than an hour to go from plane seat to city street, bubble tea in hand, ready to explore. And speaking of streets—Taipei is refreshingly green. Parks, tree-lined boulevards, and bike lanes weave seamlessly through the urban landscape, giving the city a laid-back, breathable vibe that’s rare in Asia’s megacities.

The FAM Itinerary: Packed but Perfectly Paced
FAM trips can sometimes feel like a marathon—rushing from one site visit to another, barely processing the experience before hopping onto the next bus. This one? It was a well-balanced mix of exploration, education, and, let’s be honest, some very well-timed food breaks.

Taipei’s Dual Personality – One morning we were peering down from the dizzying heights of Taipei 101, feeling on top of the world; by afternoon, we were wandering through the atmospheric alleys of Jiufen, where red lanterns cast a nostalgic glow and the scent of taro balls filled the air. It felt like time travel, compressed into a single day.

Sun Moon Lake: Serenity Personified – I’ve been to my fair share of picturesque lakes, but Sun Moon Lake has a serenity that lingers. We took a boat ride across its still waters, stopping at a temple perched on a hilltop with panoramic views. The air here feels different—cooler, clearer, and tinged with the scent of pine.

Taroko Gorge: Nature in Its Full Drama – If there’s one place that stole the show, it was Taroko. The gorge is a masterpiece of marble cliffs, raging rivers, and trails that carve through tunnels and suspension bridges. Every turn felt like a postcard waiting to be framed.

The Food: Come Hungry, Leave Overjoyed
Let’s talk about the food—because in Taiwan, eating isn’t just a necessity, it’s an art form.

Street Food Scene – The night markets are a sensory overload in the best way possible. Raohe and Shilin were buzzing with energy, offering everything from scallion pancakes to grilled squid on sticks.

Vegetarian Surprise – Given Taiwan’s strong Buddhist culture, vegetarian options were not just available, but deliciously diverse. Even the most hardcore meat-lovers in our group found themselves reaching for second helpings of braised tofu and wild mushroom stir-fries.

Tea Culture – You can’t come to Taiwan and not indulge in its tea culture. Sitting in a century-old tea house in Jiufen, sipping high-mountain oolong, felt like a meditative experience in itself.

The Verdict: Why Taiwan Deserves More Indian Travellers
As the FAM trip wrapped up, one thought lingered—why don’t more Indian travellers come here? The destination is clean, safe, full of hidden gems, and easy to explore. The connectivity is improving, and the visa process is far less complicated than most assume. But beyond logistics, Taiwan is a place that leaves an impression. It surprises you in ways you don’t expect.

Would I come back? In a heartbeat. Would I recommend it to Indian travellers? Absolutely. And for Indian travel agents, now is the perfect time to put Taiwan on their radar before the rest of the world catches on.