East Coast & Cultural Odyssey
Discover the very best of Taiwan on this immersive 10-day journey, beginning amid Taipei’s vibrant streets and night markets. You’ll travel east to Hualien’s dramatic Qingshui Cliffs and stargaze on Qixingtan Beach, then delve into coastal wonders like Baxian Caves and Sanxiantai’s iconic arched bridge. Meet the Amis people for traditional drumming and a hands-on cooking class, cycle serene rice-paddy trails in Chishang, and explore the lush East Rift Valley. Adventure through Taroko Gorge’s marble canyons, cross the thrilling Qinbuzhizi Skywalk, and unwind in Jiaoxi’s steamy hot springs. With private transfers, expert guides, and carefully curated experiences from indigenous workshops to gourmet tastings – this tour reveals Taiwan’s rich culture and stunning scenery, creating memories you’ll treasure forever.
Trip Highlights
- Private airport transfer and welcome in Taipei
- Sunrise at Qingshui Cliff & stargazing on Qixingtan Beach
- Haian Coffee roasting with ocean views on the East Coast
- Indigenous drumming performance in Taitung
- Sanxiantai’s eight-arch bridge crossing
- Rice-paddy cycling in the East Rift Valley
- Taroko Gorge marble canyons: Shakadang Trail & Eternal Spring Shrine
- Thrilling Qinbuzhizi Skywalk over the Pacific
- Relaxing hot-spring soak in Jiaoxi
What’s included
• All accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
• Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary
• English speaking guides
• Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
What’s not included
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Personal travel insurance
• Visa fee
Itinerary ideas
-
1
Meet your guide at Taoyuan Airport and transfer to your downtown hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure (ask your guide for local tips).
Meals: None | Accommodation: Taipei -
2
Qingshui Cliff (20 min) – Marble coastal cliffs with sunrise/sunset views.
Qixingtan Beach (30 min) – Gravel shoreline ideal for stargazing.
Liyu Lake – Leisurely lakeside walk amid Central Mountain vistas.
– Pine Garden (1 h 15) – WWII military site turned cultural center.
Meals: None | Accommodation: Hualien -
3
Haian Coffee (1 h) – Roast organic beans overlooking the Pacific.
Baxian Caves (1 h) – Sea-eroded lava tunnels and rock formations.
Changbin Salt Workshop (1 h) – Learn crystal-salt making from an 80-year-old local.
Sinasera 24 French Restaurant (1 h) – Michelin-quality lunch with local ingredients.
Meals: Lunch included | Accommodation: Hualien -
4
Sanxiantai (1 h) – Cross the iconic eight-arch bridge and enjoy an indigenous musical performance.
Amis Drumming Show (1 h) – Experience traditional tribal rhythms in Taitung.
Donghe Bridge – Historic 1930 arch-and-pier bridge blending with nature.
Dulan Sugar Factory Park (1 h) – DIY millet-wine or herbal-soap workshop.
Meals: None | Accommodation: Taitung -
5
East Rift Valley Scenic Area (1 h) – Panoramic views from Luye Highland.
Chishang Bicycle Trail – Cycle through famed rice paddies; taste Chishang rice.
Dabochi Wetland (1 h 30) – Lakeshore walk or cycle amid wetlands.
Meals: None | Accommodation: Taitung -
6
Tropic of Cancer Marker (15 min) – Photo stop at this geographical landmark.
Amis Tribe Food & Cooking Class (1 h 30) – Market tour and indigenous lunch.
Meals: Lunch included | Accommodation: Hualien -
7
Taroko Gorge Tour (6 h) – Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, Eternal Spring Shrine, Tunnel of Nine Turns.
Meals: None | Accommodation: Taroko -
8
Qinbuzhizi Skywalk – Thrilling glass-floor cliff walk over the Pacific.
National Center for Traditional Arts (1 h) – Folk-art DIY experiences.
Jiaoxi Hot Springs – Evening soak at your hotel.
Meals: None | Accommodation: Yilan (Jiaoxi) -
9
Limei Shipan Trail (1 h) – Forest walk and local snack tasting.
Kavalan Distillery Tour (1 h) – Sample award-winning Taiwanese whisky.
Meals: None | Accommodation: Taipei -
10
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: None | Accommodation: N/A
Accommodation options
What our clients say about us

Peter
20 March 2025 ★★★★★We had a wonderful 12-day trip across Thailand, beautifully arranged by Mr. Stephen from Absolute Asia. Every detail was taken care of, from comfortable stays to fully organized vegetarian meals throughout the journey. Our itinerary covered Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, then we spent five blissful days in Koh Samui. There, we relaxed on palm-fringed beaches, explored Ang Thong Marine Park by boat, and savored fresh tropical fruits at sunset. A big shoutout to our lovely guide, Mr Krit who made the experience even more special with him warmth and knowledge. We’re heading home with unforgettable memories of Thailand’s hospitality and charm. Thank you, Absolute Asia Tours.

Gari
22 May 2024 ★★★★★Our recent trip to China and Mongolia was a great success. Overall we found Absolute Asia Tours services to be excellent throughout the two weeks we were in Asia. For us, Mongolia was definitely the highlight. We thoroughly enjoyed or local guides and drives and they were unfailingly knowledgeable, helpful and amusing. Their languages skills were excellent and we felt that we recieved real insight into this fascinating country. We were intinially drawn to the idea of this trip by the reports of the world class fihing and we were absolutely not disappointed. The fishing guide was first rate and we caught more fish than we could have hoped for - more than 25 each day - with the added bonus of being the only other people in sight for miles arround. AAT created a private ger camp for us on the Onon River and we enjoyed delicious food prepared by our chef in a beautiful unspoled atmosphere. They alo arranged for us to visit a nomadic family and spend time with them at home and organized a dinner with an anthropologist with expert knowledge of the region. AAT fullfilled their promise to tkae us to us to one of the world's best fishing destinations in comfort and style. We would be happy to travel with AAT again and will definitely recommend them to our friends.

Cherry
16 May 2024 ★★★★★We've had two "A+" experience with Absolute Asia Tours. It is a pleasure to work with an organization where I feel confident that what you say will happen, happens. This was true with our complicated China itinerary six years ago, and was true with our recent itinerary in Vietnam. your on the ground guides and logistics were top - notch, and I would recommend you to anyone to visit Asia.

James
17 January 2024 ★★★★★Absolute Asia tours gave us a wonderful tour of Southeast Asia (working with sister-agency My Way Travel based in Vietnam). For our Siem Reap/Angkor Wat journey, our party of two had a private driver and guide named Jak, who was a cheerful and knowledgeable companion, explaining the history, culture, architecture and religious significance of the sites while keeping it always fun. We moved efficiently from site to site, and finished with a boat tour of the fishing village on stilts at Kampong Pluk on the Tonle Sap Lake. During most of our trip we stayed at top-notch locally-owned hotels, but in Siem Reap we were at the excellent local Hyatt hotel. Absolute Asia and My Way Travel our outstanding local providers, less expensive than name-brand group tours, and customized to our interests and schedule.

Hope
2 January 2024 ★★★★★We had an awesome time on cycling tour with AAT! It was incredible, filled with good vibes, laughs & a fantastic way to explore Vietnam & Cambodia. Tony our guide made it special by introducing us to locals and showing us the real charm of these countries. The whole tour was well-organized & the way they took care of us awesome. It's an unforgettable trip and I'll definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Southeast Asia.

Nas
1 January 2024 ★★★★★My group of six completed a 30 day cycling tour in Asia with AAT. We traveled form Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Saigon to Siem Reap. Every day we pedaled through stunning countryside views, passing villages, fields & limestone karsts. Our guide Tony was fantastic-interesting, friendly & personable. This experience stood out as the highlight of our Asia trip.