Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
FAQ Should I use public transportation abroad?
Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Lesson Learned: Don't schedule everything Day 1
Travel Tip: Trust your gut instincts, if unsure, pivot fast.
FAQ Response: Should I use public transportation abroad?
Yes, you should try it at the least, but not in rush hour with all of your luggage. One way to test it out is to try it early in the morning, before rush-hour workers arrive, but while it's still light outside.
Most of the time, you only need a card to swipe, and you can add money to the card when you need to. Your first care purchase is often at a self-service kiosk, and usually there is English translations here. Go for it and try.
Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
This scenic region reminded me of Lake Tahoe, California.
If you are coming you will Arrive in Taoyuan airport and take the train to the Taipei Main Station and take the HSR train to Taichung City which comes about every 30 minutes and takes about an hour.
Bus to Sun Moon Lake, which comes at least hourly.
The total cost to get there is about $25, and it takes about 3 hours. To drive, you would take about 2.5 hours and save a few dollars.
There are several hotels and resorts. My room at the Harbor Resort was not ready when I arrived, so I walked around the lake in the meantime. Here are a few other places, listed from most expensive to least expensive.
Luxury/Comfort: Fleur de Chine Hotel – thermal spa access, lakeside views, wellness focus
Midrange/Solo-Friendly: The Crystal Resort or Hotel Del Lago – walking distance to bike paths and pier
Budget/Unique: Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center – traditional wooden lodge vibes
Afternoon:
Arrive via bus to the (Shoe-is-he) Shuishe Pier area
Check in + light walk along the Shuishe Lakeside Trail (flat, peaceful)
Evening:
Early dinner of local fish and mountain vegetables at Full House Resort Restaurant or a local restaurant nearby.
Sunset viewing from Wenwu Temple stairs (lit up at night)
local tea tasting at Sun Moon Lake Antique Assam Tea Farm
Morning:
Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and ride the Sun Moon Lake Cycle Route — voted one of the top cycling paths globally
Stop at: Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center, and (May-he) Meihe Garden
The full loop is approximately 18 miles; consider a half-loop if you're feeling leisurely. There are places where you need to dismount and walk it. Some days, you may not be able to go the full distance, so ask.
Afternoon:
Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (cable car) to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
Learn about the Thao, spelled T-H-A-O) and other cultural groups
Optional: garden strolls
Return via cable car or ferry.
Evening:
Relaxing soak at your hotel's onsen-style hot springs
Dinner at The Lalu's Moon Pavilion Restaurant for lakeside fine dining (worth it solo!)
Morning:
Hike the Maolan Mountain Trail or Tsen Pagoda Trail for panoramic lake views and forest immersion
Easy to moderate; solo-safe and well-marked
Afternoon:
Visit Xuanzang Temple – peaceful with Buddhist relics.
Snack on local tea eggs and tofu pudding from lakeside stalls
Evening:
Night market (seasonal, usually in Shuishe or Ita Thao area) – solo-friendly and fun for grazing
Optional: Boat cruise at dusk (join a group tour or private hire)
Optional walk in Xiangshan Forest Trail for one last quiet moment
Taiwan is ranked one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers (source: Global Peace Index)
English signage is plentiful in Sun Moon Lake; locals are helpful but modest.
Google Translate, and Pleco app help with communication. I used the Line app for texting here.
Public bathrooms are clean and common
Tap water is not typically drunk directly — use filtered water.
Lesson Learned: Don't schedule everything on Day 1
Travel Tip: Trust your gut instincts, if unsure, pivot fast.
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