When most people think of Asian destinations, not everyone thinks of Taiwan and these people are missing out on a lot of fun! Aside from its rich history, Taiwan is loaded with natural beauty and many tourists are starting to see why Taiwan is called a natural wonder in East Asia. Hence, if you’re looking for a place to tour in Taiwan, why not try a Sun Moon Lake Day Tour to start?
Where is the Sun Moon Lake Located?
The Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan and is located in Nantou County. The area around the lake is home to the Thao tribe, one of Taiwan’s indigenous people. The lake is called Sun Moon Lake because the eastern area of the lake resembles a sun during the day and the western area looks like a moon at night.
It is convenient to get to the Sun Moon Lake from Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung. The trip will take about two to three hours by car or by bus, but once you arrive in Nantou County, the Sun Moon Lake will be hard to miss.
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake?
There are different modes of transport that you can take to get to the Sun Moon Lake–you can get there by car, by bus, by train, or by taking the tourist shuttle that goes directly to the lake.
The best way to get to Sun Moon Lake would be by car. This is the most convenient option since it will allow you to move around at your own pace and make spontaneous stops along the way. When driving, you can take National Highway No. 6 from Taipei or National Highway No. 3 from Kaohsiung. The drive will take about two to three hours, depending on traffic.
If you’re taking the bus, there are several companies that offer direct services to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. The trip will take two to three hours, depending on traffic.
You can also take the train to get to Sun Moon Lake, but this option is not as convenient since you will have to transfer to different stations along the way. The trip will take about four hours in total.
The best way to get around Sun Moon Lake is by taking the tourist shuttle. The shuttle has several stops around the lake, so it’s easy to get off and explore different areas.
Where to Stay?
There are a lot of places to stay near Sun Moon Lake. You can choose from hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and homestays. There are also camping sites if you’re the type of person who loves nature and the outdoors.
Many people recommend staying at one of the hotels near Sun Moon Lake so that you can have a comfortable and convenient stay. Some hotels offer a variety of room types to suit your needs and budget. They also have restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, so you’ll never go hungry during your trip.
What to Do Around Sun Moon Lake?
Once you’re at Sun Moon Lake, there are a lot of things that you can do. One of the best things you can try is to go on a Sun Moon Lake day tour. There are a lot of scenic tourist spots around the lake, such as the Xiangshang Visitor Center, Ci’en Pagoda, Xuanzang Temple, and Wenwu Temple.
These temples are known for their rich history and culture, so for tourists who appreciate visiting historical places, Sun Moon Lake is the perfect place for you. Aside from that, there are also a lot of outdoor activities that you can do, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is also nearby Sun Moon Lake, so you can include it in your Sun Moon Lake day tour. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is an amusement park that hosts a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. The amusement park is designed to house a variety of entertainment centers from the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Museum, Indigenous Villages, and Tribal Scenic Area to the vast and majestic gardens of the European Palace Garden and thrill-seeking rides of the Amusement Isle.
All in all, the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Taiwan’s indigenous people while also enjoying a day of fun and excitement. You can also buy some souvenirs in the amusement park to remember your wonderful and relaxing experience in Sun Moon Lake.
Outdoor Activities
On the other hand, if you love doing outdoor activities, there are various activities that you can enjoy when you visit. For one, cycling is encouraged, especially in the Jiji Green Tunnel and Shuili Shui’an Bikeway, which is famous for its scenic views. You can also go hiking in the area, as there are also many hiking trails that are available. And if you’re up for some water action, a motorboat cruise in Sun Moon Lake will allow you to see the beauty of the lake up close. The cruise usually lasts for about an hour, and you can choose from a day or night cruise.
The Famous Sun Moon Lake Tea
You cannot leave Sun Moon Lake without tasting the famous Sun Moon Lake tea. The tea is grown in the high mountains surrounding the lake and is known for its delicate flavor. The Sun Moon Lake tea has a fruity and floral flavor with a hint of sweetness. It is also very smooth, making it a perfect tea to drink on a hot day.
And if you want to learn more about this tea, then you can visit one of the tea plantations around the lake. You can also join a Sun Moon Lake tea-picking activity, which is a great way to learn about it while also enjoying the scenic views of the lake and the mountains.
Other Things You Need to Remember
There are a few things you need to remember when visiting Sun Moon Lake. One is that the lake is located in a mountainous area, so the weather can be unpredictable, which is why it is best to check the weather forecast before going on your Sun Moon Lake tour. In addition, make sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, as some trails can be slippery.
Lastly, it is important to be respectful when visiting the temples and other religious sites around Sun Moon Lake. When you enter these places, be sure to dress modestly.
Ready for Your Sun Moon Lake Tour?
Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan. It is a beautiful lake in a mountainous area, surrounded by temples, parks, and other scenic spots where you can do plenty of activities such as going on a day tour, enjoying a cup of tea, shopping for souvenirs or trying out some outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and kayaking.
With so many things to see and do, a Sun Moon Lake day tour is definitely something you should consider when planning your next trip to Taiwan. Edison Tours can help you plan the perfect Sun Moon Lake tour, so contact us today to get started! Edison Tours offers a variety of tour packages that are perfect for visitors of all ages and that will allow you to see the best of what Sun Moon Lake has to offer. Contact Edison Tours today to kickstart your Sun Moon Lake adventure!
