Taiwan is an unforgettably exotic destination during spring. Known as “nature’s season,” a spring holiday in Taiwan reveals vibrant cherry blossoms, enthralling cultural events and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings. The beginning of spring is also one of the best times of the year to soak in Taiwan’s exuberant hot springs.
You don’t want to miss the best parts of Taiwan during this incredible season, so we’ve found the top springtime activities and sights around the country. We haven’t stopped there, highlighting the most popular hotels close to Taiwan’s best holiday experiences.
Dolphin & Whale Watching (April – May)
April and May are two of the best months in Taiwan for whale and dolphin watching, as the waves calm down and give sightseeing boats more freedom to reach orca and dolphin pods. The eastern coast of Taiwan is your best bet, such as Hualien Harbor and Wushi Harbor, where the waters are full of migratory fish that attract hungry whales and dolphins.
Best Taiwan Hotels for Dolphin & Whale Watching
Chateau de Chine Hotel Hualien
Located about 1.2 miles from Hualien Harbor, Chateau de Chine Hotel Hualien places you in a perfect spot for dolphin and whale-watching cruises in Taiwan. This four-star hotel is packed with facilities, from a sprawling outdoor swimming pool and children’s sandbox to a fully-equipped gym and the Ba Now Sauna.
The rooms at Chateau de Chine Hotel Hualien include budget-friendly Superior and Deluxe options, fun themed suites and the opulent Specialty Suite King. Each option comes with free Wi-Fi, heavenly beds and complimentary transport services. On-site dining features a Western-style buffet at Soaring Cloud, Chinese-style cuisine at Yi Hua and live jazz music at Milky Way.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: TWD 1,278 – TWD 7,242
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 2 Yunghsing Road, Hualien, Taiwan
Play Hotel is ideally positioned across from the Pacific Ocean and a picturesque stretch of beach. The rooms are designed in unique architecture styles with stylish decor. The VIP Room boasts sea views, an indoor garden and ocean-facing pool, while the Eternal Tree Room has floor-to-ceiling windows and indoor swing seat overlooking the beach. Each room has hi-tech entertainment and complimentary breakfast.
Along with being close to multiple waterfront restaurants, Play Hotel Toucheng Township is about a 20-minute walk from Wushi Harbour. Here you can dine on freshly-caught seafood, explore local history museums and organize a whale-watching or dolphin-spotting cruise.
Star Rating: 2.5*
Price: TWD 7,484 – TWD 9,236
Guest Rating: 10
Address: No 106 Sec 2 Binhai Rd, Toucheng Township, Taiwan
Penghu Ocean Fireworks (April – May)
Starting at the end of April, the Penghu Ocean Fireworks Festival is one of the biggest yearly events in Taiwan, held every Monday and Tuesday until July. Watch the elaborate fireworks show from the Guanyin Pavilion Leisure Park, which offers a prime view of the fireworks and vibrant Xiying Rainbow Bridge reflecting off the ocean.
Best Taiwan Hotels for Penghu Ocean Fireworks
Located in the heart of Magong City, MF Harborview Hotel Penghu provides boutique style accommodation with its cozy guest rooms and convenient amenities. Along with being pet-friendly, this hotel has on-site bike rentals, Wi-Fi and global cuisine and beer at the Munching Kitchen & Bar.
The meticulous rooms come in standard, double and triple varieties, while splurging a little more will get you a room with harbor views and a deep-soaking tub. The MF Signature Panoramic Suite is ideal for self-contained holidays with its kitchenette and separate living room. This hotel is also about a 10-minute walk from the Guanyin Pavilion Leisure Park, where you can watch the Penghu Ocean Fireworks Festival.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: TWD 780 – TWD 2,932
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: N.2, Minquan Rd., Magong City, Taiwan
Four Points By Sheraton Penghu
Along with being about a 20-minute walk from the Guanyin Pavilion Leisure Park, Four Points By Sheraton Penghu is a short stroll from Penghu Living Museum and Penghu County Stadium. It also features an opulent infinity pool with sun loungers, a games room, sauna, kids’ club and spa.
There are 331 spacious guest rooms and suites with contemporary decor, free bottled water and Wi-Fi, LED TVs and Four Points signature bedding. Opt for the Studio Suite Room if you want a soaking tub and private balcony with harbor vistas. The suites also come with open showers overlooking the water.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: TWD 4,699 – TWD 12,460
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: No 197 Xindian Road, Magong City, Taiwan
Ta Shee Blooming Oasis (May)
Spreading across 42 acres, the Ta Shee Blooming Oasis is a magnificent expanse of seasonal flowers that bloom during spring, creating a vibrant tapestry of reds, whites, blues, yellows and purples across the fields. The lavender and sunflowers are particularly stunning, while an on-site farm houses adorable ponies and rabbits.
Best Taiwan Hotels for Ta Shee Blooming Oasis
The four-star Yaward Hotel Taoyuan is a tranquil resort with a 27-hole golf course, a sun-drenched swimming pool and a range of personalized services. Active travelers will appreciate the on-site gym, while families have a pool table hall and children’s play area for entertainment. On-site dining includes a variety of Taiwanese and Hakka cuisine at the Jade restaurant.
Yaward Hotel Taoyuan houses you in comfortable no-fuss guest rooms with cozy beds and large sunlit windows. These include Triple, Twin and Deluxe Family options, as well as the Yaward Suite, which has a spa bath and bidet. From the hotel, you’re an easy 25-minute drive from the natural splendor of Ta Shee Blooming Oasis.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: TWD 1,613 – TWD 3,659
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: No 39 23 Lin Chiu Long Village, Longtan Township, Taiwan
Located about 30 minutes from the Ta Shee Blooming Oasis, Aspire Resort is also conveniently positioned near the Window On China Theme Park and Leofoo Village Theme Park. You’ll find plenty of leisure opportunities on site as well, including an 82-foot-long pool, spa, video game consoles, table tennis, gym and karaoke room.
Business travelers will appreciate the theater-style International Conference Center, while foodies will love the Chinese and Western meals at Aspire Restaurant. Accommodation includes the spacious Duke’s Room with a separate living area, a four-person Theme Room and a Barron’s Double Room with woodland vistas.
Star Rating: 3.5*
Price: TWD 2,215 – TWD 4,491
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: No 428 Kur-Wong Road, Longtan Township, Taiwan
Hot Springs (March)
Taiwan features an abundance of natural springs that provide hot mineral-rich water perfect during the waning winter temperatures of March. Throughout Taiwan you can find volcanic, mud, metamorphic rock and sedimentary rock hot springs, which help boost circulation, improve skin and hair health and reduce joint pain. From the world-famous Beitou Hot Springs to the steamy Wulai Hot Spring and intimate Wenshan Hot Spring, Taiwan consistently delivers the goods.
Best Taiwan Hotels for Hot Springs
There are few better places to soak in Taiwan’s world-famous hot springs than Beitou Hot Spring Resort, which boasts its own 14,208-square-foot public hot spring with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and timber finishes. There are also 14 private hot spring rooms to enjoy at your leisure, along with a pampering on-site day spa.
Treat yourself to a spacious Deluxe, Classic Twin or Superior room with your own hot spring bath, steam room, balcony, free Wi-Fi and mini bar. If you’re feeling hungry, dine onsite at the European-style Le Presse bakery-deli, vibrant pink Ponka Food Truck or French-inspired Gourmedise Fusion Café.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: TWD 2,225 – TWD 7,549
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: No.3, Zhongshan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Boasting five-star opulence and service, Onsen Papawaqa is one of Taiwan’s most highly-sought hotels, positioned on a river surrounded by undulating mountains. The suites are all immaculately designed to showcase authentic Taiwanese bedding and timber finishes, combined with naturally-cut stone, in-room spa baths and water views.
Treat your taste buds to the delicious Western and Chinese dishes at the Running Water Restaurant and Flying Cloud Restaurant. You can indulge in a specialty treatment at the hotel’s spa or rejuvenate your body and mind during a two-hour session in the private hot spring.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: TWD 4,183 – TWD 12,443
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: No. 58, Yuandun, Chinshui Village, Taiwan
Cherry Blossom Season (March – April)
During spring, you’ll notice Taiwan take on a vibrant pink hue as thousands of cherry blossom trees bloom across the country. There are over 19,000 cherry blossom trees in Taiwan, many of which are decorated with lights that create a fairy-tale setting at night. Some of the best blooms are seen at Sun Moon Lake and .
Best Taiwan Hotels for Cherry Blossom Season
You can’t get much closer to the 2,000-plus cherry blossom blooms at Sun Moon Lake and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village than staying at The Lalu Sun Moon Lake. This highly-rated hotel offers boutique accommodation with stylish rooms that either overlooks the lake or feature a private 40-foot-long pool courtyard. The Courtyard Pool Villa rooms also boast a fireplace, kitchen and teak pavilion.
You have everything you need at The Lalu Sun Moon Lake, including gourmet restaurants, such as The Lake View Chinese Restaurant, The Tea House and The Japanese Restaurant. Don’t forget to book a signature treatment at the on-site Lalu SPA.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: TWD 10,939 – TWD 23,465
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 142 Jungshan Road, Shueshe Village, Taiwan
Royal Seasons Hotel Hot Spring Beitou
Royal Seasons Hotel Hot Spring Beitou ensures you’re relaxed and pampered, thanks to its proximity to some of Taipei City’s best hot springs. It’s also right on the doorstep of Yangmingshan National Park, which is practically covered in pink cherry blossom flowers during spring.
The rooms at Royal Season Hotel Hot Spring Beitou also come with their own private spa baths, as well as elegant Victorian-era furnishings and heavenly beds. Enjoy sumptuous American and Asian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which also has an outdoor dining courtyard. Afterwards, rejuvenate your body and soul with a pampering treatment at the hotel’s day spa.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: TWD 1,056 – TWD 7,745
Guest Rating: 7.3
Address: No. 26, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (March)
One of Taiwan’s most unique traditions, the annual Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is held in March and features thousands of glowing lanterns being released into the night sky. These lanterns carry the prayers of locals and are accompanied by folk music performances, lantern riddle contests and street carnivals.
Best Taiwan Hotels for Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Located on the outskirts of Taipei, Fushin Hotel No 2 offers the best of both worlds, keeping you close to Taipei’s world-renowned night markets and cultural attractions while giving you access to the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival only 30 minutes away. This elegant hotel features yesteryear charm with its crystal chandeliered lobby and stylish Royal Lounge Bar with city vistas.
This hotel caters to all travelers with its selection of Double, Triple and Family rooms. However, for the ultimate in luxury, book the Business Suite, which provides a separate living room, bidet, work desk and slippers. Take advantage of the on-site facilities, such as the gym and hi-tech business center.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: TWD 1,531 – TWD 5,954
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: No 152 Section 1 Datong Road, Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Just Live Inn is a boutique hotel with an impressive range of room options, including a budget-friendly Economy Single Room and spacious Family Room. These cozy abodes feature modern furnishings with natural finishes, along with large windows and rain showers. You’ll also enjoy a prime position in Keelung City, only 30 minutes from the Pingxi Sky Lantern celebration in Pingxi and Shifen.
Kick back at the hotel’s Lounge Bar Inn with a craft cocktail or take advantage of its location along the canal to experience authentic Taiwanese waterfront dining. You’re also a short walk from the Yangming Oceanic Culture & Art Museum and Maritime Plaza.
Star Rating: 3.5*
Price: TWD 919 – TWD 2,921
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: No 156 Xinyi Road, Keelung City, Taiwan
Fulong Sand Sculpting (May)
Held on the 1.8-mile-long Fulong Beach, the annual Fulong Sand Sculpting Art Festival begins in May and offers locals and visitors a chance to create public art out of sand. Venture down to Fulong Beach during this time to watch the artists at work or create your own sculpture before taking a dip in the calm water.
Best Taiwan Hotels for Fulong Sand Sculpting
The five-star Fullon Hotel Fulong offers luxurious accommodation near the sandy shores of Fulong Beach. This hotel is nestled on the Suangxi River, placing you within an easy walk to the sand sculptures during the Fulong Sand Sculpting Art Festival. It’s also blessed with a diverse selection of on-site dining, including the waterfront Arcadia Café and Japanese-inspired Thy Zen.
The low-maintenance guest rooms are naturally lit through private balconies and feature flat-screen TVs. Book a villa for self-contained Taiwan accommodation, such as the extravagant Cozy Zen Villa, which boasts a freestanding bath and private spa pool encircled by gardens.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: TWD 3,407 – TWD 9,692
Guest Rating: 7.8
Address: No. 40, Gongliao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
If you’re looking for laid-back accommodation in a peaceful setting, check out The Easy Space, an intimate bed and breakfast housed in a charming red brick building. The rooms at The Easy Space overlook the picturesque Maoao Fishing Harbour and are about a 15-minute drive from the sand sculpting festivities on Fulong Beach.
Ideal for a pampering holiday, this charming hotel features a steam bath and sauna, along with an on-site movie theatre and complimentary breakfast each day. The rooms provide a sense of tranquility and comfort with spacious balconies or terraces and modern bathrooms with Jacuzzis.
Star Rating: 3.5*
Price: TWD 2,488 – TWD 4,607
Guest Rating: 9.6
Address: No 38 Fulian Street, Gongliao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Spring is a Magical Time in Taiwan
Embrace the springtime festivities, sights and experiences in Taiwan, when the country comes alive with vibrant colors and celebrations. With so much to do, it’s only natural you’ll want a one-of-a-kind hotel with ample on-site facilities and a convenient location. The most popular spring Taiwan hotels place you close to the action while tempting you with inviting rooms, gourmet dining at on-site restaurants and leisure facilities.
What do you want to see and do in Taiwan during spring? Let us know in the comments below.
