misha2

We (couple with kids 11 and 13) are going to HK and Taipei. We have five nights in HK and three in Taipei. Friends of ours who live in HK are strongly encouraging us to stay in HK the whole time. They say there is "nothing" to do or see in Taipei. Hubby has to go to Taipei for business so that is not an option for him. Should the kids and I stay behind with our friends? I am leaning towards going just because I love soaking in different environments. Yhoughts?

rhkkmk

the main museum in taipei is one of the best chinese exhibits in the world

Cyberia

Yes, an excellent museum in Taipei. It is said that they have so many exhibits that they could change the lot every fortnight for six months. Not far from there is a film studios. Nothing like you see in America but still interesting. I also remember a big stamp museum. There were various sights worth taking pictures of. It was an interesting place to walk around though street signs did not always match maps (different spellings). 3 days is about right there. I would go again at the drop of a hat.

Note: Don't take any fresh food into Taipei. I had an uneaten sandwich which I declared at customs and like a naughty kid, I was sent over to put it into a bath of bleach.

You can do HK in 5 days. Note: A 15C bus from the Star ferry terminal in HK takes you to the Peak funicular where you join a lonnng queue. You get up there and I watched. It seemed few people spent more than 10 minutes there. You have a great view of distant buildings so take your pictures and basically, that is it.

lees

The museum is a must see, but kids might not be interested. If you can have someone arrange an outing to East West cross island highway trip, that will be awesome. That might take 2 days, It's a little rush, but kids will like
the adventure! Otherwise, just walking in different neigborhoods will be fun.
three days are not that long to visit Taipei. Have a good trip!

valtor

5 days are enough for HK in my opinion, and Taipei is interesting. we visited there:
- Confucius Temple of Taipei
- Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial
- National Palace Museum
- Snake Alley
- Taipei 101 tower + mall
- Sun Yat-sen memorial
- some temples

misha2

Thanks for the advice! I'm really looking forward to my trip now.

jgmc

I'm an American living in Taipei and I always think it is a shame for people to pass it by -- it's so different from HK -- an alternate view of development. I am a tour guide at the National Palace Museum and it really is a fascinating, beautiful place. The numerous temples throughout the city are always busy and Taipei 101, on a clear day, is fun. And the food is delicious. But yes, you could easily spend 5 days in HK if you wish -- lots to see, especially with friends there to show you around. Whatever you do, you will have fun.

SiobhanP

For the kids i think HK would be more interesting for them. While I was in both HK and Taipei a few months ago for work and Taipei was a nice city i think kids would be bored by museums. I would stik to HK.

misha2

After weighing all our options, we've decided to spend 5 nights in HK and 3 in TP. I would love to see the museums and explore other options. Now, I just need to figure out what my itinerary should be. The museum, for sure, some temples and good food. There are so many great options that so many of you have mentioned.

Thanks for your help. Please feel free to offer any other advice. We will be staying at the Hyatt I believe.

MrZee

Misha2, I am glad that you've decided to visit Taipei. We paid a short, three-day, visit to that fascinating city a couple of years ago and had a great time there. Two activities that your sons will likely enjoy are the changing of the guard ceremonies at the Chiang Kai Shek and the Sun Yat Sen Memorials. We have attended many such affairs throughout Europe, and they pale in comparison to the pageantry and precision we witnessed in Taipei. Also, the various night markets that you'll find around the city are worth visiting. BTW, Taipei has a very user-friendly metro system. We neither speak nor read Chinese, and we had no trouble navigating our way via public transport. Have fun!!!

misha2

Thank you Mr. Zee for adding that I had not read about the changing of the guard ceremonies. I'm sure my children will love that.

Two more questions: I had heard that it was very difficult to get around the city because of language issues. I know Mr Zee said that was not a problem. How do others feel?

Also, I would love restaurant suggestions.

Thanks

yellowrose477

My daughter and I went to Taipei last year to meet up with my husband who was teaching there for a month. We loved every minute of our stay there. Taipei 101 is fantastic! Go to the top on a clear day. The zoo is good - they have a giant panda there. The National Palace Museum is great! No one has mentioned the night market - you can't miss the night market. It is SO exciting and unlike anything we have in the USA. We bought so many things at the night market and they were cheap! Some of the food was really iffy, like stinky tofu! My hubby said that he saw the changing of the guards at the Shrine of the Martyrs and it was wonderful. You didn't mention when you are going, but they also have professional baseball there. We went to the National History Museum and they had the terra cotta soldiers there. I'm not sure if they are still there, but it was a great exhibit. I simply cannot imagine anybody telling you that there is nothing to do in Taipei!!! My husband has to teach again in May and this time my son is going along because he felt so left out the last time. I would go again in a heartbeat, but it won't work for me this time.

yellowrose477

The MRT makes getting around Taipei easy. I would say it is one of the easiest transport systems that I have ever experienced in any big city. Most of the signs are also in English and many, many people speak English. The Asian people are very kind and go out of their way to be helpful.

misha2

I booked my flight and included Taipei. Now I am really looking forward to it,

easytraveler

Snake Alley.

Your kids will love Snake Alley.

Ask around for a good restaurant there and have they cook a live snake for you.

This is a once in a lifetime experience - for me it was. I wouldn't go back again, but once, yes, it's an unforgettable experience.

misha2

We are booked at the Hyatt. Any suggestions on food?

jgmc

Although the MRT is very easy to use, you should always have the address of your destination in Chinese. Everyone is very helpful but you can't count on English proficiency. The Hyatt can write down the address of temples, museums and restaurants for taxi drivers. and keep the Hyatt address with you so you can get back!

I like the Chili House Restaurant on Zhong Xiao E. Road for Szechuan food, Celestial on Nanking W. Road for Peking Duck, Kiki's for Szechuan, Xiao Xiao Ke (2351-7148) off Jen ai Road for northwestern Chinese food, and of course, Taiwan's most famous dumpling restaurant Ding Tai Fung (numerous branches).

The kids should like the Martyr's Shrine and the changing of the guard - you can go from there to the Palace Museum (by taxi). The night markets are great fun for kids. You can take the red line on the MRT all the way to the end, Danshui and walk along the riverfront -- kind of arcade-y, but again, nice for kids.

If you're there on a weekend, there is a jade market and a flower market underneath one of the overpasses. Fun to stroll through.

On a Monday or Thursday morning you can go to an opera school where the children study Chinese opera -- they do a short show, half of which is acrobatics and half (about 40 minutes) of Chinese opera. That is all the Chinese opera I can handle, but everyone always loves the juggling and gymnastics.

I hope you have a great time.

guenovnd

Tons to see and do in Taipei! Please do not miss the opportunity. Whether you like historical artifacts, or traditional architecture or modern stuff, you will find it in Taipei. Plus you can spend a day and travel to the the towns near by and enjoy hiking, beautiful scenery etc.
Please take a look at my postings on my blog:

http://site.chinafinds.com/blog/2009...-jade-cabbage/

http://site.chinafinds.com/blog/2008...n-area-taiwan/

http://site.chinafinds.com/blog/2008...m-taipei-city/

jh081177

Of the night markets Shih-lin night market i think is the best. It's right off one of the main MRT stops. very easy to get to

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shilin_Night_Market

I'm glad you decided to give taiwan a try. I think you'll find that the people there are more friendly than in HK. I may be biased (as a taiwanese american) but i think most people would agree if they've been to both places

misha2

Okay. I am in Taipei right now and love it!! Just logged in (before the family wakes up) to check on the CKS memorial and saw new replies. Thanks.

Taipei is wonderful and I am so happy we did not miss it. Too bad we won't be able to do the opera. So far we have eaten thos famous dumplings, visited the Luong Shan temple, gone to Snake Alley, done Taipei 101 and the magnificent national museum. Today I wanted to go to the dormant volcano to see spring flowers and perhaps enjoy some hot springs. However, my husband can't join us. Instead I thought I would check out the CKS memorial ( better than Sun Yat Sen?) try to catch the changing of the guards. Perhaps find a nearby tea house. Go to the handicraft store, Go to the flower market ( open during the day?). Walk through Da An park. Get a foot massage and eat at one of the places suggested above (perhaps Chili House) Then go late at night to Shilin Night MArket. We have to head out at 4 am for our flight. Is this too crazy? I hope someone sees this soo