Adriatx1

I'm counting down the days on my first trip to Asia. I'll be flying thru Taipei on my way to Bangkok, with a 7 hour layover.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I might be able to do in my timeframe? I'd really like to not spend 7 hours in an airport chair after my 14 hour flight from LAX. I get there at 5:40am and leave at 12:50p.

Also, I've never flown China Air. What's the scoop on their planes? Size of the seats, power ports, leg room and so forth?

Thanks and Bon Voyage

W9London

Your "net" time would more likely 4-5hrs or so, if you consider the time for de-planing, going thru immigration, and coming back 1-1.5hr before the connecting flight

Taipei airport is quite tiny, and with limited amenities (aside from duty-free and other shoppings).
Unfortunately, the traffic can be quite heavy between the airport and taipei proper--it can take up to 90min one-way. But I think it's definitely worth getting out of the airport. (Otherwise you'll probably be bored).

A few things you can do:
1. get a shuttle bus or a taxi to Grand Hotel, have a drink/brunch whatever...
2. get a taxi to National Museum (just keep track of time). I recall they open around 9am, but you should check their hours.
3. go find a hotel room (just make sure you don't oversleep).

Shanghainese

Check this website for free 1/2 day tours, sorry I don't know how to shrink the website to a shorter version

http://www.taiwan.com.au/Travel/Inte.../20050901.html

Guenmai

That airport is quite boring to say the least. I was just there in late August on a Singapore Air flight that went from LAX-Taipei-Singapore- and then on to Bangkok the following day.I usually go Thai Air, non-stop LAX-Bangkok, but was on an award so went on Singapore Air. I'm glad that my layover wasn't very long. If you can, leave the airport. Happy Travels!

jgmc

There is absolutely nothing to do at the airport. Allow at least one hour (a bit more for peace of mind) travel time to get back and forth to Taipei. A taxi will cost about NT$1000 (approx $30) each way. You've got to find someone who speaks English to get anywhere, though. Some taxi drivers have enough to be helpful, but don't count on it. See if you can find an English speaker to write down "National Palace Museum" for you. It is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with free English tours at 10:00 and 3:00. There are also English audio guides. And don't leave the museum w/o getting someone (there is an info desk there) to write down "Taoyuan Int'l Airport" for you so you can get back! (Don't leave the museum at rush hour if you can help it).

W9London is right -- your net time isn't much, but you'll want to get out. And the Museum is a treasure.

Adriatx1

Thanks
You've given me some good idea.

Will there be any entry fees/taxes?

Adria

ddunn

I've flown that similar route on China Airlines a few times: SFO/TPE/BKK. I don't recall their 744's being "fully equip. in economy - but they have ALWAYS been comfortable flights and the Attendants were most gracious. I've also flown SQ and to be quite honest, other than the terrific Krisworld option - I think China is very competitive product. That's just my opinion.

Re TPE airport - I've never cared for it and find it quite boring. When I flew in and out China was using the older terminal whereas Eva was in the newer wing. Maybe that's changed. I hope, because the old terminal was quite disgusting and reeked (sp?) of cigarette smoke... nothing like making that 14hr trip and be hit with that awful stench.

Isn't there an earlier connection to BKK? If you've got just carry-on bags, it might pay to inquire if you can go standby on an earlier flight.

I think China is a good choice. Happy Travels.