Solo Female Travel in Taiwan: Safe & Easy

Updated for 2026 — Accurate as of February 2026.

If I could recommend only one country in Asia for a first-time solo female traveler, it would be Taiwan without hesitation. Taiwan is, by virtually every measurable standard, the safest country in Asia for women. The Global Peace Index consistently ranks it among the top 35 safest countries worldwide, and the Gallup Global Law and Order Report regularly places it in the top ten for personal safety. But safety is only part of the story. Taiwan is also extraordinarily easy to navigate, remarkably affordable by developed-country standards, and home to some of the best food on the planet.

I first visited Taiwan solo on a whim during a layover that turned into a ten-day stay. That was four years ago. I have returned twice since, and each time I discover more reasons why this island deserves far more attention than it gets on the solo travel circuit. Taiwan is Japan’s ease and safety at half the cost, with food that rivals anything in Southeast Asia, and landscapes that range from tropical beaches to 3,000-meter mountain peaks.

According to Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau, international arrivals exceeded 10 million in 2025, a full recovery and then some from the pandemic years. Solo travelers represent a growing segment, and women-specific travel infrastructure including women-only hostel rooms, well-lit transit systems, and extensive safety measures has been a government priority.

Why Taiwan Is Exceptionally Safe for Women

Taiwan’s safety is not just a statistic. It is a lived experience that you feel from the moment you arrive. Violent crime rates are among the lowest in Asia. Taipei’s streets are well-lit and actively monitored. Public transportation runs late into the night and is equipped with women-priority seating areas and emergency call buttons.

I have walked alone through Taipei at 2 AM multiple times, stopping at 24-hour convenience stores and late-night dumpling shops, and never felt a moment of concern. This is not recklessness. It is a reflection of how genuinely safe Taiwan is.

What Makes Taiwan Different

Low crime rates: Taiwan’s homicide rate is 0.6 per 100,000 people, one of the lowest in the world. Petty theft against tourists is uncommon. Scams targeting foreigners are rare.

Cultural respect: Taiwanese culture places strong emphasis on politeness, respect for personal space, and non-confrontation. Harassment of women in public is socially unacceptable and legally prosecuted.

Infrastructure designed for women: Metro stations have well-lit platforms, security cameras, emergency intercoms, and women-priority cars during rush hour. Convenience stores (which are everywhere, literally every few hundred meters) serve as safe havens at any hour.

Lost item recovery: Taiwan has one of the highest rates of lost item return in the world. I left my phone in a taxi in Kaohsiung. The driver returned it to my hotel within the hour. This is typical, not exceptional.

Getting Around: Taiwan’s Brilliant Transit System

Taiwan’s public transportation is one of its greatest assets for solo travelers. It is clean, punctual, affordable, and covers virtually the entire island.

Taipei Metro (MRT)

The Taipei MRT is world-class. Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours, stations are spotlessly clean, and signage is in English and Mandarin. An EasyCard (Taiwan’s transit card, available at any MRT station or convenience store for 100 TWD) works on the MRT, buses, YouBike public bicycles, and even convenience store purchases.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

The high-speed rail connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours, with stops in Taichung and Tainan. Tickets cost 1,490 TWD ($47 USD) for a standard one-way Taipei-Kaohsiung ticket, but early-bird discounts of 20-35% are available if you book in advance. A 3-day THSR Tourist Pass costs 2,400 TWD ($75 USD) for unlimited travel and is excellent value for a north-to-south itinerary.

Taiwan Railways (TRA)

The regular train network circles the entire island and reaches smaller towns that the high-speed rail skips. Trains are comfortable and affordable. An east coast journey from Hualien to Taitung costs approximately 350 TWD ($11 USD) and passes through stunning coastal and mountain scenery.

Scooter Rental

In smaller cities and rural areas, scooters are a popular way to get around. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent one legally. GoShare and WeMo are app-based electric scooter sharing services available in most cities. I rented a scooter in Kenting and spent two days exploring the southern coast at my own pace.

Best Itinerary: 2 Weeks Solo in Taiwan

Days	Location	Highlights
1-4	Taipei	Night markets, temples, Elephant Mountain, museums, Beitou hot springs
5	Jiufen & Northeast Coast	Gold Rush town, ocean views, tea houses, Shifen waterfall
6-7	Hualien & Taroko Gorge	Marble canyon, hiking trails, indigenous culture
8-9	Taitung & Green Island	Hot springs, rice paddies, snorkeling, remote island
10-11	Tainan	Taiwan’s oldest city, temple culture, best street food
12-13	Kaohsiung	Harbor art district, Lotus Pond, Cijin Island
14	Kenting	Tropical beaches, national park, southernmost point

Taipei: Your Starting Point

Taipei is the easiest city in Asia for solo female travelers. Everything works. The MRT takes you everywhere. Google Maps and transit apps are accurate. English proficiency is higher than in most Asian capitals, especially among young people. The food is extraordinary and cheap. And the city has a creative, progressive energy that feels welcoming and open-minded.

Must-do in Taipei:

• Shilin Night Market: The largest and most famous night market. Go hungry. Stinky tofu, oyster omelets, pepper buns, mango shaved ice. Budget $10-15 for a feast.
• Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): A 20-minute hike to the most iconic view of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. Go before sunset.
• Beitou Hot Springs: Natural hot springs in a neighborhood accessible by MRT. The public Millennium Hot Spring costs only 40 TWD ($1.25 USD). Bring your own towel.
• National Palace Museum: One of the world’s greatest collections of Chinese art and artifacts. Budget half a day.

Taroko Gorge: Taiwan’s Natural Wonder

Taroko National Park near Hualien is Taiwan’s most dramatic landscape. A marble canyon carved by centuries of river erosion, with hiking trails that range from easy (Shakadang Trail) to strenuous (Zhuilu Old Trail, which requires a permit). I hiked the Zhuilu Old Trail solo and it was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life. The trail is carved into a sheer cliff face 500 meters above the river, and the views are vertigo-inducing.

For the Zhuilu Old Trail, you need a national park permit (free, apply online at least 1 week in advance) and a mountain entry permit. The trail is occasionally closed after heavy rain due to rockfall. Check conditions before going.

Tainan: The Food Capital

Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and its undisputed food capital. The street food here is legendary even by Taiwanese standards. Milkfish congee, shrimp rolls, coffin bread (thick toast filled with creamy seafood chowder), and dan zai noodles are just the beginning. The city has a laid-back, artistic vibe that contrasts with Taipei’s energy. Temples are everywhere, each one more ornate than the last. I spent two days eating my way through Tainan and it was not enough.

Cost Breakdown: Taiwan in 2026

Taiwan is more expensive than Southeast Asia but far cheaper than Japan, South Korea, or Hong Kong.

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Comfort
Accommodation/night	$12-20 (hostel)	$35-65 (hotel)	$80-180 (boutique/luxury)
Meals/day	$8-15	$18-30	$35-70
Local transport/day	$3-8	$10-20	$25-50
Activities/day	$5-10	$15-30	$40-80
Daily total	$28-53	$78-145	$180-380

A comfortable mid-range solo trip costs approximately $80-100 per day. Budget travelers can manage $35-50 per day with hostel dorms and night market meals. Taiwan’s convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life are on every corner) offer hot meals, coffee, and snacks at low prices, which helps keep food costs down.

Night Markets: Taiwan’s Greatest Solo Activity

Night markets are where Taiwan truly shines for solo travelers. They are social, safe, delicious, and incredibly affordable. You wander, you eat, you people-watch, you try something you cannot identify and discover it is the best thing you have eaten all week. Night markets are the ultimate solo-friendly activity because everything is designed for one person. Each dish costs $1-4, and you eat standing up or at communal tables.

Best Night Markets

• Shilin Night Market (Taipei): The biggest and most famous. Overwhelming in the best way.
• Raohe Night Market (Taipei): Smaller and more manageable than Shilin. The pepper buns at the entrance are legendary.
• Ningxia Night Market (Taipei): Food-focused, less touristy, excellent quality.
• Garden Night Market (Tainan): Only open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Massive and local.
• Liuhe Night Market (Kaohsiung): Seafood-focused, right in the city center.

Cultural Tips

Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Do not tip at restaurants, hotels, or in taxis. It can actually cause confusion.

Convenience stores are a lifestyle. 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are not just shops. You can pay bills, pick up packages, print documents, buy train tickets, eat hot meals, and use clean restrooms. I used convenience stores as my daily anchor point for everything.

Temple etiquette: Remove your shoes if required (look for signs or follow locals). Do not point at statues. Photography is usually allowed but ask first in smaller temples.

LGBTQ+ friendly: Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, the first country in Asia to do so. Taipei has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, and the country is generally progressive on social issues.

Connectivity

Taiwan has excellent mobile data coverage. A tourist SIM card from Chunghwa Telecom (available at the airport) costs approximately 300-500 TWD ($10-16 USD) for 5-15 days of unlimited data. Free Wi-Fi is available in most public spaces through iTaiwan (register with your passport at any tourist information center).

Visa Information

Citizens of most Western countries can enter Taiwan visa-free for 90 days. No advance application is needed. You simply arrive with a valid passport (must have at least 6 months validity) and receive a stamp on entry. This makes Taiwan one of the easiest destinations in Asia to visit.

Best Time to Visit

The best months are October through December and March through May. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures (20-28 C), lower humidity, and fewer crowds. Summer (June-September) is hot, humid, and brings typhoon risk. Winter (January-February) is mild in the south but can be chilly and rainy in Taipei.

Solo Female Travel Tips for Taiwan

Learn basic Mandarin phrases. “Xie xie” (thank you), “duo shao qian” (how much), and “ni hao” (hello) are appreciated. English proficiency varies. Young people in cities often speak some English, but outside major cities it drops significantly.

Download useful apps. Google Maps works perfectly. Google Translate with the camera function is invaluable for menus. The Taiwan Railways app shows real-time schedules. LINE is the most popular messaging app in Taiwan.

Join a free walking tour. Like It Formosa offers free walking tours in Taipei that are excellent for solo travelers. Guides are local, knowledgeable, and the tours attract other solo visitors, making them great for meeting people.

Hot springs are everywhere. Taiwan sits on a geothermal belt and has hundreds of hot springs. Many are free or very cheap. Some require swimsuits, some are gender-separated and nude. Check before you go. Beitou (Taipei), Jiaoxi (near Yilan), and Guanziling (near Tainan) are the most popular.

Final Thoughts

Taiwan is the solo female travel destination that deserves to be in every conversation alongside Japan, Portugal, and New Zealand, but somehow never quite makes the list. It is safer than Japan, cheaper than New Zealand, sunnier than Portugal, and has food that rivals any of them. The infrastructure works flawlessly. The people are genuinely kind. The island is stunningly beautiful.

Every solo woman I have met who has visited Taiwan says the same thing: they did not expect to love it as much as they did. Taiwan does not sell itself aggressively. It does not have the brand recognition of Thailand or Bali. But once you arrive, you understand immediately why everyone who goes comes back raving about it. Taiwan is the best-kept secret in Asian travel, and for solo women, it might just be the perfect destination.

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