72 Hours in Taiwan: What to See and Do

How We Wound Up Honeymooning in Taiwan

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We were supposed to end our honeymoon in Vietnam. That didn’t happen, for reasons I’ll detail on another day. Instead, we found ourselves in Taiwan’s bustling capital for the final few days of our Southeast Asia follies.

taipei, taiwan, taipei 101, tower, landmarks, building, travel, photography

Truth be told, I’d never had a burning desire to go to Taiwan. I’d connected through the Taipei airport a number of times, and that was good enough for me. But, nevertheless—and with no time to research what we’d be doing while there—both SVV and I found it delightful all the same.

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The weather didn’t cooperate, though given the stifling summer heat maybe the rain and cloud coverage were the respite we needed, so on our final morning there, we went against our better judgment and ascending the famous Taipei 101, the world’s second tallest tower after Dubai. Having been in Dubai in April and not getting to go up the Burj Khalifa—thanks to the fact that a ticket price day of is ONE HUNDRED FREAKIN’ DOLLARS, and also that the elevator plummeted 20 stories just a few weeks before my arrival … good times—when I found out 101 was a mere $14, I was in. And, while there are few things I hate more than elevators, this one shot straight to the top—1,500 feet and 90 stories—in less than 45 seconds.

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Despite the haze, the views were pretty stellar, and you really got the full effect of how the city is fully flanked by mountains from every side.

There were features and exhibits on the three open floors—88, 89 and 90—like this crazy haunted house-like room where an aerial hologram of the city lights up beneath your feet as you walk across it. It was cool—if not a bit eerie.

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The nicest thing about 101 is that you can see it from virtually anywhere in the city; considering we were staying at the adjoining Grand Hyatt, we never even needed a map to find our way home at night.

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And, boy oh boy, is it pretty all lit up like so at night.

taipei, taiwan, taipei 101, tower, landmarks, building, travel, photography

(Kudos to SVV for getting this last shot, my favorite from our time in Taipei.)

COMMENTS
  • June 25, 2010

    Oooh, thanks for “taking” me to a place I’ve always wanted to visit, yet haven’t been able to. I love the shot of the mountains. Beautiful! And of course the shot of SVV eating the building is fab!!! Glad everything all worked out in the end, it usually does. 🙂

    PS I want to see a pic of YOU!

  • June 25, 2010

    Another day, another post of beautiful photos. 🙂 I love that lost shot too.

  • June 25, 2010
    SVV

    Sorry Taipei, I couldn’t resist. You just looked SO YUMMY

  • June 25, 2010

    Sometimes the unexpected is the best. Love the shot of SVV eating the building. 😉

  • June 27, 2010

    I love that last photo! Great shot.

  • June 27, 2010

    The coolest part, beside the view, is the absolutely massive “tuned mass damper.” It’s the huge ball at the top that sways in response to the building, to keep its center of mass stable. They call it the Damper Baby. 🙂

  • June 28, 2010

    Beautiful shots – while I’m sure the haze detracted a little from the view, they certainly add a sort of mystique to all your photos! Can’t wait to hear about why you didn’t end up in Vietnam – my favorite travel stories are the unexpected ones. 🙂

  • June 29, 2010

    Looking forward to hearing more about the end of your amazing trip! Great photos. I’d also never thought much about Taiwan. They’ve got some stunning buildings.

  • June 30, 2010

    Pretty neat! I really like the walkway hologram.

  • October 16, 2017

    Great read, Kristin!

    I was in Taipei last year and to this day I still dream about the street food!

    I’m glad you guys had a great honeymoon!

    Mick 🙂

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