Suao Travel Guide

Discover the natural attractions, cultural hotspots, and local customs of Suao, Taiwan with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn all you need to know about the best places to visit, the best things to see and do, and much more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Suao, Taiwan

Located in Yilan County, in Eastern Taiwan, Suao is a stunning destination that boasts incredible natural beauty, rich cultural history, and delicious local cuisine. Our comprehensive travel guide will help you discover all that this hidden gem has to offer. From the best places to visit to the top things to do, and from hiking and biking routes to local customs and traditions, we’ve got you covered.

Introduction to Suao

Suao is a small town in the Yilan County of Taiwan, situated on the east coast facing the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its unique architecture, historical sites, and incredible scenery. Visitors can enjoy a blend of natural beauty spots and cultural attractions in this charming town.

List of Places to Visit in Suao

Suao offers a range of culturally important attractions, natural wonders, and exciting activities for travelers. Here is our list of top places to visit in Suao:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Suao Cold Spring: A natural hot spring that has been used by locals for centuries for its healing properties.
  • Suao Maritime Museum: A fascinating museum that showcases the history of Suao’s fishing industry and its importance to the local economy.
  • Suao Shrine: A beautiful shrine built in the 19th century in honor of the patron saint of fishermen.
  • Neipi Beach: A scenic beach that is popular with tourists and locals alike, offering a great view of nearby Suao harbor.

Natural Attractions of Suao: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Suao harbor: A busy fishing port, offering an authentic glimpse into local life and the fishing industry.
  • Suao Dapu Trail: A scenic hiking trail that traverses the hills north of Suao and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Wulaokeng Scenic Area: A collection of hiking trails and natural hot springs that allow visitors to soak in the beauty of the local environment.
  • Suao Cold Spring: A natural hot spring that has been used by locals for centuries for its healing properties.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Suao

Suao offers a range of hiking and biking trails ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, including:

  • Suao Dapu Trail: A scenic hiking trail that traverses the hills north of Suao and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Wulaokeng Scenic Area: A collection of hiking trails and natural hot springs that allow visitors to soak in the beauty of the local environment.
  • Suao Bike Trail: A well-maintained bike path that runs along the coast, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Best Things to Do in Suao: Activities and Tours

  • Visit Suao Maritime Museum: Learn about the history of Suao’s fishing industry and its importance to the local economy.
  • Soak in Suao Cold Spring: Enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs that have been used by locals for centuries.
  • Explore Wulaokeng Scenic Area: Hike or bike along the scenic trails while taking in breathtaking views of the local environment.

Week-Long Itinerary for Suao

Here is a suggested itinerary for a one-week trip to Suao:

Day Itinerary
1 Arrive in Suao, check into hotel. Visit Suao Cold Spring.
2 Explore Suao city center. Visit Suao Maritime Museum.
3 Hike Suao Dapu Trail.
4 Discover Neipi Beach.
5 Relax and soak in Wulaokeng Scenic Area.
6 Visit Suao Shrine.
7 Depart Suao.

Food and Drink Scene of Suao

Suao offers a variety of delicious local cuisine and beverages to explore during your stay. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Angel Hair Noodle: A specialty dish of Suao, made from seafood broth and flavorful local vegetables.
  • Seafood: Suao offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, from grilled squid to sashimi.
  • Stir-fried Taro Cake: A tasty appetizer made from taro cake stir-fried with pork, garlic, and soy sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Suao Cold Spring Water: Pure, fresh spring water from the natural hot springs of Suao.
  • Yilan Whiskey: A popular local beverage made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • Oolong Tea: A popular tea in Taiwan, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and grown in the local Yilan County.

Where to Stay in Suao: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Suao offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular options include:

  • Silks Place Yilan: A luxury hotel that offers stunning views of the harbor and the ocean.
  • Green Field Hostel: A cozy hostel that offers affordable rates and comfortable accommodations.
  • Happiness Old-Mansion: A beautifully restored guesthouse that offers traditional Taiwanese architecture and a peaceful environment.

What to Buy in Suao: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some local products and souvenirs that are popular with tourists:

  • Hand-painted Pottery: Suao is known for its beautiful pottery, which is hand-painted with intricate designs.
  • Taro Cake: A delicious snack made from taro, a popular ingredient in Taiwanese cuisine.
  • Suao Cold Spring Mineral Water: Take home a bottle of the natural spring water that the locals love.

Local Culture and Customs of Suao

Suao has a rich cultural history, and visitors can learn about local customs and traditions by visiting historical sites like the Suao Shrine and Suao Maritime Museum. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Suao

The best time to visit Suao is from March to November when the weather is warm and sunny. The cherry blossom season in March and April is a popular time to visit, while the summer months of June to August are perfect for beach activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Suao

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Suao:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Try the local cuisine, including the seafood and taro cake.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, including tipping culture.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas.
  • Ignore dress codes at religious sites.
  • Take photos without asking for permission from locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Suao

Suao is a relatively safe destination, with low crime rates. Visitors are encouraged to take basic precautions like locking valuables in a safe and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Suao

Suao has good medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics. Visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing.

Getting to Suao: Transportation Options and Logistics

Suao is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including air and land travel.

Airports Near Suao

  • Taipei Taoyuan International Airport: Suao is approximately 1.5 hours away from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport by car.

Bus Stations Near Suao

  • Suao Bus Station: Located in the city center, Suao Bus Station offers daily bus services to various destinations within Taiwan.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Visitors can also hire private taxis or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Grab to get around Suao.

How to Get Around in Suao

Suao is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also use bicycles, motorcycles, or scooters to get around the town comfortably.

Where to Go Next from Suao: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Yilan: A county in Taiwan famous for its hot springs and scenic beauty, and is only a short drive away from Suao.
  • Hualien: A coastal city in eastern Taiwan, surrounded by towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and is known for its natural beauty.

Conclusion

Suao is a stunning destination that offers a mix of cultural attractions and natural beauty. Our comprehensive travel guide has given you all the information you need to explore Suao and make the most of your trip. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or cultural history, Suao has something for everyone.

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