Taiwan Journey

Taiwanese culture rooted from the traditional Chinese culture and mixed with the subtle blending of Confucian beliefs, Japanese culture and diverse Western cultures. Many Taiwanese people migrated from Fujian and Guangdong provinces and carried all religious beliefs with them to the new land. They worship Mazu Goddess, Guan Yu and Buddha. This is considered an integral part of the spiritual culture of Taiwan and, also for that reason, Taiwanese people have built many magnificent and sacred shrines, temples, sanctuaries and even Buddhist University such as world-renowned Fo Guang Shan Buddist holy land (Kaohsiung), Literary - Martial Temple, Tse En Tower (Taichung), and Longshan Temple.

 

As affected by American legislation and Japanese education, the livelihoods of Taiwanese people are increasingly standardised and perfected. This is clearly expressed in everyday work and life of local people at trade centres, shopping malls, entertainment centres and on streets. On streets in Taiwan, irrespective of Taichung, Tainan or Taipei, you will see long lines of cars and motorcycles parked all over the streets without fear of being stolen.

 

The law is very strict. Cameras are installed everywhere; thus, thievery is limited. Taiwanese people do not often use high-grade vehicles because they only see them as a means of transport. However, you should not be surprised to see some posh cars parked somewhere. For example, a kind of electric car, priced some US$35,000, starts to be circulated here. Due to high density of population, production bases and vehicles, many areas on the island, especially in southern Taipei, western Tainan and southern Kaohsiung are seriously polluted. So, Taiwan has mandated the use of unleaded gasoline and electric cars to improve air quality.

 

Public transport means such as bus and taxi are widely used because of their utility. There are many good transport companies, particularly Ego - a bus brand famous for using buses within five years. Hence, Ego buses are high-quality, clean, smooth and safe. Taxis are incredibly clean, odourless and trick-free. It usually costs 100 Taiwan dollars, an equivalent to VND7,500.

 

The unique identity of Taiwan is night markets. Taiwanese markets are open very late, even throughout the night. Almost without messes and noises as usually seen, night markets practically have no trash. Along market aisles lie three kinds of trash bins for the purpose of classification. Goods are beautifully displayed albeit they are very popular items such as footwear, dresses, hats and jewellery. Mixed with general stores and food vendors are classy brand shops like Gioocdano, Bodyshop and Lancome.

 

At night markets, you can also see food vendors as well as renowned restaurants. Regardless of being budget or luxury, foodstuffs are always guaranteed clean and safe since Taiwan strictly manages inputs of processed foods. For Taiwanese, eating is an art and a way of expressing culture. They inherit cuisine from different regions in mainland China and acquire the essence and newness of popular dishes in the world. Taiwan is also a converging place of different specialties in the world from America, Europe, Italy and East Asia; hence, it does not come as a surprise to see a lot of tourists visiting Taiwan to enjoy distinctive Chinese dishes like steamed buns and boiled meatballs. Taiwan is colloquially called the “International Cuisine Republic."

 

Some kinds of fruits on tourist streets are very common to Vietnamese people but very special to Taiwanese like custard apple and banana. Banana skins are dark, looked like being boiled, while custard apples are very big, weighing approximately 1 kg. Confectioneries are diverse and mainly domestically made. Pineapple, green bean and chestnut cakes are considered the specialties of Taiwan. Shops selling these specialties are always crowded with tourists. They crowd to buy and pack these specialties, looking as if they are not quick, they will not be able to buy. A box of specialty cakes is quite expensive, ranging from 300 Taiwan dollars to 600 Taiwan dollars.

 

But, the biggest specialty of Taiwanese is the attitude, friendliness and seriousness of businesspeople. Visitors are free to taste foods and if they do not buy, they still receive bright smiles from sellers. Buying and selling are quite comfortable as merchants do not overcharge too much. They show a distinct business culture that provides a confidence to customers.

 

Mainland Chinese are still majority tourists to Taiwan, accounting for 61 percent. Currently, Vietnam has about 11,000 tourists heading to Taiwan every year because of limited information and difficult visa procedures. This is a hugely potential market for Vietnam and many companies are thus focusing on tapping this destination. With the support of Unesco Hanoi Travel Club, Vietnam Airlines and Arirang, the current price for a 4-day tour have been reduced to a maximum level, ranging from US$700 to US$1,000. Although the tour price is similar to that to South Korea, Taiwan is also a worthy destination if you can make the most of the opportunity to listen, to see and eat.

 

In addition, in spite of possessing a plenty of scenic spots like Taipei 101 Tower, National Palace Museum, Sun Moon Lake, National Parks, Fo Guang Shan and Lover River, Taiwan’s strengths are factors associated with culture, spiritual beliefs, history and temple. So the quality of a trip not only lies in scenic sights but tourist guides are the deciding factor. You must choose tour guides with a good command of language, culture and history.

 

Travelling in Taiwan is quite easy as destinations there are not far apart and transport means are available and convenient. But, like Mainland Chinese, Taiwanese do not use English frequently. Their major daily language is Chinese. You should know some Chinese (simplified) and bring name cards in case of being lost. You should consider buying souvenirs there. However, some items are much more expensive than in Vietnam like tea and cakes because of higher pay for workers.