✧ Series Note – Taiwandering 2019 ✧
A third visit, a shared adventure—full of inspiration and discovery.
Thank you for reading and supporting my stories. ✨🇹🇼
📅 Travel Dates: November 1–4, 2019
Morning Beginnings and Adventure
Wow! Our Tamsui, Taiwan, day trip began bright and early on our third morning in Taipei City. We grabbed our usual coffee and bread from 7-Eleven before heading to Taipei Main Station. The bustling station buzzed with commuters, colorful ads, and tiny kiosks tucked into every corner. After reloading our MRT cards, we boarded the Tamsui-bound train, excited to see where the day would take us.
🌊 Tamsui: Riverside Stories and Street Food Cravings
Tamsui (Danshui), at the mouth of its namesake river, is loved for its historical charm, breezy waterfront, and lively street food scene.
How to Get There:
From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Red Line toward Tamsui (R28), the northernmost stop. The ride takes around 40–50 minutes. Trains run frequently, making it easy to plan a half-day or full-day trip. Buses are also an option, but the MRT is faster and more convenient.
What to Do in Tamsui:
- Stroll through Riverside Park: Enjoy the river breeze, watch boats glide past, and relax in the peaceful yet lively atmosphere.
- Taste Street Food: Try Tamsui specialties like fried fish balls, iron eggs, and peanut ice cream rolls from the colorful vendors.
- Explore Historical Sites: Visit Fort San Domingo or wander the old streets lined with temples and heritage buildings.
- Catch the sunset: The waterfront is famous for its golden hour glow—return if you can’t stay until the evening.
As we arrived, the vibrant waterfront greeted us with a mix of locals, tourists, and vendors calling out their daily specials. We wandered through the old streets, sampled snacks, and stumbled upon a historical fort overlooking the river. The stunning bridge over the water added to the picturesque scene, casting a warm glow over everything. History, culture, and natural beauty combined to make Tamsui unforgettable.
Riverside Walks and Laughter
We strolled along Tamsui River Park, laughing and chatting—not biking, unfortunately (neither of us knew how, huhuhu!). Even on foot, the path was a perfect escape from the city’s hustle. Families fed ducks along the river, boats drifted gently in the distance, and the smell of fried snacks teased our senses at every turn.
The riverside offered quiet moments of reflection amid the lively atmosphere. Each corner of Tamsui seemed to tell its own story, from small vendors to colorful heritage buildings. Though another destination called us onward, I promised myself I’d return someday to watch the sunset paint the river in gold.
Reflections on a Spontaneous Adventure
The unplanned nature of the day made it all the more memorable. Walking without a strict itinerary allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in Tamsui’s charm and culture. Every laugh, every bite of street food, and every photo captured the spirit of this riverside town. Even as we reluctantly left before lunchtime, Tamsui left a lasting impression, motivating me to return on a future trip.
Editor’s Note: Originally part of a longer 2019 blog entry, now split into two stories to let each moment shine.
