Hong Kong or Taiwan: Which one is best for a holiday?

Deciding where to go on a big trip from the UK is equal parts exciting and a little bit daunting. You might already have a couple of locations in mind. And if those are Hong Kong and Taiwan, and you’re still having trouble choosing, you’ve come to the right place.

Here at Trip.com, we’ve put together a guide to help you decide whether Hong Kong or Taiwan is the best holiday destination for you. We’ll be comparing average travel budgets, popular attractions, and more.

✈️ Hong Kong or Taiwan: Key Travel Differences

The first step in figuring out where to book your next flight to, especially when you are weighing up two destinations, is taking a look at the key travel differences. We all have non-negotiables: a flight over 13 hours may be too much, or a lack of specific dietary offerings would just lead to unnecessary stress. Or, if one location ticks more boxes than the other, you can be a little more flexible in some other aspects.

Take a look at our table below to compare and contrast the key differences between Hong Kong and Taiwan to get started.

Hong Kong or Taiwan: Which destination is cheaper?

Overall, Taiwan is cheaper than Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong can still be visited on a budget, your money will go further in Taiwan without having to keep a very close eye on your purse strings, especially when it comes to accommodation and food options.

Here’s what to expect to spend when you visit either destination:

🎯 Hong Kong or Taiwan: Which is the better fit for your travel style?

🍜 Hong Kong or Taiwan for food lovers: Which has the best cuisine?

Taiwan and Hong Kong are both havens for foodies, but there are a few differences that might help you decide which destination to prioritise. Hong Kong is the place to go for fine dining and Cantonese-style cuisine. Taiwan’s food scene is a little more diverse (and cheaper!), with incredible night markets that serve all sorts of tasty eats.

To give you an idea of what’s on the menu at both locations, here are some popular regional dishes that you might want to try during your trip.

Best food to try in Hong Kong

• Dim Sum: These comforting little dumplings, roughly translated to ‘touch the heart’, are a mainstay in Hong Kong. From upscale restaurants to local food stalls, you’ll be spoiled for the amount of dim sum available to try.
• Roast Goose: Served with either plum sauce or rich gravy, this tender meat with golden, crispy skin is sure to tantalise your taste buds and is perfect for sharing.
• Wonton Noodle Soup: If you’re after something a little bit lighter but still super comforting, this noodle soup dish is a great option. Enjoy this light broth served with springy egg noodles, leafy greens and satisfying shrimp wontons.
• Bo Lo Bao (Pineapple Bun): Don’t be fooled by the name - there’s no actual pineapple in this baked treat! The use of ‘pineapple’ comes from the cracking on the top that looks a bit like the fruit. This soft, bread-style roll is topped with sugar, making it a great pick-me-up when you need a little extra energy whilst on the go.

Best food to try in Taiwan

• Niúròu Miàn (Beef Noodle Soup): One of Taiwan’s staple comfort foods, this hearty bowl is chock-full of chewy wheat noodles, tender braised beef, and a rich broth. What’s more, it’s really easy to find if you want to give it a try!
• Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice): A great budget option, this warming dish pairs steamed white rice with minced, braised pork, pickled veggies and a soy-braised egg. A Taiwanese everyday favourite!
• Ô-á-chian (Oyster Omelette): Often found in night-markets, this street-food dish mixes fresh oysters and eggs in a starchy batter, served with a sweet and savoury sauce and bean sprouts. A unique alternative to a traditional British omelette!
• San Bei Ji (Three Cup Chicken): A Taiwanese classic, tuck into chicken braised in soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil (this is what gives it its ‘three cup' name), cooked in garlic, ginger, and Thai basil, and served whilst it’s still sizzling with rice. Yum!

🏙️ Hong Kong or Taiwan for city breaks: Which is the most exciting?

The cities and districts found across Taiwan and Hong Kong all offer different vibes. If you’re looking for a city break destination, the destination you choose depends largely on the type of city trip you’re after.

Taiwan’s cities are a little more laidback than fast-paced Hong Kong. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy city life when in Taiwan, but if you want to go where the energy is lively and the bars stay open until the wee hours, then Hong Kong may be the best for you.

To get a flavour of what you can expect in Hong Kong and Taiwan’s urban centres, check out our neighbourhood and city recommendations below:

Best neighbourhoods to visit in Hong Kong

• Central District: The main hub of Hong Kong, and where you’ll find a mixture of skyscrapers and historic streets. If you’re looking to let your hair down in the evening, Central is where you’ll find the nightlife scene too!
• Kowloon: Located on Hong Kong’s ‘mainland’ side, Kowloon is where you’ll want to head for night markets, cultural attractions, and waterside views across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island.
• Causeway Bay: Found on the north side of Hong Kong Island, Causeway Bay is a great place to head to for shopping, with plenty of department stores, markets, and big shopping centres to choose from.
• Mong Kok: A smaller neighbourhood within Kowloon, Mong Kok is bright and colourful, and fabulous for shopping. Here you’ll discover neon-lit local markets that sell everything from women’s clothes to trainers, street food delicacies to quirky souvenirs to take home.

Best cities to visit in Taiwan

• Taipei: Taiwan’s capital, lively Taipei offers a fantastic mix of modern architecture with historic temples. It’s also pretty compact, making it easy to navigate for first-timers.
• Kaohsiung: More laidback than Taipei, Kaohsiung is located in the south and on the waterfront. Here, you’ll find an art scene, great food, and fewer crowds.
• Tainan: Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan is where to head to if you want to immerse yourself in history and tradition. Explore fortresses, temples, historic streets, and enjoy a fantastic food scene.
• Taichung: Located right in the centre of Taiwan, Taichung is its second biggest city and has great links to the nearby countryside. Perfect for folks wanting a convenient base that’s nearby Taiwan’s natural attractions.

🌳 Hong Kong or Taiwan for nature lovers: Which has the best landscapes?

If you’re after dramatic and varied vistas, notably mountains and subtropical forests, Taiwan is the destination for you. It's a true haven for nature-lovers. Although Hong Kong is much smaller and doesn't have the variety of landscapes that Taiwan boasts, it still has plenty of nature to explore, especially for folks staying in the city.

Here are some of each location’s top nature spots to give you a taste for what’s in store.

Best nature spots in Hong Kong

• Sai Kung Peninsula: Home to secluded beaches, rugged coastline, green hills, and clear waters. Fantastic for snorkelling and hiking!
• Lantau Island: Here you’ll find the huge Tian Tan Buddha statue nestled amongst tree-filled mountains. Be sure to check out the hiking routes.
• Victoria Peak: A fantastic viewpoint to take in the skyline. Step out of the city and up Victoria Peak and its surrounding woodland.

Best nature spots in Taiwan

• Taroko National Park: Explore towering marble cliffs, waterfalls, and gorges with a trip to Taroko National Park and its mountains.
• Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s largest lake, the scenic Sun Moon Lake is surrounded by mountains and is the perfect setting for a leisurely boat cruise.
• Alishan National Scenic Area: Escape to the cooler, misty mountains with a visit to the Alishan National Scenic Area. A great destination to slow things down and relax in nature.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hong Kong or Taiwan: Which is best for families?

If you’re planning to visit Hong Kong or Taiwan with a family, you might be trying to figure out which is best for children. The truth is that both are fantastic for families, but they offer different types of attractions and things to do. In a nutshell, Hong Kong is a great pick for younger families, with plenty of theme parks, museums, and parks to explore. Taiwan, on the other hand, is geared more toward older, adventurous families looking to explore the great outdoors.

We’ve pulled together some of the most popular family attractions in both destinations to help you decide.

Best family attractions in Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Science Museum: This family-friendly science museum has plenty of hands-on displays exploring light, motion, sound, biodiversity, and more. A great option for beating the heat and catching some AC.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre: A must for Lego fans, enjoy play areas, rides (yes, rides!) and displays, including the quintessential Miniland that so many Lego attractions are famed for.
• Hong Kong Disneyland: Say hello to all of your favourite Disney characters and make lasting memories with a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland. Home to dark rides, rollercoasters, and a metric tonne of entertainment, kids of all ages will have a fantastic time here.

Best family attractions in Taiwan

• Taipei Zoo: Home to over 400 species, Taipei Zoo is home to giant pandas, koalas, and lions, as well as Taiwanese wildlife. What’s more, it’s just a stone's throw away from the Maokong Gondola!
• Maokong Gondola: Travel up the hills of Maokong and enjoy spectacular views with this cable car ride. You and your family will need a head for heights, as some of the gondolas have glass floors!
• LeoFoo Village Theme Park: From thrilling experiences to gentle rides, live shows to animal encounters, a visit to the LeoFoo Village Theme Park is a great option for families looking for a fun day out.

🕐 What to see in Hong Kong or Taiwan, depending on the length of your trip

Now you have an idea of what Hong Kong and Taiwan are like, it’s time for the next phase: planning. And if you’re like us, coming up with a trip itinerary is all part of the excitement when travelling.

To give you some inspiration for your ideal trip to each of these destinations, take a look at our holiday itineraries below:

🌤️ Best time to visit Hong Kong and Taiwan

Whether you visit Hong Kong or Taiwan may all depend on your availability, and when you can take time off. Generally, the best time to visit either destination is autumn, specifically October to November. Temperatures are most comfortable for being outside, and the summer humidity has long since left.

For a deeper look into the weather at both destinations, keep reading!

🇭🇰 When to visit Hong Kong

As mentioned above, visiting Hong Kong in October and November will set you up well for any outdoor activities you’ve been planning. The weather is much drier, and temperatures stay comfortable.

🇹🇼 When to visit Taiwan

Just like Hong Kong, Taiwan is best visited during October and November. And again, just like Hong Kong, this is because the temperatures are at their most comfortable and the humidity has ebbed.

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