Don't Want to Get Tired? The Ultimate Guide to a Relaxing Chartered Trip in Yilan and Hualien with Orange Cat!
Want a relaxing yet fulfilling trip to Eastern Taiwan, but don't want to drive yourself, deal with public transport, or have a rushed itinerary? Then a private, chartered car and boat tour is the smartest choice for you! This time, we'll depart from Taipei for a leisurely 3-day, 2-night journey to explore Yilan and Hualien. The trip includes a dreamy chartered boat trip to the Milk Sea, visits to Instagrammable cafes, and breathtaking ocean views, all made even more affordable with the Taiwan Tourist Bus subsidy. Follow this guide to enjoy a stress-free travel experience where you don't have to worry about transportation or planning. This lets you focus on the scenery and delicious food, so you can bring home the best memories!
Easy Start: Why Choose a Chartered Car for Yilan and Hualien? (Includes a guide on how to use the "Yilan Travel Subsidy" from the Taiwan Tourist Bus)
Itinerary Highlights Day 1 | Taipei → Yilan: The Dreamy Milk Sea Chartered Boat Experience (Transportation, Booking Process, Photo Tips + Travel Subsidy)
Itinerary Highlights Day 2 | Toucheng Instagrammable Cafe Hopping → Yilan Leisurely Tour → Overnight Stay in Hualien
Itinerary Highlights Day 3 | Qixingtan, Qingshui Cliff → Return to Taipei
Get Your Chartered Car + Chartered Boat Sorted in One Go | A Look at Orange Cat's Exclusive Services & Pricing Plans
When people think of Eastern Taiwan, their first thought is often, "The scenery is beautiful, but the transportation is a hassle." It's true—if you choose public transport to get from Taipei to Yilan and Hualien, you often have to carefully time transfers, check train schedules, and then figure out how to get from the station to your destinations. By the time you've managed all that, you might be too tired to even start enjoying your trip.
This time, we decided to skip all the transfer headaches and chose Orange Cat's chartered car service. It made the journey so much easier! Not only can you arrange the sights according to your own pace, but their customer service team also helps plan the most efficient routes and recommends delicious local food.
Even better, they've partnered with the "Taiwan Tourist Bus" to offer a special subsidy for the Yilan Milk Sea chartered boat trip. From July to September, the boat tour is just NT$1500 per person, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality service at the most affordable price. Don't feel like figuring out how to combine everything? Don't worry, this guide will also provide an easy-to-follow plan on how to save the most and create the perfect itinerary.
If you're someone who doesn't want to drive, plan, or rush, you should definitely consider a chartered car. It's the perfect way to take your time, explore more deeply, and bring all the beautiful memories of Yilan and Hualien home with you.
For a spontaneous mini-trip to Yilan, the first day is all about heading to the popular hidden gem: a chartered boat experience to Yilan's Milk Sea. You don't need to go to great lengths to arrange transportation; just an hour's drive from Taipei will get you to the most enchanting coastal spot in the Northeast.
We recommend booking a chartered car with Orange Cat or driving yourself to Yilan's Wushi Harbor. From Taipei, the drive is only about an hour, quickly transitioning you from the bustling city to a tranquil, sea-breeze-filled town. We especially recommend Orange Cat's chartered car service for its convenient door-to-door pickup from your home or hotel. This eliminates the hassle of carrying luggage and transferring, making it ideal for family trips or group outings with friends. You'll arrive directly at the pier and easily board the boat to begin your relaxing Milk Sea journey.
Simply contact Orange Cat's official LINE account. Just provide your planned dates, number of participants, and trip duration, and their customer service team will help you arrange the entire itinerary. Whether it's a one-day Milk Sea charter experience or a three-day, two-night light trip to Yilan and Hualien, you'll receive thoughtful and professional itinerary planning that saves you both time and effort.
Sunglasses and Hats Are Your Best Friends: The sun can be intense at the Milk Sea on a clear day, making you squint in photos. Sunglasses are both practical and stylish, ensuring you look great in every shot. Pair them with a fun, oversized sun hat for a magazine-style look that will instantly become the highlight of your social media feed.
Take Swimsuit Photos on the Boat First: We recommend taking your best swimsuit photos on the boat before you get into the water. Once you're in the water, your hair and makeup can be affected, and a life jacket often hides your outfit. Capture those beautiful summer memories against the stunning blue and white backdrop of the Milk Sea.
Document the Water Activities: The main highlight of the Milk Sea, aside from the beautiful scenery, is experiencing SUP and other water activities. Remember to bring a waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case to capture all the exciting moments of fun in the water, creating special summer memories. Orange Cat also offers an optional professional photography service, including dynamic videos, stunning drone footage, and still photography, to help you capture every moment.
Special Reminder: Don't miss out on the exclusive "Taiwan Tourist Bus x Orange Cat" Milk Sea chartered boat offer: from July to September, it's just NT$1500 per person! This deal is only for this year.
How can a relaxing vacation be complete without a beautiful cafe? When in Yilan, you absolutely must visit a few stylish spots perfect for Instagram stories and photos. Whether you love ocean views, vintage homes, or forest-themed cafes, you've got options! Here are five cafes in Toucheng and Jiaoxi hand-picked by Orange Cat. From their desserts to their interior design, these spots will make you want to head there right now.
1. Tjuku Cafe Wushi Harbor Branch A seaside cafe opened to be close to his daughter—doesn't that sound romantic and heartwarming? Tjuku Cafe is located next to Wushi Harbor, and its ocean-view windows are incredibly soothing, making it a must-visit spot in Yilan. All the desserts are handmade by the owner and feature seasonal fruits. The fruit cakes and crepe cakes look so delicious just from the pictures!
Minimum Charge: Guests aged six and above must order one drink (desserts not included).
Address: 2F, No. 60, Gangqian Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County.
(圖片來源：Tjuku Cafe 啾咕咖啡)
Hidden away in an alley, this French-style cafe is a charmingly renovated old house. The interior is filled with the owner's collection of European antiques, giving it a highly artistic and vintage feel. Not only are the coffee and desserts exquisite, but their main courses are also outstanding. The cafe operates on a reservation-only basis, and its opening days and hours are announced on its official Instagram, so it's a good idea to book your spot in advance.
A heads-up: The cafe does not accommodate children, making it perfect for adults who want to quietly enjoy the ambiance.
Address: No. 39, Section 2, Yisan Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County.
(圖片來源：Lady Mustard Cafe)
Located within the Hotel Royal Chiaohsi, Chaliao Qingquan is an exclusive, reservation-only teahouse designed for hotel guests and repeat visitors (those who have stayed 10 or more times). Recently renovated, the space blends Eastern aesthetics with Japanese Zen style, creating a quietly luxurious and tranquil atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for travelers who want to enjoy a peaceful afternoon during their vacation.
If you wish to book a stay at Hotel Royal Chiaohsi, Orange Cat can also assist you with accommodation arrangements.
Address: No. 69, Wufeng Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County.
(圖片來源：礁溪老爺酒店)
Perched on a sea cliff in Toucheng, Yilan, this cafe is a hidden gem on many influencers' must-visit lists. The large floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor offer a stunning view of the vast blue ocean, making it a perfect spot for photos and relaxation. It tends to get crowded on weekends, so we highly recommend making a reservation in advance to secure the best seats.
Address: No. 6-19, Shicheng Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County.
(圖片來源：九號咖啡臉書)
LIAO LIAO Jiaoxi is a highly popular designer hotel, and its first-floor restaurant, HABITAT, features a unique, cave-like space filled with abundant natural light. A visit for afternoon tea here is not only great for photos but also allows you to appreciate the exquisite design and high-quality cuisine.
The minimum charge is NT$300 per person plus a 10% service fee, making it a great choice for those seeking both high quality and value.
Address: No. 60, Jiankang 1st Street, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County.
(圖片來源：了了礁溪官網)
After enjoying a relaxing time at the cafes, we'll head to our next stop: Jiaoxi, for a leisurely hot spring and stroll. Jiaoxi is famous for its hot springs, and even if you don't book a stay at a hot spring hotel, you can still choose to enjoy a quick foot soak or wander the small streets to soak in the relaxed vacation atmosphere.
We recommend taking a walk through Tangweigou Hot Spring Park. Not only does it have free public foot baths, but it also features many stylish small shops and handmade souvenir stores, making it a great place to spend some time. If you want a more pampering experience, you can book a foot spa or an aromatherapy session at a nearby hot spring resort to let the warm water melt away your travel fatigue.
For lunch, you can grab some of Jiaoxi's popular local eats, like Zheng Chang Fresh Meat Xiaolongbao or Ke's Scallion Pancake. These are simple yet satisfying choices. After lunch, get back in the car to continue your journey along the coastline to Hualien, where the most captivating scenery of your road trip awaits.
The drive from Jiaoxi to downtown Hualien takes about three and a half hours, and you'll be treated to stunning views of the mountains and sea along the Eastern Taiwan coast. Because you chose a chartered car, you have the flexibility to stop for breaks and photos, so you don't have to worry about transfers or rushing.
Arriving in Hualien City in the early evening, you can choose to stay in a downtown hotel for easy access to food or book a seaside guesthouse for a peaceful night. For dinner, you absolutely can't miss Dongdamen Night Market. Must-try items include grilled corn, "Qiang" egg pancakes, coffin bread, grilled sweet potatoes, fried crab, juice, grilled meats, and indigenous dishes like "Makao" fried noodles—all classic local delights.
The pace of this day is just right, starting in Toucheng, pausing in Jiaoxi, enjoying the coastal drive, and ending with a feast at the Hualien night market. It's a perfect example of the freedom and flexibility that a chartered "light trip" offers.
(圖片來源：交通部觀光署)
A Perfect Ending with Soothing Ocean Views and Majestic Canyons
On the final day of our trip, we'll give it the most relaxing ending possible. We'll head to Hualien's most iconic coastal spot, Qixingtan, to welcome the morning light. The coastline here is straight and spectacular, so you don't have to worry about finding the right angle—every photo is stunning. Qixingtan is especially peaceful in the morning. With a cup of hot coffee and the sound of the waves, it's the perfect setting for a meditative stroll, which many travelers consider a "Hualien ritual."
After leaving Qixingtan, we'll visit another iconic East Coast attraction: Qingshui Cliff. This natural canyon, located along the Suhua Highway, features a steep cliff face that drops vertically into the sea. It's one of the few places in Taiwan where you can get an up-close view of this magnificent meeting point of mountains and sea. We recommend stopping at the Chongde Rest Area or the Huide Tunnel viewing platform, where the views are wide, open, and safe for taking photos and a brief stop.
With our scenic tour complete, we'll begin our journey north back to Taipei. This drive of about three hours is completely stress-free, with no need to rush or transfer. You can relax in the chartered car and reflect on the beautiful sea views, mountain landscapes, and delicious food you've enjoyed over the past three days.
Starting in the city and returning to the city, our three-day, two-night light trip to Yilan and Hualien comes to a perfect close. With oceans, mountains, hot springs, and desserts—all made effortless by Orange Cat's thoughtful chartered car service—the entire trip is stress-free. All you have to do is relax, take photos, and collect beautiful memories.
(圖片來源：太魯閣國家公園)
Orange Cat offers two options for the Milk Sea tour—private chartered boats and join-in tours—to suit different needs. Whether you're a large group of family and friends chartering a boat or just two friends traveling together, our join-in tours mean you don't have to find a huge group to set sail.
Join-in Tour
Price: NT$2,500 per person
Conditions: A minimum of 4 people is required to form a group. Please note that all September dates are fully booked. We have added new slots for October. For other dates, please contact customer service to arrange a group.
Special Offer for Corporate & School Groups: Contact our customer service for a customized quote for your group's chartered Milk Sea tour.
Customer Service Hotline: +886 277-480-790 ext. 203
Orange Cat x Taiwan Tourist Bus Limited-Time Offer:
From now until the end of June: NT$2,500 per person
From July to September: Taiwan Tourist Bus Special Price of NT$1,500 per person
Contact Orange Cat customer service to book now!
Orange Cat Official LINE: [Link to LINE]
Base Price: Starting from NT$21,500 per day
Vehicle: 9-seater van (most comfortable for up to 7 people). Other vehicle types are available.
Price Includes:
Driver/guide service, fuel, tolls, parking, and insurance.
Driver/guide's accommodation and meals.
Chinese-speaking driver/guide for vehicles up to 9 seats. (For larger vehicles, you can inquire about hiring a separate guide.)
Door-to-door pickup and drop-off from your hotel or B&B in Taipei City.
Free use of on-board amenities.
Price Does NOT Include:
Accommodation, meals, tickets, and other personal expenses.
Additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic delays, strikes, weather, or flight cancellations.
Night Service Fee: A fee of NT$500 per day is paid directly to the driver/guide for services between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Overtime Fee: For tours exceeding the standard 10-hour service, an overtime fee must be paid directly to the driver/guide.
9-seater van and below: NT$500 per hour
9-seater large T and above: NT$1,000 per hour (Note: "司導" means "Driver/Guide")
Contact Us Now! Orange Cat - Taiwan Chartered Car Consultation:
Line | Whatsapp | Wechat
© Copyright 2024 by TTtrips Co., Ltd. All rights reserved
