Things To Do
in Su’ao
Su’ao is a coastal town in Yilan County known for its rugged shoreline, salty air, and bustling harbor. It’s famed for the Su’ao Cold Spring, a year-round mineral spring that draws visitors for a refreshing soak. Fresh seafood markets and welcoming eateries line the waterfront, making it a food lover’s stop on Taiwan’s northeast coast.
Easily reachable by train from Taipei and other Yilan towns, Su’ao serves as a relaxed base for exploring the area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Su’ao and check in to your hotel, where you can relax and recharge after your journey. Take a leisurely stroll around the local area to familiarize yourself with the charming coastal surroundings. Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a nearby café to kick off your adventure.
Visit the famous Su’ao Cold Spring, where you can dip your toes in the unique cold waters and enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the springs. Explore nearby hiking trails to appreciate stunning views of the coastal cliffs and scenic landscapes. Try some local street food at a nearby market for an authentic taste of Su’ao.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties while watching the sunset over the ocean. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and gentle sound of the waves. End your day with a dessert from a nearby vendor, sampling local pastries and treats.
Start your day with a hike at the nearby Taroko National Park, known for its spectacular gorge and breathtaking views. The morning sun will illuminate the diverse flora and rock formations, making for a picturesque adventure. Pack a hearty breakfast to enjoy amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.
Return to Su’ao for lunch at a local dumpling shop, where you can savor authentic Taiwanese flavors. Afterward, visit the Su’ao Fish Market to learn about the local fishing culture and perhaps even try some of the freshly caught seafood. Take a boat tour in the nearby fishing harbor to enjoy a different perspective of the scenic coast.
As evening approaches, unwind at a local night market where you can browse unique goods and sample more delectable street food. Enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and sizzling sounds from food stalls. Cap off the night by visiting a small bar to experience local nightlife and perhaps even share a toast with friendly locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🧁Snack or street food | $1-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $40-70 |
| 🚌Local transit (per day) | $3-6 |
| 🧺Groceries for a day | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Fresh seafood and coastal scenery
- Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
- Close to Taipei via public transit
- Rich local culture and markets
- Affordable lodging and food options
- Limited nightlife
- Some areas rely on seasonal tourism
- English may be limited in rural spots
- Public transport can be less frequent than major cities
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問洗手間在哪裡? (Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "可以講英文嗎? (Kěyǐ jiǎng yīngwén ma?)" - Can you speak English?
Places to Visit in Su’ao
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful boats, nets, and moorings create vibrant morning and golden-hour compositions.
Clear water and river reflections provide calm, minimalist compositions near the harbor and park areas.
Dramatic sea cliffs and rugged coastline yield striking sea-scape photos at sunrise or sunset.
Wide water surfaces and greenery ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and reflections.
Food in Su’ao
Su’ao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Taiwanese street food featuring fresh oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter fried to a crisp; commonly found at markets and stalls around Nanfang’ao.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught squid grilled with garlic and herbs at harbor stalls; quick, savory, and perfect eaten hot.
Simply prepared local fish to showcase the day’s catch, often finished with soy-ginger sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling harbor market where you can select seafood and have it cooked on-site for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Traditional market offering local snacks, fruit, and everyday Taiwanese fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Queue patiently, especially at markets and train stations. Show respect in temples; remove hats and speak softly in holy or sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Su’ao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; some places include service charges. You may round up for good service if you wish.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, LINE Pay, etc.) are increasingly common in larger shops and many restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with fresh greenery; some rain is possible, making landscapes lush and photogenic.
Warm to hot and humid; typhoon risk from June–October; blue skies with dramatic sea thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.
Pleasant temperatures and clearer skies; excellent for coastal and harbor photography without the crowd of summer.
Cool and mild with sea breezes; the Su’ao Cold Spring feels particularly refreshing; fewer tourists, calmer scenes.
Su’ao at Night
Hiking in Su’ao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic, relatively easy coastal walk with sea views and photo opportunities.
Forest trail leading to a series of waterfalls; popular day hike from Yilan City.
Mossy, foggy forest trails offering cool climate and lush scenery in the higher elevations.
Airports
How to reach Su’ao by plane.
Domestic and short-haul international flights; easy access to Su’ao by train or car.
Major international gateway; good rail connections to Taipei and beyond for onward travel to Yilan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Han Chinese with a smaller number of Indigenous communities and long-standing local families.
Domestic travelers and a growing number of international visitors drawn to seafood and natural scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Taiwan with active local leagues and community fields.
Widely played in schools, parks, and community centers; frequent pickup games.
Coastal areas offer seasonal opportunities for water activities depending on weather.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Su’ao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose tofu and vegetable dishes; ask for no fish sauce or seafood stock; many markets and eateries can accommodate vegetarian options with advance notice.