Taipei (day 01) - cont.

Our destination for our first day is Beitou (Thermal Valley) , Danshui ( seaside district of New Taipei City) , Shilin Night Market.

Beitou is in the northern part of Taipei which is famous for Hot Springs.

How to get there?
Take the Red MRT line to Beitou and transfer to Xinbeitou line.The Xinbeitou line is a themed mrt with colorful cabs. Upon exiting , just go straight out and there are directional signages going to Thermal Valley.

Xinbeitou line mrt colorful cabs

Inside the mrt

Because it was summer  it's quite hot walking towards the Thermal Valley. You will pass by a number of hot spring resorts and hotels and some public bath. We did not try the public hot spring bath because we were pressed for time, maybe next time.

Beitou public library

Beitou Thermal Valley aka Hell Valley

From afar you would know that you have reached the thermal valley with the smell of sulphur.
There's not much to see in Beitou except taking a dip in their public hot spring bath. Just be sure to bring bottled water to keep you hydrated specially during summer.

After Beitou, you're probably hungry with the walking done. We headed to Danshui for our first night market experience.

Hot to get to Danshui from Beitou?
From Xinbeitou ride the mrt to Beitou. Transfer to Danshui line. When you exit look out for the Mister Donut store on your left and follow the path going to Danshui old street.

Danshui or Tamsui or Danshuei is at the northern end of the red mrt line . It is very popular with tourists for its sunset and fisherman's wharf. One may explore the old danshui streets by foot and you can never go hungry with the numerous food stands.

Stinky Tofu. Not really workin for me. To each his own taste. NTD40/stick

This one is really nice. Octopus tentacles covered in special batter. Delicious!!! NTD100/cup (big)

Bittergourd Juice. Who would have thought? But it's not bitter at all. Refreshing drink at NTD60/cup (big)

Chicken Nuggets. Spicy or regular. NTD55/small bag

We were so full after trying a few . It's a good thing you only have to walk it off then resume eating. Watch the sunset for a romantic evening. Or go to Lover's Bridge.

When we've had our fill and our bellies are bursting , we rode again the MRT going to Shilin Night Market. Go down Jiantan Station (not the Shilin Station) and upon exit at the mrt you will see immediately plenty road side shops selling food and other knick knacks. Food again????? And just as we thought we couldn't take in anymore food , we still had to try food that we did not find in Danshui. The trick is, walk and walk and walk then when you go hungry again go and indulge.

Shilin Night Market entrance

Shilin Night Market houses a plethora of clothes, shoes, bags, cellphone housings and all other things you want to buy!!

By this time we were so tired from walking and eating so we decided to go back to our hotel to rest. :)