Hot Spring Bath - Yilan, East Cost of Taiwan

Getting to Yilan, east coast of Taiwan, from Taipei has been made simpler and faster since the completion of the Hsuehshan Tunnel (雪山隧道 meaning "Snow Mountain tunnel") which is almost 13 kilometers long. This allowed Taipei city dwellers to get to the famous Hot Springs in Yilan in 30-40 minutes instead of the 2 hours it takes to go around Snow Mountain. Because of the types of rocks in this area of Taiwan, construction workers encountered major engineering challenges and at last completed the tunnel 15 years after it began. We were so thankful for the tunnel because we did not leave Taipei until 5pm and still got to Yilan well in time for an early dinner.


The first town you arrive at after leaving the tunnel is the Hot Spring town Jiaoxi (礁溪). Almost immediately, you can spot numerous road signs to dosens and dozens of Hot Spring hotels. We were just so spoilt for choice! Each hotel was bigger and newer than the previous. As it was low season being during the week, the hotel staff were keen to offer us irresistible deals for a room with all modern facilities and our very own private hot spring bath - i.e. the hot spring is pumped directly to your room so you can enjoy it with your loved ones away from prying eyes...


After dinner, we took a stroll towards the town train station just a few blocks away. The station itself was just like other Taiwanese stations. However we were surprised to find a public Hot Spring set up right in front of the station for anyone to soak their feet in. 


We had our own private Hot Spring Bath in the hotel room so we didn't sit down then and there for a soak. But boy were we tempted. Sure we can imagine how relaxing it would be for travellers or locals arriving on a train from afar to get off and have a Hot Spring foot soak before continuing their journey. 


You can see more photos on this and other highlights around Taiwan by going to www.mytaiwanholiday.com