From the 49th level in Bitexco Financial Tower you can enjoy the panoramic view over the city and its surroundings. The design of the tallest building in the city is inspired by a Lotus bud, which makes it stand out against the city skyline.

Located just a 6-minute walk from the Notre Dame Basilica, the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is another not-to-be-missed destination in Vietnam’s second city. The Independence Palace was first designed by a French architect and originally given the name Norodom Palace; it once served as living and working quarters to French and Japanese colonist-generations.

Nowhere else on the island is the scenery more reminiscent of the middle ages than in the tiny village of Olympi, where many of the narrow windy streets aren't lit up at night, which helps create an eerie medieval feel. Make sure to check out the nearby caves as well.

The Beitou area of Taipei is renowned for its high concentration of thermal spa centres. There are establishments to fit any budget, from the low-priced open-air Public Hot Spring (modest swimwear required) to private hotels and resorts uphill, all offering hot spring baths at various price points. One option most resorts offer is renting a private room with a large bath that can be filled with hot spring water. The Spring City Resort in Beitou is a great mid-range option. A session here includes access to about a dozen thermal pools of varying water temperature (from seemingly boiling-hot to rather chilly), plus robe, towel, and slipper rental. They even offer a free shuttle bus to the metro station. For a luxurious spa treatment, look into the offerings of Hotel Regent Taipei, for example. Wellspring Spa offers a wide range of relaxing treatments including massages, body wraps, skin polishing and facials. Take the elevator to the top floor and unwind at this urban sanctuary.