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Where to Stay in Sun Moon Lake

Where to Stay in Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake Taiwan Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full spectrum of lodging options from hostels to luxury hotels

  • Hostels/Guesthouses

    Budget-friendly stays, often family-run. You find dormitory beds or private rooms, sometimes with shared bathroom facilities.

  • B&bs (B&Bs)

    Very popular, offering a personalized and charming experience. Many boast lake views.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Standard hotel chains and independent properties. Comfortable amenities and consistent service.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    High-end experiences, often with stunning lake views, spa facilities, and multiple dining options.

Unique local accommodation types

  • Minshu (民宿)

    Taiwanese term for B&Bs or guesthouses. Minshu often present unique themes, friendly owners, and a focus on local culture.

  • Vacation rentals and apartment options

    Dedicated vacation rental apartments are limited. Check international booking platforms like Booking.com or Agoda for listings.

  • Homestay and community-based tourism opportunities

    Many B&Bs essentially function as homestays. Interact directly with local family owners, gaining insights into local life.

  • Camping and outdoor lodging

    Limited official camping sites directly beside the lake's shore. Some campsites are available in the broader Nantou County area.

Neighborhood Guide

Each main area has a distinct character.

Shuishe 水社

Pros
  • Central location with excellent transportation links (bus, ferry).
  • Many amenities and broad variety of accommodation and food choices.
Cons
  • Very crowded and touristy, especially on weekends and public holidays.
  • Expect more noise and lively activity.

Ita Thao 伊達邵

Pros
  • Rich cultural experience and a lively street food scene.
  • Convenient access to the ropeway and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
Cons
  • Can also become busy, especially around the market.
  • Fewer luxury hotel options compared to Shuishe.

Wenwu Temple Area 文武廟

Pros
  • Spectacular views and a quiet atmosphere after temple visiting hours.
  • Some boutique B&Bs exist here.
Cons
  • Fewer dining options directly in this area.
  • Need transportation to access other main villages.

Safety and Proximity Considerations

Safety considerations by area

All areas around Sun Moon Lake are generally very safe, with low crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft apply in crowded market areas.

Noise levels and ambiance

Shuishe & Ita Thao feel lively and noisy during the day and evenings. Other areas are much quieter, providing a more tranquil escape.

Booking Strategies

Plan your accommodation booking to secure your preferred stay.

Advance booking recommendations by season

  • High Season (Autumn, Spring, long weekends, public holidays): Book 2 to 4 months in advance.
  • Shoulder Season: Book 1 to 2 months in advance for a decent choice of rooms and competitive prices.
  • Low Season (Summer weekdays): Easier to secure last-minute deals. Booking a few weeks ahead is still wise.
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is generally not customary for hotels or established B&Bs.

Trusted booking platforms and local reservation systems

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Online travel agencies like expedia are widely used and reliable.
  • Local Platforms: Less English-friendly, some Taiwanese sites might offer exclusive deals.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary widely. Check the specific policy for your chosen accommodation.
  • Accommodation prices significantly increase during weekends, Taiwanese public holidays, and peak seasons.

Proximity to attractions and transportation hubs

Shuishe
  • Best overall convenience.
  • Main transport hub for buses and ferries.
  • Central access to the cycling path.
Ita Thao
  • Best for cultural immersion, street food, and direct access to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
  • Ferry and bus connections are readily available.

Helpful Tip

Reading Reviews

Read recent traveler reviews on booking platforms. They often provide details on actual room conditions, noise levels, and staff helpfulness.

Weekend Visits

If visiting on a weekend or public holiday, think about staying in a quieter area like the Wenwu Temple vicinity for a more peaceful experience.

Using Transport

Use the bus or bike to visit the busier hubs if staying in a quieter area.

Accommodation Recommendations

Sun Moon Lake offers accommodation for every taste and budget.

Top picks for different budget levels

Budget

Ming Hu Hostel (Shuishe): Basic amenities, good location. Sun Moon Lake Backpackers (Ita Thao): Dormitory beds and private rooms, friendly atmosphere.

Mid-range

Nantou The Largest Body of water in taiwan Hotel (Shuishe): Comfortable with lake views. Hotel Del Lago (Shuishe): Centrally located lakefront. Lealea Garden Hotels - Sun Moon Lake (Ita Thao): Comfortable lodging close to cultural attractions.

  • Booking.com: Booking.com - Global accommodation booking platform.
  • Agoda: Agoda.com - Accommodation booking site with Asian strength.

Family-friendly options & Solo traveler recommendations

Family-friendly options

Fleur de Chine Hotel Sun Moon Lake: Multiple pools, a kids' club, and hot springs.

  • Many B&Bs by the lake provide spacious family rooms.
  • Vrbo: Vrbo.com - Vacation rental booking site.
Solo traveler recommendations

Hostels and guesthouses in Shuishe or Ita Thao: opportunities to meet other travelers. Look for B&Bs with communal areas.

Long-stay accommodations

  • Short-stay Destination

    Most accommodations cater to short stays, typically 1 to 3 nights.

  • Inquire Directly

    For longer stays, inquire directly with B&Bs for potential weekly rates. This is less common here.

Properties with cultural or historical significance

  • Thao Cultural Immersion

    Some B&Bs in Ita Thao offer a dive into Thao culture via their decor, food, and hospitality of local Thao family owners.

Accommodation Type Comparison

Hostel/Guesthouse

Price Range (NTD/night): 500 - 1,500

  • Features: Dorms, basic private rooms, shared facilities, social atmosphere
  • Best For: Budget travelers, solo travelers
Mid-range B&B/Hotel

Price Range (NTD/night): 1,500 - 4,000

  • Features: Private rooms, often themed, personalized service, good views, local charm
  • Best For: Couples, families, travelers seeking comfort and local feel

Luxury Resort

Price Range NTD/night

4,000+

Features

High-end amenities, lakeside vistas, spas, fine dining, extensive facilities

Best For

Luxury travelers, special occasions