Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is a mountain lake in central Taiwan, visited for lakeside walks, boat rides and a slower pace than the big cities.
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Sun Moon Lake is a mountain lake in Nantou County, in central Taiwan. It is the largest natural freshwater lake on the island, with forested hills rising steeply from its shore. The lake lies in the traditional home area of the Thao people, one of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples, so Thao culture is part of any visit. People come for the scenery, the lakeside paths and the boat rides across the water.
The lake suits travelers who want a slower pace than Taiwan's cities, with time for walks, views and a few hours on the water. October to December bring the clearest, coolest days, while spring can be misty. Weekends and public holidays bring more visitors to the lakeside. Plan one or two nights so you can see the lake in the morning and evening without rushing. Add a day if you want to hike in the surrounding hills, where trails range from short walks to longer climbs.
Sun Moon Lake in five
- Reach the lake by bus from TaichungThe lake has no rail line. Travelers take high-speed rail to Taichung, then a bus or taxi. Check the latest bus times with the operator before you leave.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you landBus timetables, maps and ride bookings all need mobile data, so set it up before you leave the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Carry small New Taiwan dollar notesSome small food stalls and village shops prefer cash, and small counters often cannot change large notes.
- Check the boat times at the pierBoats to Lalu Island run from the lakeside piers on a timetable, so check the last sailing at the pier before you plan the afternoon.
- Pack a layer for the mountain airSun Moon Lake sits roughly 750 m above sea level, so mornings and evenings run cooler than Taichung, and mist can lie on the water.
Need to know
- Currency
- New Taiwan dollar (TWD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check eligibility Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, dry
- FebruaryCool, misty
- MarchMisty, showers
- AprilGreen, showers
- MayPlum rains
- JuneRainy, humid
- JulyHot, typhoons
- AugustTyphoon risk
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberClear, cool
- NovemberClear, cool
- DecemberCool, dry
Right now in Sun Moon Lake
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
16
- Feels like
- 17°
- Humidity
- 98%
- Wind
- 2 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 76%
Sun Moon Lake
04:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today26°15°76%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Wed27°15°4%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Thu27°16°4%Thursday: Fog. High 27°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Fri27°15°16%Friday: Fog. High 27°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Sat25°17°71%Saturday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 71%.
- Sun26°16°59%Sunday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 59%.
Updated 03:55 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 32.64 TWD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Taichungabout 1 to 2 hours by busThe nearest city with the high-speed rail station and most transport links.
- Pulia short ride by local busA market town with bus connections, useful for budget meals and onward buses.
- Lalu Islandshort boat ride from the lake piersAn island in the lake with Thao village history, reached only by boat.
Before you go to Sun Moon Lake
Rules for Sun Moon Lake, checked
- Visa-free short stays apply to many passports. Check your eligibility on the Bureau of Consular Affairs site before you book.Source
- Customs limits duty-free goods and restricts some items, including vaping devices. Check the rules on the Taiwan Customs website before you pack.Source
- Declare fresh fruit, meat and plants at arrival. Customs can fine travelers who do not declare them.
- Taiwan enforces drink-driving laws. Do not drive or ride a scooter after drinking any alcohol.
Plan around Sun Moon Lake
Entry, transport and money for a Taiwan trip
Read the guideGetting around TaiwanRail, bus and car options to the lake
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical costs in New Taiwan dollars
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how to check before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayLakeside hotels, Puli and budget options
Read the guideTrip ideasIdeas for one, two or three nights at the lake
Read the guideSun Moon Lake FAQ
How do you get to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei?
Take high-speed rail to Taichung, then a bus or taxi to the lake. There is no train to the lake, so the last leg is by road.
Is Sun Moon Lake worth visiting?
Yes, for lake views, boat trips and a slower pace in the mountains. Go in clear months, since mist can hide the water in spring.
How many days do you need at Sun Moon Lake?
Two nights let you take a boat trip and walk the shore without rushing. A day trip from Taichung covers the highlights only, and you miss the early light on the water.
Is Sun Moon Lake a day trip from Taichung?
It is possible, but the bus each way takes about 1 to 2 hours, so the day is tight. An overnight stay gives you the early boats and cooler mornings.
Should I stay at Sun Moon Lake or in Puli?
Stay at the lake for the water and early boats. Stay in Puli for lower rates and bus links, since it is a short ride from the lake.
When is the best time to visit Sun Moon Lake?
October to December bring clear, cool days. Summer brings heat and typhoon risk, and spring can be misty.