Wulai Hot Spring Staycation and Dad’s Must Try Spots

Come on a hidden gem Wulai Mountain Hot Springs Staycation with my family, where we try some of my dad’s must-try foodie spots. Wulai is a beautiful local staycation favorite with hot springs, waterfalls, and beautiful mountains all around. It’s a place my dad had always wanted to take us, and this trip felt like a way to finally follow his footsteps. To honor him on this trip, I visited a few of the must-try spots he had always recommended. Now I can confirm, Wulai is 100% worth the hype.

Hot Spring Staycation With My Grandparents

This was my first time back in Taiwan without my dad, and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel. Taiwan has always been my comfort zone, filled with childhood memories, family traditions, and my dad’s favorite foodie spots. But now, it’s also the place where I said goodbye to him.

One of the most meaningful moments this trip was finally visiting Wulai 烏來, a place my dad always talked about but never got the chance to take me. He used to tell me about the mini train, the street cats, and his favorite eats along the old street. I went with my grandparents for a quiet overnight stay, and it honestly felt like walking through one of his stories. It was a bittersweet but peaceful family trip that helped me reconnect with a version of Taiwan I’d only ever seen through his eyes.

How To Get To Wulai?

Wulai is a peaceful mountain town just an hour from Taipei. You can get there either by driving yourself, taking a bus, or taking the MRT and transferring.

Why Visit Wulai?

If you’re ever traveling with family in Taiwan, I highly recommend spending a night or two in Wulai. It’s a peaceful little mountain town known for its hot springs, river views, and Atayal indigenous culture. It’s the kind of place where time slows down in the best way. If you’re looking for a wellness-focused getaway with natural beauty and local charm, Wulai is one of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets.

1. Private, In-Room Hot Springs in Every Hotel

Almost every hotel in Wulai is a hot spring resort, with private in-room tubs fed by natural mineral water. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in warm spring water, watching the mist roll over the mountains, and sipping on an ice-cold beer—in the privacy of your own room. It felt like the kind of slow moment I’ve been craving for so long. if you’re not staying overnight, some places also offer daytime access to private soaking rooms for a short, peaceful escape.

This trip, we booked 3 joined private rooms at Pause Landis Resort Wulai. Out the window, we have a beautiful view of the lake. Inside the rooms, we each had our own private mineral spring tub. The next morning’s included hotel breakfast was surprisingly delicious!

2. See Waterfalls with Wulai Scenic Train

The best way to see the famous Wulai Waterfall is by the Wulai Scenic Train 烏來台車. Previously a log cart, this 10 person mini-train now takes visitors on a 1.5 km long route from Wulai Station to Waterfall Station, directly at the base of the 80 m Wulai Waterfall, surrounded by cliffs and forests.

I often remember my dad telling us stories about riding this exact mini train on a date with my mom, seeing cats along the way and eating their way through the Wulai Old Street. Now, Dom and I get to experience it for ourselves, but it feels like he was always there with us.

2. Cable Car and Boat Rides in Wulai Yun Hsien Resort

Yun Hsien Resort 雲仙樂園 is a peaceful nature retreat tucked in the mountains above Wulai. The only way to get there is by cable car, which glides right over Wulai Waterfall, giving you gorgeous views of the river and forest below. At the top, it feels like you’ve stepped into a quiet mountainside village. There’s a small lake in the center where you can rent rowboats or paddle boats and float around surrounded by trees. Depending on the season, you might catch cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in summer, or fiery maple leaves in fall.

What We Ate in Wulai

One of my favorite parts of this trip was finally experiencing the foods of Wulai that my dad always talked about. Wulai’s food culture leans into what grows in the mountains: wild boar, bamboo shoots, millet, and other foraged ingredients you don’t usually see in cities. A lot of the snacks come from Atayal traditions, like grilled meats, chewy rice treats, and eggs slow-cooked in hot spring water. It’s the kind of food that feels tied to a very tied to the local ecosystem.

Standing Grilled Chicken – 烏來阿昌立正雞

On the drive up, we made a quick stop at a local favorite 烏來阿昌立正雞, a roast chicken joint that has literally put “standing chicken” in their name. This shop has been around for 20 years selling their signature dish – a whole upright chicken roasted low and slow over charcoal fire. The result is a crispy golden skin with meat that’s still dripping with juice and incredibly tender. That smoky, savory flavors is soaked deeply into the meat from the grilling process. Every bite was steamy, fall-off-the-bone tender, and honestly one of the best things I had this trip.

Everything else on the menu was also really good, including their various mountain vegetables. I especially loved their stir-fried lotus stem. It’s crunchy, savory, and the perfect match for the chicken. Even as I’m editing this right now, I’m drooling. I’m 100% coming back for that roasted chicken with the chicken oil drizzled over the rice.

Healthy Wood Ear Fungus Pizza – FangGus Pizza

We were tired, and craving something easy and comforting. So, for dinner, we tried FangGus Pizza 方格斯手作坊, a tiny pizza shop in Wulai that specializes in healthy handmade pizzas. FangGus uses wood ear fungus in their healthy, alternative pizza dough for added fiber and moisture. Their menu includes various fun and creative flavors that incorporate indigenous Taiwanese ingredients, like mountain peppercorn boar sausage, and kimchi with boar.

To be honest, I was skeptical about these pizzas. But, seeing the them baked in a stone-fire oven, made fresh to order with local ingredients, I had to give it a try. We ordered six large pizzas to share at 520 NTD each, and honestly, we could’ve eaten more of these yummy pizzas. With a bottle of wine, cozy hotel vibes, and time with my family, this pizza experience was a 10/10 core memory.

Wulai Old Street

Wulai Old Street is a short, winding stretch along the river, lined with local food stalls, street food shops, and small souvenir stands. It’s way smaller and quieter than most night markets, but that’s part of the charm. We wandered the quiet streets, picked up a few snacks from local vendors, and spent the 2 days soaking in the local scenery and just being together. It was a great location to have no plans, no schedule. Just good food, beautiful views, and quality time with the people I love.

Grilled Boar Sausages and Chicken Skewers – 雅各原住民山豬肉香腸

The first place we had to stop at was 雅各原住民山豬肉香腸. This grill stall is the spot for grilled wild boar sausage, and honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. Juicy, slightly sweet, with that perfect snap when you bite in. Don’t skip the grilled chicken skewer, either, because that smoky, perfectly charred chicken was soaked in a marinade I still can’t stop thinking about. Everything’s grilled fresh to order, so there is a bit of wait, but Dom and I still lined up twice.

You’ll find it near the end of Wulai Old Street, right by Lansheng Bridge. Super easy to spot, just follow the grilling and the long line. They’re open daily from around 10 AM to 8 PM, and sausages and skewers go for 45 NTD each, and are totally worth it.

Chilled Hot Spring Soy Eggs – 高家冰溫泉蛋

高家冰溫泉蛋 was one of the biggest surprises. These soy-marinated hot spring eggs might look simple, but they’re so good. Simmered in spring water, then chilled in big tubs of marinade that catches your eye right away. The yolk is creamy, almost sticky, with a deep savory flavor, and the egg whites have that perfect, slightly firm bite. Who knew a cold egg could be this satisfying? I ended up going back to grab more and brought a bunch back to the hotel with me.

You’ll spot their stall easily on Wulai Old Street since it’s super bright orange with tubs filled with chilled eggs soaking in either soy or Shaoxing marinades. They’re sold ready to eat, and the chill honestly makes them even better on a hot day. Definitely one of those snacks that doesn’t look like much, but totally delivers.

Grilled Millet Mochi

The grilled millet mochi sticks in Wulai were such a highlight. Our favorite stall was in front of right in front of 阿嬤的店. It’s made with millet instead of regular rice flour, so the texture’s a little heartier and the flavor has a subtle toastiness that makes it so satisfying.

The mochi sticks are grilled fresh to order until warm, gooey, and a little crisp around the edges, and served on paper liners. Topped with crushed peanuts, black sesame, and a drizzle of honey or condensed milk. Sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of sticky. They’re easy to snack on while you wander. Dom and I had four total, but I’d go back for more in a heartbeat.

Wulai 3 Cafe

Wulai 3 Café is a great spot to take a break after walking through the Old Street and waterfall area. They’ve got a solid selection of light meals and drinks from teas to sodas and a quiet atmosphere. Inside, it’s cool and spacious with big windows overlooking the waterfall. There’s also an outdoor patio with a wide, open view of the falls.

There’s a one-drink minimum to sit inside, and most drinks fall in the 200–300 NTD range. They also serve . If you’ve had a hot day of walking, you might want to drop in for a cold drink just like us. You’ll find this cafe just a minute walk away from the Scenic Train station. They’re open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and until 8 PM on weekends.

See More of my Taiwan Day Tip Adventure Itinerary!