If you’re looking for where to stay at Sun Moon Lake, you’ve come to the right place. After a few amazing days in Taichung, we continued our journey to one of Taiwan’s most beautiful and peaceful places: Sun Moon Lake. This stop was part of our 3-week itinerary across the country and, honestly, exceeded our expectations.
It’s easy to see why. The lake is surrounded by mountains, covered in gentle morning mist, and bathed in a silence that feels especially refreshing after days in the city. It’s one of those places that forces you to slow down. To breathe. And to simply be.
But where to stay at Sun Moon Lake? Like many tourist destinations on our Taiwan trip, choosing the right area can make all the difference—both for your experience and travel logistics. So in this article, we’ll tell you everything: the best areas, where we stayed, accommodation suggestions for all budgets, and some practical tips to make the most of your visit.
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The best areas where to stay at Sun Moon Lake
The best areas where to stay at Sun Moon Lake are Shuishe Village and Ita Thao Village. Shuishe is ideal for those seeking convenience and easy access to transportation, while Ita Thao offers a more tranquil experience closer to nature.
Each area has its advantages, and it all depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.
Shuishe Village
This is where we chose to stay. Shuishe is the most common entry point for those arriving from Taichung and serves as the area’s logistical hub—with transportation, bike rentals, restaurants, and the lake’s main pier.
It’s strategically located for exploring the entire area and is very convenient, especially if you’re only staying one or two nights, making it one of the best places to stay at Sun Moon Lake.
Recommended hotels in Shuishe
- Budget: Mei Jen Home B&B – Excellent location and great value. A simple but cozy guesthouse with super friendly owners, free snacks, and optional breakfast. This is where we stayed.
- Mid-range: Sun Moon Lake Hotel – Comfortable, with lake views and included breakfast.
- Luxury: Fleur de Chine Hotel – One of the best in the region, with a spa, infinity pool, and breathtaking panoramic views.
Ita Thao Village
On the other side of the lake, closer to nature and with a more relaxed atmosphere, is Ita Thao. This village has a more laid-back vibe, with a lively night market and direct access to the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway cable car.
It’s the best area to stay at Sun Moon Lake if you’re looking for a more local and less touristy atmosphere. It’s also a great base for those wanting to explore the mountains and trails in the region, making it one of the best places where to stay at Sun Moon Lake.
Recommended hotels in Ita Thao
- Budget: Tanxiang Resort – Simple but very well located.
- Mid-range: Hu Yue Lakeview Hotel – Spacious rooms with lake views and an ideal location in Ita Thao.
- Luxury: Wyndham Sun Moon Lake – A luxury retreat with impressive architecture, spa, and panoramic pool views.
Tips for traveling to Sun Moon Lake
- How to get there: The easiest way is by bus from Taichung. Buy your Sun Moon Lake bus tickets in advance here.
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are perfect—mild temperatures and clear skies.
- Explore by bike: Rent one and ride the bike path around the lake—one of the most beautiful in Asia! Reserve your Sun Moon Lake bike rental here.
- Internet while traveling: We used Holafly’s eSIM to stay connected (discount with our link here).
- Travel insurance: We never leave home without our Heymondo insurance. It’s saved us more than once—and we have a discount here.
- Extra: If you’re a sunrise fan, wake up early and head to Shuishe Pier. The light reflecting on the lake is said to be pure magic.
Traveling through Sun Moon Lake is more than just seeing beautiful landscapes—it’s about letting yourself be carried by the place’s calm rhythm. We hope this guide helps you choose where to stay at Sun Moon Lake and make the most of your time here.
