INT29_TAIWAN – MATSU ISLANDS

Itinerary: TAIPEI – NANGAN – DONGJU
  Departure: May 21 – May 25
  Duration: 5 days 4 nights
Group size: 06 participants
Tour type: VIP
Cost: $1699/person
Hotline registration: +84 912 851 112 / +84 987 277 394 (Mr. Dũng)

1. OVERVIEW

For photography lovers, nothing compares to setting foot in a new land—quietly observing nature and waiting for that magical moment to unfold through the lens. The journey to the Matsu Islands in Taiwan is more than a trip; it is an invitation to witness the most vibrant palettes of nature—from the surreal glow of Blue Tears shimmering on the ocean surface to the majestic Milky Way stretched across the night sky.

This isn’t just a photography tour; it’s a visual adventure—an opportunity to immerse yourself in tranquil island life and capture the most breathtaking frames of your creative journey.

2. HIGHLIGHTS

 Blue Tears – A Rare Luminous Phenomenon
 Matsu is one of the few places in the world where Blue Tears can be witnessed clearly.
  Brilliant Milky Way
 Minimal light pollution makes it a perfect location for astrophotography.
  Explore Dongju Island by motorbike
  A Landscape Photographer’s Playground 📷
 Unspoiled, hidden gems bathed in perfect light for truly unique compositions.
Expert Guidance 🎓
 Beginners welcome! Our expert guides offer hands-on support for both astrophotography and landscape techniques.
  A Journey of Perseverance
 Reaching the Matsu archipelago is challenging—but incredibly rewarding.

3. ITINERARY

PLEASE NOTE:
C = Concept
Itinerary is subject to change based on weather and local conditions

Day 1 (21/05): Taipei (TPE)

• Group arrives at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taipei.
  
• Suggested return flights:
   • 21 May: HAN – TPE (CI-792) departs 11:35 | 25 May: TPE – HAN (CI-793) departs 14:40
   • 21 May: SGN – TPE (CI-782) departs 10:50 | 25 May: TPE – SGN (CI-783) departs 13:45
  
• 15:20: Arrival in TPE. After immigration, the group transfers to Keelung Tower to photograph the vibrant harbor cityscape at sunset. Also includes the hilltop Guanyin Statue in Zhongzheng.
  
• Dinner and transfer to Keelung Pier for ferry departure.
  22:30: Ferry departs Keelung → arrives at Fuao Port (Nangan) at 06:30 next morning.
  
• Overnight on board.
  

 Day 2 (22/05): Taipei – Nangan – Dongju

• 06:30: Arrival at Fuao Port. Breakfast and street photography near the harbor.
  
• 09:00: Ferry to Dongju Island (~2 hours).
  
• 11:30: Arrival, lunch, hotel check-in, rest.
  Afternoon photography session:
  C1: Dapu Stone Inscriptions (大埔石刻) – Ancient Chinese characters carved into stone.
  C2: Fuzheng Beach (福正沙灘) – Pristine beach with waves crashing against the rocks; great for sunset reflections.
  C3: Qingshan Lighthouse (青山嶼燈塔) – European-style architecture, stunning golden hour light.
  C4: Hidden Bay (神秘小海灣) – Secluded, magical lighting.
  

 Evening:
19:00: Dinner
20:30: Blue Tears and Milky Way shooting
C5: Fuzheng Beach
C6: Qingshan Lighthouse
  Overnight at Dongju

 Day 3 (23/05): Dongju – Nangan

• Early checkout, ferry Dongju → Nangan (Mengao → Fuao) from 06:30 – 08:30
  Morning shoot:
  C7: Dahan Stronghold (大漢據點) – Grand military architecture, bunker-style views, high-angle sea shots
  C8: Matsu Statue – Iconic landmark of the islands
  
• Lunch, rest, hotel check-in.
  

Sunset & Blue Tears Photography:
C9: Strongholds 53, 55, 20 – Abandoned military bunkers, unique and cinematic settings
C10: Hanlin Cape (翰林角) – Rocky coastline bathed in evening light
C11: Shanlong Seawall (山隴海堤) – Ideal seascape with dramatic foreground

 Evening:
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Blue Tears shoot at:
C12: Stronghold 26
C13: Stronghold 53
C14: Iron Fortress (鐵堡)
  Overnight in Nangan

 Day 4 (24/05): Nangan – Taipei
OPTION 1 – FLIGHT:

• Breakfast, check-out, transfer to Nangan Airport
  11:00 – 11:50: Flight to Taipei (TSA)
  
• Lunch, check-in to Taipei hotel
  Cultural visit: Baoan Temple (保安宮) – Taoist temple dating to the early 19th century, UNESCO cultural heritage award winner.
  

OPTION 2 – FERRY (if flight unavailable):

• Ferry: Fuao → Keelung (09:30 – 18:00)
  
• Dinner, check-in to Taipei hotel
  

Day 5 (25/05): Taipei – Hanoi

• Early morning MRT to Xiangshan trail for sunrise cityscape of Taipei 101.
  
• Return, breakfast, check-out
    14:40: Departure from TPE to Hanoi
    16:50: Arrival in Hanoi. End of tour.
  

4. INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED:

• High-quality 9-seater car as per itinerary
  
• 1-day motorbike rental on Dongju
  
• Domestic flights within Taiwan
  
• Ferry tickets between islands
  
• MRT subway tickets
  
• Hotel/homestay accommodations
  
• Meals as per program
  
• Professional tour & photography guides
  
• Entrance fees at listed locations
  
• Full setup support
  
• Travel insurance (up to 30,000,000 VND/case)
  
• Unlimited bottled water in car
  

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare
  
• Personal expenses, drinks during meals
  
• VAT
  
• Single room supplement (**)
  
• Optional activities not in program
  

5. REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

To register: comment with full name + phone number on Firstclass Travel Facebook
Or call Mr. Trần Tiến Dũng at 📲 +84 912 851 112 / +84 987 277 394 (Zalo/Viber)

Payment: cash or bank transfer to:
  Account holder: Trần Tiến Dũng
Account number: +84912851112
Bank: VPBank (Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Bank)
Note: Please include “Phototour Fee, Your Name, Phone Number” in the transfer description.

(*) Departure may vary based on weather and group size
(**) Single room requests must be submitted at least 30 days before departure

6. GEAR CHECKLIST

• Tripod
  
• Drone
  
• Remote shutter (with spare batteries)
  
• Flashlight or headlamp
  
• Wide-angle and telephoto lenses
  
• Memory cards + 1 backup card
  
• Batteries + chargers + 1 spare battery
  
• Universal power adapter, multi-socket power strip