What experiences and stories have shaped the lives of homeless individuals — and how did they end up living on the streets?
How have they managed to survive over the years?
Where do they get their food?
How do people treat or help them?
What kind of support does the government provide?
Plenty of “whys” and “hows”: there will be dedicated time for questions and answers during and after the tour.
My Homeless Tour Guide: See Taipei from a Different Angle (Taipei Walking Tour)
The “My Homeless Tour Guide” program is supported by the non-profit organization Homeless Taiwan (芒草心協會). This initiative trains formerly homeless individuals to become tour guides, allowing them to earn a living by sharing walking tours through the neighborhoods they once called home. Along the way, you’ll explore Taipei from unique perspectives, discovering hidden streets and local culture. Through their personal stories and experiences, you’ll gain insight into how homeless individuals navigate society, learn about Taiwan’s social welfare system, and challenge common stereotypes—while having an authentic, meaningful travel experience.
What Will You Learn from A Homeless Tour Guide?
Real Feedback from Our Guests
“After joining this tour, I started to love myself and the world more and more day by day.”
I used hold on to the the belief of “Where there is a way, there is a will.” It wasn’t until this tour that I realized this might not be hold true. These guides I met worked extremely hard and yet wasn’t able to escape from the homeless life for a long time. Throughout the tour, I did a lot of self-reflecting. I tried putting myself in their shoes and imagined, with my limited knowledge, opportunities and network, what I can do? A big obstacle is society’s ingrained discrimination towards the homeless.
Itinerary for My Homeless Tour Guide Tour
10 : 00 Meet your homeless tour guide at Taipei MRT Longshan Temple Station Exit 1
10 : 10 Walk around the living area of your homeless tour guide
11 : 45 Q&A
12 : 15 End of the tour
Tour Details
Minimum Numbers
4 adults
Availability
Daily departure (No tours during the Lunar New Year period.)
Meeting point
10 : 00 am at Taipei MRT Longshan Temple Station Exit 1
When to book
Book 3 days in advance
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Price
Adult (Over 6 years old)
69 USD per person
Child (3 to 6 years old)
39 USD per person
Infant (0 to 2 years old)
Free of charge. (Please note that at least one adult must accompany any infant on the tour.)
Inclusion
Accommodation
None
Food
None
Admissions
None (All the attractions included in the itinerary are free of charge.)
Tour Guide
A homeless tour guide and a great English speaking guide (All of our guides are fluent in Mandarin as well.)
* Upgrade to a Spanish-speaking guide available for an additional USD 40 per group.
Transportation
None. This is a walking tour.
Others
Travel insurance and of course, memories that money can't buy!
Please note that tips for your tour guide are NOT included.
Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our previous clients have to say about us!
An unforgettable day trip with Topology
This is the first time I've booked the tour with Topology, the experience with them was fantastic! Penny who has communicated with me from beginning to the end, she is very responsive with all the questions I had or requested, and well informed about tour guide's info and pickup time.
Fun time seems to pass by quickly, Spencer surely made our trip so memorable, we will always remember him and hopefully one day we will meet up again. =)
Amazing trip and amazing guide
It was a very interesting trip. We knew unique places and very beautiful views. I recommend it and thank our guide Mr. Clint Liang for his help and kindness. It was very important that he knew the area so well.
Excellent agency, wonderful tour guide
We were a family of 13 that did 2 private day tours and airport transfers with Topology. Peter was excellent with all communications from the beginning. Airy was a wonderful bilingual guide thar really made us feel at home. The kids in our group also warmed up to her quickly. The included lunches were sumptuous and extensive. They are a little pricey but well worth every penny.
Week in Taiwan
We had an amazing time in Taiwan! Allen from Topology was responsive throughout the planning stages. We have a child with many food allergies and requested an English-speaking guide to accompany us for the entire trip. We could not have been happier with Spencer! We spent 7 days with him touring Taipei, Jiufen, Yehliu National Park, Kaoshiung, and Kenting National Park. He kept that pace quick for the kids and most of our free time was spent exploring different markets sampling street food. Spencer kept my son safe during the entire trip, and by the end he was like a part of the family.
8 day private tour of Taiwan
Our 8 day private tour of Taiwan included Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen, Taroko, Sun Moon, & Taichung. Both our consultant, Vivi, & our driver, Henry, were excellent. We felt well taken care of from beginning to end. Henry was especially accommodating to our changing needs and requests. He was punctual, patient and attentive to our interests, even suggesting extra stops that may appeal to us & taking pictures for us. Despite some minor stomach issues at the first half of the trip (we were not able to eat some of the planned dinners), we still got to see many scenes & sites that surprised us: Taroko gorge was stunning; releasing sky lanterns was fun; the local wet market was lively; the oyster/clam digging area looked like a wet sand desert complete with a windy sand storm. Over all, everything went smoothly, and our group of 4 adults + 1 child, enjoyed our trip immensely. Thank you
Looking for a customized, tailor-made Taiwan itinerary?
If you prefer a fully customized itinerary, feel free to fill out our Create Your Trip form, and one of our tour consultant will contact you to design your perfect trip.
Contact us to Book My Homeless Tour Guide Tour
Frequently Asked Questions for My Homeless Tour Guide Tour
Why Choose Topology Travel’s My Homeless Tour Guide Tour?
When you’ve arrived at this page, we know you’re looking for authentic and truly unique experiences — and this is exactly what you want. With the homeless tour guide, you’ll explore Taipei from a perspective few ever get to see, gaining insight into the lives of formerly homeless individuals and the neighborhoods they know best. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories, learn about survival in the streets, and experience the city through the eyes of those who live it differently — a meaningful and unforgettable way to see Taipei.
Is this Taipei itinerary suitable for children or seniors ?
Yes, this itinerary is suitable for all ages. Although it is a walking tour, we will take breaks along the way and find spots where everyone can sit down and rest.
Is this itinerary wheelchair accessible?
This tour is wheelchair-friendly.
How to book this My Homeless Tour Guide Tour?
Please fill out the online form and our tour consultant will contact you. Your reservation will be confirmed once full payment is received.
What if I need to cancel my Taiwan tour?
For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
What should I prepare before visiting Taiwan?
Please make sure to check whether you need a visa to enter Taiwan.
You can find up-to-date information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
If a visa is required, please apply according to the official government regulations