
Self-Driving Camper Van Tour in Yilan: The Volkswagen California Beach from "03Camper" makes even rainy days a poetic and comfortable journey.
Rain is often an unpredictable factor in travel, and it usually leads to disappointing experiences. Our three-day, two-night camping trip in Yilan was rescheduled due to a typhoon, but we still couldn't escape the rainy weather (definitely traveling with the rain god ><).The Volkswagen California Beach camper van we rented from "03Camper" felt like a mobile home, allowing us to discover a different kind of beauty in the rain. Our itinerary included visits to North Coast attractions, Haiyuan Live Seafood, Joy Blowing Wind, and No. 9 Coffee Shicheng, among other trendy coffee shops. The camper van provided a completely different travel experience and feeling.

▍Head to the North Coast to Enjoy the Breeze
We had booked the rental camper van through KLOOK well in advance, and on the eagerly awaited day, we headed to "03Camper" in Beitou early in the morning to pick up the vehicle. Camper Van Introduction

This 'Volkswagen California Beach T6.1' is brand new, and we couldn't wait to drive it to see the ocean. So, we planned our route along the coastal highway to Yilan.

Along the way, we admired the magnificent scenery where the ocean and mountains intertwine, with the winter sea reflecting a soft gray light in the drizzle.

The rain and mist draped a thin veil over the scenery of the North Coast. If we could only enjoy it by opening the car window or stepping out for a walk, it might not be as satisfying.

The great thing about a camper van is that you can stop at any suitable spot, then recline the seats to sit or lie down, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the expansive ocean view. I really love this spontaneous and free style of travel.

Campsite: Sky Ladder Camping Area
"Sky Ladder Camping Area" is located on Datong Mountain in Yilan. Although the mountain road is a bit narrow and steep, the expansive and captivating scenery makes it all worthwhile.

The constant drizzle can be troublesome and disappointing for campers setting up tents. However, with the 'Volkswagen California Beach' from "03Camper," you can easily deploy the side awning and rooftop tent, completing the setup in less than 10 minutes.

This added a romantic touch to appreciating the misty, ink-painting-like scenery. Camping in the rain, if not for the camper van, would probably make it difficult to have such a serene mindset. ^^

The table and chairs in the living area are factory-equipped in the 'Volkswagen California Beach Camper Van.' (The table and chairs are stored in the side door and tailgate, taking up no additional space.)

The continuous rain did not dampen our spirits for enjoying dinner. Using the portable stove provided by "03Camper," we cooked a comforting hot pot to ward off the damp and chilly weather.

As the hot pot began to boil, the steam rose, creating a subtle contrast with the mountain's chill.
At night, the "Sky Ladder Camping Area" offers views of the myriad lights of Sanxing Township. Due to the low light pollution here, it's said that on clear nights, you might even see a sky full of stars.

At night, as raindrops pattered on the roof, we stayed inside the 'Volkswagen California Beach' camper van, sipping hot tea and enjoying some snacks, feeling perfectly at ease.

The camper van felt like a safe haven, and even on rainy days, we didn't have to worry about damp ground. Pulling down the sunshades turned the interior into our private space. Lying on the factory double mattress, we enjoyed a good night's sleep. (You need to bring your own blankets and pillows.)

The best part is that the 'Volkswagen California Beach' from "03Camper" not only has added parking air conditioning but also comes equipped with a factory-installed parking heating system. This makes rainy winter nights especially warm, with no hint of chill.

Another advantage of the camper van is that its sound insulation is much better than that of a traditional tent. As a result, our sleep wasn't disturbed by the activities of other campers nearby, allowing us to sleep soundly through the night.

"03Camper" thoughtfully provides a portable refrigerator with both cooling and freezing functions, so we don't have to worry about food preservation issues.

We took out the pre-prepared fruits and bread and had breakfast in the outdoor living area set up under the side awning.
Camper Van Recommendations and Offers
Self-driving camper van rentals have become increasingly popular recently. This time, we chose "03Camper" located in Beitou for two main reasons: first, the vehicle model is the "Volkswagen" factory-designed and technically crafted 2024 'California Beach T6.1' camper van, which offers safety and functionality that differ from privately modified camper vans on the market.

Secondly, "03Camper" is one of the Volkswagen car dealers in Taiwan, ensuring that everything from the vehicle structure and internal equipment to maintenance and repairs meets Volkswagen's high standards, providing a quality-assured self-driving travel experience. Additionally, the friendly service is highly recommended. When picking up the vehicle, Jay, who was responsible for the introduction, was not only detailed in his explanations but also humorous, giving us a clear understanding of the car's performance.

It's worth mentioning that the 'California Beach Camper Van' from "03Camper" even has a driver's seat that can rotate 180 degrees, enhancing the living room setup.










