South Taiwan Itinerary

[TheSage]

I have been to Northern Taiwan a couple of times but never been to Southern Taiwan like Tainan and Kaoshiong. Would appreciate if anyone can suggest a southern Taiwan itinerary, maybe including other places that I may not be aware of? I heard of Kenting - not sure whether it's worth it. Thanks

 

[ApeTruelove]

I have been to Northern Taiwan a couple of times but never been to Southern Taiwan like Tainan and Kaoshiong. Would appreciate if anyone can suggest a southern Taiwan itinerary, maybe including other places that I may not be aware of? I heard of Kenting - not sure whether it's worth it. Thanks

5-Day Kaohsiung + Tainan Itinerary​

---

Day 1: Arrive in Kaohsiung – Chill + Explore​

Afternoon/Evening:

• Pier-2 Art Center – Creative hub, murals, indie shops
• Love River – Relax by the river, maybe take a short boat ride
• Liuhe or Ruifeng Night Market – Try papaya milk, stinky tofu, grilled squid

Optional:

• Dome of Light (Formosa Blvd MRT) – Beautiful stained-glass ceiling

Stay in: Kaohsiung

---

Day 2: Kaohsiung – Culture + Nature Combo​

Morning:

• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum – Massive golden Buddha, peaceful vibes
• OR Lotus Pond – Colorful temples, dragon & tiger pagodas

Afternoon:

• Cijin Island – Quick ferry ride; beach, seafood, Cihou Fort, and shaved ice
• Rent a bike and cruise along the coastal path

Evening:

• Back to Kaohsiung city for night market round two or drinks in Yancheng District

Stay in: Kaohsiung

---

Day 3: Kaohsiung → Tainan – Time Travel Begins​

Morning:

• Take train to Tainan (35–45 min by TRA)

Afternoon:

• Anping Old Street & Fort Zeelandia – Dutch colonial vibes, traditional snacks
• Try: coffin bread, shrimp rolls, and Danzai noodles

Evening:

• Blueprint Culture & Creative Park – Chill, artsy area with shops and installations
• Garden Night Market (Thu, Sat, Sun) or Da Dong Night Market (Mon, Tue, Fri)

Stay in: Tainan

---

Day 4: Tainan – Temples, Alleys, and Eats​

Morning:

• Chihkan Tower – Historic Chinese fort with beautiful gardens
• Confucius Temple & nearby Fuzhong Street – Cute cafés, local boutiques

Afternoon:

• Walk through Shennong Street – Ancient alley with tea shops, art, and snacks
• Visit Hayashi Department Store – 1930s vibe, rooftop views

Evening:

• Explore more night markets or go low-key with a traditional sit-down dinner

Stay in: Tainan

---

Day 5: Wrap-up / Flex Day​

Options:

• Day trip from Tainan:
  • Salt Mountain in Qigu
  • Taijiang National Park – Mangroves and boat rides
  • Ten Drum Rende Creative Park – Industrial-turned-music theme park

OR

• Head back to Kaohsiung to catch your train/flight
• Or continue your trip to Kenting or up north!

---

🛏 Accommodation Tips:​

• Kaohsiung:
  • Stylish: Brio Hotel, Hotel Dua
  • Budget: Paper Plane Hostel, Backpacker 41
• Tainan:
  • Boutique: U.I.J Hotel, Taipung Suites
  • Cozy: Slowly Inn, 365 Hostel

---

Getting Around:​

• Between cities: TRA (regular train) every 20–30 mins
• Within city: MRT & bikes in Kaohsiung, scooters/taxis in Tainan

 

[Jonlim1196]

Although it is not in Tainan or Kaohsiung, I would recommend a day trip to Alishan in Chiayi.

 

[TheSage]

5-Day Kaohsiung + Tainan Itinerary​

---

Day 1: Arrive in Kaohsiung – Chill + Explore​

Afternoon/Evening:

• Pier-2 Art Center – Creative hub, murals, indie shops
• Love River – Relax by the river, maybe take a short boat ride
• Liuhe or Ruifeng Night Market – Try papaya milk, stinky tofu, grilled squid

Optional:

• Dome of Light (Formosa Blvd MRT) – Beautiful stained-glass ceiling

Stay in: Kaohsiung

---

Day 2: Kaohsiung – Culture + Nature Combo​

Morning:

• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum – Massive golden Buddha, peaceful vibes
• OR Lotus Pond – Colorful temples, dragon & tiger pagodas

Afternoon:

• Cijin Island – Quick ferry ride; beach, seafood, Cihou Fort, and shaved ice
• Rent a bike and cruise along the coastal path

Evening:

• Back to Kaohsiung city for night market round two or drinks in Yancheng District

Stay in: Kaohsiung

---

Day 3: Kaohsiung → Tainan – Time Travel Begins​

Morning:

• Take train to Tainan (35–45 min by TRA)

Afternoon:

• Anping Old Street & Fort Zeelandia – Dutch colonial vibes, traditional snacks
• Try: coffin bread, shrimp rolls, and Danzai noodles

Evening:

• Blueprint Culture & Creative Park – Chill, artsy area with shops and installations
• Garden Night Market (Thu, Sat, Sun) or Da Dong Night Market (Mon, Tue, Fri)

Stay in: Tainan

---

Day 4: Tainan – Temples, Alleys, and Eats​

Morning:

• Chihkan Tower – Historic Chinese fort with beautiful gardens
• Confucius Temple & nearby Fuzhong Street – Cute cafés, local boutiques

Afternoon:

• Walk through Shennong Street – Ancient alley with tea shops, art, and snacks
• Visit Hayashi Department Store – 1930s vibe, rooftop views

Evening:

• Explore more night markets or go low-key with a traditional sit-down dinner

Stay in: Tainan

---

Day 5: Wrap-up / Flex Day​

Options:

• Day trip from Tainan:
  • Salt Mountain in Qigu
  • Taijiang National Park – Mangroves and boat rides
  • Ten Drum Rende Creative Park – Industrial-turned-music theme park

OR

• Head back to Kaohsiung to catch your train/flight
• Or continue your trip to Kenting or up north!

---

🛏 Accommodation Tips:​

• Kaohsiung:
  • Stylish: Brio Hotel, Hotel Dua
  • Budget: Paper Plane Hostel, Backpacker 41
• Tainan:
  • Boutique: U.I.J Hotel, Taipung Suites
  • Cozy: Slowly Inn, 365 Hostel

---

Getting Around:​

• Between cities: TRA (regular train) every 20–30 mins
• Within city: MRT & bikes in Kaohsiung, scooters/taxis in Tainan

Thanks a lot ! very helpful. What about a side trip to Kenting etc? Are there other towns or cities worth a day trip?

 

[TheSage]

Is it better to fly to Taipei and take high speed train to Kaoshiong? Or fly direct to Kaoshiong? There aren't that many flights to Kaoshiong

 

[dreamcast18]

Is it better to fly to Taipei and take high speed train to Kaoshiong? Or fly direct to Kaoshiong? There aren't that many flights to Kaoshiong

depends on the timing. I think fly to TPE then slowly make ur way down south better. Stop in Taichung for food, Jiaya etc..

SIN to KS flight lands late at night. return is better..i think around noon time. At least u get the morning in KS before flying back to SIN. have some good local breakfast, head to airport and fly home.

 

[cesc88]

Formosa Blvd MRT is the nearest MRT to Liuhe Night Market. You can go for Dome of Light if you are going liuhe

 

[Old_timer]

hi, may i know where you stayed in Kaohsiung. Heard stories about bed bugs

 

[katarina]

Some hotels under Kindness hotel chains in KS provide supper for hotel guests.

 

[freshvibes]

Some hotels under Kindness hotel chains in KS provide supper for hotel guests.

Supper for hotel guests?

First time hearing of it. That is nice.