Kaohsiung · Tainan · South Taiwan
Kaohsiung & Tainan
Travel Guide
🏯
🇵🇭 Optimised for Filipino travelers. PH sections marked
🇵🇭 PH
· all travelers marked
🌏 All
5–7
Ideal Days
Oct–Apr
Best Season
14 Days
🇵🇭 Visa-Free
NT$
Currency
Type A
Plug 🔌 Same as PH
KHH
Airport Code
💰 Tap to auto-apply
🎡 ICHIKLOOK · 5% off Klook
🏨 ICHINEILSAN · 8% off Hotels
🎭 ICHIAGODA · 5% off Activities
⚡ Quick Answer
Ideal Stay
3 nights KHH + 2 nights TNN
Best Time
Oct–Apr ✅ Avoid Jun–Aug (typhoon)
Daily Budget (excl. hotel)
Budget ₱800–1,200 · Mid ₱1,800–2,500
Book Before You Fly
Chimei Museum · Sicao Green Tunnel · Ten Drum evening show
🇵🇭 Visa
14 days visa-free + eTravel + TWAC (mandatory)
Money Tip
Maribank (0% FX) · GCash OK at 7-Eleven ATMs
EasyCard ⚠️
Buy at airport, 1 per person — refund NT$100 deposit on departure
Tainan Beef Soup 🐄
Opens before 6AM · sold out by 8–10AM · no second chances
Updated May 2026 · by @ichineilsan · ₱1 ≈ NT$0.59 · ₱1 ≈ US$0.017
✈️ Before You Go
✅ Philippine passport holders are visa-exempt for Taiwan for up to 14 days. No visa application, no fees. Make sure everything below is sorted — two of these are mandatory digital registrations that can only be done before you fly.
Passport
At least 6 months valid from your intended exit date from Taiwan · min. 2 blank pages · no damage (tears, water marks, soaked pages)
Roundtrip Flight Ticket (e-copy)
Save to phone — Taiwan immigration will ask for it. Book Manila → Kaohsiung (KHH) direct (Cebu Pacific) or via Taipei (EVA Air, China Airlines, Starlux)
Philippines eTravel Registration 🇵🇭 Filipinos
Mandatory — no exceptions. Register at etravel.gov.ph or via the eGovPH App at least 3 days before departure. You’ll receive a QR code to scan at Philippine immigration.
Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) All Travelers
Mandatory for all arrivals. Complete your Taiwan digital arrival declaration at twac.immigration.gov.tw — at least 3 days before departure. You’ll get a QR code to show at Kaohsiung Airport immigration.
Travel Tax 🇵🇭 Filipinos
Pay ₱1,620 (economy) at TIEZA Online before flying or at the airport counter. Keep the receipt.
eSIM or SIM Card
Pre-book a Taiwan eSIM on Klook (ICHIKLOOK for 5% off) — activate before landing. A 5–7 day Taiwan eSIM runs NT$200–350 and gives full 4G coverage across Kaohsiung and Tainan.
EasyCard (IC Transit Card) — Buy on Arrival
Essential for Kaohsiung MRT and buses. Buy at the Airport Train Station counter or any 7-Eleven in the arrivals hall — one card per person, cannot share. Card costs NT$100 (fully refundable on departure). Load NT$500–1,000 per person to start.
Debit Card for ATMs
Maribank (0% FX fee — best) and GCash Visa (~1.75% FX fee) both work at Taiwanese ATMs. Use 7-Eleven ATMs or Bank of Taiwan — widely available across both cities. Always choose to withdraw in TWD — never accept PHP (Dynamic Currency Conversion). Avoid GoTyme and traditional Philippine bank debit cards abroad.
Travel Insurance
Optional but recommended — covers medical, cancellations, typhoon disruption, and lost luggage.
Philippines — 14 Days Visa-Free ✅Philippine passport holders can enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 14 days. No application, no fees, no prior registration with Taiwan immigration. You do still need the TWAC (Taiwan Arrival Card) and PH eTravel — see the Before You Fly section above.
Other NationalitiesMany nationalities (US, EU, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia) enter Taiwan visa-free for 30–90 days. If your country isn’t in the visa-free list, apply for an eVisa at visawebapp.boca.gov.tw before travel.
Overstay WarningOverstaying your visa-free period in Taiwan is a serious offense — results in fines, deportation, and a ban on future entry. Count your days from the date of arrival. Departure date must be within the permitted period.
Best
Good
OK
Avoid
Jan
🌤️18°C Mild
Feb
☀️20°C Warm
Mar
☀️23°C Lovely
Apr
☀️26°C Warm
May
⛅29°C Hot
Jun
🌧️Rainy/Hot
Jul
🌀Typhoon
Aug
🌀Typhoon
Sep
⛅28°C OK
Oct
☀️25°C Perfect
Nov
☀️22°C Best
Dec
🌤️19°C Cool
Best: October–AprilSouth Taiwan’s sweet spot — warm, dry, and comfortable all day. October–November are arguably the best months: clear skies, 22–25°C, no rain, no crowds. February to April is also excellent. This is the window you want.
Avoid: June–August (Typhoon Season)South Taiwan is directly in the typhoon belt. July and August see the most activity — outdoor attractions close, transport suspends, and some days are genuinely dangerous. If you must visit in summer, book fully refundable tickets and download the CWA app (Taiwan Central Weather Administration) for real-time typhoon alerts.
May & September — Shoulder SeasonHot (29–33°C) with afternoon showers. Manageable if you plan indoor activities (Chimei Museum, Ten Drum, E-DA) for afternoons and outdoor sights for mornings.
December–January — Cool but Comfortable18–22°C — noticeably cooler but very pleasant compared to northern Taiwan in winter. Light jacket in the evenings. Good off-peak value.
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is directly connected to the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line — your hotel is typically 10–20 minutes from the terminal by rail. It’s one of the most convenient airport connections in Taiwan.
Airport → City: MRT Red Line (Best Option)Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line from Kaohsiung International Airport Station — the station is directly under the terminal. Use your EasyCard to tap in. Formosa Boulevard Station (central hub): ~10 min · Kaohsiung Main Station (TRA connections): ~15 min · Sanduo/85 Tower area: ~12 min. MRT runs 6AM–midnight.
Buy Your EasyCard First — At the Station CounterBefore anything else, buy an EasyCard at the Airport Train Station service counter in the arrivals hall, or from the 7-Eleven just outside baggage claim. NT$100 card (refundable) + load NT$500–1,000. One card per person. This is your single most important purchase on arrival.
ATM — Use 7-Eleven or Bank of Taiwan in ArrivalsThere are 7-Eleven ATMs and Bank of Taiwan ATMs in the arrivals area. Withdraw TWD immediately — better rates than changing PHP at the airport counter. Always choose TWD when prompted, never PHP.
Taxi — Only If NeededMetered taxis are available at the exit. Airport to Formosa Boulevard area: approximately NT$200–350. Metered — always confirm the meter is running. For Tainan travellers connecting straight to Tainan: take the MRT to Kaohsiung Main Station, then TRA train to Tainan (~40 min, NT$68–115 depending on express vs local).
📍 Kaohsiung and Tainan are only 40 minutes apart by train — one of the easiest city pairs in Asia to combine. The TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) connects the two cities multiple times per hour.
🚆 TRA Train (Tze-Chiang Express)
RecommendedNT$68–115 per person · ~40 minutes · multiple departures per hour. Book via the TRA app or at any 7-Eleven (ticket machine). Trains depart from Kaohsiung Main Station (MRT Red Line) and arrive at Tainan Station. Can pay with EasyCard on some trains or book online in advance for peak weekends. No luggage restriction.
🚄 HSR (High Speed Rail)
Faster, PricierNT$295 per person · ~12 minutes · frequent departures. Dramatically faster but both HSR stations are outside the city centers — Zuoying Station (KHH side) and Tainan HSR Station require additional transport to reach your hotel. Add 20–30 min per end. Best if you need to be somewhere urgently; overkill for a relaxed trip. The TRA is better value for most travelers.
🚌 Bus / Intercity Coach
CheapestNT$40–60 per person · ~60–80 minutes. Multiple intercity buses (Ubus, Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport) run between the two cities. Cheaper but takes longer and drops you further from the center. Only useful if trains are sold out on a holiday weekend.
Day Trips Work Perfectly in Both DirectionsStaying in Kaohsiung and doing a Tainan day trip is very common — and equally, staying in Tainan and spending a day in Kaohsiung. The train frequency and short journey time makes this completely practical. A 5-day trip typically splits 3 nights KHH + 2 nights TNN, but the day trips give you flexibility.
Kaohsiung has the MRT — it makes navigating straightforward. Tainan has no MRT, so getting around requires buses, Grab, or a scooter. This difference matters when planning which city to base yourself in.
Kaohsiung MRT — Red and Orange LinesClean, air-conditioned, and punctual. Red Line covers: Airport → Kaohsiung Station → Formosa Boulevard → Sanduo → Zuoying (HSR). Orange Line covers: Pier 2 → Yancheng → Formosa Blvd → Kaohsiung Arena. Tap in and out with your EasyCard — NT$20–40 per journey. Operating hours: 6AM–midnight.
YouBike — Docked Bike Share (Both Cities)Taiwan’s public bike sharing system. Available in both Kaohsiung and Tainan. Use your EasyCard to unlock — NT$5 per 30 minutes. Stations are mapped in Google Maps. Good for flat areas like Pier 2, Love River, and the Tainan city center. Requires the YouBike app for first-time registration.
Grab — Available in Both CitiesGrab works well in Kaohsiung and Tainan. Set up your card before arriving. Best used in Tainan where buses can be unpredictable. For Kaohsiung, the MRT is usually faster and cheaper. Pro tip: In Tainan, book Grab for anything time-sensitive — bus ETAs in Google Maps are often wrong.
Tainan Buses — Build in Buffer TimeTainan city buses are often late compared to what Google Maps shows. They’re cheap (EasyCard, NT$12–18) but add 15–20 min buffer for any bus-dependent plan. For sights like Chimei Museum and Sicao Green Tunnel that require specific timing, use Grab or a Klook transfer.
Scooter Rental — Best for Tainan FlexibilityRenting a scooter significantly unlocks Tainan — Anping, Sicao, Chimei, and outlying temples are all faster and cheaper by scooter. Requires a valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement (Philippine licenses accepted at most rental shops with IDP). NT$300–500/day. Note: Kaohsiung’s MRT makes scooters less necessary there.
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ / TWD). Rate as of May 2026: ₱1 ≈ NT$0.59 · ₱100 ≈ NT$59. Always verify current rate at xe.com before travel.
Best Cards — Zero or Near-Zero FX FeesMaribank (Mastercard) — 0% FX conversion fee, 0% ATM withdrawal fee. Best option available. GCash Visa — ~1.75% FX fee, no ATM withdrawal fee from GCash’s side. Use 7-Eleven ATMs, Bank of Taiwan, or Cathay United Bank ATMs for best rates. Avoid GoTyme and traditional Philippine bank debit cards — fees are significantly higher.
Always Choose TWD at the ATMWhen the ATM asks “Do you want to pay in TWD or PHP?” — always choose TWD. Dynamic Currency Conversion (PHP option) adds a hidden 3–5% markup. The screen may say the PHP rate is “convenient” — it is not. Always TWD.
How Much Cash to CarryNight markets, small restaurants, breakfast shops, and old street vendors are cash only. Most convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), mid-range restaurants, and all chain shops accept card or mobile payment. Carry NT$500–1,000 per person per day for street food and local transport. ATMs are everywhere — 7-Eleven has one on nearly every block.
Money ExchangeIf you prefer to exchange PHP cash to TWD, use licensed money changers in the city center — rates are better than the airport. Never exchange on the street. Taiwan 7-Eleven ATMs are the most practical option for most travelers — withdraw NT$3,000–5,000 at a time to minimize per-transaction costs.
🌆 Kaohsiung
Area guide: Formosa Boulevard / Central Park is the best all-round base — central MRT hub, 10-min walk to Liuhe Night Market, close to Pier 2 and Cijin. Kaohsiung Station area is cheaper with great TRA connections for day trips to Tainan. Yancheng / Pier 2 is ideal for art and harbour lovers, close to the Cijin Island ferry. Sanduo is best for shoppers (85 Sky Tower area).
⚠️ Use code ICHINEILSAN on Agoda for 8% off — auto-applies at agodahotel.ichineilsan.com.
⚠️ Use code ICHINEILSAN on Agoda for 8% off — auto-applies at agodahotel.ichineilsan.com.
Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park
₱3,500–5,500/night
📍 Central Park Station (MRT Red & Orange Lines) — best-located hotel in the city
Boutique design hotel directly above Central Park MRT Station — arguably the best-positioned hotel in Kaohsiung. Art-forward rooms with city views, immediately walkable to Formosa Boulevard Dome of Light (3 min), Liuhe Night Market (8 min), and Pier 2 (15 min by MRT or 20 min walk). Part of the IHG brand — reliable quality.
MRT connectedBest locationDesign boutiqueWalk to everything
Just Sleep Kaohsiung Zhonghua
₱2,200–3,500/night
📍 Formosa Boulevard area — 5-min walk to MRT hub
The best mid-range pick in the Formosa Boulevard neighbourhood — comfortable, well-reviewed, and walkable to the main MRT interchange and Liuhe Night Market. Just Sleep is a reliable Taiwanese hotel chain with consistently good value. Good option for couples and solo travelers wanting a well-located, no-fuss base.
Mid-range valueNear MRT hubReliable chain
Kindness Hotel — Pier 2
₱1,500–2,500/night
📍 Yancheng District — walkable to Pier 2 Art Center and Cijin Island ferry
Best budget pick if Pier 2, the Great Harbor Bridge, and Cijin Island are your priorities — all walkable from the door. The Kindness Hotel chain is a trusted Taiwanese value brand: clean, comfortable, and consistently well-rated. Slightly further from the MRT hub but very practical for harbour-focused itineraries.
Budget-friendlyWalk to Pier 2Near Cijin ferryBest value in area
📍 All spots pinned in the Kaohsiung City Tour Google Map above. Open and save to your phone before the trip.
🚇 Downtown / MRT Belt
Formosa Boulevard Station — Dome of Light (美麗島站)
1
The most beautiful subway station in the world according to multiple rankings — a spectacular stained glass dome by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata covering the entire ceiling of the concourse. Free to see by simply entering the station. The dome shifts patterns with changing light. Even if you’re not taking the MRT anywhere, come just for this. Located at the main Orange/Red Line interchange — everything in Kaohsiung passes through here.
Liuhe Night Market (六合觀光夜市)
2
Kaohsiung’s most famous night market — a full street of stalls open daily from around 6PM to midnight. Best for: grilled squid on a stick, oyster omelette (o-a-chian), beef soup, papaya milk, and stinky tofu. Tourist-friendly layout, walking distance from Formosa Boulevard Station. Slightly pricier than Ruifeng but open daily and more convenient. Start here if it’s your first night.
Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市)
3
More local than Liuhe and preferred by Kaohsiung residents — better variety of food stalls, cheaper prices, more games, and a buzzing authentic atmosphere. Open Thursday to Sunday evenings from around 6PM. Near Kaohsiung Arena MRT Station (Red Line). If you can only do one night market: Liuhe is more convenient. If you have flexibility: Ruifeng feels more real.
🚢 Harbour, Pier 2 & Hamasen
Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區)
4
Kaohsiung’s most creative district — old port warehouses converted into galleries, design stores, indie cafes, and street art installations along a beautiful waterfront promenade. Free to walk through (some exhibits ticketed). Very photogenic especially in the late afternoon. The surrounding area has excellent coffee shops and some of the most atmospheric streets in the city. Take the Orange Line MRT to Yancheng District Station.
Great Harbor Bridge (大港橋)
5
Taiwan’s first rotating pedestrian bridge — a striking red curved bridge over the Love River near Pier 2. It rotates to allow larger vessels to pass. Best at dusk and in the evening when the bridge lights up against the water. Easy to combine with a Pier 2 visit.
Love River (愛河) Waterfront
6
The city’s iconic riverfront — a pleasant evening walk with waterfront cafes, the Great Harbor Bridge nearby, and gondola rides on the water. Best in the evening when lights reflect off the river. Flat and accessible along the full riverside path.
🏝️ Cijin Island (旗津)
Cijin Island — Full Island Day Trip
7
Take the car ferry from Gushan Ferry Terminal (near Pier 2) — NT$15, about 5 minutes. Rent a bike or e-bike right at the ferry pier — the island is too large to walk comfortably. The route covers: Cijin Old Street seafood stalls → Cijin Lighthouse (panoramic views) → Rainbow Church → Shell Museum → long coastal park with beach. Budget 3–5 hours for the full loop. Seafood is best at lunch — grilled squid, scallops, oysters direct from the stalls.
🏛️ Other Areas
Lotus Pond (蓮池潭) — Dragon & Tiger Pagodas
8
A large lake in northern Kaohsiung ringed with temples and pagodas. The most famous: Dragon and Tiger Pagodas — walk in through the dragon’s mouth and out the tiger’s for good luck. Also: Spring and Autumn Pavilions rising from the water, and the large Confucius Temple on the lakeside. Best at sunrise or sunset when the temples reflect off the water. About 25 min from Formosa Blvd by bus, or take a taxi/Grab.
LRT Green Tunnel + Museum of Fine Arts (美術館)
9
The LRT Green Tunnel — the canopy of trees lining the Light Rail track near the Museum of Fine Arts station — is one of the most photogenic streets in Kaohsiung. A natural archway of green over the tram tracks. Worth the trip just for the walk. The Museum of Fine Arts next door is Taiwan’s largest fine arts museum in a beautiful park setting — ticketed, excellent for contemporary Taiwanese art.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館)
10
One of the most impressive Buddhist museum complexes in Asia — a vast campus with the world’s largest seated jade Buddha, eight ornate pagodas, and a magnificent main shrine hall. Free entry. About 35–45 min from central Kaohsiung by bus or taxi. Budget 2–3 hours minimum. Suitable for all ages and all faiths.
British Consulate at Takow (打狗英國領事館)
11
A beautifully restored 1879 British colonial consulate on a hilltop overlooking the harbour — Taiwan’s oldest existing Western building. Great harbour views, interesting historical exhibits, and lovely gardens. Good for a slow morning or afternoon. Hilly approach — best to take a taxi or Grab to the top.
E-DA Theme Park (義大遊樂世界)
12
A full theme park in eastern Kaohsiung — roller coasters, water rides, shows, and the attached E-DA Outlet Mall. Best for families and thrill-seekers. Allow a full day. Located in Dashu District, about 35–45 min from downtown via MRT + shuttle. Book tickets online in advance — cheaper and skips the queue.
Kaohsiung’s food scene is underrated compared to Tainan’s fame — but it holds its own, especially for seafood, milkfish dishes, and night market culture. It’s also where you’ll find the best papaya milk in Taiwan.
Milkfish Congee (虱目魚粥) — Kaohsiung’s Signature Breakfast
Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s milkfish (虱目魚) capital — the farms are nearby so the fish arrives ultra-fresh. The most popular preparation: a thick, silky congee with milkfish belly, fish balls, or fish skin, served with pickled vegetables and a soy-braised egg. Found at traditional breakfast shops around the city center. NT$60–100 per bowl. Best eaten before 9AM.
Papaya Milk (木瓜牛奶) — A Kaohsiung Institution
Kaohsiung has some of the best papaya milk in Taiwan — thick, naturally sweet, made to order with fresh local papaya blended with milk and ice. Found at dedicated papaya milk shops throughout the city and at Liuhe Night Market stalls. NT$50–80 per cup. Non-negotiable during your KHH evenings.
Cijin Island Seafood Stalls — Old Street
The seafood stalls along Cijin Old Street are one of the best eating experiences in Kaohsiung — grilled squid (花枝), grilled scallops, grilled corn, and fresh oysters cooked right in front of you. Prices are very reasonable compared to tourist seafood markets elsewhere. NT$50–150 per item. Best at lunch when you’re already on the island sightseeing.
Oyster Vermicelli (蚵仔麵線) — Street Classic
A thick, savoury noodle soup made with thin wheat vermicelli in a starchy broth, loaded with fresh oysters, topped with coriander and a splash of vinegar. One of Taiwan’s most-loved street foods — especially good in the south where oysters are fat and fresh. NT$40–70 per bowl. Found at night markets and street stalls throughout the city.
Liuhe vs. Ruifeng — Which Night Market?
Liuhe Night Market: most famous, tourist-friendly, open daily from 6PM, walking distance from Formosa Boulevard MRT. Slightly pricier. Best dishes: grilled squid, papaya milk, oyster omelette, beef soup, stinky tofu.
Ruifeng Night Market: more local, cheaper, more games and snack variety, preferred by Kaohsiung residents. Open Thursday–Sunday from 6PM. Near Kaohsiung Arena MRT.
Short answer: Liuhe if it’s your only night. Ruifeng if you want something more authentic and you’re there on a Thu–Sun.
Ruifeng Night Market: more local, cheaper, more games and snack variety, preferred by Kaohsiung residents. Open Thursday–Sunday from 6PM. Near Kaohsiung Arena MRT.
Short answer: Liuhe if it’s your only night. Ruifeng if you want something more authentic and you’re there on a Thu–Sun.
| Eat This | Where | Price (NT$) | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milkfish congee | Breakfast shops, city center | 60–100 | Morning only |
| Papaya milk | Dedicated shops, Liuhe Night Market | 50–80 | Anytime |
| Grilled squid & scallops | Cijin Old Street stalls | 50–150/item | Lunch on island |
| Oyster vermicelli | Night markets, street stalls | 40–70 | Anytime |
| Oyster omelette | Liuhe Night Market | 60–100 | Evening |
💡 Use ICHIKLOOK on Klook (5% off) — auto-applies at klook.ichineilsan.com. Or use ICHIAGODA for 5% off Agoda activities — auto-applies at agodaactivities.ichineilsan.com.
E-DA Theme Park
Full-day theme park — book online in advance, especially on weekends and school holidays. Significant online discount vs gate price.
Suzuka Circuit Park — Indoor F1 Karting
Indoor F1-themed karting and driving experience — the most unique indoor activity in Kaohsiung. Great for car fans and families. Book ahead on weekends.
Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts Ticket
Taiwan’s largest fine arts museum — tickets available online for convenience, or pay at the door. No urgent need to pre-book unless visiting on a holiday.
Love River Gondola Ride
A relaxing gondola ride along the Love River at sunset — popular for couples and families.
🏯 Tainan
Area guide: Tainan TRA Station / Old City Center is the best base — walkable to Chihkan Tower, Shennong Street, Hayashi Department Store, and the historic temple circuit. Anping District is closer to Anping Fort and the tree house but requires transport to reach the old city. Avoid hotels near Tainan HSR Station — it’s a long ride from everything.
⚠️ Use ICHINEILSAN on Agoda for 8% off — auto-applies at agodahotel.ichineilsan.com.
⚠️ Use ICHINEILSAN on Agoda for 8% off — auto-applies at agodahotel.ichineilsan.com.
L’Hotel de Chine Tainan
₱2,800–4,500/night
📍 Old City Center — walkable to Chihkan Tower, Shennong Street, Hayashi Department Store
One of Tainan’s best mid-range options — a well-regarded boutique hotel right in the historic city center. Walkable to nearly everything in the old city. Good breakfast, comfortable rooms, and well-managed. The best balance of location and value in Tainan. Excellent base for exploring the ancient capital on foot.
Best locationWalk to old cityGood breakfast
Hyatt Place Tainan
₱3,500–6,000/night
📍 Central Tainan — near TRA Station
Tainan’s most reliable mid-to-upper choice — Hyatt brand consistency, well-located near the TRA Station and old city. Modern rooms, good service. Upgrade pick for couples or anyone who wants a more comfortable base after a few nights in budget accommodation.
Reliable brandNear TRA stationComfortable upgrade
Kindness Hotel — Tainan Train Station
₱1,200–2,200/night
📍 Tainan TRA Station area
Best budget pick in Tainan — the same trusted chain as the Kaohsiung recommendation. Directly near Tainan Station making arrival and departure easy. Clean and comfortable, and close enough to the old city center to walk or take a short Grab. The Kindness chain is a reliable Taiwan budget standard.
Budget-friendlyNear TRA stationReliable chain
📍 All spots pinned in the Tainan City Tour Google Map above. Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital — it has more temples per square kilometer than anywhere else in the country. Allow yourself time to slow down.
🌿 Nature & Waterways
Sicao Green Tunnel (四草綠色隧道) — The Amazon of Taiwan
1
A narrow bamboo boat ride through a dense mangrove forest where the canopy closes completely overhead — dappled light filtering through the leaves as your boat moves slowly down the channel. Genuinely spectacular. Boats fill up fast — arrive by 8AM or book in advance on Klook. The ride takes 20–30 minutes. Sold out regularly on weekends and holidays.
🏛️ History & Heritage
Anping Fort (安平古堡) — Oldest Western Fort in Taiwan
2
Built by the Dutch East India Company in 1624 — Taiwan’s oldest Western fort and the beginning of the island’s colonial history. Small admission fee, good views from the fort walls, and a pleasant walk through the grounds. Easy to combine with the Anping Tree House and Anping Old Street seafood snacks nearby. About 20 min from the TRA Station by Grab or bus.
Anping Tree House (安平樹屋)
3
A former Japanese warehouse that has been completely taken over by a massive banyan tree — the roots have grown through the roof, walls, and floors, creating one of the most surreal scenes in Taiwan. Combine with Anping Fort — they’re a 5-minute walk apart, and combined admission is available. Very photogenic.
Chihkan Tower (赤崁樓)
4
Built by the Dutch in 1653, then expanded by the Qing Dynasty — the symbolic heart of Tainan. Two beautiful pavilions connected by courtyards, with famous stone tortoise stele carriers in the gardens. Small admission. Right in the old city center — easy to combine with the temple circuit and old street walks. Evening lighting makes it especially atmospheric.
Chimei Museum (奇美博物館)
5
Taiwan’s most impressive private museum — a palatial neoclassical building surrounded by manicured grounds and a swan lake, housing one of Asia’s finest collections of European fine art, arms and armor, musical instruments, and natural history specimens. The scale and quality will genuinely surprise you — this level of museum is unexpected outside the major capitals. Book tickets online in advance — it sells out on weekends. About 30 min from Tainan TRA Station by bus or Grab.
🥁 Experiences
Ten Drum Cultural Village (十鼓文化村) — Evening Show
6
A former sugar refinery turned cultural performance venue — best known for its spectacular live traditional drumming performances (Ten Drum shows) that use the old factory buildings as part of the stage. Also has adventure activities (zip line across the sugar factory roof, trampoline park) and fascinating factory architecture to explore. Book the evening drumming show in advance — especially on weekends. Daytime park visit doesn’t require advance booking but the show does.
🛍️ Old Streets & Neighborhoods
Shennong Street (神農街)
7
The most atmospheric street in Tainan — a narrow lane of carefully restored Qing Dynasty shophouses lit with red lanterns at night. Best after sunset when the lanterns glow and the street empties of tour groups. Boutique coffee shops, small galleries, and craft stores fill the old buildings. About 10 min walk from the TRA Station.
Hayashi Department Store (林百貨)
8
A beautifully restored 1932 Japanese-era department store — the oldest in Taiwan, reopened after decades of abandonment. Sells local Tainan crafts, specialty foods, and curated goods across five floors. The rooftop shrine is a surprising and beautiful detail. Good for pasalubong — local teas, pineapple cakes, and handmade ceramics.
Tainan is widely considered the food capital of Taiwan. It has more traditional food culture per block than anywhere else on the island. The single most important thing to know: Tainan beef soup restaurants open before dawn and sell out by 8–10AM. Set an alarm. It is absolutely worth it.
Tainan Beef Soup (台南牛肉湯) — THE Morning Mission
This is the most time-critical food experience in Taiwan. The soup is made from fresh local beef that arrives at restaurants before dawn — thin slices of raw beef poured into boiling broth and served immediately. It’s only available in the morning service, and most shops sell out completely by 8–10AM. Miss it and you wait until tomorrow.
Search 台南牛肉湯 on Google Maps near your hotel the night before. Set an alarm for 6AM. Go before 7AM for the best selection. Order at least a large bowl — it’s that good. NT$120–200 per bowl.
Search 台南牛肉湯 on Google Maps near your hotel the night before. Set an alarm for 6AM. Go before 7AM for the best selection. Order at least a large bowl — it’s that good. NT$120–200 per bowl.
Dan Zai Noodles (擔仔麵) — Original Du Xiao Yue
Thin noodles in a rich prawn broth, topped with minced pork, a shrimp, and a quail egg. Tainan’s most famous noodle dish, invented here in the 1890s. The original restaurant — Du Xiao Yue (度小月) on Zhongzheng Road — still serves it in the traditional way with the cook facing the street. NT$60–80 per small bowl (they’re designed to be eaten as part of a larger Tainan food crawl).
Coffin Bread (棺材板) — Tainan Invention
A Tainan-invented dish — thick-cut toast hollowed out and filled with a creamy seafood chowder (shrimp, squid, vegetables in a thick white sauce), then the toast lid goes back on top. Named for its coffin-like shape. Rich, filling, and unique. Found at dedicated coffin bread stalls near the Tainan Market area. NT$100–150 per serving.
Shrimp Rolls (蝦捲) & Milkfish Congee
Shrimp Rolls: deep-fried rolls packed with whole shrimp and served with a dipping sauce — NT$60–100. Found at traditional Taiwanese restaurants throughout the old city center.
Milkfish Congee (虱目魚粥): as in Kaohsiung, fresh milkfish congee is a Tainan morning staple — NT$60–100. Start your day with a bowl before heading out to Sicao or Chimei.
Milkfish Congee (虱目魚粥): as in Kaohsiung, fresh milkfish congee is a Tainan morning staple — NT$60–100. Start your day with a bowl before heading out to Sicao or Chimei.
Anping Old Street — Shrimp Paste & Snacks
The pedestrian street near Anping Fort is lined with snack stalls selling local shrimp paste crackers (蝦餅), grilled shrimp rolls, and shrimp candy — all made from the local Tainan Bay shrimp. More pasalubong-worthy than eating — they travel well and make excellent gifts.
| Eat This | Where | Price (NT$) | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef soup | Any 台南牛肉湯 (search on Google Maps) | 120–200 | ⏰ Before 8AM only |
| Dan zai noodles | Du Xiao Yue, Zhongzheng Road | 60–80 | Lunch or early dinner |
| Coffin bread | Tainan Market area stalls | 100–150 | Lunch |
| Shrimp rolls | Traditional TNN restaurants | 60–100 | Lunch or dinner |
| Milkfish congee | Breakfast shops | 60–100 | Morning |
💡 Use ICHIKLOOK on Klook (5% off) — auto-applies at klook.ichineilsan.com.
Sicao Green Tunnel — Bamboo Boat Sells Out Fast
Book on Klook or arrive at opening time (8AM). Weekend boats fill within hours — often fully booked by 10AM. Don’t leave this to chance.
Chimei Museum Ticket Sells Out Weekends
Online booking is strongly recommended — online ticket is the same price as the door but guarantees entry. Weekends sell out. Weekdays are safer for walk-in.
Ten Drum — Evening Drumming Show Book Ahead
The evening show is the main event — the daytime park visit doesn’t require booking. Book the performance in advance, especially Friday–Sunday evenings.
📋 Plan & Reference
Typhoon Warning — Everything Shuts Down FastSouth Taiwan is in the typhoon belt. When a Typhoon Sea Warning or Land Warning is issued, outdoor attractions close, transport stops, and some days are genuinely dangerous. Download the CWA (Central Weather Administration) app before flying if visiting May–October. If a warning is issued during your trip: stay in your hotel, away from windows, stock water and snacks. The city bounces back within hours once the warning is lifted.
EasyCard — One Per Person, Refund on DepartureYou cannot share an EasyCard between two people — each person needs their own card. On your departure day, bring your EasyCard to the Airport Train Station Customer Service counter before boarding. You’ll get back the NT$100 card deposit plus your remaining balance in cash. Don’t leave money stranded on the card.
Plug Adapter — You Don’t Need OneTaiwan uses Type A plugs — the same flat two-pin plug as the Philippines. Your chargers plug straight in. Just verify your devices are rated 100–240V (most modern phone and laptop chargers are auto-switching — check the label).
7-Eleven is Your Best FriendTaiwan’s 7-Eleven stores are on literally every corner — and they’re genuinely useful: ATM, EasyCard reload, ticket collection (Klook and Chimei Museum), SIM card purchase, hot food (excellent breakfast sandwiches), convenience store purchases with EasyCard. In Taiwan, 7-Eleven is a full-service hub, not just a snack shop.
Cijin Island — Rent a Bike at the Ferry PierThe island is too large to walk comfortably — especially in the heat. Rent a bike or e-bike right at the Gushan Ferry Terminal immediately after crossing. Regular bikes: NT$80–100/hour. E-bikes: NT$150–200/hour. Don’t rely on YouBike here — the stations are too spread out and you need to go to a specific area to find one.
KHH Green Tunnel vs. TNN Sicao — Not the Same ThingTwo different “green tunnel” experiences exist in south Taiwan. Kaohsiung’s LRT Green Tunnel is a canopy of trees lining the Light Rail track near Museum of Fine Arts — a photogenic walk, free. Tainan’s Sicao Green Tunnel is a bamboo boat ride through mangroves — a completely different and more immersive experience. Book the Tainan one in advance.
Tainan Buses — Add 15–20 Min BufferTainan city buses are often late compared to what Google Maps shows. For anything time-sensitive (Chimei Museum opening, Sicao morning boats), use Grab or a taxi. Buses work fine for relaxed sightseeing where timing doesn’t matter.
Best Supermarkets for Snacks & PasalubongPXMart (全聯福利中心) is the most accessible supermarket in both cities — good for cheap groceries, drinks, and snacks. Carrefour has larger hypermarkets for bigger shopping runs. For pasalubong: pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥), sun cakes (太陽餅), nougat, and Hi-Chew candy are cheaper at PXMart or convenience stores than at tourist shops near the attractions.
Do I Need to Speak Mandarin?No — but it helps more than in Taipei. Hotels, major tourist sites, and most restaurants near the attractions have English or can communicate well enough. Local breakfast shops, night market vendors, and smaller temples may have limited English. Google Translate (download Traditional Chinese offline) handles almost everything. People are universally patient and friendly.
Power Bank — Non-NegotiableYou will use your phone constantly for Google Maps, Grab, EasyCard balance checks, and photos. A full day out in Tainan will drain most phones by early afternoon without a power bank. Minimum 10,000mAh. Bring your own — airport shops in Taiwan charge a premium.
Clothes — Pack for the Season, Not ManilaOct–Apr: T-shirts for day, light jacket for evenings — 18–23°C at night in peak season can feel genuinely cool. Dec–Jan can drop to 15°C on cold fronts — bring a light fleece.
May–Sep: Lightweight, fast-drying fabrics only. 30–34°C with humidity. Pack a light cardigan for aggressive mall/MRT air-conditioning.
Temple visits: Bring one outfit with covered shoulders and knees — required at some of Tainan’s Buddhist and Taoist temples.
May–Sep: Lightweight, fast-drying fabrics only. 30–34°C with humidity. Pack a light cardigan for aggressive mall/MRT air-conditioning.
Temple visits: Bring one outfit with covered shoulders and knees — required at some of Tainan’s Buddhist and Taoist temples.
Footwear — One Pair of Proper Walking ShoesTainan’s old city has uneven cobblestones, historic temple steps, and the occasional muddy path near Sicao. Sandals work for the city streets but bring closed shoes if you’re doing Chimei Museum (long walk) or Fo Guang Shan (large campus). Flip-flops for the hotel only.
Foldable Umbrella — Essential May–OctAfternoon showers arrive fast in summer and typhoon season. A compact foldable umbrella fits in any daypack and is far cheaper bought in Manila than purchased from a tourist stall in the rain.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)The UV index in south Taiwan is extreme from March through September. Reapply every 2 hours for outdoor days — Cijin Island, Lotus Pond, Anping Fort, and Fo Guang Shan are all heavily exposed. Taiwan pharmacies (Watson’s, Cosmed) sell sunscreen if you run out.
Health EssentialsBlister plasters (you will walk 12,000–18,000 steps on food days in Tainan) · Paracetamol · Antihistamine (pollen and seasonal allergies) · Antidiarrheal (eating aggressively in Tainan is the goal — be prepared) · Insect repellent for Sicao Green Tunnel area.
| Category | PHP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Airfare (roundtrip) | ₱6,000–10,000 | MNL–KHH, Cebu Pacific or via TPE |
| 🧳 Baggage (20kg) | ₱1,200–1,800 | Check current airline rates |
| 💸 Travel Tax | ₱1,620 | Philippine departure tax (economy) |
| 📶 eSIM / SIM (5–7 day) | ₱350–600 | Pre-book on Klook (ICHIKLOOK 5% off) |
| 🏨 Accommodation (4 nights) | ₱6,000–14,000 | Budget–mid range; 2 nights KHH + 2 nights TNN |
| 🚌 Transport (local) | ₱1,200–2,000 | MRT, TRA trains, Grab, bus, bike rental |
| 🎭 Activities & Tickets | ₱2,500–4,500 | Chimei + Sicao + Ten Drum + Cijin ferry |
| 🍜 Food & Drinks | ₱2,500–4,000 | Mix of beef soup, night markets, sit-down meals |
| 🛍️ Pasalubong & shopping | ₱1,500–3,000 | Pineapple cakes, sun cakes, Anping snacks |
| Total (5 days, solo) | ~₱23,000–41,000 | Budget vs. mid-range |
Couple savings & code tipsCouples split accommodation costs and drop to ~₱18,000–30,000 each. Use ICHIKLOOK on Klook (5% off activities) and ICHINEILSAN on Agoda (8% off hotels) to reduce costs. Exchange rate used: ₱1 ≈ NT$0.59 — verify at xe.com before travel.
| App | What It’s For | Pre-Install? |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | Ride-hailing in both cities. Essential for Tainan where buses are unreliable. Link your card before landing. | ✅ Mandatory |
| Google Maps | Navigation. Download Kaohsiung and Tainan offline maps before flying. Search 台南牛肉湯 to find beef soup spots. | ✅ Mandatory |
| Google Translate | Traditional Chinese menus, temple signs, conversations. Download Traditional Chinese offline pack. | ✅ Yes |
| eGovPH / etravel.gov.ph | PH eTravel registration — mandatory for Filipino citizens before departure. | ✅ Yes 🇵🇭 |
| Klook | Book Chimei Museum, Sicao Green Tunnel, Ten Drum show, eSIM, and activities. Auto-discount with ICHIKLOOK link. | ✅ Yes |
| Agoda | Hotel bookings. ICHINEILSAN link for 8% off auto-applied. | ✅ Yes |
| TRA App (台灣鐵路) | Book Kaohsiung–Tainan TRA trains. Schedule and tickets in one place. Accepts card payment. | ✅ Yes |
| CWA (Central Weather Administration) | Essential if visiting May–Oct. Taiwan’s official weather app — real-time typhoon tracks, land/sea warnings, and rainfall alerts. When a warning is issued, things close fast. | ⚠️ If May–Oct |
| XE Currency | Live TWD/PHP rate on the go. Never overpay at a money changer again. | Optional |
No. Philippine passport holders are visa-exempt for Taiwan for up to 14 days. No visa application, no visa-on-arrival fee. What IS required: PH eTravel registration (etravel.gov.ph, mandatory) and Taiwan Arrival Card (twac.immigration.gov.tw, mandatory for all arrivals). Both must be completed before you fly.
Both, ideally — they’re only 40 minutes apart by train. Kaohsiung is easier to navigate (it has an MRT) and better for families, night markets, and harbour experiences. Tainan is more atmospheric, slower-paced, and has better food culture — but requires Grab or scooter to get around. If you can only pick one: first-timers with limited time → Kaohsiung. Food lovers and history fans → Tainan.
Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line from Kaohsiung International Airport Station — the station is directly under the terminal. Use your EasyCard. Formosa Boulevard Station: ~10 min. Kaohsiung Main Station (for TRA connections to Tainan): ~15 min. MRT runs 6AM–midnight.
Yes — it’s essential for Kaohsiung. The EasyCard works on the MRT, city buses, YouBike, and convenience stores. Buy one at the Airport Train Station counter or any 7-Eleven — NT$100 card fee (fully refundable at departure) + load NT$500–1,000 to start. One per person — cannot share. On your last day, refund it at the Airport Station customer service counter to get your NT$100 deposit and remaining balance back.
Tainan beef soup is made from fresh local beef that arrives at the restaurants before dawn. The entire morning’s supply is portioned out and the shops open as early as 4–5AM. When it’s gone, it’s gone — usually by 8–10AM. This is not a restaurant that serves food all day. Set an alarm, go before 7AM for best selection, and eat it there — don’t pack it to go.
Yes. GCash Visa works at most ATMs in Taiwan — use 7-Eleven ATMs or Bank of Taiwan for the best experience. GCash charges ~1.75% FX conversion. Maribank is better at 0% FX fee. Always choose TWD when the ATM asks — never PHP. Traditional Philippine bank debit cards (BDO, BPI, Metrobank) charge much higher international fees.
The Sicao Green Tunnel is a narrow bamboo boat ride through mangrove forest in Tainan — the canopy closes overhead to create a dramatic green tunnel of light. Called the Amazon of Taiwan. Book in advance on Klook (ICHIKLOOK for 5% off) or arrive before 8AM on the day. Weekends sell out fast — sometimes fully booked by 10AM.
No — Taiwan uses Type A plugs (flat two-pin), the same as the Philippines. Your chargers plug straight in. Just check that your device is rated 100–240V (almost all modern phone chargers are — look on the power brick).
Download the CWA app before flying if visiting May–October. When a Land or Sea Warning is issued, outdoor attractions close and transport suspends — sometimes with only 2–4 hours notice. Stay in your hotel, stock water and food. Cities in south Taiwan recover quickly once warnings are lifted. Book fully refundable flights and accommodation if travelling in typhoon season.
More expensive than Vietnam, slightly more than Manila for eating out, but very affordable compared to Japan, Korea, or Hong Kong. Street food and breakfast shops: NT$60–150 per meal. Sit-down local restaurants: NT$200–400 per person. Convenience stores (7-Eleven) are great value for quick meals. The biggest cost in south Taiwan is usually flights and accommodation — once you’re there, daily spend is manageable.
Refund Your EasyCard at the Airport Station — Before You Check InWhen you arrive at Kaohsiung International Airport MRT Station (your last stop before the terminal), go to the Customer Service counter before heading up to departures. You’ll get back the NT$100 card deposit plus your remaining balance in cash on the spot. Refunds are instant. Don’t leave this money behind.
Last Pasalubong — Buy in the City, Not at the AirportTaiwan pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥), sun cakes (太陽餅), nougat, Hi-Chew candy, and dried mango are significantly cheaper at PXMart or 7-Eleven than at airport duty-free or tourist shops. Buy these the night before departure — pack them in your carry-on or checked luggage.
Getting to the AirportTake the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to Kaohsiung International Airport Station — the station is directly under Terminal 1. From Formosa Boulevard: ~10 min. From Kaohsiung Main Station: ~15 min. Arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure for international flights.
Coming from Tainan on Departure DayIf staying in Tainan and flying from KHH: take the TRA train to Kaohsiung Main Station (40 min), then MRT Red Line to the airport (15 min). Total transit: ~60–75 min. Add 30 min buffer. Depart Tainan at least 3.5 hours before your flight.
VAT Refund (Tourist Tax Refund)If you spent NT$2,000 or more in a single store displaying the “Tax Refund” sign, ask for a tax refund form at the time of purchase. Present it at the VAT Refund counter in the airport departure hall (before security) for a 5% cash refund on eligible purchases. Keep receipts and the form — they won’t process it without both.
Plan Your Trip
Kaohsiung & Tainan — personalised day-by-day
How many days?
Including arrival and departure days
5
days
3456789
What’s your focus?
Pick all that apply
🍜
Food & Night Markets
🌿
Nature & Outdoors
🏯
History & Temples
🎨
Art & Museums
👨👩👧
Family / Kids
📸
Photography
Where will you be based?
You can day-trip between cities easily
🌆 Kaohsiung Only
MRT city — best for first-timers and families
🏯 Tainan Only
Food capital — older city, more atmospheric
🇹🇼 Both Cities
Recommended — split your nights
🌆 KHH Base, TNN Day Trip
MRT convenience + Tainan day trip