Southern Taiwan Travel Guide (6D5N): DIY Itineraries, Kaohsiung & Tainan Must-See Spots

Exploring Taiwan’s Southern Charm: A journey through Kaohsiung and Tainan.

Taiwan’s southern cities, Kaohsiung and Tainan, offer a delightful blend of modern energy, rich history, and culinary delights. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant port city of Kaohsiung with its bustling night markets and urban skyline or the historic charm of Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city filled with centuries-old temples and mouthwatering street food, this region promises an unforgettable adventure.

From the artistic vibes of Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center to the historical alleys of Tainan’s Anping District, every corner reveals a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or nature lover, this travel guide will help you navigate through the best experiences these charming cities have to offer.

Prepare your itinerary, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on a journey through Taiwan’s cultural and urban treasures. Let’s dive in!

This travel guide will walk you through a 6-day itinerary that blends the best of Kaohsiung and Tainan. From exploring temples and cultural sites to indulging in street food markets, this guide ensures you’ll make the most of your trip.

Travel Tips:

1. Stay Connected: Get a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to ensure you have internet access for maps, translations, and research on the go.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Prepare for a lot of walking, especially in cultural sites and night markets.

3. Cash is King: Although many places accept cards, smaller shops and food stalls prefer cash. Always have enough New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) with you.

4. Public Transportation: Taiwan’s MRT system is efficient and affordable. Use it to navigate between attractions.

5. Respect Local Culture: When visiting temples, dress modestly and be respectful of local customs.

6. Stay Hydrated: Exploring during the warmer months can be tiring. Keep a water bottle handy at all times.

Cultural Notes:

• Respect for Tradition: When visiting temples, it’s customary to bow slightly as a sign of respect.

• Night Market Etiquette: Sharing tables with strangers in crowded areas is common. Always be polite and patient.

• Language: Mandarin is the official language, but many locals understand basic English. Learning a few simple phrases in Mandarin can go a long way.

• Food Culture: Food is a significant part of Taiwanese culture. Be adventurous, but always be mindful of dietary restrictions.

DAY 1 (Nov 27): The Arrival

• 5:15 PM: Departure from MNL

• 7:15 PM: Arrival at KHH Airport

• Travel to Tainan: MRT Redline (Kaohsiung International Airport to Kaohsiung Main Station) -> Transfer to TRA going to Tainan.

• Check-In to Accommodation

DAY 2 (Nov 28): Tainan Tour Day 1

• Chi Mei Museum (Closed on Wednesdays)

• Ten Drum Cultural Village (Entrance Fee: $469 NTD)

• Blueprint Culture & Creative Park

• Tainan Art Museum Building 2 & 1

• Confucius Temple

• Narrow Door Cafe

• National Museum of Taiwan Literature

• Hayashi Department Store (Accessible via Bus 88/99)

• Red Sun Tea (Boba Milk Tea)

• Chihkan Tower (Under construction)

• Shennong Street (Ride Tourist Bus 88)

• RJ Mart (Pasalubong Shopping)

• Tainan Garden Night Market

• Return to Accommodation

DAY 3 (Nov 29): Tainan Tour Day 2

• The Tree House Cafe

• Anping Tree House (Entrance Fee: $70 NTD)

• Historic Tait & Co. Merchant House

• Anping Old Fort (Fort Zeelandia) (Entrance Fee: $70 NTD)

• Zeelandia Museum

• Anping Harbor National Historical Park

• Yanping Street Old Well (Anping Historic Street)

• Golden Spring - Anping Historic Street (Pasalubong Shopping)

• Back to Kaohsiung

• Check-In to Accommodation

• Ruifeng Night Market (Accessible via MRT Central Park Station -> MRT Kaohsiung Arena)

• Return to Accommodation

DAY 4 (Nov 30): Cijin Island - Kaohsiung Tour Day 1

• Kaohsiung Lighthouse

• Cijin Tunnel of Stars

• Cijin Coral Reef Cliff

• Cijin Street Food Market

• Rainbow Arch & Shell Gallery

• Cijin Wind Park & Beach

• Takao Railway Museum

• Hamasen Railway Cultural Park

• Kaohsiung Experimental Theater

• ALIEN Art Center

• Kaohsiung Central Park

• Urban Spotlight & Shinkuchan Shopping District

• Return to Accommodation

How to get to Cijin Island:

• Ride the Red Line to Formosa Blvd, transfer to Orange Line Hamasen Station -> Exit 1 to Gushan Ferry.

• Walk to Gushan Ferry Pier (300m, then turn right).

• Ferry Ride (5-10 mins).

• Rent a bike to explore Cijin Island.

• Return via Ferry to Gushan Ferry Pier.

DAY 5 (Dec 1): Kaohsiung Tour Day 2

• Tianliao Moon World Landscape Park

• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

• Lotus Pond & Dragon Tiger Tower (Under construction)

• Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

• Kaohsiung Music Center

• Dome of Light (Formosa Boulevard MRT Station - Best visited at night)

• Liouhe Tourist Night Market

• Nanhua Shopping Area

• Return to Accommodation

DAY 6 (Dec 2): Kaohsiung Tour Day 3

• Pier-2 Art Center

• Great Harbor Bridge

• McDonald’s Kaohsiung New Dayong (Croissant & Coffee - $82 NTD)

• Kaohsiung Museum of History

• SKM Park Outlets (Accessible via Red Line from Formosa Blvd to Caoya Station)

• Suzuka Circuit Park

• PX Mart

• Check-out from Accommodation

• Head to Airport

• 8:00 PM: Flight to MNL

Important Reminder:

Don’t forget to register for the Taiwan Arrival Card when you arrive at the airport. Here’s the link for easy registration: Taiwan Arrival Card.

Your journey through Kaohsiung and Tainan will leave you with unforgettable memories of Taiwan’s southern charm. From the colorful street art to the rich historical sites and mouthwatering street food, each day offers something new to discover. Until the next adventure, keep exploring and creating beautiful memories!