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Tainan Itinerary – Tainan, Taiwan Attractions

Tainan Itinerary – Tainan, Taiwan Attractions

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and has some of the best attractions. This Tainan travel guide will make sure you visit all of the best locations in Tainan and try out the famous dishes. All of the information listed will either be from personal experience or recommendations from locals.

Situated on Taiwan’s west coast, Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and its former capital. The city streets are narrow and winding, there are coffee shops and hidden culture areas throughout the city. Unlike most cities in Taiwan, Tainan has no metro system and the high-speed rail is located outside the main city. The lifestyle here is slow. Southern Taiwan is considered the more relaxed half of the island and Tainan has embraced that attitude.

Tainan was the first city I visited in Taiwan, and it’s the city that led to my decision to stay here and live abroad. I’ve explored almost the entire city on foot, visiting the bars, restaurants, temples, and nearby beaches.

When to visit Tainan

When to visit Tainan depends on what activities you are looking to do. If you want to visit the beaches in Tainan you should avoid coming during the monsoon season which lasts from June to October, with the most activity between July to September.

I would recommend visiting Tainan between March to June and October to November if you are wanting to visit the beach. If you are more interested in sight-seeing and enjoying the local food, then you should plan your trip during any time of the year. It would be best to avoid July, August, and September.

How to get to Tainan

Getting to Tainan is straightforward regardless if you fly into Kaohsiung International Airport or Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The quickest way to get to Tainan from Taipei is to take the High-Speed Rail from Taoyuan HSR Station to the Tainan HSR Station. Alternatively, if you land at the Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) you can take the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) to Tainan.

Arrival: Taiwan-Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

  1. When you arrive at TPE, you need to walk to Airport Terminal 2 Station.
  2. Take the Airport Terminal from Jichang Line to Huanbei Station.
  3. Exit at the Taoyuan HSR Station.

Taoyuan HSR Station:

  1. At the Taoyuan HSR Station, buy an HSR ticket from HSR Taoyuan Station (even though you landed at TPE, you are technically in Taoyuan) to HSR Tainan Station.
  2. Take the HSR south to Zuoying.
  3. Exit at the Tainan HSR Station.

Tainan HSR Station:

  1. The Tainan HSR Station is located outside of Tainan City which means you need to buy a ticket for the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA).
  2. Buy a TRA ticket from Shalun Station to Tainan Station.
  3. Exit at Tainan Station.

Arrival: Kaohsiung International Airport

  1. When you arrive at KHH, you need to walk to Kaohsiung International Airport Station.
  2. Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line towards Gangshan South.
  3. Exit at Kaohsiung Station.

Kaohsiung Station:

  1. At Kaohsiung Station head to the TRA Kaohsiung Station (It is in the same building).
  2. Take any TRA train heading north to Chiayi, Qidu, Douliu, or Tainan.
  3. Exit at the Tainan Train Station.

Where to Stay in Tainan

Kindness Hotel Tainan Chihkan Tower

  • Kindness Hotel is a great hotel for visitors interested in visiting historical sites in Tainan. It is located near Chihkan Tower, one the Dutch built forts in the 1600s and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature.

Silks Place

  • Silks Place is an upscale hotel located near right next to the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store and the Blueprint Creative & Cultural Park. There is also a lot of great restaurants and parks nearby.

FX Hotel

  • FX Hotel is located right next to HaiAn Road (海安路) which is one of the most popular streets in Tainan. HaiAn Road is incredibly foreigner-friendly with a variety of great bars, restaurants, and historical sites.

What to Eat in Tainan

Tainan is known as the food capital of Taiwan. A quick look at Instagram and you will see all the delicious dishes that visitors and locals enjoy. If you are looking to try some local dishes, the Minced Pork Rice (肉燥飯) is one of my favorites.

Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Tainan:

What to Visit in Tainan

Tainan is considered the oldest city in Tainan and was the ancient capital of Taiwan before it was moved to Taipei. There is something for everyone in Tainan. Tainan has great museums, bars, beaches, parks, and shopping areas.

Here is a list of some of my favorite places to visit in Tainan:

If you have any questions or are looking for other places to visit, please let me know in the comments.

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