Sits on the southwestern coastal plains of Taiwan. Tainan is easily reachable from Kaohsiung via train as it takes super short 13-minutes ride (if taking the fast high-speed rail). This is exactly what we did right after came back from Fenqihu and Alishan.
HOW TO GET TO TAINAN FROM KAOHSIUNG
There are two types of trains you can opt for:
- High-Speed Rail (HSR) - Super fast and easily reach Tainan within 13 minutes from Kaohsiung. However, HSR stations are situated quite distance away from the city centers.
- Regular TRA train - Slower than HSR but TRA stations sit right in the heart of both cities which make this more convenient and direct option for going from one downtown area to another. Although the ride takes roughly around 30-35 minutes, it's cheaper than HSR.
Credit to Asia Odyssey Travel
WHAT WE DO IN TAINAN
1. Anping Old Street
Built by Dutch, Anping Old Street is Taiwan's oldest street featuring countless shops, stalls and eateries. It's pretty nice historical street to visit with plenty of handmade items along with good selection of light Taiwanese street snacks.
2. Anping Old Fort
Known as Fort Zeelandia, Anping Old Fort is the first fort built by the Dutch in Anping District, Taiwan where it has been the administrative center of Dutch regime and the hub for trading. Today the only remnant of the Dutch period is the southern brick wall outside the front gate of the Old Fort, covered in the tangled roots of old banyan trees.
Admission Fee: NT$70
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 5.10pm daily
3. Anping Tree House
Anping Tree House is a former warehouse in Anping District but currently overtaken and occupied by banyan trees. It features a platform above known as The Skyway. There is a coffee shop within the premise but bear in mind, they only accept cash. And don't forget to try their ice-cream, especially during the summer time.
Admission Fee: NT$70
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 5.10pm daily
4. Blueprint Culture & Creative Park
Nestled within the historic Old Judicial Dormitory area, this creative space features quaint shops, art studios and hosts cultural events. If you are looking for local handmade crafts and arts, this is the place that you are looking for.
Opening Hours: 1pm - 9pm (Closed on Tuesday)
5. Hayashi Department Store
Being the largest of Tainan's old building, Hayashi Department Store was the first modern department store with elevators in Tainan during the Japanese occupation. This cultural based shopping mall has not only features Taiwanese designer clothing, household items and traditional desserts but also brings more fine cuisine and restaurants to the renewed version. Japanese Izakaya, retro cafes, tea shop and desserts can be found within the building. And on the rooftop, not only you can the amazing view of Tainan streets, but there is also a Shinto shrine built during the Japanese Colonial Era right on the top floor.
Opening Hours: 11am - 9pm daily
6. Chin Men Theater
Also known as Quan Mei Theater, this historic cinema is one of the oldest second-run theater in Tainan. It gained international fame for its hand-painted movie posters. And for your information, it was a favourite haunt for the world-famous director Ang Lee when he was a student in Tainan.
7. Garden Night Market
Often considered to be the largest and most famous night market in Tainan, you shouldn't leave Taiwan without dropping by this night market. With nearly 400 food stalls and many dining facilities available, be prepared to feast your hungry tummy.
Opening Hours: 5pm - 12am on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only
IS DAY TRIP TO TAINAN FROM KAOHSIUNG DOABLE?
Yes, a day trip from Kaohsiung to Tainan is exceptionally doable, especially with it's a short 30-35 minutes train ride away. This makes it easy to see many of Tainan's must see sights and attractions in a single day.
