Tainan, Taiwan — Travel Guide
Taiwan
4.6/5.0

Tainan

Taiwan's oldest city and original capital is the finest food destination on the island — a city of Dutch and Chinese forts, 400 temples, and street food traditions that have been refined over three centuries. Tainan's coffin bread, oyster vermicelli, and sugarcane juice mark a distinctly southern Taiwanese food culture that predates the mainland immigration wave of 1949.

Best Time to Visit
October–April
Budget From
$800/week
Region
asia

Budget Breakdown by Tier

All prices are estimates for one person. Double for couples (hotels are often the same price for 1–2 guests).

$

Budget Smart

$40/day
$800/week

Hostels, night market food (USD1-4 per item), bicycle rental, free temples

$$

Business Class

$200/day
$3,200/week

Boutique hotels, restaurant meals, Chimei Museum, cycling tour, cooking class

$$$

Luxury

$350/day
$5,600/week

Shangri-La or Cozzi, private food tour, Alishan Mountain day trip

Top Experiences

1.
Eat oyster vermicelli at the Azalea Garden night stall
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
2.
Explore the Anping Old Fort — the oldest fort in Taiwan, built by the Dutch in 1624
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
3.
Visit the Chihkan Tower — the original Dutch East India Company headquarters
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
4.
Walk through the Tainan Confucian Temple — the oldest in Taiwan
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
5.
Eat coffin bread (棺材板) — a Tainan original since 1948
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
6.
Cycle through the Anping canal waterways and shrimp fishing ponds
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
7.
Visit Chimei Museum — extraordinary collection of Western art and musical instruments
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
8.
Eat shaved ice and mango desserts at the Hayashi Department Store roof
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this

Where to Stay

Woohoo Hostel Tainan — hotel in Tainan
$ Budget Smart

Woohoo Hostel Tainan

$18/night

What guests say

Kevin H.★★★★★4.5

Best hostel in Tainan — the food map given on arrival is the most useful document in southern Taiwan. Eating at the local stalls recommended here was extraordinary.

Amy T.★★★★4.4

Very good hostel with excellent food guidance. Tainan is a food pilgrimage city and this hostel maximizes that experience brilliantly.

Shangri-La Far Eastern Hotel Tainan — hotel in Tainan
$$ Business Class

Shangri-La Far Eastern Hotel Tainan

$180/night

What guests say

Yi-Ling C.★★★★★4.7

The finest hotel in Tainan — beautiful rooms with city views, an excellent rooftop pool, and the Shangri-La breakfast spread is outstanding.

Derek M.★★★★★4.6

Very good hotel for exploring Tainan's extraordinary food culture from a comfortable base. The rooftop bar is a lovely evening venue.

Hotel Cozzi Tainan — hotel in Tainan
$$$ Luxury

Hotel Cozzi Tainan

$220/night

What guests say

Grace L.★★★★★4.7

Excellent luxury hotel in central Tainan with a rooftop infinity pool. Very well designed and the service is genuinely excellent.

Chris T.★★★★★4.6

The best luxury property in Tainan. The rooftop pool views over the city and the quality of service make it excellent value.

Getting There

Find the best flight deals to Tainan. Compare hundreds of airlines and get the lowest fares.

Free Concierge Planning

Plan My Trip to Tainan

Tell us your budget, dates, and vibe — we'll build you a full personalized itinerary within 24 hours. No commitment required.

Plan My Trip →

Tours & Activities

Book a WDC curated experience in Tainan — private guides, skip-the-line access, and unique insider activities at every budget tier.

Book a Tour in Tainan

Getting Around

Car Rental

Rent from locals or traditional agencies for maximum flexibility exploring Tainan.

Search Rentals via Turo →

Private Transfer

Door-to-door service with professional, vetted drivers.

Available at Business tier and above

Travel Insurance

Protect your investment with comprehensive travel and medical coverage.

Get a Quote →

Local Insider Tips

  • Tainan is the food capital of Taiwan — plan your entire day around eating
  • Start breakfast at 7am with shrimp congee or fried bread — the best stalls close by 9am
  • The HSR (High Speed Rail) connects Taipei to Tainan in 90 minutes
  • Bicycle rental (USD5/day) is the best way to explore the Anping canal district
  • Tainan in summer (June-September) is extremely hot and humid — spring or autumn is far more comfortable

Compare Hotel Deals in Tainan

🏨Compare Hotel Deals

Search thousands of hotels in Tainan — compare prices, read reviews, and book with free cancellation on most rooms.

Search Hotels on Booking.com →

Powered by Booking.com · WDC may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Related Destinations

More amazing places in asia to inspire your next trip.

Ready to Visit Tainan?

Book your perfect trip with our member pricing, exclusive deals, and hands-on concierge support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Tainan?

+
The best time to visit Tainan is October–April. During this period you can expect the most favorable weather conditions and a great overall travel experience.

How do I get to Tainan?

+
Getting to Tainan in Taiwan is straightforward — most international travelers fly into the nearest major airport and connect via local transport. World Destination Club can arrange all transfers and logistics for you.

What is the average cost for a trip to Tainan?

+
Budget travelers can explore Tainan from around $800 per week. Mid-range travelers typically spend $1,600–$2,800 per week. Luxury experiences start at $4,000+ per week. See the full budget breakdown on this page.

Is Tainan safe for tourists?

+
Tainan is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any international destination, we recommend exercising normal travel precautions, purchasing travel insurance, and checking your government's latest travel advisories before departure. World Destination Club provides up-to-date safety guidance for all members.

What are the must-see attractions in Tainan?

+
Top must-see attractions and experiences in Tainan include: Eat oyster vermicelli at the Azalea Garden night stall, Explore the Anping Old Fort — the oldest fort in Taiwan, built by the Dutch in 1624, Visit the Chihkan Tower — the original Dutch East India Company headquarters, Walk through the Tainan Confucian Temple — the oldest in Taiwan, Eat coffin bread (棺材板) — a Tainan original since 1948. Our local guides and WDC advisors can help you prioritize based on your travel style and budget.
Affiliate Disclosure: World Destination Club earns a commission when you book through partner links with Travelpayouts (flights), Booking.com (hotels), GetYourGuide (tours), Expedia Partnerize (hotels), Travelocity (travel deals), AWIN partner merchants, CJ partner merchants at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep our guides free and our team traveling. We only recommend partners we trust. Learn more.
Plan Your Trip to Tainan