Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Taipei and a few days out of Taipei

Country forums / North-East Asia / Taiwan

HI everyone. I will be in Taipei for a conference in November and will have a few days (4 to be exact) after the conference. I plan to spend 2 days in Taipei and was wondering if it was possible and worthwhile to get out of Taipei for a visit to somewhere different. I hear Tainan and Kaoshing are places that are worth visiting and also possible to do a day trip.

I can't seem to find a link to train timetables to see what the travel will be like and frequency and the edition of Lonely Planet I am reading was obviously printed before the high speed train came so does not say much.

Any suggestions on the above, where else and what to do and see will be appreciated.

Thanks again

The time table of high speed train: http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en
The high speed train station of Kaoshing is Zuoying.
It takes about 90min and cost about USD 50 for one way.

I think it worth If you find your interested attractions in Kaoshing and Tainan and the price of train is ok for your.

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Travel Taiwan: http://sullivanchen.blogspot.tw

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West coast (where bullet train runs) is all fairly boring - what little is not farmland is housing and industrial. East coast is much more scenic. You can take an early train out of Taipei and travel a fair way down the coast before alighting and awaiting a return train. There are a few easy train rides to the outskirts of Taipei where you can do pleasant walks in the forest. Visitor centres (they have multiple locations) are very helpful. Taipei subway (well, some is above ground) system is comprehensive and easy to use. Many hostels - there's a small and economic one called Parachute which is OK for 2-3 days stay. Taipei 101 tower is a must for great views.

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The east coast, central Taiwan, and the islands off the east coast are the best places to go, but none of them are on the HSR.

If you like history Tainan is a real gem. it's far, but by HSR it takes only 2 hours and costs about NT$ 1,350.
http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/

There is plenty to do in Taipei and the immediate area. It's cheap fun and entertaining, it's just not the best that Taiwan offers.

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