Multi-Day Journey
7 days / 6 nights
7-Day Grand Taiwan
The whole island in a week: lanterns, marble cliffs, clouds and temples.
From US$6,900per person, based on 2 sharing, five-star hotels
South Taiwan · Temples & Incense
Tainan
臺南 · Táinán
Confucius Temple, Tainan · Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Why go
Taiwan’s oldest city: centuries-old temples, Dutch-era forts and the island’s most celebrated street food, now with its first Michelin star.
Tainan was Taiwan’s capital for over two centuries and it still feels like it. Within a few streets you pass the Dutch Fort Provintia, the island’s first Confucius Temple and dozens of neighbourhood shrines.
It is also Taiwan’s food capital: milkfish soup at breakfast, beef soup at dawn, shrimp rolls and almond tofu. A slow day here, led by a local, is one of the great food experiences in Asia.
Highlights
- 一Confucius Temple
- 二Anping Old Fort
- 三Shennong Street
- 四Street-food tasting with a local
Top experiences
What to see and do in Tainan
Confucius Temple 臺南孔子廟
Built in 1665, Taiwan’s first Confucius temple, with quiet courtyards under old banyan trees.
Chihkan Tower 赤崁樓
Built on the site of the Dutch Fort Provintia (1650s) and now a national historic landmark, beautiful when lit at night.
Anping Old Fort & Tree House 安平古堡 · 安平樹屋
The old Dutch fort and, a few minutes’ walk away, a former warehouse swallowed by banyan roots.
Shennong Street 神農街
A lantern-lit lane of old houses, small bars and studios, best in the evening.
Hayashi Department Store 林百貨
A restored 1932 department store, now a showcase of Tainan design and food.
Street food with a local
Milkfish, beef soup, coffin bread and shaved ice, at the family stalls locals queue for.
When to go
Tainan is warm and dry in winter, hot and humid in summer. Temple festivals are frequent; ask us what is on during your dates.
Getting there
- High-speed rail from Taipei takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, then 20–30 minutes by car into the old city.
Where to stay
- West Central District: Design and boutique hotels within walking distance of the old city.
Local tips
- Many famous stalls close by early afternoon; start early.
- Temples are active places of worship; your guide explains the etiquette.
Private tours
Journeys including Tainan
Day Tour
8–10 hours (incl. HSR from Taipei)
Tainan Food & Heritage Day
Taiwan’s oldest city, one temple and one family food stall at a time.
From US$380per private group of 1–4, excl. rail tickets and food
Multi-Day Journey
5 days / 4 nights
5-Day Taiwan Highlights
Taipei, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Tainan in five unhurried days.
From US$4,900per person, based on 2 sharing, five-star / best-available hotels
Multi-Day Journey
10 days / 9 nights
10-Day Round the Island
The whole island by private car and train: Pacific cliffs, tropical south and cloud forests.
From US$9,800per person, based on 2 sharing, five-star / best-available hotels
Plan
A private trip to Tainan
Tell us your dates and pace. We will suggest how long to stay, where to sleep and when to arrive to avoid the crowds.
Tainan: frequently asked questions
Can Tainan be a day trip from Taipei?
Yes, by high-speed rail, but an overnight lets you enjoy the old city in the evening.
