How to Visit Tainan

The southern Taiwanese city of Tainan is the country’s former capital. Fortunately for visitors, much of the old grandeur of the capital remains. History buffs will have their hands full. Those who enjoy quiet, cobblestone streets will never want to leave.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Arrive by air. Tainan does not have an international airport, but it’s domestic airport can be reached by a short flight from cities around the island.

2. Arrive by train. Whether you choose to take the slow or high-speed train to Tainan you will find the trip comfortable and easy.

3. Arrive by bus. Most major cities have bus routes that run to and from Tainan with both luxury and regular buses.

4. Choose your hotel. First-time visitors will be pleased to find a variety of hotels right outside the train station’s western exit. These hotels range greatly in their price and aesthetics. For those with more time to prepare, it is worth looking online to find deals that may only require a short, inexpensive drive from the train station or airport.

5. Take taxis or rent a scooter. It is unlikely you will need a car to tour around Tainan and, in fact, you might find the more interesting streets to small to accommodate much more than a scooter. Scooters can be rented from one of the many shops on the eastern street bordering the train station. A form of ID and international driver’s license is required. Without a good grasp of Mandarin, bus travel may be confusing.

6. Start having fun! Tainan is a city that takes time to explore. There are hundreds of years of history buried behind the city’s crumbling walls and imposing temples. Get a good guidebook or a Taiwanese history buff to show you the more interesting spots.

[taiwanenglish]

on 6/15/2009 For some other good tips on traveling to Taiwan, check out my guide: www.taiwanenglish.com/guide/