Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital during imperial times. It is famous for its temples, historic buildings and snack food. The city is currently the fifth largest city on the island after New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taipei with a population of over 1.8 million. For a city of its size by population, Tainan's size by land area is exceptional. Very few buildings are more than 5 to 6 stories in height and most are between two and three stories. Like other Taiwanese cities, most people in Tainan, including taxi drivers, cannot speak English well (except for high school and college students), though some of the older generation can converse in Japanese. However, to help visitors get around, there are free tri-lingual (Chinese, English and Japanese) map-guides available at the railway station.
One of the most popular destinations in the Tainan area is the Anping District (安平區； Ānpíng qū). The Anping District is the historical heart of Tainan, the original capital of Taiwan. Anping is home to the Anping Old Fort (安平古堡； Ānpíng gu bǎo), the Anping Tree House (安平樹屋 Ānpíng shù wū） (a warehouse with massive banyan trees growing out of it), and numerous restaurants and food stalls.
It is the place where the Dutch colonialist East India Company located its Taiwan base. Fort Zeelandia (at today's Anping) and Fort Provintia (at today's Chickan Tower) had been built to secure the entrance to a natural harbour, otherwise blocked by sandbars. The area has become silted over the centuries and today the coastline is way outside the range of both forts location. Also, a lot of land area is being claimed from the sea these days as you can easily see when venturing outside Anping.
The Dutch have been overcome by Chinese general Zheng Chenggong (commonly known as Koxinga), who proceeded to set up organized government on the island.
He is thus regarded as the founding personality of Taiwan and the city has great historic significance for the country as a whole.
Tainan has an international airport, but the only flights are to Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, and Osaka. Otherwise, the closest international airport is in Kaohsiung. From there you can take a train, bus, taxi, or rental car for a 45 minute to one hour journey to Tainan.
Tainan has good inter-city bus connections with other cities in Taiwan. All the bus companies have a counter near the train station. Very comfortable lines go to Taipei for between NT$300 and 600.
Tainan is a major stop on the Taipei - Kaohsiung High Speed Rail line. The line connects Tainan to all the major cities on the west coast of the island. Ticket is about NT$1450 (with reserved seating) one way from Taipei.
The stop is a bit outside of town[2]. If you are coming from a nearby city, such as Taichung or Kaohsiung, you might prefer the centrally stopping slow train since the time saved will be negligible.
To get from the HSR station, you can grab a taxi at about NT$400. You can also take the TRA ('slow train') into Tainan city from the HSR station (NT$25 each way). There is also a free shuttle bus service which takes you from the HSR station into the city (and vice versa) - there are 2 routes to choose from. One bus goes via Koxinga Shrine towards Tainan City Hall, the other goes via Funong St intersection towards Chi Mei Medical Center. Travel time from Taipei by High Speed Rail is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
For more detailed information, see "Getting Around" on the Taiwan page.
Tainan is a stop on the Western Rail line and the station is in the centre of town.
Standard rail takes ranging from 3.5 hours to 6 hours depends on the type of the train from Taipei. For example, a class 1 (4 hours) ticket from Taipei will cost NT$758.
For more detailed information, see "Getting Around" on the Taiwan page.
Public buses at the stop opposite the TRA main train station.
The best way to travel around the city is by car, bicycle or motorcycle. There are taxis and buses (公車 gōngchē), but they are not so convenient for non-Chinese speakers. There is a scooter rental shop next to the Tainan City TRA (slow train) station. Electric scooter rentals cost around NT$600 per 24 hours whereas gas powered scooters are NT$300-400. An international driver's license is required for gas powered scooters (not so for electric).
All inner city bus routes pass through Tainan Station (train). There is a tourist information booth at the Station with friendly staff (English speaking) who can show you how to use the bus system. There are two sightseeing bus routes (88 and 99) which can take you to and back from all the major historical sites. The cost to get on either of the bus lines is 18 NT$, with no on/off privileges unless you pay again.
To get to the famous Flower Night Market (huāyuán yèshì), take the 0 bus at the 2nd furthest bus stop directly across from the rail station or ask the information booth close to it. Be aware that Friday/Saturday nights the market becomes a human parking lot. Not advisable to bring small children and being that crowded not that enjoyable. Advice is to get there early 6pm when shops are still setting up and the market is actually walkable.
However, do be aware that Tainan's public transport infrastructure suffers from a lack of population density and other local factors, leading to a substandard service, especially in comparison to Taipei. It is not uncommon to wait an hour for a bus, or to have the bus miss your stop completely with seemingly no reason at all.
If you do take a taxi just make sure you have a map you can point at or the business card of the location you're headed. The taxi drivers are very helpful, but be aware that sometimes even Chinese speakers take roundabout ways.
One should take note that there are thousands of scooters and motorbikes packing the streets and if you injure someone while you are driving in Taiwan, the local laws require you to pay for whatever the person you injured cannot. Try getting your insurance company to write a waiver for you to be insured before driving in Taiwan.
Beimen Road is considered to make up much of the downtown of Tainan, and houses the main train station and all intercity bus terminals.
Beimen Road north of the train station goes to National Tainan Second Senior High School and past the expansive and historic Tainan Park (previously known as Dr. Sun Yat Sen Park).
Beimen Road south of the train station has various boutique stores that mainly focus on Japanese fashion and various sporting goods, making the area a popular destination for local students.
On the right side is a Caves Book store, which has some English books.
Beimen Road is also home to an abundance of consumer electronics stores (e.g. corner of Beimen Rd and Minzu Rd), with most shops selling a large selection of products from Sony, Asus, Acer, and other well-known brands from Taiwan and abroad. (Note that laptops purchased in Taiwan come with a standard U.S. keyboard; the only difference is that a Chinese phonetic symbol is printed alongside the standard English letters. Additionally, most of the electronics available have English as an optional language for operation. Just ask the store staff for specific information.)
The more artistically inclined, on the other hand, can visit Da-han Art Supply Shop, a specialty store catering to professional and amateur artists of all disciplines.
A short walk from Beimen Road, located on Chung-san Road (also written Zhongshan'*' Road) just southwest of the train station, is the Shinkong Mitsukoshi department store (Chung-San branch). Next to it is the Focus department store (mainly carrying young current Asian brands) and located just west of Chung-san (Zhongshan) Road on Minzu Road, another Far Eastern Department Store ('FE21') which houses a Times Warner Movie Theatre. The areas around Chung-San (Zhongshan) Road, Beimen Road, and the train station thus make up the core of shopping in downtown Tainan.
Qianfeng Road, east side of the railway accessible from the back entrance of the train station or through Minzu Road underpass to the south, is Tainan's landmark Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel and Far Eastern Department Store ('FE21'). This department store focuses more on mid-range consumers, while the downstairs food court offers a good selection of restaurants, as well as the Hong Kong-based supermarket Wellcome (seems a bit on the decline, being isolated by the railway and having a duplicate on the other side...).
Shin-Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store (Tainan Ximen Store), New Life Square (Xīn Guāng Sān Yuè 新光三越 / Ximen Road Section 1) Upmarket department store with restaurants and cinemas
One way to see the sights and get your bearings in Tainan is to take the double-decker sightseeing bus around the city. The bus leaves from outside the train station 8 times a day. Tickets are NT$500 per person. Audio guides are available in Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean.[3]
Anping is the historical heart of Tainan. This is the site of the first foreign settlement in Taiwan. This is also the usual first stop for tourists in the city owing to the high concentration of attractions.
Eternal Golden Castle/Fortress/Fort (億載金城; Yì Zài Jīnchéng), 16 Nanwen, Anping District - a 19th century coastal fortress consisting of a saltwater moat and an earthen mound with some replica canons. Hours: 9AM-5PM. NT$50.
The ruins of Anping Fort (安平古堡; Ānpíng Gǔbǎo) In the early 17th century, European seafarers came to Asia to trade and develop colonial outposts. In 1624, the Dutch occupied today's Anping and took ten years to build a fort named "Fort Zeelandia." After 1662, because Koxinga and his son lived here, it was named "King Castle," "Anping Castle" as well as "Taiwan Castle." The Japanese rebuilt it and named it "Anping Old Fort." Today, the only Dutch remains are the ruins of a semicircular bulwark and a section of the outer fort's brick wall; the root of an old banyan tree on the wall remains a witness to the fort's long history. The observation tower give a good view of the surroundings. Hours: 8:30AM-5:30PM. NT$50. Texts given in English, too.
Anping Old Town to the east of the fort give some glimpses into older times. Don't be afraid to sway into the smaller alleys to catch some traditional architecture. Pay attention to the roof of some traditional houses where you can find clay figurines guarding from evil. Rather touristy with lots of souvenir shops and school groups going through, but nice for a snack.
Anping Tree House (安平樹屋; Ānpíng shù wū) Anping Tree House was originally the warehouse of Tait & Co. During the Japanese Occupation it was the office and warehouse of the Japan Salt Company. After World War II, the salt industry in Anping declined, and this area was abandoned. The aerial roots and branches of banyan trees wrapped around the building, combined with the soil, red brick and partial concrete wall creates an unusual sight. (Taken from the ticket) Location: 108 Fort St., Anping District (entrance through the back door of Old Tait & Co. Merchant House). NT$50.
TOGO, No.56-1, Tugou, Houbi Dist., Tainan City 731, Taiwan (TOGO Rural Village Art Museum). The museum is a rural village which represents village seasons and life. In 2012, people created the first “Village” art in Taiwan - TOGO Rural Village Art Museum. The museum takes art as the media while people display the feeling and ethnic spirits of the land; it removes the traditional formats of artwork and museum; and regards houses, farms, products, and farmers as the exhibitions, canvas, crafts, and artists.
The Chihkan Tower and surrounding grounds in Tainan, Taiwan.
Chihkan Towers (赤崁樓 Chìkàn Lóu) Chihkan Tower is the landmark of Tainan and its most famous historic site. In 1653 the Dutch built "Fort Provedentia" in the area, and the Chinese named it "Tower of Savages" or "Tower of Red-haired Barbarians." Chihkan Tower is its official name today. Even though Chihkan Tower has survived different historical periods, it retains its rich and graceful architectural aspects. Crammed with various kinds of steles, stone horses, weight lifting rocks, stone weights, and nine stone tortoises carrying royal stele carved in both Chinese and Manchurian, the courtyard looks like an outdoor museum. Chihkan Tower is particularly attractive at night. (Taken from the ticket) Location: 212 Sec. 2, Min-Tsu Rd., Central District. Hours: 8:30AM-9PM. NT$50.
Koxinga Museum (鄭成功文物館), No. 152, Kaishan Road, West Central District, Tainan, ☎ (06) 213 5518. A temple cum museum dedicated to the historical figure Koxinga who wrested control of Taiwan from the Dutch on behalf of the Ming emperor. A small compound with some plaques giving information in English, Chinese and Japanese. Entrance is free.
National Museum of Taiwan History (國立臺灣歷史博物館), No. 250, Section 1, Zhanghe Road, Annan District, Tainan, ☎ (06) 356 8889.
National Museum of Taiwanese Literature (國立臺灣文學館). Located in a restored colonial-era Japanese building, even with the limited English on display this museum is fascinating. The coffee shop is good too.
The front facade of the Tainan Judicial Museum
Tainan Judicial Museum (國定古蹟司法博物館), No. 307, Section 1, Fuqian Road, West Central District, Tainan, ☎ (06) 214 7173. A small museum of Tainan's judicial history houses in an historic building. Most of the information is not in English, however it's free to get in and well worth it just to look around.
National Cheng Kung University History Museum (國立成功大學歷史文物館), No. 1, Dasyue Rd, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701, ☎ (06) 275 7575.
Black Bridge Sausage Museum (黑橋牌香腸博物館), No. 2-1, Xinzhong Road, South District, Tainan, ☎ (06) 261 6990.
Muse Plaza (奇美博物館繆斯廣場), No. 66, Section 2, Wenhua Road, Rende District, Tainan. 9am - 5:30pm. A European-style building with spacious gardens surrounding.
Confucius Temple (台南孔子廟). A serene destination surrounded by a small park. Explore the temple, then go to the incredibly popular shaved-ice store right on the opposite side.
Luermen Matsu Temple (鹿耳門天后宮 Lùěrmén Tiānhòu Gōng). Located in Hsientsao Street, Annan District, Tainan is huge and colourful. Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) is supposed to have made his landing here. Getting there is quickest by taxi (700-800 NT$ per round trip from the city, arrange for the driver to wait since there are no cruising taxis to flag down). Note the view of the areas under development along he way. Stop in Anping on the return trip and make your way back from there.
Tainan Grand Mazu Temple (大天后宮), No. 18, Lane 227, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 6 221 1178, [x]. A large temple dedicated to the goddess Mazu (天后).
Tiantan Tiangong Temple (臺灣首廟天壇), No. 16, Lane 84, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 6 222 7983, [x]. A Taoist temple built to honor the Jade Emperor.
Our Lady Queen of China Cathedral (天主教台南教區中華聖母主教座堂), No 195, Kaishan Rd, West Central District, Tainan (開山路195號), [x]. A Catholic cathedral built in a Chinese style.
Sicao Dazhong Temple (四草大眾廟), No. 360, Dazhong Road, Annan District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 6 284 1610. A large impressive building nearby the Sicao Green Tunnel.
There are over two dozen night markets of various sizes in and around the city. Regardless of size, night markets all possess an abundance of stalls selling clothing, shoes, jewelry, toys, food and drink. Some even have live entertainment.
Most night markets are only held on certain days of the week. Check before going.
Garden Night Market (花園夜市 huāyuán yèshì), No. 533, Section 3, Hai'an Road, North District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 6 358 3867. The biggest and most famous night market in Tainan. It is open on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. There are tons of food stalls and game booths, but be warned that this market can get very busy (i.e. mosh pit busy) on some days.
Wusheng Night Market (台南武聖夜市), Lane 69, Wusheng Road, West Central District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 929 188 085. Wed & Sat: 6pm - 1:30am.
Uni-President 7-11 Lions
Tainan is home to one of 4 of Taiwan's professional baseball teams, The Lions. Their home is at Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium (台南市立棒球場) which is located at No. 257, Section 1, JianKang Rd (健康路一段, 257號) . An absolute must do for baseball fans, a game of baseball in Taiwan is a raucus party compared to western games, with a constant organized cheer being beaten out by a drum line and led by a guy with a megaphone, and scantily clad cheerleaders dancing on the dugouts in between innings. Tickets are relatively cheap at $150-450NT (US$5-15), and can be bought day of the game at the park. Drinks and chinese food for sale in the park, but don't hesitate to bring in your own. Beer is ridiculously overpriced by taiwan standards, but amazingly cheap by U.S. standards, at $45NT ($1.50), but again, just bring in your own, you'll likely be the only one drinking it anyway. To get there, you can take the No.5 bus from in front of the central train station at the North Bus stop, there is a designated stop in front of the stadium, so ring the bell when you see the stadium. Schedule of games available at www.cpbl.com.tw
Tainan is located near a significant mangrove reserve, which serves as a migrating ground for the rare black-faced spoonbill. Trips to these reserves can be arranged through a local expat group called 'Barking Deer Adventures' [4]
Sicao Green Tunnel, No. 360, Dazhong Road, Annan District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 6 284 1610, [x]. A pleasant raft ride through a mangrove. There are 2 routes: one is 30 minutes, one is 70 minutes. There is a guide who will explain the various flora and fauna, but it's only in Chinese.NT$200.
Tainan Park (台南公園), GongYuan North Rd. Beautiful park in a central part of the city. Great for a relaxing walk or a stay of a few hours. It has many beautiful trees and flowers as well as a pond.
Tainan is often known as "the City of Snacks" (小吃城). In addition to the wide variety of food available at night markets, the city also has an abundance of street vendors specializing in tasty and cheap dishes.
GA.YO (GA.YO-早餐專賣店), No. 170號, Section 1, Minsheng Road, West Central District, Tainan. 7am - 12:30pm. A small establishment selling danbing (蛋餅). This place makes it with lots of mozzarella so it's much more cheesy than usual.
Good Morning Restaurant (早安美芝城). This is a chain of breakfast restaurants serving a variety of breakfast options. There is an English menu for those who cannot read Chinese.
There's a massive (and crowded) night market at the corner of Hai-an and He-wei Roads.
A good place to sample many varieties of food is Guohua Street (Guóhuā Jiē 國華街) between Minshen Road and Minzu Road. It is lined with stalls and small restaurants that give you everything you might want to try. It opens early and is busy with people getting breakfast before heading to work.
A-Hui Fried Eel 阿輝 超鱔魚. , No. 352, XiMen Rd., Dist. 2, Tainan City. 臺南市西門路二段352號" 06-2215540. A well-known corner spot that dishes out traditional fried eel.
Jili Hao Mullet Roe Store 吉利號烏魚子, where you can buy the best mullet roe. They have a unique and traditional skill. It's hard to forget that taste.Address:No. 12, Lane 500, Anping Rd. Tainan City. 台南市安平路500巷12號. Phone:+886 62289709
Baa Wanli Lamb Restaurant 咩 灣裡羊肉, No.36，XingNan Street, South District, Tainan City. 台南市南區興南街36 or No.1 Bao An Street, West Central District Tainan City. 台南市中西區保安路1號. +886 62960764. A 60 years old family restaurant that only sell the finest lamb cuisine in Tainan. They only used local lamb (aged 6 to 8 months old)to ensure that their customers can taste the fresh, tender and juicy lamb meat that without any unpleasant gamy odor or mutton smell.
Gu Mi Vegetarian Restaurant (古密蔬食), No. 57, Lane 552, Guoping Road, Anping District, Tainan (708台南市安平區國平路552巷57號). Tue - Sun: 11am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 8:30pm. Entirely vegetarian menu consisting of shared dishes, dumplings, soup, and noodles. The staff do not speak English, but they are friendly and patient. There is no English menu, but there is one with photos of the dishes, so it's not difficult to order. This establishment is cash-only.
Lin Family Vegetarian Restaurant (林家素食), No. 34, Section 4, Zhangrong Road, North District, Tainan (704台南市北區長榮路四段34號), ☎ (06) 200 5999. 11am - 2pm, 4:30pm – 9pm. A restaurant with a completely vegetarian menu. Dishes are ordered off a laminated sheet with an erasable pen. The dishes are quite large. The staff may not necessarily be able to speak English, but they are very friendly and helpful and there is an English translation of the menu for non-Chinese literate customers.
Lin Family Vegetarian Restaurant - Wennan Branch (林家素食-文南店), No. 52, Zhangnan Street, South District, Tainan (702台南市南區長南街52號), ☎ (06) 263 9911. Fri - Wed: 11am - 2pm, 4:30pm – 9pm; closed on Thursdays. The southern branch of Lin Family Vegetarian Restaurant above.
Harbour Fantasy (南方安逸), 144 Shennong Street, West Central District, Tainan. A small establishment with a 'boutique' feel serving vegan food and local craft beer on an historic street. It is situated at the end of a very cozy street in the historic part of town. The staff speak excellent English.NTD250.
Andi's Party Corner, 223, ChongSyue Rd., Tainan, ☎ (06) 289 3609. Mon - Thurs 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sun 10:30am - 2:30pm & 5pm - 9pm. Andi's Party Corner sells traditional Austrian food and beers, an oddity in Tainan.
Imma Bakery, Shulin St.. Coffee house with breads, cakes, cookies, etc. An Israeli chef and Western style.
Zoomos (日勿墨食), No 61,Lane 12, Sheng Li Rd., Tainan, Taiwan, ☎ 06-2083423. If you are craving Mexican cuisine this is the place to come. The building is a renovated house located in an alleyway. The second floor serves as a B&B, leaving only the 1st floor for dining which makes a reservation highly suggested. They also serve delicious cocktails.
Resto Cafe and Trya, Fubei St, Tainan. If you're looking for some authentic Indonesian food then be sure to stop by this restaurant/bar/KTV. You can sing Indonesian songs on the KTV too.
MicMac Indonesian Restaurant, No. 42, Xihua St, North District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 986 364 483. Authentic Indonesian/Javanese cuisine. Alcohol is not served so it provides a quieter atmosphere compared to Resto Cafe and Trya.
Golden Rock Thai-Burmese-Yunnan Cuisine (大金石泰緬雲南料理), No. 178, Bao'an Rd, West Central District, Tainan. Delicious and authentic cuisine from the Golden Triangle region prepared by a friendly couple from Myanmar. ~100-300 per person.
Quan An Viet Nam 小河 道地越南美食館, No. 105, ZhongSan Rd., YongKang Dist., Tainan (永康區中山南路105號). Authentic Vietnamese pho and fried rice.~80 per person.
Yi Du Japanese Food Restaurant (伊都日本料理), No. 26, DongXing Rd, Tainan (臺南市東興路26號), ☎ (06) 234 9719. An affordable Japanese restaurant that serves decent sushi and sashimi.~300-400 per person.
Hong Gong Gong Vietnamese Cuisine (鴻公公越南河粉), Highlights info row image 台南市南區水交社路352號 Tainan, Taiwan 700, ☎ Highlights info row image +886 6 291 6633, [x]. 4-9pm. Hands down the best Taiwanese-Vietnamese pho in Tainan if not all of Southern Taiwan. They have enormous portions with mouth-watering pho soup with delicate herbs and spices. They have vegetarian, seafood and meat options. They also have great Vietnamese drinks and papaya salad.140-220.
Pearl milk tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēnzhū nǎichá) is a must drink in Tainan. Look out for shops, where it is made directly to order! You can ask for any number oft customizations (with soy milk for those who prefer not to use milk, for example), and most shops will ask you how much sugar you would like.
Cama Coffee, Corner of Ximen Road and Yonghua Road, across from Shinkong Mitsukoshi mall at New Life Square (Xīn Guāng Sān Yuè 新光三越), fresh roasted-on-site coffee with outside seating
Dirty Roger, Dongmen Rd. (close to the Railway station). Excellent small bar. Used to be very hip, still very good. Every type of music, and every song imaginable. The owner is very friendly and chatty. Cash only.
Willy's Second Base, No. 321, Section 2, Jiankang Road, South District, Tainan, ☎ (+886) 6 291 1050. Mon-Fri: 1800~0200, closes at midnight on Sunday, and open until 3am on Friday and Saturday. for beers, sport, food and pool upstairs
Red Wolf Tavern, No. 229 Gongyuan Road, North District, Tainan (台南市公園路229號). 9pm - late. smoking allowed, food: burgers, fries, etc. cover charge on weekends and special occasions, ladies night Wednesday, all-you-can-drink Fridays, pool tablebeer from NT$100.
Drifters, No.128-32 Gongyuan Rd. Tainan (台南市公園路128-32號), ☎ 886 6 226-4861. 1800~0200. in Gongyuan Road is a nice bar to relax, play pool and watch sports. They also have good dishes and WiFi.100.
Eroos, 台南市神農街115號, ☎ +866 6 221-0321, [x]. 9PM-4AM. Bar/lounge, very nice place to relax and have a drink.100NT.
Beer Bee, No. 23, Alley 3, Lane 370, Anping Road, Anping District, Tainan, ☎ (06) 358 8645. Mon - Fri: 4pm - 1am; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 1am. A comfy and quiet place to sample from their wide variety of beers from around the world. There is local beer on tap. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The staff speak English and most signage is in Chinese and English. This place is quite expensive by Taiwanese standards, but worth it if you're looking for variety in your beer.
Cheng Kuang Hotel, 294 Beimen Rd Sec. 1, ☎ +886 6 222-1188. Near the train station. The hotel is a little old, but the rooms are OK for the price.
Darwin's Hostel, No. 39, Alley 165, Lane 372, Yuping 9th Street, Anping District ☎ +886 916 672-625. Dorm rooms from NT$340, privates fromNT$680. Open 24/7, checkout at 2PM. A hostel in an old local house with free bikes, free internet, a kitchen, and located in Anping. [5]
Dorm 1828 (City Hut 1828), No.28, Lane 18, Dasyue Rd., Dong District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701 (12-minute walk from Tainan Railway Station), ☎ +886-6-2762740 ([email protected]), [x]. Ultra clean backpacker hostel with fully equipped communal kitchen and cozy living room. Staff speak good English.(22.994056,120.220792)
Dream Corner, Lane15, Dongning Road, Dong District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701 , ☎ +886 980 980 524. 15 minutes walking from Tainan Railway Station. NT$500, a little bit old but nice view and clean, details at [6].
FuQi Hostel, No.76-2, Zhongzheng Rd., West Central Dist., Tainan City 700 (See website for directions. Attention: The hostel is on the 2nd and 3rd floor. The entrance is not very obvious, it's just a metal door with the name of the hostel on it.), ☎ +886-6-7034543, [x]. checkin: 3-9PM; checkout: 9-11AM. WiFi, free internet, a tiny kitchen, living room. Street very noisy! Dorm Rooms for NT$500.
Guang Hwa Hotel, 155 Beimen Rd Sec 1 (北門路一段, 155號), (near the train station), ☎ +886 6 226-3171. Free internet and breakfast. This place is old, and the airconditioning is really loud and centrally controlled (and Taiwanese think that 25°C is cold), but the rooms are clean, adequate, and really close to the train. Small singles starting from NT$920.
Tainan City Labour Recreation Centre, 261 Nanmen Rd. ☎ +886 6 215-0174, [7]. Large single room including private bathroom NT$550/Double room. Open 6AM-midnight, checkout at 11AM, hot water only from 6PM-midnight. They no longer offer dorm rooms.
Tavern L, No.38, Chenggong Rd., North Dist., Tainan City 704 (北區成功路38號, Tainan 70443), Taiwan Close to Tainan Station about a 3-5 min walk, The sign isn't very obvious but its across the street from the Dynasty hotel. Free wifi, Staff speaks good English. Also is a bar that specializes in craft beers mostly from America, but has Taiwan Beer on tap. Rooms are around $850. [8]
Seren Hostel (賽倫青旅), No.26 Lane 371, Fucian Rd., ☎ +886-6-358-0792, [x]. Very clean, spacious, and well-located in the city center. Most must-see sites and popular eateries can be reached on foot within 5~15 min. NTD$ 530 (22.98948,120.19883)
Wow Tainan International Hostel, No. 7, Lane. 90, Section. 1, Fuqian Road, West Central District (中西區府前路一段90巷7號), ☎ +886 62225585, [x]. Reception Hour 0900-2100. Centrally located hostel with firm bunk beds and special made large mattress, bike rental, communal and social kitchen and yoga studio with an artistic vibe.Dorm rooms from NT$500, privates fromNT$1500..
Sendale Yong Fu - Tainan City 新大福軒館, 115 Yong Fu Rd, Section 1, (behind Landis Hotel, 3 minutes by walking to New Life Square-Mitsukoshi Department Shopping Mall) ☎ +886 6 214-2988. Fax:+886 6 214-2799, [9]
ECFA HOTEL-TAINAN (愛客發商務旅館-台南館), 8F, No. 145, Section 2, Zhongyi Road (赤崁樓 Fort Provintia), [x]. Hotel very central to some great restaurants. Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.NT$1000-2000.
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, 89 Section West, University Rd, ☎ +886 6 702-8888 (fax: +886 6 702-7777), [x]. Five-star property near the train station (regular, not HSR). Free internet (wired).
Tayih Landis Hotel, 660, Shi-Men Rd, Sec.1, ☎ +886 6 213-5555 (fax: +886 6 213-5555), [x]. 5 star property adjacent to an enormous Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store. Nearby Confucius temple and the Chihkan towers.
Evergreen Plaza Hotel, No. 1, Lane 336, Chunghua E. Rd., Sec. 3, Tainan City, ☎ +886 6 289-9988 (fax: +886 6 289-6699), [x]. 4-5 star property about 10 min south of the train station (regular, not HSR). Free internet.
Crime wise Tainan is very safe for tourists; both petty and violent crime are almost completely unheard of. Some say the area near and in front of the train station may have a slightly higher incident of theft allegedly due to the half or dozen or so homeless people who sleep their at night.
If going out to bars and clubs, be careful of groups of young men with many tattoos and their girlfriends. Several foreign men have been beaten up for aggressively flirting with the wrong girl.
Adding to the constant flow of traffic in the streets, Tainan also host the greatest number of temple parades in the country which means loud fireworks at potentially any time of daylight.
Moreover, the military airbase nearby has drills regularly and fighter jets fly very low over the city center daily (up to 30 times a day!). So, persons with post-traumatic stress disorder may want to avoid the city.
From Tainan Airport, there are regular flights to Penghu and Kinmen. Both are groups of islands between Taiwan and Mainland China which are controlled by the government in Taiwan. There are several flights a day departing from Tainan to both destinations operated by Uni Air, the domestic subsidiary of EVA Airlines.[10]
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