48 HOUR GUIDE TO KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN
If you are only just catching up on our Taiwan adventures we are currently travelling around this incredible country with Anywhr. They are a company who curate personalised trip itineraries specifically for you, and you only find out where you are going once you arrive at the airport! We recommend checking out our previous post sharing with you what it was like leading up to this surprise trip to Taiwan!
Kaohsiung was the first city on our itinerary and we had no clue what to expect. We had 48 hours to see as much as we could... and wow, what an incredible city! Using the guide Anywhr had given us, along with a little research of our own, we set off to explore this beautiful city. Here is our first thoughts on Taiwan, and everything we recommend you see & do in Kaohsiung.
Things To Do
Tiger And Dragon Pagodas
The Tiger and Dragon Pagodas is one of the most photographed spots in Kaohsiung, and we can totally see why. Located on the Lotus Pond (a picturesque artificial lake), stands a twin pair of 7-story pagodas. It is believed that entering from the dragon's mouth and exiting through the tiger's jaws gives you good fortune and turns bad luck into good luck.
Day Trip to Cijin Island
Cijin islands is only a 5 minute ferry ride away from Kaohsiung Harbour and is a popular day trip destination due to its black sand beaches, historical sites and delicious seafood. Once you arrive on the island we highly recommend grabbing yourself an electric bike and spending the day exploring the island.
Fo Guang Shan Monastary
Fo Guang Shan is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan and is a site to behold! It covers an area of over 30 hectares and is made up of shrines, a cemetery and a 36m state of Amitabha Buddha. It is a 40 minute drove out of Kaohsiung, but there are is a bus that takes you there from the main station. You could easily spend an entire day out here and it is free to enter.
Ruifeng Night Market & Liouhe Night Market
The Taiwanese love their night markets, and there are two amazing markets here in Kaohsiung. Ruifeng Night Market is the largest in the city and has plenty of stalls to choose from. They also have a bunch of fun, cheesy carnival games which we loved. Liouhe Night Market is also worth a visit, however it did feel like the more touristy spot out of the two.
Views from the 85 Sky Tower
If you are looking for a good spot to see views over the city w recommending heading to the 85th floor of the 85 Sky Tower building. This was the highest building in Taiwan until the completion of the Taipei 101 building in Taipei.
Where To Stay
Located 5 minuites walk from the Liuhe Tourist Night Market, this affordable hotel offers both private and dormitory rooms depending on your budget. It also has free wifi throughout the hotel.
Ambassador Kaohsiung is located by the Love River back and is a short 10 minute drive from the main Ralway Station. This 5 star hotel offers an outdoor pool, free wifi, air con and has spacious rooms.
Located on the corner of Chengkung 1st Road and Xintian Road, this hotel features an outdoor pool and 13 international dining options. Each room features air con, flat screen TV and an en suite bathroom with bathtub. This hotel also has an amazing fitness centre and spa treatment facilities.
What To Eat
For a traditional Taiwanese breakfast head to Xing Long Ju. We recommend trying their Hot Soybean Milk (Dou Jiang) along with a fried bread stick (Youtiao).
For a delicious bowl of shaved ice head to Gao Xiong Po Po. We recommend trying the mango flavour, you will be served a massive bowl of shaved ice with chunks of fresh mango and creamy mango ice cream on top.
For street food we recommend heading to Ruifeng Night Market. We recommend trying the Sweet Potato Balls, Takoyaki, Okinawa Fried Squid and the Bubble Tea Toastie. Check out the video below to see all the street food options we tried in Kaohsiung.
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