8-Day Taiwan Coastal Adventure: From Taichung to Hualien with Epic Food Stops

Day 1: Taichung to Kaohsiung

Taichung to Kaohsiung, Taiwan on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chun Shui Tang

Start your day with a classic Taiwanese breakfast at Chun Shui Tang, famous for inventing bubble tea and offering great traditional snacks.
TWD150, 1h0m

9:45am

Travel by High-Speed Rail to Kaohsiung

Take the efficient Taiwan High-Speed Rail from Taichung to Kaohsiung, which takes about 1.5 hours and offers comfortable seating for the journey south.
TWD700, 1h30m

11:30am

Check into hostel in Kaohsiung

Drop your bags and freshen up at an affordable hostel near the city center or Liuhe Night Market for convenience.
TWD600, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Liuhe Night Market

Explore this famous night market in early afternoon for delicious street food like papaya milk, oyster omelets, and stinky tofu, many stalls open by noon.
TWD200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Pier-2 Art Center

Discover Kaohsiung’s revitalized warehouse district full of cool street art, galleries, and quirky shops. Open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:45pm

Walk to Love River

Enjoy a relaxing stroll and riverside cafes along Love River, best visited in the late afternoon for sunset vibes.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gang Yuan Beef Noodles

Savor authentic Taiwanese beef noodles, a beloved local specialty, open daily until 9pm.
TWD180, 1h0m
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Day 2: Kaohsiung to Kenting

Kaohsiung to Kenting, Taiwan on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hostel or local cafe

Fuel up for a day of travel with a light breakfast available at your hostel or nearby cafe with Taiwanese pancakes and soy milk.
TWD100, 0h45m

8:30am

Public bus to Kenting

Catch the Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung Main Station to Kenting National Park area, a scenic 2.5-3 hour ride.
TWD220, 3h0m

12:00pm

Check into budget guesthouse in Kenting

Settle into a low-cost guesthouse or hostel close to the beach to maximize your time exploring the area.
TWD800, 0h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Kenting Night Market (open daytime on weekends)

Try fresh seafood dishes like grilled squid and fried chicken from stalls that open ahead of the evening crowd on weekends.
TWD250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse and Park

Explore the southern tip of Taiwan, the lighthouse offers lovely coastal views and walking trails; park open daily 8am-5:30pm.
TWD70, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Baisha Beach

Spend a few hours swimming or lounging at Baisha Beach, known for its white sand and clear water, open year-round.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at a local seafood restaurant near your hostel

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring fresh catch of the day, a specialty in this coastal region.
TWD300, 1h30m
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Day 3: Explore Kenting

Kenting National Park area, Taiwan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Light and convenient breakfast with local pastries and tea to prepare for a day outdoors.
TWD100, 0h30m

9:00am

Hike the Longpan Park Trail

Take an easy, scenic hike on the coastal Longpan Park, known for breathtaking cliffs and ocean views. Open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Kenting National Forest Recreation Area

Visit this lush forest area with walking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting; open 8am to 5pm.
TWD80, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Spring Onion Pancake stand

Grab a famous Taiwanese spring onion pancake from local street vendors near the park entrance.
TWD50, 0h30m

2:30pm

Snorkeling or beach time at South Bay

Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or relax on the sandy South Bay Beach; gear rentals available on-site.
TWD200 (rentals), 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Uncle Liu’s shrimp roll stand at Kenting Night Market

Famous for fresh shrimp rolls, this street food stall is a must-try during your visit to Kenting Night Market.
TWD150, 1h0m
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Day 4: Kenting to Taitung

Kenting to Taitung, Taiwan on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Simple breakfast to energize before your journey east.
TWD100, 0h30m

8:00am

Take Kenting Bus back to Kaohsiung

Return by bus from Kenting to Kaohsiung Main Station, approximately 3 hours.
TWD220, 3h0m

11:00am

Taiwan Railway from Kaohsiung to Taitung

Transfer to local train for a scenic ride along the east coast to Taitung, about 3.5 hours.
TWD400, 3h30m

2:45pm

Check into hostel in Taitung

Choose a budget hostel near downtown for easy access to food and markets.
TWD600, 0h30m

3:30pm

Visit Taitung Forest Park

Stroll around scenic lakes and bike paths at this popular park, open from dawn to dusk.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Taitung Seashore Park

Enjoy a peaceful sunset view along the coast, a favorite spot for locals and visitors.
Free, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taitung Night Market

Try local aboriginal dishes and grilled delights offered in the lively night market.
TWD200, 1h0m
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Day 5: Taitung Exploration

Taitung, Taiwan on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel cafe

Enjoy fresh coffee and a variety of western/Taiwanese breakfast options.
TWD150, 0h45m

9:00am

Day trip to Sanxiantai

Visit this iconic coastal area with its dramatic rock formations and iconic dragon bridge. Open 24 hours, best in daylight.
TWD100, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sanxiantai local vendors

Sample seafood snacks and local specialties from small stalls nearby.
TWD150, 0h45m

2:00pm

Visit National Museum of Prehistory

Explore Taiwan’s prehistoric cultures and artifacts, including indigenous heritage. Open 9am–5pm, closed Mondays.
TWD100, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Zhiben Hot Springs

Unwind in natural hot spring baths just outside Taitung city, open until evening hours; public pools have an entry fee.
TWD150, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at local Taiwanese eatery

Enjoy comfort Taiwanese dishes like braised pork rice and fresh vegetable sides at an affordable local spot.
TWD150, 1h0m
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Day 6: Taitung to Hualien

Taitung to Hualien, Taiwan on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hostel

Grab a quick and tasty breakfast to go before your train journey.
TWD100, 0h30m

8:30am

Train from Taitung to Hualien

Catch the scenic train along the east coast through Taroko Gorge area, a ride lasting about 3 hours with beautiful views.
TWD450, 3h0m

11:45am

Check into a budget hostel in Hualien

Settle in a centrally located hostel to easily visit city and nature attractions.
TWD700, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gongzheng Baozi

Taste Hualien's renowned steamed buns in this popular local eatery, open till evening hours.
TWD100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Taroko National Park (Shakadang Trail)

Explore the famous marble gorge via the Shakadang Trail, known for clear streams and natural beauty; trail open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Relax in Hualien Dongdamen Night Market

Sample local and indigenous street food, enjoy the lively atmosphere. Open from 5pm to 10pm.
TWD200, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at the night market

Diverse tasty options include grilled squid, mochi desserts, and indigenous dishes.
TWD200, 1h0m
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Day 7: Hualien to Taichung

Hualien to Taichung, Taiwan on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Enjoy a light breakfast before the long train journey back.
TWD100, 0h30m

8:00am

Train from Hualien to Taichung

Take the Taiwan Railway from Hualien back to Taichung, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours along the coast and mountains.
TWD600, 4h30m

12:30pm

Check into hostel in Taichung

Return to your accommodation and get settled after your extensive travel.
TWD600, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fengjia Night Market (early lunch)

Visit Taiwan’s largest night market which opens early afternoon on weekends; great for street eats like fried chicken and bubble tea.
TWD200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore National Taichung Theater

Admire this architectural marvel and catch any exhibitions or performances if scheduled; open 10am-10pm.
Free entrance, some performances paid, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Taichung Calligraphy Greenway

Enjoy a stroll down this cultural and arts stretch filled with shops, cafes, and green spaces.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chun Shui Tang

Return to the birthplace of bubble tea for a farewell dinner featuring local Taiwanese dishes and drinks.
TWD300, 1h0m
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