Taiwan, known for its mouth-watering street food, scenic mountains, and bustling cities, is a popular holiday destination for all types of travellers – no matter if you’re a shopaholic, foodie, or nature lover. With the help of the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), it has become easier than ever to explore all there is to see on this island nation. Covering a distance of 350 km from north to south, the THSR connects the cities of Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Chiayi, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
Top 5 Places to Visit via Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Pass
Taipei
As Taiwan‘s capital city and cultural hub, Taipei is a must-visit destination. You can visit the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, National Palace Museum, explore the bustling night markets, and take a hike up Elephant Mountain for the perfect panoramic view of the city.
Looking for something fun to do in Taipei? Check out this “Make your own bubble tea” workshop at Yoshantea’s Taipei Yongkang store.
Taichung
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Taichung is the second-largest city in Taiwan. It’s known for its numerous museums and galleries, as well as its vibrant street art scene. Taichung is dubbed the cultural hub of central Taiwan. The city’s bustling night markets and outdoor cafes make it an ideal spot for people-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere. Typically, visitors to Taichung will include a trip to Sun Moon Lake, which is considered one of Taiwan’s most beautiful natural attractions.
Chiayi
Chiayi is a city in southern Taiwan that’s bursting with history, culture, and plenty of things to do! Explore the Japanese-era fortress remains or take a trip to the nearby sacred Alishan Mountains. For a more traditional experience, take a stroll down Chiayi Old Street where you’ll find street food, arts and crafts, and more.
Don’t miss out on other popular attractions like the Wenhua Road night market, Jhuci Temple, Shantian Temples, Sun Moon Lake, and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is the third largest city in Taiwan and is famed for its stunning harbour views. It’s also home to many traditional Chinese temples, including the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Visitors can stroll along the Love River, relax in one of the many parks, or take a trip to the historic Lotus Pond. Kaohsiung has a lively nightlife scene, making it an excellent destination for those looking for some evening entertainment.
➡️🗺️Go on a bubble tea sipping adventure in Kaohsiung with this map!
Tainan
Tainan has a rich cultural heritage and is one of the oldest cities in Taiwan. Known for its temples and historic buildings, it’s a great destination for those interested in the country’s history. Visitors can explore traditional markets, stroll along the canals, and sample local food. Tainan is also famous for its dessert shops, which serve an array of sweet treats that are unique to the region.
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The Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass is an excellent way to get to different cities conveniently. There are two types of THSR Pass for tourists: 2-Day Flexi Pass and 3-Day Consecutive Pass
The 2-day Flexi Pass gives the user access to unlimited rides on all THSR trains for any 2 days. For any two days within a designated seven-day period, you are permitted unlimited rides on Taiwan High-Speed Rail trains.
The 3-day Consecutive Pass entitles the holder to three days of unlimited travel on Taiwan High-Speed Rail trains! Take advantage of three days of unlimited boarding on Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) trains on all routes!
Typically, a one-way ticket from Taipei to Taichung via the THSR cost S$30 (as of October 2024). Therefore, if you are planning to do a short day trip to multiple cities from Taipei, getting the Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass will save you a lot of money. For instance, you can explore Taichung in the afternoon and then make your way down to Kaohsiung on the same day using the rail pass without forking out extra.
➡️Book your Taiwan High Speed Rail Pass here from S$50+!