A Restful Mountain Retreat – Tainan (台南) and Alishan (阿里山) 3 Day Tour People in the south of Taiwan live at a different pace than their northern city-dwelling brethren. They are extremely amiable, people-oriented, always smiling and ready to help out a stranger. The people are the primary reason that tourists continue coming back to these cities in Southern Taiwan – their passion, friendliness, and helpfulness. Come experience the South of Taiwan together with us.

Alishan and Tainan 3-day Tour from Taipei

iscover southern Taiwan’s cultural treasures and natural wonders on this 3-day Tainan and Alishan tour. Begin your journey in Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, where you’ll explore historic landmarks such as Anping Fort, Anping Old Street, Chikanlou, and Shennong Street. Then travel into the mountains to experience the beauty of Alishan National Scenic Area, hike the Sacred Forest Trail, ride the charming Alishan Railway, and enjoy an authentic Indigenous cultural performance at YuYuPas Cultural Park. With comfortable 3-star accommodations and guided transport throughout, this Alishan and Tainan tour is the perfect blend of history, culture, and nature.

Highlights of the Alishan and Tainan Tour

A Restful Mountain Retreat – Alishan National Scenic Area

Discover a Serene Mountain Sanctuary – Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan is celebrated for its towering sacred trees, breathtaking seas of clouds, and magical displays of sunrise and sunset glow. Home to the Indigenous Tsou people for generations, this mountain retreat not only offers awe-inspiring natural wonders but also a chance to connect with rich traditions and vibrant cultural heritage.

Alishan Railway Experience

Ride the Iconic Forest Railway

The Alishan Forest Railway, first constructed in 1899 during the Japanese colonial era, was originally built to transport timber and supplies. Today, it has transformed into one of the most iconic highlights of visiting Alishan, carrying travelers through majestic valleys and lush evergreen forests for an unforgettable journey.

Historic Treasure Landmarks – Anping Old Fort That fort was the anchor point of early settlements in Tainan for both the Dutch and the Chinese, and much of the settlement’s history lies in Anping’s old streets surrounding the fort.

Tainan: Taiwan’s Oldest City

Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, is steeped in rich history and exudes the charm of an ancient town. Stroll through Anping Fort to trace remnants of the Dutch colonial era, and explore the unique Anping Tree House, where nature intertwines with historical relics. Beyond its historic landmarks, Tainan is a city full of life, with hidden alleys showcasing traditional architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant street food. Its laid-back yet story-filled atmosphere makes it not only a paradise for history enthusiasts but also the perfect place to experience Taiwan’s cultural depth and warm hospitality.

Itinerary for the Alishan and Tainan Tour

Day 1
09 : 20 Meet you at Taipei Main Station, East Gate 3

* If you’d like to begin your tour from another city, please contact us to customize your itinerary.

09 : 50 -11 : 15 Take high speed rail from Taipei to Tainan. (approx. 90 minutes)

12  : 00 Anping Fort and Anping Old Street – Lunch at Anping Old Street (at your own expense)

14 : 30 Anping Tree House 

15 : 30 Shennong Street

16 : 30 Check-in at a local hotel (3-star) 

17 : 30 Dinner

19 : 00 Back to the hotel 

Day 2
09 : 00 Depart from the hotel

09 : 30  Chikanlou 

Drive to Alishan (approx. 2.5 hours)

13 : 00 Lunch 

14 : 00 Enjoy an Indigenous cultural performance at the YuYuPas Cultural Park in Alishan.

15 : 30 Fenchihu Old town

17 : 30 Dinner 

18 : 30 Check-in at a local hotel (3-star) or guesthouse (B&B / minsu)

Day 3

09 : 00 Depart from the hotel or guesthouse

09 : 30 Alishan National Scenic Area

10 : 30 Sacred Forest Trail Hiking

11 : 30 Alishan Railway Experience (Branch line)

12 : 30 Lunch

13 : 30 Drive to Taipei (approx. 4.5 hours) 

19 : 00  Drop you off at your hotel in Taipei
* If you would like us to assist with booking the accommodation for your last night, please let us know in advance.

book your experience

Tour Details

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Minimum Numbers

2 adults

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Availability

Every Saturday to Thursday (No tours during the Lunar New Year)

meeting point
Meeting point

09:20 am at Taipei Main Station, East Gate 3

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When to book

Book 7 days in advance

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended.

Price

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Adult (Over 6 years old)

2 travelers: 970 USD per person
 3 travelers: 790 USD per person
4–5 travelers: 730 USD per person
6-9 travelers: 700 USD per person
10-12 travelers: 635 USD per person

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Child (3 to 6 years old)

635 USD per person

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Infant (0 to 2 years old)

Free of charge. (Please note that at least one adult must accompany any infant on the tour.)

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Single Supplement

150 USD per person

Inclusion

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Accommodation

1 nights of local high quality B&B or 3-star hotel and 1 night of 3-star hotel

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Food

Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast & Lunch
Mineral water every day

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Admissions

Anping Fort, Anping tree House, Chikanlou, YuYuPas, Alishan National Scenic Area, Alishan Railway Experience (Branch line)

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Tour Guide

A great English speaking guide (All of our guides are fluent in Mandarin as well.)
* If you require a Spanish-speaking guide, please contact us.

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Transportation

2–3 people: 5-seater sedan
4–7 people: 8-seater van
8–12 people: 20-seater minibus
High Speed Rail from Taipei to Tainan (Standard seats)

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Others

A bottle of mineral water everyday, travel insurance and of course, memories that money can't buy!
Please note that tips for your tour guide are NOT included.

Contact us to Book the Alishan & Tainan Tour

Tour Reviews

Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our previous clients have to say about us!

Shirley C
Shirley C
An unforgettable day trip with Topology
This is the first time I've booked the tour with Topology, the experience with them was fantastic! Penny who has communicated with me from beginning to the end, she is very responsive with all the questions I had or requested, and well informed about tour guide's info and pickup time. Fun time seems to pass by quickly, Spencer surely made our trip so memorable, we will always remember him and hopefully one day we will meet up again. =)
Angelina C
Angelina C
Amazing trip and amazing guide
It was a very interesting trip. We knew unique places and very beautiful views. I recommend it and thank our guide Mr. Clint Liang for his help and kindness. It was very important that he knew the area so well.
kentucky
kentucky
Excellent agency, wonderful tour guide
We were a family of 13 that did 2 private day tours and airport transfers with Topology. Peter was excellent with all communications from the beginning. Airy was a wonderful bilingual guide thar really made us feel at home. The kids in our group also warmed up to her quickly. The included lunches were sumptuous and extensive. They are a little pricey but well worth every penny.
Andrea
Andrea
Week in Taiwan
We had an amazing time in Taiwan! Allen from Topology was responsive throughout the planning stages. We have a child with many food allergies and requested an English-speaking guide to accompany us for the entire trip. We could not have been happier with Spencer! We spent 7 days with him touring Taipei, Jiufen, Yehliu National Park, Kaoshiung, and Kenting National Park. He kept that pace quick for the kids and most of our free time was spent exploring different markets sampling street food. Spencer kept my son safe during the entire trip, and by the end he was like a part of the family.
Ltran
Ltran
8 day private tour of Taiwan
Our 8 day private tour of Taiwan included Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen, Taroko, Sun Moon, & Taichung. Both our consultant, Vivi, & our driver, Henry, were excellent. We felt well taken care of from beginning to end. Henry was especially accommodating to our changing needs and requests. He was punctual, patient and attentive to our interests, even suggesting extra stops that may appeal to us & taking pictures for us. Despite some minor stomach issues at the first half of the trip (we were not able to eat some of the planned dinners), we still got to see many scenes & sites that surprised us: Taroko gorge was stunning; releasing sky lanterns was fun; the local wet market was lively; the oyster/clam digging area looked like a wet sand desert complete with a windy sand storm. Over all, everything went smoothly, and our group of 4 adults + 1 child, enjoyed our trip immensely. Thank you

Looking for a customized, tailor-made Taiwan itinerary?

If you prefer a fully customized itinerary, feel free to fill out our Create Your Trip form, and one of our tour consultant will contact you to design your perfect trip.

Create Your Trip!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Alishan and Tainan Tour​

Why Choose Topology Travel’s Alishan and Tainan Tour?

We’ve carefully curated the must-see attractions of Alishan and Tainan. In just three days, you’ll enjoy a comfortable travel pace while still discovering the very best these regions have to offer.

Our Alishan and Tainan tour is a small-group experience, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers. This allows you to meet new friends while still enjoying quality time with your family or companions. (Of course, you can also upgrade to a private tour for an even more exclusive experience.)

In contrast, many tours on the market operate with large groups of 20 to 30 people, which can easily impact the quality of your trip and cause delays that eat into your valuable sightseeing time.

Plus, our guides are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about what they do. They go beyond simply taking you to the attractions, sharing fascinating local stories and insider tips—including must-try local delicacies—making your journey truly unforgettable.

What’s the difference between a package tour and a customised tour?

Our package tours are thoughtfully designed by our travel specialists to highlight the best of Taiwan’s regions. If you don’t have the time to research and plan your trip, a package tour is a time-saving option that still lets you experience the most exciting and iconic parts of Taiwan.

Package tours come with a fixed itinerary and cannot be modified based on individual preferences. However, if you find a package you like but would like to make some adjustments—or if you’d prefer to design your trip from scratch—you’re welcome to contact us via TW@topologytravel.com or fill out our Create your Trip form. 

We’ll be happy to personalise your itinerary, but please note that the pricing for customised tours will differ from standard package tours.

Is this Alishan and Tainan itinerary suitable for children or seniors?

The trails in the Alishan area have many stairways, making them unsuitable for strollers. If you are traveling with young children or elderly family members, please carefully assess their physical condition before visiting.

Is this itinerary wheelchair accessible?

This itinerary is not wheelchair accessible. If your group includes wheelchair users but still wishes to visit Alishan and Tainan, please contact us via TW@topologytravel.com or fill out our Create your Trip form. Our tour consultant will create a customized itinerary tailored to the needs and comfort of wheelchair users, ensuring an enjoyable and suitable travel experience.

What if the minimum group size isn’t met? How can I still join the tour?

You can still join the tour by covering the cost equivalent to the minimum required number of participants.

Can I extend my trip?

Absolutely! You may add additional packages or contact us directly, and your tour consultant will recommend itineraries based on your total travel days.

On the last day, can I be dropped off at the airport?

Please provide your flight details so we can evaluate and adjust the final day’s schedule if needed.

If I’m arriving in Taipei by cruise ship, is this itinerary suitable for me?

The itinerary can be tailored to match your cruise arrival time. Please contact us for personalized arrangements.

Can you help book accommodation for the last night?

Yes, please contact us and let us know your preferred accommodation type or hotel category.

What type of accommodation is included in this itinerary? What room types are provided? And is it possible to upgrade or change the room type?

For this Alishan and Tainan tour, the first night is spent at a 3-star hotel in Tainan City center.The second night is in Alishan at either a 3-star hotel or a local guesthouse. 

Rooms are set up as double occupancy. Please let us know in advance whether you prefer a large bed or two twin beds. You may also upgrade to a single room by paying the single supplement. If you prefer other room configurations, such as triple or quad rooms, please inform us ahead of time, and we will do our best to accommodate your request (additional costs may apply).

If you’re not comfortable staying in guesthouses and would prefer to upgrade all accommodations to 4- or 5-star hotels, please let us know. We will be happy to provide a customized quote for you.

What if I have special dietary requirements—can the meal menu be adjusted to accommodate my needs?

Yes, absolutely. If you have vegetarian, halal, or other special dietary needs, please let us know in advance, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.

How to book this Alishan and Tainan tour?

Please fill out the online form and our tour consultant will contact you. Your reservation will be confirmed once full payment is received.

What if I need to cancel my Taiwan tour?

For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

What should I prepare before visiting Taiwan?

Please make sure to check whether you need a visa to enter Taiwan.
You can find up-to-date information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

If a visa is required, please apply according to the official government regulations

How should I pack for my Alishan and Tainan Tour?

Please refer to our “Read Before You Go” guide to help you choose appropriate clothing based on the season of your visit.