4-Day Private Taiwan Tour: Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung & Kenting

Summary

Central & Southern Taiwan Private Tour: Lakes, Temples, and Coast

You’ll get to see Taiwan’s lakeside villages, taste local snacks in historic towns, walk coastal trails in Kenting, and explore temples and city life in Kaohsiung—all with a friendly guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off with a quiet drive out of Taipei—just the hum of the road and a few early risers grabbing breakfast at FamilyMart. By the time we reached Puli, the air felt fresher, almost sweet. Our guide led us into Puli Winery where you could smell fermented grains even before stepping inside. I tried a sausage laced with Shaoxing wine—salty, smoky, with a little bite from the booze. Locals swear by the water here; it’s what makes their wine so good.

Sun Moon Lake appeared out of nowhere—one side round like the sun, the other curving away like a crescent moon. We wandered through Ita Thao village (Yidashao), past shops selling sticky rice cakes and tiny bottles of millet wine. The Thao people still live here; you’ll spot their woven crafts in shop windows. Climbing up to Ci-en Pagoda took some effort but it was worth it for the breeze and view over the lake—kids were running around while older folks sat at stone tables playing cards.

The next day in Lukang felt like stepping back in time. Narrow lanes twisted between red brick walls; I kept brushing past old wooden doors that creaked when locals opened them for business. At Longshan Temple incense hung thick in the air—my shirt picked up that smoky scent for hours after. We sampled mochi from a street vendor who joked about his recipe being older than he was. Nine Turns Alley was packed with families on bikes and couples snapping photos beside lanterns strung overhead.

Kaohsiung had its own rhythm—faster than Lukang but not as frantic as Taipei. Lianchi Lake shimmered under late morning sun; turtles sunned themselves on rocks near the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas while visitors lined up to walk through the dragon’s mouth for luck. Our guide explained how locals believe entering through one animal and exiting through another turns bad luck into good fortune—a little superstition never hurts.

Kenting National Park was all wind and salt air—the kind that sticks to your skin by noon. We stopped at Maopitou Rock (it really does look like a cat’s nose if you squint) and watched surfers catch waves near Eluanpi Lighthouse. The grasslands at Longpan Park rolled right down to blue water; I could hear cicadas buzzing even above the sound of waves crashing below.

On our last morning, we climbed up to the old British Consulate overlooking Kaohsiung Harbor—a favorite sunset spot for locals but just as peaceful in early light. Before heading back to Taipei, there was time for one last stroll along Lotus Lake, where temple bells echoed across the water and snack carts sold cold tofu pudding that hit just right in the heat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taipei to Sun Moon Lake

• Travel Taipei to Sun Moon Lake via Puli Winery tour
• Visit Yidashao (Ita Thao) village
• Visit Ci-en Pagoda
• Visit Xuanzang Temple
• Visit Wenwu Temple
• Visit Xiangshang Visitor Center

Day 2 — Sun Moon Lake to Lukang to Kaohsiung

• Travel to Lukang historic town
• Visit Longshan Temple in Lukang
• Walk Lukang Old Street
• Visit Lukang Tianhou Temple

Day 3 — Kaohsiung to Kenting and back

• Visit Kenting National Park
• See Maopitou rock formation
• Visit Eluanpi Lighthouse
• Visit Longpan Park
• Stop at Hengchun Old Town

Day 4 — Kaohsiung city tour and return to Taipei

• Tour Kaohsiung city attractions
• Visit British Consulate at Takow Cultural Park
• Visit Chengqing Lake
• Visit Lianchi (Lotus) Lake
• Visit Spring and Autumn Pavilions
• Visit Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for someone using a wheelchair?

Yes! The tour is wheelchair accessible—including transport and most attractions—but let us know if you need extra help or have specific needs so we can make arrangements.

What kind of hotels are included?

You’ll stay in comfortable 4-star hotels (like Sun Moon Lake Hotel or Howard Plaza Kaohsiung), usually with twin beds or doubles depending on your group size.

Are meals included?

Meals aren’t included except breakfast at your hotel each day—but there are plenty of local spots along the route where you can try Taiwanese food (bring cash as many places don’t take cards).

How much walking is involved?

A moderate amount—mostly short walks around temples, villages, or scenic spots. Good shoes are recommended but nothing too strenuous!

What’s included

Your private tour includes entrance fees for all listed attractions, three nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, an air-conditioned vehicle throughout, insurance coverage during travel days, plus an experienced local guide who’ll share stories and tips at every stop.