Major city · Taiwan
Taitung臺東
Give Taitung 2–3 nights: one day for the city and its coast parks, one for the East Rift Valley or Green Island. Skip it on a 5-night Taiwan trip.
Taitung sits on a small plain between mountains and sea at the south end of the East Rift Valley, 3–4 hours by train from Taipei and about 2 hours from Kaohsiung. The city itself is compact and walkable, but the reasons to come — rice valleys, hot springs, Indigenous culture, Green Island — are spread across the county, so a car, scooter or tour is the practical way to see them. It is one of Taiwan's safest and most relaxed cities, and one of the least English-speaking.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TWD
- Best months
- Oct–May
- avoid Jul–Sep (typhoon season), Chinese New Year (prices double)
- Airport
- TTT
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Taiwan ↗Check visa-exemption length, passport validity and the online arrival card (TWAC) on the official sites before you fly.
- Taiwan ↗An EasyCard (or iPASS) covers MRT, buses, local trains and many convenience-store purchases; buy one at the airport or a station.
- Taiwan ↗When a local government declares a typhoon day, transport and sights can close for the day; follow the official notice, not the forecast alone.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Taitung110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Taitung, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Night markets, breakfast shops and many small restaurants take cash only; carry NT$1,000–2,000 (≈ US$35–70) in small notes.Taiwan-wide
- SIM or eSIMChunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at TPE and KHH arrivals…Taiwan-wide
- Tap waterTreated at source, but locals boil or filter it.Taiwan-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; a 10% service charge appears in many sit-down places and hotels.Taiwan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 110 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Taiwan-wide
- SafetyOne of the safest cities in Taiwan.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean toilets in every MRT station, convenience stores and department stores; paper goes in the toilet in most new buildings — follow the sign.Taiwan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close on Monday (the National Palace Museum opens daily).Taiwan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTTT Taitung Airport (Flights to Taipei, Lanyu and Lyudao; a short walk from Kangle station.
- Getting aroundDowntown is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a local caféNT$80–150 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup or dumplingsNT$70–180 (≈ US$3–6)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a convenience storeNT$120–200 (≈ US$4–7)NT$40–60 (≈ US$2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, downtown to Taitung stationNT$250–350 (≈ US$9–12)
- Museum or sight ticketNational Museum of Prehistory entryclosed MondaysNT$100 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personNT$700 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomNT$2,800 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomNT$5,500 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget NT$1,500 (≈ US$50) · Mid NT$2,600 (≈ US$90) · High NT$4,500 (≈ US$150)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TTT Taitung Airport (Flights to Taipei, Lanyu and Lyudao; a short walk from Kangle station. Check current schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
May
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Best: Oct–May. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C) low), wettest May (13 rain days), driest Dec (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Taitung: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10 rd
Apr
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Dec
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is small enough to walk. Buses exist but timetables are mostly in Chinese, so for the county you want a rental car or scooter (IDP needed), a taxi, or a day tour. Bicycles rent near the beach and the Forest Park entrance; the city bikeway is a 32-km loop. Taitung station is a bus or taxi ride from the centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Green Island
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h from downtown
Ferry from Fugang Fishery Harbor, about 50 min; or a short flight from Taitung Airport
Saltwater hot springs and reef; ferries can cancel in rough weather. One night minimum.
Chishang
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train north up the East Rift Valley, about 30–40 min
Rice fields and the Brown Boulevard bike loop; rent a bike at the station.
Donghe
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train north along the coast, about 40 min
Surf beach and river mouth; pairs well with a coast drive.
Chenggong
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Train or coastal Highway 11 north, about 1 h
Fishing harbour and seafood; combine with Sanxiantai.
Dawu
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Train south along the coast, about 1 h
Quiet south-coast stop; thin transport, best with your own wheels.
Changbin
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Coastal Highway 11 north, about 1.5 h by car
Long coast views and a famous tree-lined avenue; a car makes it worthwhile.
Haiduan
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Drive or bus into the rift valley, about 1 h
Hot springs and Indigenous villages; check access before setting out.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Old Railway Station (Tiehua Rd)
Walkable core: Railway Art Village, night market, cafés, bus terminal. Best for a first visit without a car.
Near Taitung Station (Yanwan Rd)
New station area, 10–15 min by bus or taxi from downtown; car and scooter rentals cluster here.
Zhiben
Hot-spring resort area about 20 min south of the city; quieter, better with a car.
Seashore and Forest Park edge
Bike-rental spots and the 32-km city bikeway; good for cyclists, thin on restaurants.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- NT$1,200–2,000 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- NT$2,000–3,500 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- High
- NT$3,500 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or hotel1 × 2 nights × NT$2,800 | NT$5,600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × NT$2,600 | NT$10,400 |
| Scooter rental, one day2 × NT$500 · IDP required | NT$1,000 |
| City bike rental, one day2 × NT$300 | NT$600 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × NT$400 | NT$800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | NT$1,840 |
| Trip total≈ NT$5,060 per person per day, bed included | NT$20,240≈ US$700 |
2026 estimate in New Taiwan dollars; flights and long-distance rail excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a local café | NT$80–150 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle soup or dumplings | NT$70–180 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Aboriginal set meal (per person, group table)usually built for sharing | NT$400–700 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a convenience store | NT$120–200 (≈ US$4–7) / NT$40–60 (≈ US$2) |
| Taxi, downtown to Taitung station | NT$250–350 (≈ US$9–12) |
| National Museum of Prehistory entryclosed Mondays | NT$100 (≈ US$4) |
| Seashore and Forest Park entry | NT$30 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Taitung station is well outside the centre — budget a bus or taxi on arrival.
- Few people speak English; have addresses written in Chinese.
- Weekend (Fri–Sat) and holiday room rates run 10–30% higher; Chinese New Year can double.
- Typhoons can cancel ferries and flights in Jul–Sep: keep a buffer day.
- Rentals require an international driving permit — check yours before flying.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Taitung臺東
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
請到這個地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies in Taitung; most are in Taipei. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) in Taipei handles US citizen services.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi, Taitung station → downtown: NT$250–350 (≈ US$9–12), about 15 min
- Train, Taitung → Chishang: about NT$100–150 (≈ US$4–5), 30–40 min
- Ferry, Fugang → Green Island: about NT$560 (≈ US$19) one way, 50 min
Say or show
- 不好意思 — Excuse me / Sorry (bù hǎo yì si)
- 謝謝 — Thank you (xiè xiè)
- 多少錢？ — How much is it? (duō shǎo qián)
- 可以刷卡嗎？ — Can I pay by card? (kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma)
- 廁所在哪裡？ — Where is the toilet? (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ)
- 請載我到這個地址 — Please take me to this address (qǐng zài wǒ dào zhè ge dì zhǐ)
Few people speak English outside hotels; show Chinese addresses to drivers.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Taitung. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–May · avoid Jul–Sep (typhoon season), Chinese New Year (prices double) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport and station arrival fixtures: last bus and taxi fallback from Taitung station, checked against operator timetables.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Old Railway Station and Railway Art Village, Liyushan and downtown temples, Seashore and Forest Park, Zhiben.
- Place pages with verified hours and closing days (National Museum of Prehistory, Beinan Cultural Park, Railway Art Village) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and flight status fixtures for Green Island and Orchid Island so typhoon cancellations show before booking.
Sources
- officialTaitung City Government
- officialTaitung Airport
- officialNational Museum of Prehistory
- officialTaiwan Tourism Administration
- secondaryWikivoyage: Taitung, revision 5238479 (CC BY-SA 4.0)