Our 9 Favorite Kaohsiung Taiwan Tours

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, offers a lively mix of modern art, historic sites, scenic coastlines, and authentic local life. Unlike some busy urban spots, Kaohsiung is surprisingly laid-back and full of surprises. Whether you want a deep dive into its vibrant culture or a scenic excursion to Kenting, the city’s tour options are both varied and engaging. We particularly love the Kaohsiung Private Tour – Discover Local Hidden Gems, which offers a flexible way to see both famous sights and lesser-known spots with a local guide. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, personalized experience.

Many of these tours give you a chance to explore Kaohsiung’s artistic side—like the Pier 2 Art Centre—and enjoy scenic spots like Love River or Lotus Pond. Whether you’re interested in cultural highlights, outdoor activities, or day trips to nearby attractions like Kenting, there’s a tour suited to your style. For those seeking a comprehensive experience, combining a private city tour with cultural insights can really deepen your understanding of Taiwan’s southern port city.

Quick Overview

Our list features private guided tours, cycling adventures, day trips, and even multi-day luxury tours. You can stroll through historic districts, cruise on the harbor, or explore Kenting’s beaches—all tailored to your interests. For full details, check out the options below, starting with the most intimate and flexible private experiences, then expanding into scenic rides and extensive multi-day adventures. Each tour offers something unique, so read on to find your perfect match!

1. Kaohsiung Private Tour – Discover Local Hidden Gems

For around $49 per person, this private walking tour is one of the most flexible ways to get to know Kaohsiung. It’s designed to give you a live like a local experience, blending the main sights with hidden gems that most travelers miss. The guide will tailor the route based on your interests, so whether you want to explore lively markets or quiet neighborhoods, this tour adapts accordingly.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on culture and local life, with engaging explanations that bring the city’s history and community to life. You’ll visit well-known landmarks but also venture into lesser-known spots where locals shop, eat, and gather. The walk is leisurely, making it ideal for travelers who want an authentic snapshot of everyday Kaohsiung.

Reviewers give this tour a perfect 5/5, praising the guide’s friendly attitude and insider knowledge. The price reflects its personalized approach, making it excellent value for a deep, flexible exploration. If you enjoy walking, connecting with local people, and uncovering hidden corners, this is a top choice.

Bottom Line: Great for those wanting an authentic, personalized introduction to Kaohsiung’s everyday life.

2. Kaohsiung: Private City Tour with Fo Guang Shan Museum

At number 2, this private tour costs $108 per person and offers a well-rounded day exploring Kaohsiung’s cultural highlights. It includes visits to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Pier 2 Art Centre, and Love River. The highlight is the Fo Guang Shan site, one of Taiwan’s largest Buddhist complexes, which offers serenity and spiritual insight.

This tour features a private chauffeur who makes the day seamless. You can customize the schedule to spend more time at your favorite spots, making it ideal for those who want a relaxed, personalized experience. The art and cultural centers showcase Kaohsiung’s modern creativity alongside traditional sites, giving a balanced view of the city.

Guests rate this tour 4.9/5, emphasizing the comfort of the private vehicle and the rich content. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive, culturally rich day without the hassle of public transport or group tours. Plus, it’s flexible enough to add or skip stops based on your mood.

Bottom Line: A balanced, relaxed way to see both the spiritual and artistic sides of Kaohsiung.

3. Kaohsiung Guided Cycling Tour

If you’re active and want to see the city from a different angle, the guided cycling tour offers a fun 2.5-hour ride through Kaohsiung’s key sights. Starting at the Lotus Pond, you’ll pedal past iconic pagodas, then cruise along the harbor pier to see the former British Consulate and other waterfront sights.

This tour is straightforward yet engaging, giving you a close-up view of the city’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks. The guide shares insights into Kaohsiung’s past and present—making history tangible as you ride. The ride is leisurely enough for most fitness levels and suitable for families or solo travelers.

Despite only having one review, the high rating of 5/5 suggests a memorable experience. The focus on cycle-friendly routes and scenic stops makes it perfect for outdoor lovers who want an active introduction to Kaohsiung.

Bottom Line: An energetic, scenic way to explore the city’s waterfront and cultural sites on two wheels.

4. From Kaohsiung: Kenting & Ocean Coast Private Day Tour

For around $150-200, this private day trip takes you from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s southernmost tip. It covers stunning landscapes, including the Eluanbi Lighthouse, Southernmost Point of Taiwan, and Longpan Park. The tour includes a visit to the National Museum of Marine Biology, making it both scenic and educational.

What makes this trip special is its flexible itinerary. You can customize stops based on your interests, whether that’s hiking, beach lounging, or snapping photos. The private vehicle ensures comfort and convenience, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a full day of coastal scenery and marine life.

Tourists praise the experience for its professional driver-guide and well-paced schedule. The stops are photo-worthy and allow for some downtime to relax or explore. The tour is best suited for those with a day to spare, eager to explore Taiwan’s natural coast and marine wonders.

Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers and those wanting a customized coastal adventure.

5. Kaohsiung: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Priced at $48 per person, this private walking tour offers an unscripted, personalized way to explore Kaohsiung. Guided by someone passionate about their city, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a flexible, relaxed approach.

You’ll learn tips and secrets that only locals know, from hidden eateries to scenic viewpoints. The guide’s local insights turn a simple walk into a lively conversation about Kaohsiung’s quirks and charms. While the reviews are modest (3.9/5 from 7 reviews), many appreciate the friendly atmosphere and tailored experience.

Ideal for those who want a casual, intimate exploration without a fixed itinerary, this tour emphasizes personal connections and authentic insights over structured visits.

Bottom Line: A relaxed, personalized introduction for travelers eager to connect with locals.

6. Taiwan: 10-Day Private Island Tour with 4-Star Hotels

This luxury 10-day tour is the ultimate way to see Taiwan. It’s pricey at $2,000 but offers top-rated 4-star accommodations, seamless transport, and expertly curated experiences. Highlights include the mountains and lakes of Yilan, Hualien’s scenic coast, and Kenting’s beaches.

The tour is all-inclusive, with flexible schedules and multilingual guides. Perfect for travelers who want a stress-free, high-end experience across Taiwan’s most stunning landscapes—an excellent choice for a special occasion or a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Reviews are unavailable, but the detailed itinerary and top-tier lodgings suggest a premium service. This tour is best suited for those with the budget for luxury and a desire for a comprehensive, worry-free exploration.

Bottom Line: For travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and extensive coverage of Taiwan’s highlights, this is the ultimate luxury experience.

7. Kaohsiung: Highlights & Cultural Private Day Tour

At $125 per person, this full-day private tour dives into Kaohsiung’s culture, architecture, and history. You’ll stroll across Dagang Bridge for harbor views, visit the British Consulate at Takow, and finish at the scenic Xizi Bay.

The tour offers flexibility, with a private vehicle and driver. It’s especially good for those interested in local history and architecture. The guide’s storytelling brings the sites to life, making it more than just sightseeing.

Although no reviews are listed, the itinerary’s variety makes it attractive for travelers wanting a comprehensive day with a cultural focus. It’s suitable for those who enjoy history, architecture, and scenic views.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, cultural exploration suited for history buffs and design fans.

8. Kaohsiung: 4-Day Southern Taiwan Cultural Tour

This multi-day tour offers a deep dive into southern Taiwan from Kaohsiung, including Tainan’s historic temples, Kenting beaches, and local markets. Cost and reviews aren’t specified, but the itinerary promises rich experiences over four days, making it ideal for travelers wanting an immersive trip.

Highlights include Tainan’s Chihkan Tower and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, plus exploring Sicao Green Tunnel and Kenting’s lively night markets. The comprehensive nature makes it perfect for those with time to spare but wanting a guided, curated experience.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to spend several days exploring Southern Taiwan with a guided, structured itinerary.

9. Kaohsiung: Fo Guang Shan, Lotus Pond & Pier-2 Day Tour

This 9-hour day tour offers a blend of religious, cultural, and modern sights. Starting at Fo Guang Shan, you’ll explore its grand temples, then visit Qishan Old Street for local food, Weiwuying for contemporary art, and Pier 2 Art Center for urban creativity.

The tour is structured but allows for some flexibility, with a meeting point at Zuoying HSR Station. It’s a great way to see both cultural landmarks and the modern art scene in one day.

Guests are encouraged to arrive on time, as the tour departs promptly. It’s best suited for those wanting a rundown of both religious and modern aspects of Kaohsiung.

Bottom Line: A balanced, full-day introduction to Kaohsiung’s spiritual sites and artistic highlights.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a tour in Kaohsiung, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after an intimate, flexible experience, our top pick is the Kaohsiung Private Tour – Discover Local Hidden Gems. For cultural highlights combined with art, the Private City Tour with Fo Guang Shan Museum is excellent. Active travelers might prefer the Guided Cycling Tour, while those with more days should consider the 10-Day Private Island Tour.

Think about whether you want a full-day experience, a relaxed cultural walk, or a multi-day journey. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular private tours and multi-day options, to ensure availability during peak travel seasons.

Kaohsiung offers a versatile array of tours that fit many travel styles—from intimate walks and cultural outings to full-scale explorations of southern Taiwan. Whether you’re seeking an authentic local experience or a comprehensive sightseeing package, there’s something here to make your visit memorable. For best results, match your choice to your interests and available time, and don’t forget to book early to secure your spot. Happy exploring!