Overview
Kaohsiung is Taiwan's vibrant southern port city, a warm-weather alternative to Taipei with a laid-back waterfront atmosphere, striking modern architecture and some of the island's best street food. For UK travellers, flights to Kaohsiung mean routing through a major Asian hub before the final leg south, but the reward is a city that rarely appears on the UK tourist trail, with Cijin Island's beaches, the glowing Dome of Light and the temples around Lotus Pond all within easy reach of the compact city centre.
Best time to fly to Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung's subtropical climate keeps it warm nearly year-round, but the most comfortable months for UK travellers are October to April, when humidity drops and daytime temperatures sit comfortably in the low-to-mid 20s°C. Summer (June to September) brings intense heat, high humidity and the risk of typhoons, which can disrupt both domestic connections and sightseeing. Late January and February can see a spike in demand and fares around Lunar New Year, so it's worth checking the when to book chart above and flying just either side of it if you want to avoid the crowds.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Kaohsiung, so every itinerary involves at least one connection. The most straightforward option for many UK travellers is flying with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, which operates a short onward hop of around 90 minutes down to Kaohsiung International Airport. Alternatively, EVA Air and China Airlines both fly non-stop from London to Taipei Taoyuan (around 13-14 hours), from where you can either take a short domestic flight or hop on Taiwan's excellent High Speed Rail, which covers the roughly 300km to Kaohsiung in under two hours. Routings via Gulf hubs with Emirates, Qatar Airways or Etihad, connecting onward through Taipei or Hong Kong, are also worth comparing on the price charts on this page, as fares can vary considerably by carrier and season.
Things to do in Kaohsiung
Once you land, Kaohsiung rewards a few days' exploring with a mix of culture, food and waterfront charm:
- Lotus Pond: A scenic lake ringed with temples, most famously the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, best entered through the dragon's mouth and exited through the tiger's.
- Pier-2 Art Center: A former harbour warehouse district turned creative quarter, packed with sculpture, galleries and quirky street art.
- Dome of Light: A vast glass artwork suspended above Formosa Boulevard MRT station, illuminated after dark and one of the city's most photographed sights.
- Cijin Island: A short ferry ride from the harbour to sandy beaches, seafood stalls and a lighthouse with sweeping coastal views.
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: One of Asia's largest Buddhist complexes, home to a towering golden Buddha statue and peaceful gardens.
At Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)
Kaohsiung International Airport sits just 8km south of the city centre, making it one of the most convenient airports in Asia to arrive into. The Kaohsiung MRT Red Line has its own station inside the terminal, running directly into downtown in around 15-20 minutes for a low, flat fare. Taxis are readily available outside arrivals and take a similar amount of time, while airport buses connect to the High Speed Rail station for onward travel elsewhere in Taiwan.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kaohsiung
- Book your outbound leg 3-6 months ahead where possible, since fares on the UK-Asia routes that connect through to Kaohsiung tend to rise closer to departure.
- Fly midweek, typically Tuesday or Wednesday departures, rather than at weekends when demand and fares are usually higher.
- Stay flexible on dates and consider travelling just outside peak season, particularly around Lunar New Year, to unlock better value.
- Compare connecting airlines and hub cities, as routing via Hong Kong, Taipei or a Gulf hub can produce very different fares for the same travel dates.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, provided the passport is valid for the length of the stay. The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD); most hotels, restaurants and MRT stations in Kaohsiung accept card payments, though it's worth carrying some cash for street food stalls and smaller shops. No specific vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, though it's always worth checking current NHS travel health advice before you go.
