JetsetterGuide
Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung

Taiwan

Ascend the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas for breathtaking views of Lotus Pond's shimmering waters and colorful dragon sculptures.

Currency New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Language Mandarin Chinese
Time Zone CST (UTC+8)
Best Time to Visit Feb–Apr
Typical Duration 14-45 nights
Price Range $1,560–$91,950 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Taiwan's vibrant culture and a major hub for Asian cruises, offering access to diverse regional destinations across East and Southeast Asia.

Cruises that visit Kaohsiung

Build Your Day in Kaohsiung

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
CAFFAINA COFFEE GALLERY KMFA Shop ... great atmosphere, dangerously yummy cakes and good coffee. Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 5k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
PAMMA COFFEE Love the chicken wings, brown sugar milk tea, and waffles 🧇 Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 4k Closed · Opens 11 AM
My cofi One of the most unique experiences I have had in Kaohsiung! Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Rruyo Coffee Great coffee, really nice tea cake plus ambience is a vibe. Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Tue
koou coffee (僅接待十二歲以上，老屋二樓空間安全考量） Loved their coffee cocktail with shochu and sake mixes Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Restart Coffee Roasters Easily one of the best coffee spots in Kaohsiung for a caffeine fix. Coffee store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Kissa Enso Vinyl Café Environment, music, beverages, very nice. Cafe · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Wed
光隱珈琲｜隱光珈琲 Dine-in·Takeout Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 2 PM Tue

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Kaohsiung

About Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung stands as a vibrant cruise hub in Asia, welcoming six major cruise lines including Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, Silversea, and Norwegian Cruise Line. While primarily a port of call, this dynamic Taiwanese city serves as a key stop on longer Asian itineraries, particularly on popular 14-night cruises that connect regional highlights like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Yokohama. With 33 upcoming sailings and peak activity during the winter and spring months, Kaohsiung offers excellent opportunities to explore Taiwan's second-largest city during your cruise vacation.

Stepping ashore, you'll discover a modern port city that beautifully blends contemporary culture with traditional charm. The iconic Lotus Pond and its stunning Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are within reach for those seeking spiritual landmarks, while the bustling night markets and waterfront districts showcase the authentic energy that makes Kaohsiung a memorable port experience. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, this welcoming destination rewards curious travelers with genuine hospitality and diverse exploration options.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Lotus Pond's Iconic Dragon Gate

Marvel at Kaohsiung's most photographed landmark—the stunning Dragon and Tiger Pagodas reflecting in the serene Lotus Pond. This spiritual sanctuary features intricate dragon sculptures, vibrant traditional architecture, and peaceful walking paths. The nearby Confucius Temple adds layers of cultural depth, making this essential for understanding local heritage and spirituality.

2

Street Food Paradise in Liuhe Night Market

Dive into Kaohsiung's legendary Liuhe Night Market, where vendors serve authentic dumplings, stinky tofu, fresh seafood, and bubble tea. This bustling marketplace captures the essence of Taiwanese street food culture with sizzling woks and aromatic spices filling the air. Perfect for sampling local flavors you won't find anywhere else.

3

Formosa Boulevard's Dome of Light

Descend into Kaohsiung's subway system to witness the breathtaking Dome of Light—a massive stained-glass masterpiece with 4,500 panels creating a kaleidoscope of colors. This artistic marvel is one of the world's largest domes and represents modern Taiwanese creativity. The station itself is a cultural experience blending art with everyday transit.

4

Pier-2 Art Park's Contemporary Installations

Explore this waterfront creative space featuring ever-changing contemporary art installations, interactive sculptures, and vibrant murals by international artists. The open-air park transforms the harbor area into a dynamic gallery celebrating modern creativity and local culture. It's an Instagram-worthy escape showcasing Kaohsiung's artistic evolution and innovation.

5

Liuhe Jade and Flower Market

Wander through this traditional market where vendors display exquisite jade carvings, fresh orchids, and local crafts in a sensory-rich environment. Haggle for authentic souvenirs while observing skilled artisans at work and learning about jade's cultural significance in Taiwanese tradition. This authentic market experience reveals daily local life beyond tourist areas.

Cruise Lines at Kaohsiung

Cruises Departing From Kaohsiung

Cruises Visiting Kaohsiung

Ship Schedule at Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung Location

Other Cruise Ports in Taiwan

Hualien
Hualien
Keelung (Chilung)
Keelung (Chilung)
Taipei

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaohsiung known for?

Taiwan's second largest city and its biggest seaport, a major container hub.

Where is Kaohsiung located?

In southern Taiwan; coordinates about 22.63 N, 120.30 E.

What was the Kaohsiung Incident of 1979?

A turning point in Taiwan's move toward democracy, following a confrontation with protesters.

What are notable attractions in Kaohsiung?

Love River, urban spaces like Urban Spotlight, and the bustling port district.