Updated: 2026-07-06

It's the moment you step off the bus in Kaohsiung, slip on your flip-flops, and wade into the sea that you really understand why Taiwanese people head south the second they get a break — here's a rundown of Kenting's beaches, transport options, and where to stay by area, to help make your first trip go more smoothly.

If you've already been to Taipei,Kaohsiung, the next suggestion you'll probably hear is the same one everyone gives: definitely set aside a day or two for Kenting. Kenting sits at the southern tip of the Hengchun Peninsula, the only part of mainland Taiwan with a true tropical climate, and it's alsoTaiwan Round-Island Routethe stop most often slotted into the southern leg. Once you actually set foot on Kenting Main Street or Nanwan Beach, you'll find it's a bit different from the 'resort town' you might be picturing — by day it's sun-baked beaches and surf shops, by night it's night market stalls and guesthouse owners chatting away, tourism and local life blending together in a way that ends up more relaxing than expected.

Which Beach to Choose: Nanwan, Baisha Bay, and Houbihu Each Offer Something Different

Kenting National Park has a long coastline, but the beaches visitors actually talk about are really just a handful, each with its own character.NanwanClosest to Kenting Main Street, with blue water and a gently sloping beach — the easiest spot to try banana boats or jet skis for the first time. The downside is that it gets crowded and noisy during peak season.Baisha BayOn the west side of Hengchun, with a high shell-sand content that makes the sand fine and white, and clearer water. It suits people who just want photos or a quiet swim, though it has fewer facilities than Nanwan and requires arranging your own transport.Houbihuis known for its coral reef coastline and snorkeling, and right next to the fishing harbor you can buy fresh-caught seafood. It's the better pick if you're into water activities or want fresh seafood. If you only have half a day, Nanwan is the easiest choice; with a full day, add Baisha Bay or Houbihu to your itinerary for a completely different experience.

How to Get to Kenting: Comparing Bus, Private Charter, and Self-Driving

Most foreign visitors first takeHigh Speed Rail (HSR)to Zuoying Station, then transfer to an intercity bus heading south — this is currently the most common way to go. Right outside Exit 2 of Zuoying Station is the ticket counter for the 'Kenting Express,' about 140 minutes direct to Kenting's Xiaowan, stopping along the way at Fangliao, Checheng, the National Museum of Marine Biology transfer stop, Hengchun, and Nanwan. Buses run frequently, about every 15 to 30 minutes, so you don't need to arrive too far ahead of time. If you have a larger group or want the flexibility to stop at Checheng or the aquarium for photos along the way, a private charter or local driver is better value; if you have a license and are used to driving on the right, self-driving or renting a scooter lets you freely decide how long to spend at each beach — but the Hengchun Peninsula gets intense summer sun, so make sure to use sun protection and stay hydrated if riding a scooter. Each option has its trade-offs, summarized in the table below:

Once you're in Kenting, the attractions are spread out, and a scooter is essentially the standard way to get around locally. Most visitors rent one in Kenting Main Street or Hengchun to make it easy to travel between Nanwan, Baisha Bay, and Houbihu.

Where to Stay: Kenting Main Street vs. Nanwan vs. Hengchun

Where you stay really depends on the pace you're after.Kenting Main Streethas a dense cluster of guesthouses, and you can walk to dinner and the night market — great for people who want the buzz and don't want to travel again at night;The Nanwan areais closest to the main beaches, so you can get in the water first thing in the morning — quieter, but with fewer dinner options;Hengchun Townshipis the more affordable, locally-flavored option, good for travelers on a budget or who want to avoid the noise of the tourist strip — though you'll need to allow more travel time to and from the beaches. Prices swing widely during peak season (summer break, long weekends), so book early. You can alsoCheck Kenting Accommodation Optionsto compare a few options before deciding (this article contains affiliate links; seeAffiliate Disclosure).

). Overall, Kenting rewards a slower pace — rather than checking off every beach, pick one or two spots you genuinely want to visit and leave time to sunbathe, eat seafood, and watch the sunset. That's also why a lot of people who only planned half a day the first time end up deciding on the way home to stay an extra night next time.