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Exploring Taipei in 3 Days with Asiana Mileage Conversion: Efficient Routes, Transportation, Accommodation, and Budget
Taipei, a compact yet vibrant city, consistently ranks high as a satisfying destination for both first-time visitors and return travelers. In this post, I’ll guide you through a three-day itinerary that efficiently covers both downtown Taipei and its nearby areas (Jiufen and Shifen). You’ll find recommendations for transportation, key attractions, public transit, accommodation criteria, food, entrance fees, and realistic budget tips, including how to effectively use Asiana mileage conversion alongside cash payment for flights. This post is straightforward, free of unnecessary exaggeration, providing only essential information that you can directly use in your travel planning.
Preparation
Pack light but take only the essentials before your trip. Taipei has high humidity and frequent showers, so I recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket, comfortable sandals or well-ventilated sneakers, a portable fan, and a folding umbrella. For transportation, payment, and communication, it’s basic to prepare EasyCard top-up, transport apps (comprehensive map app, Taipei MRT app), and either roaming or local SIM/eSIM.
Tip
Opt for a lightweight rain jacket instead of an umbrella for hands-free exploration of night markets and alleys. I recommend a power bank of 10,000mAh or more.
Flights
The Incheon-Taipei (Taoyuan) route has significant fare fluctuations during peak seasons and weekends, so it’s in your best interest to secure your seats promptly once your schedule is set. A good alternative here is to use Asiana mileage conversion to either reduce cash expenditure or broaden your choice of seats. This is done by converting card points or partner points into Asiana Club miles to issue bonus airline tickets. Since seat availability changes frequently, it’s advisable to check in advance once your departure date is set.
Book the Cheapest Airline Tickets
Recommendation
If there are no mileage seats available or your preferred schedule is unavailable, mixing payment methods by cash for one-way and mileage for the other is also practical. In this case, securing the timing for Asiana mileage conversion first allows for flexible arrangements.
Mileage
If you’re trying Asiana mileage conversion for the first time, be sure to check the following checklist.
- Name Consistency: Ensure the English name on your card company and point accounts matches perfectly with your Asiana Club account to avoid conversion errors.
- Conversion Units and Duration: Each card company has different conversion rates, minimum conversion units, fees, and the time taken for completion. Generally, it may take a few minutes to several days, so it’s advisable to proceed with enough leeway before issuing tickets.
- Irreversibility: Asiana mileage conversion is typically non-cancellable. Check the availability of tickets beforehand and convert only the necessary mileage shortfall.
- Mileage Expiry Date: Asiana Club miles are valid for 10 years from the month they are credited. It’s advisable to use the oldest miles first while planning systematically.
- Family Mile Aggregation: If eligible family members, such as immediate family, are registered for family aggregation, mileage can be aggregated. Advance registration and proof of relationship are required.
For short-distance routes like Taipei, where taxes and fuel surcharges are relatively low, securing value with bonus airline tickets after converting Asiana mileage is easy. However, booking and ticketing policies are updated occasionally, so check the exact standard deduction and seat availability directly through Asiana’s official channels before ticketing.
Tip
If you plan on converting Asiana mileage, expand your seat search within a ±3 day departure range. When there is no direct flight, options for transfer via partner airlines can be useful.
Precautions
Even immediately after conversion completion, there may be some delay in system reflection. If you don’t see the mileage balance during the ticketing stage, recheck in a few minutes, and if urgent, confirm with customer service.
Route
The practical 3-day itinerary is as follows.
- Day 1: Ximending – Longshan Temple – Dihua Street (Dadaocheng) – Ningxia Night Market
- Day 2: Jiufen – Shifen (Sky Lantern) – Shilin Night Market
- Day 3: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – National Palace Museum – Taipei 101 Observatory – Beitou (Hot Springs) Optional
This route includes both the main city highlights and nearby attractions while minimizing travel time. We’ve arranged it so that night markets and cultural spaces don’t overlap within a day, avoiding excessive physical exertion.
Ximending
Located in the Wanhua District on Taipei’s west side, Ximending is known for its pedestrian-only streets and a wide array of street fashion and food options. It has transitioned from a commercial district formed during Japanese rule to a modern area symbolizing Taipei’s “youth.” The streets are packed with street performances, character shops, affordable beauty salons, and snack corners.
- Location: Exit at MRT Blue Line/Green Line ‘Ximen’ Station
- Budget: Snacks 3,000~7,000 KRW per time, casual meals 8,000~15,000 KRW approximately
Tip
For snacks, I recommend the “half-and-half strategy.” Share small amounts of Taiwanese cheese potatoes, giant chicken, and bubble tea to enjoy more variety.
Longshan Temple
Founded in 1738, Longshan Temple is a representative temple of Taipei. It’s impressive for its architectural elements combining Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, along with the local people’s prayer scenes. You might want to try the experience of buying incense to make a wish, but always respect the quiet atmosphere.
- Location: MRT Blue Line ‘Longshan Temple’ Station
- Admission: Free
Precautions
Many areas inside the temple restrict tripod photography. Be sure to check for signs and refrain from using flash.
Dihua Street
A street where the commercial traces from late Qing and Japanese colonial periods coexist with shops selling medicinal herbs, nuts, dried fruits, and chic cafes. The retro-style brick buildings and arched facades make for great photographs.
- Location: Area around Dadaocheng, walking distance from MRT ‘Beimen’ Station
- Budget: Coffee 4,000~7,000 KRW, souvenir nuts 10,000~30,000 KRW
Recommendation
Small-packaged pineapple cakes and nougat crackers are low-burden gift options. Check the raw materials and sweetness indication to choose according to your taste.
Jiufen
Famous for its narrow alleys and red lanterns spread like terraced rice fields on the mountainside, Jiufen is a must-visit nearby attraction when visiting Taipei. The time after sunset, when the red lanterns are lit, is especially fascinating.
- Transit: Use Bus 965 from near Taipei City Hall Station, or train from Taipei to Ruifang and transfer to a bus
- Budget: Round-trip bus fare about 10,000 KRW, desserts and tea for one 8,000~15,000 KRW
Precautions
It’s crowded on weekends. Wear shoes with non-slip soles as there are many stairs and slopes.
Shifen
Shifen is famous for the experience of releasing sky lanterns in the village next to the railway. It’s exotic when a train passes by, and it’s great for outdoor photography.
- Transit: Use the Pingxi Line (branch line) from Ruifang Station
- Budget: One sky lantern 12,000~18,000 KRW
Tip
Using a combined bus/car tour of Jiufen and Shifen saves transfer times and makes it easy to catch the night view timing. Some of these packages don’t differ greatly in price compared to individual transit, so it’s worth comparing.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
A symbolic space known for its large plaza, memorial hall, and guard-changing ceremony. The grand marble architecture and blue roofs are impressive, and you can glimpse parts of modern Taiwanese history through the exhibits inside.
- Location: MRT ‘Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall’ Station
- Admission: Free
National Palace Museum
A museum famous for its extensive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts. Exhibits change periodically, so there’s always something new to see, and Korean audio guides are conveniently available.
- Location: Convenient access by shuttle/bus or taxi
- Admission: Approximately 12,000~18,000 KRW per adult (varies with exchange rate and promotions)
Recommendation
If you can’t invest more than 2 hours, follow the route focusing on the representative artifacts. Check the highlight course first on the museum’s official app.
Taipei 101
A place where you can quickly view the cityscape from the observatory elevator. The evening sunset to night view time slot is the most popular.
- Location: MRT ‘Taipei 101/World Trade Center’ Station
- Admission: About 25,000~40,000 KRW (varies with fast track and time slots)
Tip
If the weather is cloudy, use the mall or food court instead of the observatory. There’s an efficient route covering the representative handmade beef noodles and bubble tea brands in the same building.
Beitou
A northern hot spring area where the scent of hot springs pervades the city. There are a range of options from public hot springs to hotels/resorts offering one-day spa access.
- Transit: MRT Red Line ‘Xinbeitou’ Station
- Budget: Public hot spring 5,000~10,000 KRW, hotel day spa 20,000~60,000 KRW
Precautions
Each hot spring has different swimsuit policies. Check the entrance signs and whether a swim cap is required.
Transportation
Travel within Taipei is mainly handled by MRT and buses. By purchasing an EasyCard and using it with the top-up system, transfer discounts are automatically applied.
- MRT Fare: Approximately 1,000~3,000 KRW by section
- EasyCard Deposit: About 4,000 KRW (refundable under certain conditions upon return)
Tip
Enter your destination into Google Maps or a local map app, and it will guide you to the MRT exit number. This significantly shortens routes at stations with multiple entrances.
Food Expenses
Taipei is a paradise of budget-friendly food. Breakfast might include local sandwiches or soy milk; lunch could include beef noodles or hot pot; and for dinner, wrapping up with simple night market fare or dim sum is a solid plan.
- Breakfast: 4,000~8,000 KRW
- Lunch: 10,000~20,000 KRW
- Dinner: 12,000~25,000 KRW
Recommendation
Night markets are convenient for cash payments, but cards and mobile payments are increasing. Look for stalls that accept EasyCard to reduce the hassle of small change.
Budget
For a conservative estimate of individual expenses over 3 days (excluding airfare):
- Accommodation: 2 nights 120,000~400,000 KRW (guesthouse to mid-range hotels)
- Food Expenses: 3 days 60,000~120,000 KRW
- Transportation: 3 days 20,000~40,000 KRW (excluding airport transit)
- Admission and Activities: 30,000~100,000 KRW (varies by chosen programs)
If airfare is paid in cash, peak weekday round-trip fares are typically in the range of 200,000~500,000 KRW. By skillfully utilizing Asiana mileage conversion, you can lower cash expenses or expand seating options.
Check Out This Month’s Klook Discount Codes
Check Out MyRealTrip Discount Codes
Tip
There’s a significant fluctuation depending on peak/off-peak seasons and weekends. For accommodation and activities, capture your choices as soon as your schedule is confirmed, and check the remaining points available for Asiana mileage conversion through your card, etc., which speeds up decision-making.
Activities
The Jiufen & Shifen day tour, Taipei 101 fast track, and National Palace Museum guided tours can be booked locally, but during peak seasons, they are often sold out and have longer waiting times on-site. Pre-booking saves you time and generally enhances the overall satisfaction.
Recommendation
If your schedule is short, choosing just two options—city night tour and Jiufen & Shifen combined package—can cover the “essentials of Taipei” quite well.
Accommodation
Accommodations in Taipei can be broadly divided into “transportation hub” and “quiet retreat” types. Areas around Ximending, Zhongshan, and Taipei Main Station offer convenient MRT transfers, making for efficient routes, while Daan and the Minsheng District have cafes and parks nearby, ideal for relaxation.
- Price Examples: Guesthouse per night 40,000~80,000 KRW, business hotels 80,000~160,000 KRW, upper mid-range 160,000~300,000 KRW and above
Reserve Hotels at the Best Price Comparison
Tip
If you’re on a 3-day trip, staying in one place based on a convenient transfer station is less demanding in terms of time and energy than moving to unfamiliar areas.
Airport
For travel from Taoyuan International Airport to the city center, you can choose between airport MRT, bus, or taxi/vehicle pickup.
- Airport MRT: About 7,000~8,000 KRW, with express/regular options
- Bus: About 6,000~8,000 KRW, some routes operate at night
- Taxi/Pickup: Around 40,000~60,000 KRW if traveling with lots of luggage or people
Recommendation
If you arrive late at night or early in the morning or are with family or friends, booking a pickup is recommended. Per-person costs are not significantly different from public transit and reduce transit fatigue.
Asiana
Here’s a final rundown of tips using Asiana mileage conversion for booking.
- Scenario Setup: Decide your departure and arrival airports (Incheon/Gimpo to Taoyuan), set 2-3 preferred schedules, and prioritize direct/connecting flights first.
- Seat Search: Log in with your Asiana Club account to search for bonus ticket availability in the date range.
- Gap Calculation: Formulate a strategy to cover the mileage gap by topping up with card points if needed. Check conversion minimums and percentage conditions for Asiana mileage conversion.
- Conversion Execution: Proceed with the seat hold and ticketing process, considering the reflection time after conversion application.
- Taxes and Fees: Calculate the total cost by checking for taxes and fuel surcharges to be paid in cash upon issuance.
Even if Asiana mileage conversion doesn’t cover both legs of your journey, ticketing just one segment can significantly stabilize overall airline costs. This is especially beneficial for short-distance trips like Taipei, where you can aim for both schedule optimization and cost reduction.
Precautions
Asiana mileage conversion is generally non-reversible after conversion. Double-check the ticketing conditions and seat availability before proceeding with conversion.
Checklist
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
- Communication: Choose roaming/SIM/eSIM – set up in advance to connect immediately upon arrival
- Payment: Cards accepted abroad + small amount of cash
- Transport: Purchase and initial top-up of EasyCard
- Schedule: Key points and meal options for Day 1~3, 2~3 locations each
- Flights: Decide whether to use cash payment vs. Asiana mileage conversion combination
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What alternative courses are there for rainy days?
A. The National Palace Museum, commercial facilities (Taipei 101 Mall), and indoor routes with retro cafes in Dihua Street are smooth options.
Q. How much currency exchange is appropriate?
A. Since card payments are widely possible, preparing cash equivalent to 30,000~60,000 KRW per person for night markets and small payments is usually sufficient.
Q. Are there options for vegetarians or those on a single diet?
A. There are many options, such as Taiwanese vegetarian buffets and vegetarian dim sum. Remember the ‘素食 (Su Shi)’ label.
Conclusion
Taipei is compact with short distances between key spots, and offers a balanced experience of food, culture, and nature, making it highly satisfying even in three days. Choosing flights with favorable departure and arrival times is crucial to enhancing your trip’s density, and by incorporating Asiana mileage conversion, you can expand your seat options and manage overall costs more stably. Compare cash airline tickets and bonus airline tickets, but be sure to check conversion units, time consumption, and validity periods.
To facilitate execution, reservation and discount links have been compiled. Especially during peak season, the more you prepare in advance, the more leisurely your journey becomes.
- Flights: It is recommended to first check the lowest prices to compare cash purchases and ticket availability. Feel free to check it through the link below:
Book the Cheapest Airline Tickets - Activities: For popular products like Jiufen & Shifen, and the 101 Observatory, I recommend booking in advance to avoid selling out. Feel free to check it through the link below:
Book Local Activities - Discount Codes: Seasonal additional benefits are frequently updated. Check them before paying. Feel free to check them through the links below:
Check Out This Month’s Klook Discount Codes,
Check Out MyRealTrip Discount Codes - Accommodation: It is recommended to compare location, reviews, and prices all at once and book in advance. Feel free to check it through the link below:
Reserve Hotels at the Best Price Comparison - Airport Transfer: It is recommended to book pickup for late arrivals or early departures. Feel free to check it through the link below:
Book Airport Pickup - Essentials: For waterproof jackets, power banks, etc., it is recommended to prepare them online before departure. Feel free to check it through the link below:
Prepare Travel Essentials
By utilizing Asiana mileage conversion as a basic tool to optimize air costs and utilizing MRT/buses for light movement in the city and tours for neighboring areas, you can fully enjoy a leisurely, delightful, and fulfilling three-day trip to Taipei. Wishing you a safe and comfortable journey.