3-Night, 4-Day Taipei Adventure via Asiana Mileage Seats
While there are many cities you can visit with just a couple of extra days off on the weekend, Taipei consistently ranks high for its short flight time and perfect balance of food and attractions. This post gives you a realistic account of a 3-night, 4-day trip to Taipei using Asiana mileage seats, covering everything from itinerary planning to transportation, accommodation, budget, and booking tips. No exaggerated emotions here, just the essential information needed to plan now. Here’s what you can expect:
- How to find and book a Taipei flight ticket using Asiana mileage seating and the best timing for reservations
- City transit paths: transport from the airport to the city and how to use the subway and buses
- Recommended 3-night, 4-day itinerary: Ximending–Dihua Street–Ningxia Night Market, Beitou–Tamsui, Jiufen–Shifen, National Palace Museum–Yongkang Street
- Key features of each location, a brief history, fees, and locations
- Tips for booking local activities/tours and saving on budget
- Recommended lodging areas, price ranges, and links for price comparison and booking
Preparation
Taipei is perfect for a raincoat or a lightweight waterproof jacket, and since you’ll be walking a lot, comfortable sneakers are a must. Just bring a multi-adapter (Taiwan uses 110V, Type A plugs), a portable battery, and some cash to recharge your transportation card, and you should face no big difficulties.
Prepare Travel Essentials has a list of basic items I usually prepare. Use it as a checklist before you set off.
Tip
For mobile data, eSIM is convenient. To save time searching for a SIM at the airport, purchase and install an eSIM in Korea in advance, activating it as soon as you arrive at your destination for smoother navigation.
Flights
Asiana mileage seats’ availability varies based on peak/non-peak seasons, days of the week, and boarding class. For the Incheon–Taoyuan (Taipei) route, seats tend to be available during mid-week and on morning/evening flights, while evening flights during holidays/weekends are highly competitive. The key is to search with a broader date range.
- Search path: Login to Asiana Club → Bonus Tickets → Enter itinerary → Use date flexibility options (±3 days, etc.)
- Booking: Mileage is deducted, but fuel surcharges and airport taxes must be paid in cash (card accepted)
- Open seat timing: Generally available for search about a year before departure, with newly opened seats appearing sporadically due to schedule changes.
If Asiana mileage seats aren’t available on your desired dates, it’s a strategy to keep an eye on the lowest-priced paid tickets for the same date. This way, you can rationally decide whether cash or mileage is more advantageous.
Recommendation
Searching with different departure and return times often uncovers hidden seats. For example, consider both morning and afternoon times for outbound flights and open up nighttime for returns. The greater the flexibility with dates and times, the higher the probability of successfully booking Asiana mileage seats.
Note
Supply is highly limited around Lunar New Year, Chuseok, Christmas, and the end of the year. If you’re considering Asiana mileage seats, it is recommended to conduct repeated searches 2-3 times a week several months in advance. Be sure to check the final amount during the payment stage as taxes and fuel surcharges may vary depending on the route and time.
Airport
From Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to downtown Taipei, options include the MRT express/general, airport buses, and taxis.
- MRT Express: About 35 minutes to downtown, about 6,000-7,000 KRW one-way
- MRT General: About 45-50 minutes, about 5,000-6,000 KRW one-way
- Airport Bus: 50-70 minutes depending on the route, about 4,000-6,000 KRW one-way
- Taxi: About 45,000-55,000 KRW to downtown (depending on traffic conditions)
If you have a lot of luggage or are arriving at night, a pre-booked pickup is advantageous for managing your route.
Tip
If you plan to take the MRT or buses immediately upon arrival, purchase and charge your transportation card (EasyCard) right at the airport. Preparing 20,000-30,000 KRW with an initial charge including the deposit will make it easier to navigate in the city initially.
Itinerary
The following itinerary is arranged based on ‘pleasant walking time’ and ‘minimizing travel paths.’ Be aware that operating hours and admission fees can change based on the season and local conditions, so please check official channels prior to visiting.
Day 1: Ximending, Dihua Street, Ningxia Night Market
Ximending is Taipei’s quintessential bustling street, well-organized as a pedestrian zone. It’s a good place to get into the rhythm of your trip after checking into your accommodation and unpacking. Street performances, character shops, and small boutique shops are clustered here—ideal for light shopping and snack hunting. Street food prices range from 2,000–6,000 KRW, and café drinks are about 4,000–7,000 KRW.
Dihua Street is a historic trade center area with remnants of the Qing Dynasty. It is lined with traditional herbal medicine stores, dried goods shops, and curated souvenir stores. With picturesque brick architecture, it’s a joy to wander around. This is the place to buy pineapple cakes and dried fruits, with many stores offering free samples.
For dinner, head toward Ningxia Night Market. It’s not huge, but the dining concentration is high, offering great satisfaction with options like oyster omelets, oyster pancakes, fried chicken wings, and peanut ice cream—enough variety for 10,000-20,000 KRW per person.
Recommendation
The Ximending–Ningxia route is optimal with a combination of walking and the subway. If you want to save travel time, consider using a ride-hailing app near Ningxia Night Market to return to your accommodation directly.
Day 2: Beitou Hot Springs, Sunset in Tamsui
Beitou is a hot spring area where you can arrange a walking path around the park, library, and the subtle sulfur-scented Geothermal Valley (Hell Valley). Public baths cost about 5,000-10,000 KRW, while private bath/room facilities range from 20,000-60,000 KRW. Note the distinction between public baths that require no clothing and facilities that require swimwear. Check beforehand.
In the afternoon, head to Tamsui, where you can stroll along the riverside promenade and visit places like Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf for stunning sunset views, Tamsui Old Street for snacks like fishball skewers and fried mochi (2,000-4,000 KRW), or enjoy dinner in Tamsui or back near Ximending/Zhongshan for beef noodles (6,000-12,000 KRW per bowl).
Note
Paths around Beitou Geothermal Valley can become slippery if it rains. Non-slip sole sneakers are recommended, and some facilities require towels and swim caps—please check regulations and prepare accordingly.
Day 3: Jiufen and Shifen Day Trip
On the third day, go on a nearby trip to Jiufen and Shifen. Jiufen is famous for its narrow streets and layered teahouse scenery, while Shifen allows for the unique experience of sky lanterns against the backdrop of an old railway village. Travel by public transportation to Jiufen costs about 4,000-5,000 KRW one way. Considering the additional Jiufen–Shifen travel and return, it takes considerable time. A dedicated shuttle or small group tour is efficient when visiting multiple places in a day.
Book Travel Activities to check out bundled courses for Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu. Opting for hotel pickup/drop-off can significantly reduce your travel path.
Tip
Clouds and fog are frequent, making the afternoon and sunset times richer in contrast for photography than the morning. However, as the alleys are crowded, save the locations of major points (such as teahouses with views) in advance.
Day 4: National Palace Museum, Yongkang Street, Departure
The National Palace Museum in Taipei holds a vast collection of Chinese art and craft. Viewing the permanent exhibition takes about 2 hours, but if you have specific interests, you can spend half a day. Admission is roughly 15,000 KRW (subject to change based on exhibitions/programs), and an audio guide will make your tour easier.
For lunch, head to Yongkang Street to enjoy popular dishes like Xiao Long Bao, beef noodles, and mango shaved ice. Meals generally cost 10,000-20,000 KRW per person while desserts are about 5,000-10,000 KRW. Finally, pass by Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall or Ximending for some light shopping before heading to the airport.
Local Transport
The Taipei MRT is color-coded by line, making it easy for first-timers to navigate. Fares vary depending on distance, but city travel generally costs around 1,000-2,000 KRW. The bus system lacks Korean signage, so it’s helpful to check the bus number and stop names for your destination with a mapping app to avoid mistakes.
Tip
Top-up the EasyCard in small amounts to manage your balance easily. If traveling with more than one person, periodic small top-ups can be more economical than a daily pass.
Dining & Cafés
- Beef Noodles: Thick noodles in a rich broth are the highlight. Spiciness and seasoning vary by region, so request ‘sauce on the side’ to tailor it to your taste. Generally 6,000-12,000 KRW.
- Xiao Long Bao: Known for its thin skin and broth. Best enjoyed when steam rises from the steamer. About 10,000-20,000 KRW per person.
- Mango Shaved Ice: Many menus feature seasonal fruits in summer. Priced at 8,000-15,000 KRW.
Recommendation
Visit local favorites right after they open for dinner or during off-peak hours (3-5 p.m.) to significantly cut down the waiting time.
Experiences & Tours
Taipei’s attractions near the city offer day trip appeal, making tours that include vehicle transport a time-saver. Themes range from night photography classes, teahouse tastings, and bicycle tours.
Note
Outdoor programs may be shortened/altered in case of rain. Always check the refund/change policy on the voucher before booking.
Budget
For a 3-night, 4-day stay (excluding flights), here’s a conservative estimate of per-person expenses:
- Transport: About 30,000-60,000 KRW for airport return & city transit
- Meals: Approximately 50,000-90,000 KRW covering three meals & snacks daily
- Admissions & Experiences: Varies by preference, 20,000-80,000 KRW
Securing an Asiana mileage seat can significantly reduce your airfare cash outlays. However, note that fuel surcharges and taxes will still apply, so be sure to check the final total at the payment stage. If your desired dates aren’t available for mileage seats, compare them with discounted cash fares to maintain a balanced budget.
Check This Month’s Klook Discount Codes
Check My Real Trip Discount Codes
Tip
Certain activities and transport passes may offer additional discounts on specific weekdays. By checking the promotion page one week and the day before departure, you can snag easily overlooked discounts.
Accommodation
Here’s a breakdown of pros and cons by area:
- Ximending: Convenient for dining, shopping, and nighttime. Potential for weekend noise.
- Zhongshan: Densely packed with cafés and restaurants, with easy transfers on Airport MRT and MRT.
- Taipei Main Station: Advantage as a transportation hub, with many large chains near stations.
- Daan/Xinyi: Relatively quiet with numerous newly built hotels.
Price range (excluding peak season, per night): Guesthouses 30,000-70,000 KRW, mid-range hotels 100,000-200,000 KRW, high-end 250,000 KRW or more. There’s a significant difference in location and room conditions even within the same tier, so price comparison is important.
Recommendation
For early checkout days, accommodations with good access to the Main Station or Airport MRT are convenient. Conversely, for a night market-centered itinerary, consider Ximending or Zhongshan.
Securing Asiana Mileage Seats
Booking Asiana mileage seats for Taipei, a popular route, can be competitive. Increase your success rate with these tips:
- Flexible Dates: Search with ±3 days flexibility for departure and return.
- Flexible Times: Evaluate early morning and late evening options.
- Frequent Re-checking: Seats often reopen due to schedule changes or cancellations. Check daily or at least 2-3 times a week.
- Compare One-way & Round-trip: Sometimes a combination of one-way and paid seats results in a better total fare. Simulate flexible combinations.
- Consider Multiple Airports: Evaluate accessibility from Gimpo/Incheon, though Taoyuan Airport is generally used for Taipei.
Verify seat availability for Asiana mileage prior to confirming other aspects of your trip. Once seats are secured, you can arrange the rest such as accommodation and tours, making for a more stable itinerary.
Note
Mileage policies and deduction criteria can change. Always refer to the official Asiana Club notice and policies at booking time and double-check travel plan, passenger information, and fee policies before payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I mix mileage and paid seats?
A. Yes. For instance, you can use an Asiana mileage seat for your outbound flight and pay for your return (or vice versa). Just consider the balance of total fare and schedule.
Q. How do I check baggage regulations?
A. Baggage allowances vary depending on ticket type (class) and route. Confirm the fare rules at the issuance stage, and note that mile seats generally adhere to the same baggage regulations as paid seats.
Q. What should I do if there are no seats visible?
A. Broaden your date/time range or consider switching the order of outbound/inbound flights. If it’s still difficult, compare with discounted cash fares for a realistic budget evaluation. You can quickly check using the link below.
Practical Local Tips
Tip
Preparing an ample supply of small zipper bags is beneficial for organizing electronics, transport cards, and receipts in case of rain.
Note
There’s a high tendency for cash payments at night markets. Disperse small cash amounts and keep your bag’s zipper in front when in crowded areas.
Recommendation
The Beitou branch of the National Taipei Library is an eco-friendly wooden building worth visiting during a Beitou itinerary for a 20-30 minute break. It’s free to enter, offering a quiet spot for relaxation.
Closing
Taipei is perfectly suited for ‘eating, walking, and relaxing.’ If you can secure an Asiana mileage seat, you can save significantly on airfare while stabilizing your travel schedule to enhance the quality of your trip. Use the itineraries and budget tips outlined in this post to prepare in the following order:
- Search and secure Asiana mileage seats and compare with paid total prices
- Decide the mode of transit from the airport to the city (night & heavy luggage=pickup, day=airport MRT)
- Book activities and local tours for the 3-night, 4-day itinerary
- Based on the itinerary, select accommodation and compare prices for booking
- Optimize your budget with discount codes and promotions
The following links are the actual pages I use for itinerary planning. Once seats are secured, the rest can be quickly arranged. If the desired Asiana mileage seats aren’t visible, concurrently check with discounted paid fares. For pickups, activities, and accommodations, reservations in advance are recommended. Feel free to check the links below for your convenience.
- Book Lowest Fare Tickets — Alternatives if mileage seats are unavailable
- Book Airport Pickup — Useful for night arrivals or with lots of luggage
- Book Travel Activities — Offers tours to Jiufen, Shifen, night view, tea tasting, and more
- Check This Month’s Klook Discount Codes — Budget savings for activities and transport passes
- Compare Hotel Prices & Book — Check prices and reviews by area at a glance
- Prepare Travel Essentials — For electronic and personal item checks
- Check My Real Trip Discount Codes — Alternative options for local tours and guides
This season, secure an efficient schedule using Asiana mileage seats to enjoy Taipei’s hidden gems on a budget. With seats now visible, it’s the best time to book.