Complete guide to Asiana Mileage, Star Alliance with tips

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3 Days in Taipei: Making the Most of Your Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance for Budget-Friendly Travel

Taipei is always a satisfying choice whether it’s your first trip to an Asian city or a repeat visit. In this post, we’ll show you how to use Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance to get the best deals on airfare, and guide you through an efficient itinerary connecting the city and its outskirts over three days and two nights. We’ve outlined everything from transportation routes, recommended areas to stay, booking experiences, to a budget guide to make your planning process smooth and practical. This guide focuses on essential checklists and tips that will be genuinely helpful on-site, avoiding unnecessary exaggerations.

Utilizing Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance widens your options for direct flights or partner airline routes to Taipei. Depending on seat availability, you can significantly save on costs and flexibly arrange your schedule to suit your travel plans. The itinerary connects downtown attractions (Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Yongkang Street, Ximending), nearby areas (Jiufen, Shifen), hot springs (Beitou), sunset spots (Tamsui), and observation points (Taipei 101) seamlessly.

Preparation

Before departure, pack lightly but effectively, focusing on items you’ll frequently use during the trip. Bring a portable charger, a travel plug converter (Taiwan uses type A/B plugs), a compact umbrella, basic medicine, and cash for topping up transportation cards to save time on site.

Prepare Your Travel Essentials through this link to quickly organize your checklist.

Check your mileage in advance. If you plan to use Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance, ensure you’ve checked your account for available miles, their expiration date, family pooling, and how to search seats with partner airlines for a smoother booking process.

Tip

Seats for mileage booking are limited. If possible, start searching frequently 2-3 months before departure and book immediately when seats open. Note that some routes may not be available for online search with Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance airline partners, so be prepared to contact customer service if necessary.

Transportation

There are various direct flights from major airports like Incheon, Gimpo, and Busan to Taipei (Taoyuan TPE). The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, making it manageable even for a short weekend trip. Utilizing Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance allows you to consider options beyond Asiana Airlines by using partner airlines. Compare seat availability, departure times, and layovers to find combinations that best fit your schedule.

Check Best Flight Deals for cash prices and compare the value against booking the same itinerary with Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance to make a smart choice. Note that taxes and fuel surcharges are charged separately for mileage tickets, and partner flights may have different conditions per segment, so carefully check the booking page information.

Upon arrival at Taoyuan Airport, you can choose between the airport MRT, bus, taxi, or pre-booked pickup for downtown transfer. The airport MRT is cost-effective, and the travel time is consistent, making it a great choice for first-time visitors. If you have a lot of luggage or arrive late at night, using a pickup service to go straight to your accommodation can be convenient.

Pre-book your airport pickup through Booking Airport Pickup to match your flight arrival time and reduce waiting times.

Note

Check your passport’s validity (recommended at least six months from your return date) and the latest online entry guidelines before departure. Entry regulations may change, so refer to the latest official announcements.

Check-In

For accommodations, we recommend areas near major stations for convenience. Around Taipei Main Station offers easy transfers via airport MRT, railway, and subway, while Zhongshan, Da’an, Dongmen, and Ximending are great for dining, walking, and shopping in the evening.

  • Taipei Main Station: Transportation hub, ideal if planning to travel to outskirts the next day.
  • Zhongshan: Dense with cafes and restaurants, comfortable walking paths.
  • Ximending: Pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, close to shopping and night snacks.
  • Da’an/Dongmen: Abundant local dining and markets, perfect for a foodie itinerary.

Mid-range hotels range from 80,000 to 150,000 won per night in the off-season, while guesthouses and boutique types start around 60,000 won. Prices may rise during peak seasons, weekends, major exhibitions, or holidays, so compare and book as soon as your plans are confirmed.

Use Hotel Price Comparison Booking and apply filters for key areas, budgets, and reviews to quickly find lodgings that match your style.

Tip

If you plan to leave luggage before check-in, inquire at the front desk beforehand. Also, check for window availability, laundry room/self-service laundromat, and the possibility of storing luggage after check-out for more flexible scheduling.

Downtown

For your first afternoon, we recommend a light walking tour around downtown essentials. Focus on routes centered around stations easy for MRT transfers to minimize travel stress.

  • Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: MRT Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station (Red/Green Line transfer). The wide plaza and memorial hall, surrounded by parks, are great for a leisurely walk. Outdoor spaces are freely accessible and offer numerous points for historical exhibits and photography.
  • Yongkang Street: Near Dongmen Station. Famous for being a foodie destination for noodles, xiaolongbao, and mango shaved ice. Some restaurants may have waiting times, so aim for lunch or early dinner. Solo meals typically range from 10,000 to 20,000 won.
  • Ximending: A bustling pedestrian street area. Ideal for fashion, stationery, snack shopping, and night strolls. Bubble tea ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 won, while street snacks are usually 2,000 to 5,000 won each.

Recommendations

On your first night, opt for a night market or commercial area within 15 minutes reach from your accommodation for a light exploration. Avoiding excessive travel on arrival day helps with conditioning for the next day.

Note

In popular areas, avoid using easily accessible pockets for your bags, and keep your wallet and passport inside. Street food is best consumed fresh on the spot for safety.

Jiufen

On the second day, combining Jiufen and Shifen, the iconic outskirts of Taipei, makes for the most efficient itinerary. While public transport works fine, you might consider a car tour or shuttle if you wish to minimize transfers.

  • Option 1 (Public Transport): From Taipei Main Station, take the train (TRA) to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a bus → Jiufen. The Pingxi Line (Pingxi, Shifen) is accessible from Ruifang Station. Payment with a transportation card is easy, and planning a daily budget of around 10,000 won should be ample.
  • Option 2 (Tour/Shuttle): Pickup from designated time and place connecting Jiufen and Shifen in one go. Save waiting and transfer times, especially stable in adverse weather conditions.

Compare vehicle tours or shuttle options at Book Activities. Check pickup times and points, and included/excluded items for a smoother schedule.

Jiufen is renowned for its alleyways nestled on mountain slopes and the iconic red lantern scenery. Comfortable shoes are a must due to many stairs, and a hot cup of tea at a teahouse with a view is delightful. A tea set starts at around 10,000 to 20,000 won per person. Shifen offers a sky lantern experience on the rail side, with operations and prices varying by weather and local conditions, so follow site instructions.

Tip

If visiting Jiufen and Shifen on the same day, we recommend the Shifen (sky lantern) in the morning → Jiufen (sunset and night view) in the afternoon route. This avoids crowding on return buses/shuttles and matches the perfect time for photographing Jiufen’s lit-up lanterns.

Note

The stairs in Jiufen can get slippery in the rain or humidity. Wear sneakers or sandals with non-slip soles. As sky lanterns involve fire, always follow the staff’s safety instructions and maintain a safe distance from others.

Night Markets

Once you’re back in the city, it’s time to enjoy Taipei’s night markets. The famous Shilin Night Market is conveniently accessible from Jiantan/Shilin Stations, offering a wide range of foods and games to try in one spot. Grilled squid, pepper cakes, chicken cutlets, and fruit skewers are commonly priced between 2,000 to 6,000 won each.

Set a budget and savor small portions of various dishes for the most satisfaction. Keep your belongings at the front and cash divided into small amounts.

Recommendations

You can adjust the sweetness of fruit juices and bubble tea. If it tastes too sweet, try ordering with ‘half sugar’ or ‘less sugar.’ We recommend visiting on the second day instead of the last day, leaving you time to revisit stalls you enjoyed.

Hot Springs

On the morning of the third day, unwind at Beitou Hot Springs to gently relieve fatigue. The remnants of hot spring culture from the Japanese colonial era are still evident, offering wide options from public hot springs to hotels with private rooms. Public facilities generally cost from 3,000 to 10,000 won per person, while hotel/resort-type hot springs offer time-based rates starting from 20,000 won.

After the hot spring, take a light walk around the Beitou Library and Geothermal Valley, and complete lunch at a local restaurant nearby with noodles or dim sum.

Note

Each hot spring has different regulations on swimsuits, swim caps, and towel rentals. Check signage before entry, and to prevent fatigue, limit bath time to 10-15 minutes per session based on your comfort temperature.

Sunset

In the afternoon, head to Tamsui to enjoy the sunset. From Tamsui Station, the end of the MRT Red Line, you can easily access the riverside promenade, market, and Fisherman’s Wharf via ferry. Weather permitting, the riverside’s colors are remarkable at sunset. A wide range of snacks and light meals make it sufficient for dinner.

Tip

After watching the sunset in Tamsui, continue to Taipei 101 Observatory for the night view, popular among visitors. If the timing is too tight, consider spreading visits between the first or second day.

Taipei 101

The view from the Taipei 101 Observatory can vary greatly depending on the weather. Clouds hanging low might reduce the satisfaction compared to the wait and cost, so check visibility info via digital signage, apps, or social media before you go. Entrance fees for adults are around 25,000 to 30,000 won, and booking online often reduces wait times compared to purchasing on-site.

Check Book Activities for observatory and skip-the-line options, as prices and benefits can vary by time slot.

Recommendations

If the skies are clear, entering 30-60 minutes before sunset allows you to capture both the golden sunset and night views. Tripods may be restricted, so make full use of your camera’s image stabilization feature.

Budget

The estimated cost for a 3-day, 2-night trip per person (excluding airfare) is roughly as follows: Meals 60,000-100,000 won, transportation 10,000-30,000 won (city MRT, bus, airport transfer), admission/tour 20,000-70,000 won, accommodation 120,000-300,000 won (2 nights, mid-range). Expenses will vary by travel style and season, so determine your priorities (eateries, experiences, lodging) and allocate accordingly for a rational plan.

Issuing tickets through Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance can reduce cash outlay. Book tickets when seats open and pay taxes and fuel surcharges by card. Using Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance partner airlines expands your choices for departure and return times, improving schedule efficiency.

Take advantage of pre-booking discounts and coupons for local experiences, transport, and admission tickets. Mobile vouchers are convenient for Taipei 101, Jiufen/Shifen shuttles, and airport pickups.

Check Klook’s Discount Codes this Month to apply coupons before booking to save on experience, transport, and admission budgets.

Also, Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes to broaden your choice of guided tours and local experiences.

Tip

Compare cash and mileage ticket prices together. When using Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance, targeting low-demand times such as off-peak weekdays, early morning first flights, or late-night returns can effectively help secure seats and enhance trip efficiency.

Note

Mileage use terms (change/cancellation fees, validity) follow airline policies. Seats provided by Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance partners may be limited per segment, so prepare alternative plans (1-2 options) just in case.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Incheon/Gimpo/Busan → Arrive at Taoyuan → Airport MRT/pickup to downtown → Check-in → Walk around Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall → Dinner on Yongkang Street → Evening stroll in Ximending
  • Day 2: Day trip to Jiufen/Shifen (public transport or shuttle/tour) → Shilin Night Market
  • Day 3: Beitou Hot Springs → Tamsui Sunset → Taipei 101 Observatory (or schedule adjustment) → Airport transfer → Return to Korea

The above itinerary is designed to simplify transfers while keeping walking time reasonable. The order can be adjusted depending on your accommodation location.

Using Asiana Mileage Effectively

Here are ways to effectively use Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance in your Taipei itinerary:

  • Compare Direct/Connecting Flights: Sometimes partner seats are more available even on the same dates. Broaden your options by checking Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance partner flights.
  • One-Way/Round Trip Strategy: Mixing strategies like paying cash for one-way and using miles for the return (or vice versa) can reduce total costs.
  • Optimize Timing: While departure on the first flight in the morning and late-night returns are popular, early searches can help you secure seats and maximize your travel time.
  • Seat Change/Waitlist: Sometimes better time slots open even after finalizing a schedule. Check change policies and maintain flexibility where possible.

Tip

When using Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance, taxes and fuel surcharges can vary by airline, even on the same route. Make sure to verify the final payment amount during the booking stage. Also, some routes may have limits on online booking, so have customer service inquiries ready as an alternative for a stable process.

Transport

The city can be navigated with just the MRT and buses. A transport card can be topped up and reused easily, with convenience stores facilitating quick recharges, even for beginner travelers. Choose between the airport MRT and pickup based on your arrival time and luggage weight, and aim to arrive at the airport two and a half hours before departure for a seamless return journey.

Check Best Flight Deals to view cash prices and compare with Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance availability. It’s the most reliable way to balance your total budget and travel time.

Conclusion

Taipei is a city that offers rich variations even for short trips, from alleys, food, hot springs, to scenic outskirts. This guide is structured for practical use, emphasizing on bookings, discounts, and transport methods that can be applied immediately. The key is preparation and timing. Streamline your flights with Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance, and reduce costs and time by booking local experiences and accommodation early.

The start of great travel lies in choice and focus. May this itinerary be a practical guide for those experiencing Taipei for the first time or visiting again. With consistent use of your Asiana Mileage and Star Alliance, you can skillfully save on airfare for future travels, too. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Taipei!