Taiwan is teeming with wonderful places to explore and you have the option to save time getting from one destination to another. Enter the Taiwan High Speed Rapid Rail (THSR). Or should I say, screech in. On a non-stop route, Taipei to Kaohsiung is said to be 80 minutes away. While it's the shortest HSR route, the THSR experience is something that you should try.
Compared to the regular train, THSR is faster but more expensive (but hey, time is money too!). It'll save you a few dollars if you book trips earlier (depends on your selected dates) to get discounted rates. Check out their Early bird rates and policy here.
THSR's online booking is also hassle-free. Go to their improved English website and your trip becomes easier even if you haven't boarded your train yet. You have the option to pay online, at the THSR counter, or visit Taiwan's popular convenience stores to pay and redeem your tickets. We got our tickets from Family Mart where a friendly cashier assisted us even with just little English.
Don't forget to enjoy the ride! Getting out of Taipei via THSR will give you a feast of everything Taiwan: lush mountains, busy factories, wide plains, and a whole lot more. Only downside of sightseeing while in the train? You won't get to smell and feel the fresh air. But you get to enjoy that when you arrive at your destination.
