Alishan in a day?

Would it be possible at all to do Alishan in half a day? If I arrive Chiayi around 11.00 a.m., can I make the trip to Alishan and then back to Chiayi city by evening? I do not want to stay overnight as I plan to take the morning ferry to Penghu the next day. If it is too rushed, I will give Alishan a miss but would be grateful for any recommendations for sightseeing spots in Chiayi for half a day? I understand the Budai salt flats are only busy during Mar-Apr and unfrequented in other months? Can I hire a cab for half a day%26#39;s tour around the city? THanks.

Alishan in a day?

Alishan is do-able as a day trip. possibly a whole day would be more appropriate.If not doing Alishan, one could visit the Jianfushan theme park instead.

Alishan in a day?

Thanks mariatan

I note that the forest train schedule does not really allow people to do a day trip. The journey from Chiayi to Fenqihu is at 1000 or 1325, but the return from Fenqihu to Chiayi is at 1318 and 1000. Can I take a bus down and where can I take the bus from in Fenqihu please? Thanks.

Sightseeing spots and shopping mall in Chiayi city: welcome2taiwan.net/eng_2006/鈥ity72-76en.pdf

From Fenchihu %26gt; Chiayi (Downhill by bus)

This thread has the details: tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293910-i9303-k246鈥?/a>

Thanks for the info, so I will amend my itinerary to stay an extra night in Chiayi:

1st day - take TRA from Taipei to Chiayi on 8.30 a.m. train, arriving at 1142, buy Alishan forest train tickets (the 1000 a.m. train) for the next day departure, check in hotel (most likely White House Hotel (鐧藉澶ч／搴?, then go to Budai to buy tickets to Penghu for the day after departure, and visit the fishing port at the same time.

2nd day - train to Alishan on 1000 train, arrive Fenqihu at 1313, then take the 1700 bus down.

Slowly my itinerary is taking shape!

May I please check what are the 2 train stations, Bei men and Jia Bei? Do I take the forest train from either? Thanks.

Alishan forest rail trains depart from Chiayi Railway Station. It is the same railway station as when you arrive Chiayi by railway trains from Taipei or other cities. Alishan forest rail trains depart from a different train platform in the same railway station.

Beimen, about 1.6 km away from Chiayi Railway Station, is the first station stop after the Alishan forest rail trains depart Chiayi.

So helpful, thanks TaiwanDIY

wrinkles