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If you’re looking for unique things to do in Tainan, the Sicao Green Tunnel should definitely be on your radar. Often referred to as Taiwan’s “Little Amazon”, this peaceful boat ride takes you through a narrow mangrove tunnel surrounded by lush greenery and local wildlife.
I visited the Sicao Green Tunnel during my time in Tainan and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before you go, including ticket prices, how to get there, what the boat ride is actually like, and whether I think it’s worth adding to your Tainan itinerary.
How much does the Sicao Green Tunnel cost?
The Sicao Green Tunnel boat ride costs NT$200 per adult (around €5.36), and when I visited, you could only pay with cash at the ticket office.
There’s no real need to book your ticket in advance. Boats leave regularly throughout the day, so you can just buy your ticket and wait for the next departure. I was actually quite lucky – I arrived just as a boat was about to leave, so I didn’t have to wait at all. But of course depending on the day of the week and the time of day this can be different.
If you prefer booking online, you can also buy your ticket through Trip.com. It can actually be slightly cheaper, but you’ll just need to collect your ticket at the temple next to the entrance. But the temple next to it is one of the prettiest I have seen in Tainan, so really not a detour.
Personally, I also like booking through Trip.com because I collect Trip Coins by leaving reviews, which I can then use towards future hotels and attractions. It’s already saved me quite a bit of money over the past few months.
What is the Sicao Green Tunnel boat ride like?
The boat ride lasts around 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes travelling through the mangrove tunnel before the boat turns around and returns the same way.
Before boarding, everyone was given a had to protect you from the sun and a small life west. I’d still recommend bringing sunscreen and some water, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months, as there isn’t much shade once you’re on the boat.
The main attraction is, of course, the mangrove tunnel itself. It’s often called Taiwan’s “Little Amazon”, and it’s easy to see why once you’re surrounded by the dense green trees arching over the water.
Along the way, you’ll also spot some wildlife. During my visit, I saw several birds a few small crabs along the muddy banks, although exactly what you’ll see probably depends on the day.
There’s also a guide on board who explains what you’re passing, although only in Mandarin. Even without understanding the commentary, I still really enjoyed the experience. The scenery speaks for itself, and the staff was incredibly friendly. One of the guides even offered to take some photos of me, which is always appreciated when you’re travelling solo.
How to get to the Sicao Green Tunnel
The Sicao Green Tunnel is located just outside Tainan’s city centre.
There are public buses, but they don’t run particularly frequently, so getting there can take quite a while depending on your timing.
I decided to take an Uber instead. While Uber in Taiwan isn’t quite as cheap as it is in China, I still found it worth paying for the convenience. From my hotel near Chihkan Tower, the ride cost around NT$330 (around €8.85, whereas the bus would only have been a fraction of the price.
If you’re planning your itinerary, I’d recommend combining the Sicao Green Tunnel with Anping Tree House and Anping Fort, as they’re all in roughly the same part of the city. It makes for a really nice half-day exploring some of Tainan’s most popular attractions.
My tips for visiting the Sicao Green Tunnel
I’d recommend arriving earlier in the morning if you can. The boats start operating from 8:00 am, and the temperatures are much more comfortable before the midday heat arrives. They run until 4:00 pm.
That being said, I was told that I should arrive early because it would otherwise be very busy. But when I visited on a Tuesday around noon, I didn’t have to wait at all, but during weekends or public holidays you may need to queue for the next boat.
Don’t forget to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Water
- A camera or your phone
- Some cash if you’re buying your ticket at the entrance
Is the Sicao Green Tunnel worth visiting?
I definitely think the Sicao Green Tunnel is worth adding to your Tainan itinerary, i fyou have the time. It’s a relaxing break from exploring temples and historic streets, and it’s unlike anywhere else I visited in the city.
While the boat ride is fairly short, I still enjoyed the experience. If you’re already planning to visit Anping, I’d absolutely combine the two. Together they make for a great morning or afternoon and show a completely different side of Tainan.
Let me know if you have any questions
