When people think of Kenting, they envision azure waters and tropical vibes, but many travelers don't know that Sihchong, just a 30-minute drive from Kenting, is the most famous hot spring destination in southern Taiwan. With over a century of hot spring culture and combined with the Hengchun Peninsula's abundant seafood and diverse culinary traditions, it creates a unique "hot spring dining" experience. From refined Japanese kaiseki cuisine at traditional hot spring inns, to authentic street food on Hengchun Old Street, and Southeast Asian-inspired restaurants along Kenting's coast, this forms a richly layered culinary map of the southern nation.
Highlights
Sihchong Hot Spring is a bicarbonate spring with gentle water quality, known as the "Beauty Spring" for its skin-softening effects. The hot spring dining culture here blends Japanese colonial-era refinement, Hakka simplicity, and Southeast Asian immigrant warmth. What makes this place truly special is that you can experience tranquil mountain hot springs one day, then enjoy fresh seafood by the beach the next—a richness of mountain and sea experiences quite rare among Taiwan's hot spring destinations. The winter Sihchong Hot Spring Festival adds romantic ambiance, with light installations and warm springs creating a unique winter festival in southern Taiwan.
Recommended Spots
Fennel Romance Hot Spring Resort
Located within Sihchong Hot Spring Park, Fennel Romance is an excellent starting point for hot spring dining. Public pool tickets are NT$270, offering 8 themed SPA pools from hinoki wood to herbal baths. The resort's restaurant features wellness cuisine using local organic vegetables and hot spring eggs, presenting light and elegant Japanese-style dishes. Their hot spring shabu-shabu hot pot, cooked with Sihchong hot spring water, is highly recommended—the broth is sweet and lingering, paired with Hengchun local wild vegetables, creating a perfect combination that's both warming for the body and soul.
Sihchong Qingquan Japanese Hot Spring Inn
Inheriting the hot spring culture from the Japanese colonial era, Qingquan Inn preserves traditional Japanese architectural style. Their kaiseki cuisine incorporates local Taiwanese ingredients, creating a unique "Taiwanese-Japanese fusion" style. The chef skillfully uses seasonal seafood from Pingtung and local produce like Hengchun onions and Fangshan mangoes, presenting refined dishes with rich layers. Average spending is approximately NT$1,200-2,000 per person, and reservations are required. Enjoying cuisine on tatami mats after a hot spring soak while gazing at distant mountains is a rare moment of zen for city dwellers.
Hengchun Chen Seafood Restaurant
A 15-minute drive from Sihchong brings you to Hengchun Old Street. Chen Seafood Restaurant is a locally certified seafood favorite. The owner personally purchases at Houbihu Fishing Port every morning to ensure ingredient freshness. Their signature steamed grouper has sweet, tender flesh; garlic chicken features crispy skin with juicy meat; and fried rice is perfectly separated with fragrant aroma. Average spending is approximately NT$400-600 per person—generous portions at affordable prices. Located beside Hengchun Ancient City Wall, you can visit historical sites after dining and experience the charm of the old city.
Mambo Thai Restaurant
Located on Kenting Street, Mambo Thai Restaurant serves as the Southeast Asian-flavored conclusion to your hot spring journey. The chef from northern Thailand excels at combining Thai spices with Taiwanese seafood. Their signature coconut curry crab uses local three-spot crabs with rich coconut aroma and fresh meat; the tom yum shrimp soup is perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, ideal for reviving tired taste buds after hot spring bathing. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with average spending of approximately NT$350-500, making it an excellent choice for experiencing multicultural fusion.
Ah Xing Sashimi
Hengchun's hidden culinary gem—a small, unassuming shop with amazing sashimi quality. 40 slices of sashimi for just NT$200, with freshness rivaling high-end Japanese restaurants. Owner Ah Xing has 30 years of sashimi experience with precise knife work—the fish slices are consistently thick, melting in your mouth. Paired with the shop's special wasabi soy sauce, the layers of flavor are rich. No fancy decor here, but this is definitely a foodie's hidden favorite, embodying the true essence of Taiwanese folk cuisine.
Useful Information
Transportation
The most convenient way to reach Sihchong from Kenting is by car, approximately 30 minutes. For public transit: take the THSR to Zuoying Station, then board Route 9189 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Kenting Express to Hengchun Transfer Station, then transfer to Route 518 bus or shuttle. Buses run every 30-40 minutes, first bus at 08:40, last bus at 18:00, approximately 20 minutes one way. During the Sihchong Hot Spring Season (2025/11/21-2026/3/1), dedicated shuttle buses are available from Hengchun for just NT$50.
Cost Reference
Hot spring public pool admission NT$270-400; refined hot spring restaurants NT$1,200-2,000 per person; general seafood restaurants NT$300-800 per person; Old Street snacks NT$50-150; night market food NT$30-100. For parking, recommend using Hengchun Multi-story Parking Lot or Longquan Temple Free Parking Lot.
Operating Hours
Fennel Romance Hot Spring Resort 08:00-21:00; Sihchong Hot Spring Park Visitor Center 10:00-17:30; Hengchun Night Market operates on Sundays; most restaurants 11:00-21:00, please confirm in advance.
Travel Tips
Visiting Sihchong on weekdays means fewer crowds and a more relaxed hot spring experience. Consider planning a two-day, one-night itinerary: soak in hot springs in the morning of day one, then explore Hengchun Ancient City and taste snacks in the afternoon; on day two, head to Kenting Beach and experience different flavor restaurants. During the hot spring season, the lights are spectacular but crowds are large—depart early. Fresh seafood purchased directly at Houbihu Fishing Port is cheaper and fresher, and restaurants will cook it for you. Hengchun Old Street has narrow roads—recommend parking at the multi-story parking lot and exploring on foot. Remember to bring sun protection; southern Taiwan's sunlight is strong, even in winter. Finally, don't forget to try the local specialty onion ice cream to perfectly conclude this hot spring culinary journey.
