The Complete Guide to Long Garden Hostel (龍園旅館), Chiayi County

Tucked in the quiet coastal township of Budai on Chiayi County’s western edge, Long Garden Hostel (龍園旅館) is the perfect low-key base for exploring off-the-beaten-path salt flats, wetlands, and traditional fishing villages. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of Alishan, this family-run guesthouse delivers comfortable, practical accommodation at unbeatable prices, ideal for slow travelers, road trippers, and families looking to experience Taiwan’s unfiltered coastal charm.

Hotel Overview

Long Garden Hostel is conveniently located at No. 205, Puzi cuo, Donggang Li, Budai Township, just a 10-minute drive from Budai Harbor and the area’s top natural attractions. The property caters to all travel styles, with a selection of non-smoking rooms, including spacious family units perfect for groups traveling with children. Every room comes with air conditioning, and free WiFi is available across the entire property, so you can easily plan your day’s adventures or share photos of your coastal explorations. For those driving around southern Taiwan, the property offers free private on-site parking with no advance reservation required, a major perk in this often crowded coastal area. The 24-hour front desk can accommodate late check-ins after a long day on the road, and staff offer luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures. Additional services include laundry and personalized travel advice for the local area, and while the front desk only speaks Chinese, basic translation apps make communication simple for international visitors. The entire property is fully non-smoking, keeping spaces clean and comfortable for all guests.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions sit within a 20-minute drive of the hostel. First, the Budai Salt Flats (just 8 minutes away) are a photographer’s dream: vast, glistening expanses of white salt that turn pink at sunset, with the iconic “high-heel church” installation drawing visitors from across the country. Second, Chiayi County Wetland Park (12 minutes away) is a haven for birdwatchers, hosting thousands of migratory waterfowl between October and March, with wooden boardwalks winding through marshes and mangroves. Third, Budai Fish Market (10 minutes away) serves some of the freshest, cheapest seafood in southern Taiwan, from grilled oysters to steamed grouper, letting you experience the area’s authentic fishing culture first-hand.

Travel Tips

If you’re visiting during migratory bird season (October to March), book your room at least two weeks in advance, as the area fills up quickly with birdwatching groups. The hostel is a 40-minute drive from Chiayi City, and the closest train station is in Budai, a 10-minute taxi ride away. For the best light at the salt flats, time your visit for the hour before sunset, and bring comfortable walking shoes for the wetland boardwalks. Most local stalls and restaurants only accept cash, so stop at an ATM in central Budai before heading out to explore.