Hoi An is a charming town located in central Vietnam, but getting there from Hanoi requires some planning. In this guide, we’ll explore five different travel options to help you decide the best way to get from Hanoi to Hoi An, whether you prioritize speed, comfort, or budget.
Good to know
Before we dive into the details of all the available options to travel between Hanoi and Hoi An, there are a few important things you should know.
Location
Hoi An is located in central Vietnam, just south of Da Nang and about halfway between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. It’s approximately 100 km south of Hue and about 30 km from Da Nang, making it well-positioned for exploring other central Vietnamese destinations.
Da Nang: Transport hub
Da Nang is one of the largest cities in Vietnam and the biggest transportation hub in central Vietnam. It offers a wide range of transport options, including buses that connect to destinations across the country, a major train station on the Reunification Express route, and an international airport with flights to other cities in Vietnam as well as international destinations across Asia. Da Nang serves as a convenient gateway to Hoi An, making it easy to reach by various modes of transport.
Transfers Da Nang – Hoi An
Most travelers arriving in Da Nang need to make the short trip to Hoi An. You have several options for making this 30 km journey, which takes around 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact locations.
- Travel time: 30 – 50 minutes
- Distance: Around 30 km, depending on the exact locations
Pre-booked car
Pre-booked cars are often cheaper than taxis, with prices starting at around €10 for a standard 4-seat car. Booking through your hotel might cost slightly more, but it ensures convenience—your car will be waiting for you on arrival and will bring you directly to your destination without any hassle.
Taxi
Taxis are available at any time at Da Nang’s airport, bus, and train stations. If you’re in Hoi An, your accommodation can easily call one for you. Taxis in Vietnam work on meters, with fares between €14 and €18, depending on the distance.
Ride hailing app
Using a ride-hailing app like Grab is another option. Sometimes cheaper than traditional taxis, ride-hailing apps also allow you to see the price upfront, giving you peace of mind about the cost.
Option 1: Flight
Flying is undoubtedly the quickest and easiest way to travel between Hanoi and Hoi An. Since Hoi An does not have its own airport, you’ll need to fly into Da Nang, which is just a 30-minute drive away. Similarly, in Hanoi, it takes around 30 minutes (or longer with traffic) to get from the Old Quarter to Noi Bai International Airport.
Flight information:
- Schedule: More than 20 flights a day
- Airlines: Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Viettravel Airlines
- Flight time: 1 hour and 20 minute
- Price: 35 euro with budget airlines up to 90 euro
Tips
- If it fits your budget, flying with Vietnam Airlines is the most recommended option for better service.
- For budget airlines, make sure to add checked luggage to your booking if needed, as this is not included in the basic fare.
- When flying from Da Nang, you only need to arrive at the airport about 1.5 hours before your flight.
Option 2: Train
Taking the train from Hanoi to Da Nang is a slower but more scenic and culturally immersive option, especially for train enthusiasts. The journey takes between 16 to 18 hours, depending on the train you choose. While there are daytime trains, which offer beautiful views of the Vietnamese countryside, traveling overnight may be more comfortable given the length of the trip. Regardless of the day time or night time option, it’s highly recommended to book a sleeper cabin for a more restful experience. For added comfort, you can opt for tourist trains that offer cleaner amenities and more privacy than standard Vietnam Railway cabins.
Train information
- Schedule: 4 to 6 trains a day
- Train: Vietnam Railway, Damitrans, Violette Express, Lotus Train, Laman Express
- Travel time: 16 – 18 hours depending on the train
- Price: From €25 per person for a bed in a standard 4-berth cabin, up to €75 for a bed in a premium tourist cabin
Tips:
- Choose overnight travel to maximize comfort and rest during the journey.
- Book a 4-berth cabin for more privacy and space.
- If you’re traveling with two people, consider booking all the beds in the 4-berth cabin to have the space to yourselves.
- If your budget allows, opt for a tourist cabin, which offers better amenities than the standard cabins of Vietnam Railway.
Option 3: Bus
Taking the bus is the least recommended option for traveling between Hanoi and Hoi An, especially given the long distance. However, it is the cheapest and the only option that allows you to travel directly from Hanoi to Hoi An without transferring through Da Nang. For this reason, it remains popular among budget-conscious travelers and backpackers. While the price is appealing, many travelers avoid buses due to safety concerns or the discomfort of sleeping on board.
Bus information
- Schedule: 20+ buses per day
- Bus companies: Multiple operators
- Travel time: 14 – 17 hours depending on the bus
- Price: From €18 for a standard sleeper, up to €35 for a VIP sleeper bus
Tips:
- If your budget allows, opt for the VIP sleeper bus, which offers more space and privacy, as well as curtains for each bed.
- For a more comfortable journey, avoid standard sleeper buses.
Option 4: Touring & Sightseeing
If you have the time and want to make the most of your journey from Hanoi to Hoi An, turning it into a multi-day sightseeing tour is a fantastic option. There are numerous incredible sights to explore along the way that you would miss by taking a direct flight or bus. Here’s how you can turn your journey into an unforgettable adventure:
- Hanoi to Ninh Binh by limousine van
Start by traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning karst landscapes and tranquil countryside. While in Ninh Binh, explore the highlights, such as a boat tour through Trang An’s hidden temples, hiking to the top of Mua Cave for breathtaking views, and cycling through picturesque rice fields. - Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi (gateway to Phong Nha) by train
From Ninh Binh, take a train to Dong Hoi, the gateway to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This region is home to some of the world’s largest and most impressive caves. Explore Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, or even embark on an adventurous trek to the famous Hang Son Doong Cave. - Sightseeing transfer from Phong Nha to Hue through the DMZ
Next, hire a car for a sightseeing transfer from Phong Nha to Hue. Along the way, visit important historical sites in Vietnam’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), such as the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh Combat Base, and Hien Luong Bridge. - Explore the Imperial City of Hue
Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, is a city full of historic wonders. Visit the Imperial City, explore the ancient tombs of the Nguyen emperors, and discover beautiful pagodas. - Sightseeing transfer from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass
Finally, enjoy a scenic transfer from Hue to Hoi An, passing over the famous Hai Van Pass, which offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Vietnam. Along the way, stop at local beaches, visit lagoons, and explore the Marble Mountains before arriving in Hoi An.
This touring option allows you to experience some of Vietnam’s most significant natural and historical sites, turning a simple journey into a rich travel experience.
