Dalat, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can travel between Hoi An and Dalat, offering insights into each option’s convenience, cost, and travel time.
Good to know
Traveling to and from Dalat
Dalat is situated in the Central Highlands and is a favorite destination among Vietnamese travelers. It’s a relatively large town, which means it has good bus connections and some flights. However, most of these transport routes are between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, with fewer options for other destinations. Also, since Vietnam’s train network runs primarily along the coast, there is no direct train to Dalat.
Traveling to and from Hoi An
Hoi An is a charming tourist town, but it’s not a major transportation hub. The nearest large city is Da Nang, which has an international airport, a major train station, and a regional bus terminal. For most travel options that don’t go directly from or to Hoi An, your best bet is to travel via Da Nang. Thankfully, Da Nang is only a short 30-minute taxi ride from Hoi An.
Option 1: Flight
The good news is that there is a direct flight between Dalat and Da Nang, the nearest city to Hoi An. The downside is that this flight is not available daily—only a few flights per week are operated by Vietnam Airlines. If the flight coincides with the day you plan to travel, it is the best and fastest option. However, if there is no direct flight on your travel date, you’ll need to consider other alternatives.
Flights information:
- Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Airline: Vietnam Airlines
- Travel time: 1 hour
- Price: From €60
Tips
- If you can plan your trip around the available flight days, this is by far the most convenient option, offering a much more comfortable experience compared to the bus.
- If there’s no direct flight, consider flying via Ho Chi Minh City. The total flight time, including layover, is around 5 hours, which can still be more pleasant than the long bus journey.
Option 2: Bus
The bus is a popular choice for travelers heading from Hoi An to Dalat, especially since it offers direct transfers without the need to first travel to Da Nang. It’s also the most affordable option, making it a favorite among budget-conscious travelers like backpackers and locals. However, if there’s no available flight on your travel date, many travelers opt for the bus. The journey takes around 8 to 10 hours, and sleeper buses are typically used for this route.
Bus information:
- Schedule: 20+ buses per day
- Travel time: 8 to 10 hours
- Price: €14 to €25 depending on the type of bus
Tips:
- If it’s within your budget, opt for a VIP sleeper bus. These buses offer almost double the space and provide more privacy with curtains around the beds, making for a more comfortable trip, especially on long routes like this.
Option 3: Train + Car
Although Dalat does not have its own train station, you can still combine train and car travel for a scenic and enjoyable journey. The nearest train station to Hoi An is in Da Nang, which is a 30-minute taxi ride away. From Da Nang, you can take a train to Nha Trang, which offers one of the most beautiful train routes in Vietnam, passing through countryside and coastal areas. Once you arrive in Nha Trang, you can either spend a day or two enjoying the beaches or continue directly to Dalat by car or limousine van.
Schedule
Taxi to Da Nang train station: Around €12, 30 minutes
Train from Da Nang to Nha Trang: 10 to 11 hours
Price: From €18 per person for a standard 4-berth sleeper, up to €55 for a bed in a tourist train 4-berth cabin
Nha Trang to Dalat by limousine van: 3 hours, €8
You can also stay in Nha Trang for a day or two to enjoy the beaches, then continue your trip to Dalat.
Total travel time:
Approximately 13 to 14 hours (if traveling directly without stopping in Nha Trang).
Total price:
Around €38 to €75, depending on your choice of train cabin and transport options.
