Hoi An is located in central Vietnam, and traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, in the south, offers several options depending on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or a budget-friendly way to travel, there’s an option for everyone.
Good to know
Before diving into the specific details of each travel option between Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, there are a few essential things to keep in mind.
Location
Hoi An is situated in central Vietnam, just south of Da Nang and approximately 100 km from Hue. It lies halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making it a convenient stop on a cross-country trip.
Da Nang: Transport hub
Da Nang, located just 30 km from Hoi An, is one of Vietnam’s largest cities and the main transport hub for the central region. Da Nang connects to all major cities in Vietnam by bus, train, and flight. The city’s airport offers both domestic and international connections, making it the most convenient gateway to Hoi An.
Transfers Da Nang – Hoi An
Since Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport or train station, most travelers pass through Da Nang when heading to or from Hoi An. You can easily travel between Da Nang’s transportation hubs and Hoi An by pre-booked car, taxi, or ride-hailing apps.
- Distance: Around 30 km, depending on your exact locations
- Travel time: 30 – 50 minutes
Pre-booked car
Pre-booking a car is often a more affordable option than taking a taxi, with prices starting at around €10 for a standard 4-seater. Booking through your hotel might cost slightly more, but it ensures you know the price upfront and have a car waiting to take you directly to your destination in Hoi An.
Taxi
Taxis are available 24/7 at Da Nang’s airport, train, and bus stations. Your accommodation in Hoi An can also arrange a taxi for you. Taxis run on meters, with fares ranging from €14 to €18, depending on the distance.
Ride hailing app
Ride-hailing apps like Grab are another convenient option and may even be cheaper than traditional taxis. One advantage of using these apps is that you can see the price before confirming the ride.
Option 1: Flight
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Since Hoi An does not have its own airport, you’ll need to travel to Da Nang International Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive from Hoi An. In Ho Chi Minh City, flights arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, located within the city, though it can take around 30 minutes to reach the airport from the city center due to traffic.
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: From €35 with budget airlines, up to €80
Tips:
- If flying with a budget airline, be sure to add checked luggage when booking, as it’s not included in the basic fare.
- When flying from Da Nang, you only need to arrive at the airport around 1.5 hours before your flight.
- If it fits your budget, flying with Vietnam Airlines is highly recommended for better service and comfort.
Option 2: Train
Taking the train from Da Nang (the nearest station to Hoi An) to Ho Chi Minh City is a slower but scenic option. The journey takes between 18 and 20 hours, making it more suitable for those who enjoy long train rides or want to experience Vietnam’s countryside at a leisurely pace. While there are daytime trains, which offer great views, it’s usually more comfortable to travel overnight on a sleeper train. For a more pleasant journey, always opt for a sleeper cabin over standard seats. Tourist cabins, available on some trains, offer cleaner amenities and more comfort compared to standard cabins on Vietnam Railways.
Train information
- Schedule: 4 to 6 trains per day
- Trains: Vietnam Railway, Violette Express, 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 the most comfortable bed in a tourist cabin
Tips:
- Choose overnight travel for a better rest and to save time.
- Always book a 4-berth cabin for more space and privacy.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, consider booking all four beds in the cabin for complete privacy.
- If your budget allows, opt for tourist cabins, which offer higher levels of cleanliness and comfort.
Option 3: Bus
Taking the bus from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City is the cheapest option, but it is not highly recommended due to the long distance and the level of comfort. However, it is popular among budget travelers and locals because it offers direct connections between the two cities, without having to transfer through Da Nang. The journey takes between 16 to 20 hours, depending on the bus company, and most buses are sleeper buses, providing reclining seats or beds. For a more comfortable experience, VIP sleeper buses offer additional space and privacy.
Bus information
- Schedule: 20+ a day
- Bus: Many different companies
- Travel time: 16 – 20 hours depending on the bus
- Price: From €22 for a standard sleeper, up to €30 for a VIP sleeper bus
Tips:
- Opt for a VIP sleeper bus if your budget allows. These buses offer nearly double the space and more privacy, often with individual curtains around each bed.
- For safety and comfort, it’s best to avoid standard sleeper buses, especially on such long routes, as they can be cramped and less reliable.
Option 4: Touring & Sightseeing
Instead of traveling directly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa, you can turn your journey into an extended sightseeing adventure. The route between these two cities passes through some of Vietnam’s most beautiful and interesting destinations, offering a variety of experiences along the way. By breaking up your trip with stops at key points, you can enjoy a more immersive and scenic journey.
Here’s how your trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An might look if you choose to explore along the way:
- Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat by limousine van
Start your journey with a scenic drive to Dalat, known for its cool climate and beautiful landscapes. Spend a few days here exploring adventure activities like trekking, mountain biking, or even abseiling down waterfalls during canyoning tours. - Dalat to Mui Ne or Nha Trang by car
From Dalat, take a drive to either Mui Ne or Nha Trang. Both destinations offer relaxing beach time, but with different experiences. Mui Ne is famous for kitesurfing and its sand dunes, while Nha Trang is known for its snorkeling and diving spots. - Nha Trang to Da Nang by sleeper train
Continue your journey by taking a sleeper train from Nha Trang up to Da Nang. Along the way, you can stop in Quy Nhon for more beaches and less touristy coastal vibes. - Da Nang to Hoi An by taxi or car
Finish your journey by traveling the short distance from Da Nang to Hoi An, taking in scenic spots like the Marble Mountains or Hai Van Pass along the way.
This option offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and historical sights, turning your transfer between Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City into a memorable experience.
