Traveling between Hoi An and Mui Ne offers a variety of options, depending on your budget and preferences. Whether you’re heading to Mui Ne’s serene beaches or Hoi An’s historic charm, this guide will help you choose the best way to make the journey in either direction.
Overview of travel options between Mui Ne and Hoi An
Mui Ne
Mui Ne began as a small fishing village and has grown into a popular beach town known for its resorts, kitesurfing, and stunning sand dunes. However, it’s not a major city and has limited transportation options. The nearby city of Phan Thiet serves as a gateway, offering better connectivity, including a train station.
Hoi An
Hoi An is famed for its beautifully preserved old town, vibrant countryside, and relaxing beaches. While it’s larger than Mui Ne, it still feels like a tourist destination more than a bustling local hub. Like Mui Ne, Hoi An relies on a nearby city for better transport options—Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s major cities, with an airport, train station, and bus terminals.
Travel distance
The distance between Hoi An and Mui Ne is approximately 850 km. Travel times vary depending on your chosen mode of transport, ranging from 13 hours by train or bus to just a few hours by plane (plus transfer times).
Option 1: By train
Traveling by train between Hoi An and Mui Ne is a comfortable and scenic option, though it requires some additional transfers as neither destination has its own train station.
Transfers required
For Mui Ne, the nearest train station is in Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan Station), which is about a 30-minute ride from Mui Ne. For Hoi An, you’ll need to travel about 30 minutes to Da Nang train station.
Travel time
The journey itself takes around 13.5 to 15 hours, depending on the train you choose. While the route offers beautiful coastal and countryside views, such a long distance is best tackled with an overnight train. This way, you can rest during the journey and make the most of your time in Mui Ne or Hoi An.
Seating options
Vietnamese trains offer soft seats or sleeper cabins. For overnight travel, sleeper cabins are strongly recommended. You can choose between:
- 4-berth cabins: These are more spacious and comfortable, ideal for a good night’s rest.
- 6-berth cabins: A budget-friendly option but less private.
If your budget allows, booking all berths in a 4-berth cabin—even if you’re traveling with fewer people—is a common practice for added privacy.
Cost
A berth in a 4-berth cabin costs around €36, offering a comfortable and reasonably priced travel option for such a long journey.
Taking the train is ideal for those who enjoy scenic journeys and want to experience Vietnam’s railway system as part of their adventure.
Option 2: Taking a flight
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Hoi An and Mui Ne, though it requires a bit of coordination.
Transfers required
- From Mui Ne: Mui Ne doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll need to travel about 4 hours to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
- From Hoi An: Da Nang International Airport is just a 30-minute drive from Hoi An, making it an easily accessible departure or arrival point.
Flight details
The route between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s busiest, with frequent flights offered by budget airlines like VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. Flight prices start as low as €40, depending on the season and how early you book.
Travel time
The flight itself takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Including transfer times to and from the airports, the total journey time is significantly shorter than by train or bus.
Flying is a great option if you want to save time and are comfortable managing the extra transfers. It’s especially convenient if you’re combining your trip with a visit to Ho Chi Minh City.
Option 3: By bus
Traveling by bus between Hoi An and Mui Ne is a budget-friendly option, but it comes with a long travel time of over 13 hours. While this may not suit everyone, it can be a good choice for those looking to save on transportation and accommodation costs.
Travel time
The journey takes at least 13 hours, with buses typically running overnight. This means you can save daytime hours and avoid paying for a night at a hotel. However, be prepared for several stops along the way for restroom breaks, meals, and leg stretching.
Types of buses
- Standard sleeper bus: Equipped with about 40 reclining seats. This is the most affordable option but offers less privacy.
- VIP sleeper bus: Features only about 20 seats, providing more space and comfort. Highly recommended for such a long journey.
- Limousine sleeper bus: Falls between the standard and VIP options, with around 32 seats offering a bit more comfort.
Cost
- Standard sleeper bus: From €17
- VIP sleeper bus: From €26
Pro tip
If you choose to travel by bus, opt for the VIP sleeper for its added comfort and privacy, which can make the long journey much more bearable.
Option 4: With stopovers
Traveling between Hoi An and Mui Ne in one go can be a long and tiring journey, especially by bus or train. Breaking up the trip with stopovers is a great way to explore more of Vietnam while dividing the travel time into manageable segments. Here are some excellent stopover options:
Nha Trang
- Travel time: Approximately 9 hours from Hoi An and 4–5 hours from Mui Ne by bus or train.
- What to do: Known for its beaches, Nha Trang offers water activities like snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda, and relax at the mud baths for a unique experience.
- Connections: Nha Trang has a train station and bus terminal, making it convenient to continue your journey. There’s also an airport, but no direct flights to Hoi An (via Da Nang).
Tuy Hoa
- Travel time: About 7–8 hours from Hoi An and 6 hours from Mui Ne by train or bus.
- What to do: Phu Yen Province, with Tuy Hoa as its gateway, is famed for its pristine and remote beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque countryside. Highlights include Ganh Da Dia (a natural rock formation) and Bai Xep Beach. This area is still relatively undiscovered, offering tranquility and fewer tourists.
- Connections: Tuy Hoa has a train station and bus terminal. It also has an airport, but flights are limited and do not connect directly to Mui Ne or Hoi An.
Quy Nhon
- Travel time: Around 6 hours from Hoi An and 8 hours from Mui Ne by train or bus.
- What to do: Quy Nhon is a hidden gem with stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and a peaceful vibe. Explore Ky Co Beach, Eo Gio Cliffs, or visit the Champa ruins in the area. It’s perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds.
- Connections: Quy Nhon is well-connected with a train station and bus terminal. The city also has an airport, though flights connect mainly to larger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
