Traveling from Hoi An to Phu Quoc, a tropical island in southern Vietnam, requires some planning, as there are no direct transport options. In this guide, we’ll explore your two main choices: taking a flight or opting for a scenic tour down south.
Good to know
Before diving into the specific options for traveling between Hoi An and Phu Quoc, it’s essential to understand a few key points regarding locations, hubs, and transfer logistics.
Location
Hoi An is a charming ancient town located in central Vietnam, south of Hue (about 125 km) and near Da Nang, the closest major city. It sits roughly halfway between the two largest cities of Vietnam, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making it a popular stopover.
Da Nang: Transport hub
Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s largest cities and the primary transportation hub in central Vietnam. It offers excellent connectivity with the rest of the country through its airport, which has international connections to several Asian cities. Da Nang also has a major train station along the Reunification Express route and is served by buses connecting the city to various parts of Vietnam. For travelers heading to or from Hoi An, Da Nang is the gateway.
Transfers Da Nang – Hoi An
As Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport or train station, you will need to travel via Da Nang, whether you are arriving or departing. Thankfully, the transfer between the two cities is convenient and straightforward, with several options available.
Travel Information Hoi An – Da Nang:
- Distance: Around 30 km, depending on exact locations.
- Travel Time: 30 to 50 minutes.
Pre-booked car
Pre-booked cars are often even cheaper than taxis, with prices starting around €10 for a standard 4-seat vehicle. Booking through your hotel might be slightly more expensive, but it offers the convenience of knowing the price upfront and having a car waiting for you, ensuring a seamless transfer to or from Da Nang.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at Da Nang airport, train station, and bus station at any time, even during early mornings or late at night. If you’re staying in Hoi An, your accommodation can also arrange one for you. Taxis operate on a meter, and prices typically range from €14 to €18 depending on the location.
Ride hailing app
Ride-hailing apps like Grab are another option and sometimes offer cheaper rates than taxis. One of the advantages of using a ride-hailing app is that you can see the price upfront, eliminating any surprises.
Option 1: Flight
There used to be direct flights between Da Nang and Phu Quoc, but unfortunately, in early 2024, these routes were discontinued. Although there’s hope they might resume in the future, for now, you’ll need to make a stopover to reach Phu Quoc from Hoi An via Da Nang.
Taking a flight, even with a layover, is still the fastest option to travel between Phu Quoc and Hoi An. The usual route involves flying from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and then onward to Phu Quoc.
Prices: Between €60 and €80
Fastest option with 1 layover: 5 hours 15 minutes
Average duration: Around 7 hours
Suggestions
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City
Instead of making two flights on the same day, you can extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City and explore the bustling metropolis. Consider visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, discovering the colonial architecture, or enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Through the Mekong Delta
An alternative option is to fly from Da Nang to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta. From there, you can explore the region’s famous floating markets and enjoy boat tours and cycling trips. Afterward, continue your journey to Phu Quoc by taking a speed ferry from Ha Tien.
Option 2: Tour to the south
A completely different option to flying is turning the journey from Hoi An to Phu Quoc into a multi-day tour, exploring Vietnam along the way. This allows you to travel by car, bus, or train, stopping at various destinations between central and southern Vietnam. You can choose to follow the coastline or venture through the central highlands, making this route as scenic and enriching as you prefer.
Coastal Route
Traveling along the coast allows you to visit famous beach towns, cultural hubs, and historical cities. Some key stops along the coastal route include:
- Quy Nhon – A lesser-known beach destination known for its stunning coastline, fewer tourists, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Nha Trang – A lively beach city popular for its water sports, nightlife, and resorts. Ideal for those looking for a more bustling beach experience.
- Mui Ne – Famous for its red and white sand dunes, as well as its kite surfing scene. Located closer to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s perfect for a stop before heading further south.
Central Highlands Route
If you’re more interested in mountains and cooler climates, the central highlands offer a different experience:
- Buon Ma Thuot – Known for its coffee plantations, this highlands city offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s agricultural heart and is a great stop if you’re interested in learning about the country’s coffee culture.
- Dalat – A picturesque town known as Vietnam’s “City of Eternal Spring.” Famous for its French colonial architecture, waterfalls, and cool weather, Dalat provides a peaceful break from the coastal heat.
Both routes eventually lead you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can either catch a flight to Phu Quoc or explore the Mekong Delta before taking a ferry to the island.
Option 3: Alternative beach destination
If the lack of direct flights or the effort of touring all the way south doesn’t fit your schedule or preferences, there are several beach destinations closer to Hoi An and Da Nang. These alternatives offer beautiful beach experiences without the long journey to Phu Quoc.
Hoi An and Da Nang Beaches
Hoi An and Da Nang have some of the most famous beaches in Vietnam, and if you’re visiting during the dry season, they can be an excellent alternative. Some of the most popular beaches include:
Best time to visit: The dry season, from February to August, is the best time to enjoy these beaches. March to May offers the most comfortable weather, with sunny days and calm seas. During the peak of summer (June to July), it can get hot, but the beaches are perfect for swimming.
- An Bang Beach (Hoi An) – Known for its relaxed atmosphere, small beach bars, and clean water. A great place to unwind close to Hoi An.
- My Khe Beach (Da Nang) – One of Vietnam’s most famous beaches, it offers a lively atmosphere with watersports, bars, and restaurants along its long stretch of sand.
These beaches are conveniently located near the city, making them easy to include in your itinerary if you’re short on time or prefer a nearby option.
Central Vietnam Beaches
If you want to explore a bit further, Central Vietnam offers more beach options within a few hours’ travel from Hoi An.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Central Vietnam’s beaches is between March and September, during the dry season. The peak months of May to August provide warm weather and calm seas, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. From October to January, it’s rainy season, and the beaches are less ideal due to heavy rains and possible storms.
- Quy Nhon
Why go: Quy Nhon is a less touristy beach destination, perfect for those looking for a quieter, more relaxed beach experience. With long stretches of sandy beaches and calm waters, it’s ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Travel time: Reachable by train or bus in about 5 hours from Hoi An. - Nha Trang
Why go: Known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and various water activities, Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s most popular beach cities. It offers a mix of relaxation and excitement, with a more touristy vibe than Quy Nhon.
Travel time: Reachable by train or bus in about 9 hours from Hoi An.
South Vietnam Beaches
For those willing to travel a bit further, South Vietnam has some excellent beach destinations that are easier to reach than Phu Quoc.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit beaches in the South is from November to April, during the dry season. Temperatures are warm, the skies are clear, and the sea is calm. The rainy season begins in May and lasts until October, and during this period, heavy rain can affect beach conditions.
- Mui Ne
Why go: Famous for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and kitesurfing scene, Mui Ne is also located relatively close to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a good option if you’re planning to explore the south before hitting the beach.
Travel time: Reachable by train or bus in about 12 hours from Hoi An.
