The Hue to Da Lat route connects two of the nation’s most stunning and historical cities, from Hue’s imperial past to the breathtaking highland scenery. This guide provides all the proper modes of transportation to get there.
Overview Of Hue To Da Lat
Traveling from Hue to Da Lat is a nice way to visit two different ways of life that Vietnam offers. Hue is in the center of Vietnam, famous for its royal days, calm rivers, and historic buildings. This city has a peaceful, deep feeling that reflects the ancient times of this place.
Da Lat is located in the Central Highlands and feels very different. It feels new, with human-made cool breezes, tree paths with green grasses, and folds oriented by the bright flowers above. It is often identified as the City of Eternal Spring. Each place is vastly different, so the route is enjoyed by those who love history or natural beauty.
If you are a person interested in learning about the history of context or are seeking to refresh your lungs in a cool mountain place full of cascading water features, this route from Hue to Da Lat offers both. It is the perfect hot route to experience the mixed and varied landscapes and activities that Vietnam has to offer.
How Far Is It From Hue To Da Lat?
The trip from Hue to Da Lat is about 700 to 730 kilometers long. This can slightly shift based on the path you choose, taking the coastal road or going through the mountains.
Since it’s a long ride, you need to plan early for the time it will take. The trip often needs 12 to 16 hours, but this can change a lot based on how you go. For instance, if you drive by yourself or rent a car, you could end up taking 12 to 14 hours, if you only stop a bit. But, an overnight bus often needs more, like 14 to 16 hours, as it stops at set times and goes slower at night to be safe.
How To Travel From Hue To Da Lat?
There are some ways to get from Hue to Da Lat, and each one has its good and bad points. The way you pick will depend on how much you want to spend, how you like to travel, and if you want to go on an adventure.
By Motorbike
Doing a motorbike trip from Hue to Da Lat is a good trip if you can ride well. You can see some good mountains, and see how people live their day-to-day lives in the Vietnamese countryside. You will ride on Highway 1A going south through places like Da Nang, then take Highway 27 to go into the mountains. Most people do this as a two-day trip with a stop overnight in a place like Da Nang or Nha Trang.
The best thing about doing a motorbike trip is freedom. You can stop at any time for a great view, a bite to eat, or just to rest. The views along the way are great, and especially once you get into the highland areas.
But this trip can be challenging. You need to be prepared for all kinds of weather, steep roads, and long stretches with nowhere to stop.
Safety tips:
- Always wear a good helmet and gear to keep yourself safe
- Check your bike well before you go
- Don’t ride in the dark, especially in the hills where it’s hard to see and help is far
- Take must-have stuff like water, food, a simple tool set, and a coat for the rain
| Factors | Details |
| Travel time | 12 – 14 hours |
| Rental cost | 150,000 – 250,000 VND/day |
| Route | Hue – Da Nang – Kon Tum – Da Lat |
| Notes | For experienced drivers, wear a helmet and do not drive at night |
By Bus Or Minivan
One of the best and cheapest ways to go from Hue to Da Lat is by sleeper bus or minivan. Many bus companies run this long trip, such as Phuong Trang (Futa Bus Lines), Minh Trong, and Dai Phat. These buses often head out at night, letting visitors sleep on the ride and get to Da Lat early the next day.
Most long-distance buses in Vietnam are sleeper types. This means you get a seat that goes back or a small bed to lie on. This is nicer than regular buses, where you sit up, especially if you go at night. Another good thing is convenience. You can get your ticket online, at hotel desks, or at the bus stop.
However, you can’t just stop or look around as you wish. Buses stick to a set time plan and only stop at set spots for rest and food. Also, delays may happen due to cars, bad weather, or sudden road work. And not all buses have staff who speak English, which may make it hard to ask things if you’re a foreigner.
| Factors | Details |
| Cost | Standard bus: 300,000 – 400,000 VND
Sleeper bus: 400,000 – 500,000 VND |
| Travel time | 10 – 12 hours |
By Private Car
Private car rides give ease and help to all who like to go from door to door. Skilled drivers deal with the road and cars while riders take it easy.
The main good thing about a car is the choice and freedom it brings. Not like a bus with set paths and times, in a car, you can plan your trip as you wish. You can pick when to leave, how many stops to make, and how long to spend at each place. You can stop at amazing spots like the well-known Hai Van Pass, a high pass with wide views of the sea. You can pause to love the quiet water of Lang Co Bay, a lovely lagoon with clean beaches, or stop to have a special local meal at a spot you find on the way.
Also, the drivers will pick you up right at your hotel in Hue and drop you off at your accommodations in Da Lat. They are professional drivers who know the way, the top spots for food, and can share cool stuff about the local ways and past.
| Factors | Details |
| Cost | Private car (4 seats): 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 VND
Private van ( 7 seats): 4,500,000 – 5,500,000 VND |
| Travel time | 10 – 11 hours |
| Notes | Directly pick up and drop off, control the trip |
Self-drive Car Rental
Some experienced drivers may rent a car. This is a top pick for solo travelers or small groups who like to find new places and move at their own speed. The way to go has tough parts, with back roads, main roads, and twisty mountain paths. You can make this drive in about 10 to 11 hours with a few stops, but most look to take it slow. They stop a lot for a nice meal, a short rest, or to snap photos of cool views.
When you rent a car, you can run your trip your way. You choose when to leave, which way to go, how fast, and where to stop. Before you rent, be sure you have the right papers. You will need either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a valid Vietnamese driving license. You must also pay a deposit and show your ID. It is smart to pick a rental firm that others like and to look at the car well before you set off.
Driving tips:
- Get offline maps
- Take extra snacks
- Know the traffic rules, toll places, and how fast you can go
- It’s not good for those new to Vietnam or who don’t know the roads well
| Factors | Details |
| Rental cost | 1,500,000 and 2,500,000 VND/day + fuel |
| Travel time | 10 – 11 hours |
| Notes | Not recommended for first-time visitors |
By Train and Bus Combination
Even though there’s no direct Hue to Da Lat train route, you can still use both train and bus to get there. You should start with a train ride from Hue to Nha Trang, then hop on a bus to Da Lat. This choice takes more time but lets you see great views of the coast while on the train.
The trip by train from Hue to Nha Trang is 8 to 10 hours long. From Nha Trang to Da Lat, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to go by bus. A train seat from Hue to Nha Trang will set you back 400,000 to 800,000 VND, based on the type of seat you pick. A bus ticket from Nha Trang to Da Lat will be another 150,000 to 200,000 VND.
| Factors | Details |
| Travel time | 12 – 15 hours including transfers and waiting time |
| Cost | Hue to Nha Trang: 400,000 – 800,000 VND
Nha Trang to Da Lat: 150,000 – 200,000 VND |
By Plane
If you prioritize speed for your trip, taking a plane is the best choice. Yet, there is no straight plane route linking Hue’s Phu Bai Airport (HUI) to Da Lat’s Lien Khuong Airport (DLI). You have to use a plane with a stop, most of the time in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
You have to fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City first, then catch another flight or a bus to Da Lat. Even if this seems tough, some flight groups like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways run these paths.
The price for this type of transport is the drawback. You’ll have to buy two plane tickets, and this may turn out to be the priciest way to go. Costs change a lot depending on when you get your tickets and the season, but the full price might go from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND or even more.
| Factors | Details |
| Cost | 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND |
| Travel time | Hue to Ho Chi Minh City: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat: 50 minutes by plane or 5 – 6 hours by bus |
| Notes | Quite expensive but time-saving |
Tips For Traveling From Hue To Da Lat
Before you leave Hue for Da Lat, get ready and learn what will come. The trip takes you from central to southern Vietnam, going through different climates, lands, and roads. Whether you seek a snug, thrilling, or budget trip, these tips can make it smooth and memorable.
- Hue sees a lot of rain from September to December due to its tropical rain season, while Da Lat stays cool all year with possible fog and light rain, mostly in the morning. Knowing the weather can help you choose good clothes and the best travel mode.
- You should pack layers, a light jacket, and comfy shoes, especially if you plan to roam Da Lat’s pine woods and high places.
- You may lose signal in hills or far paths, especially if you drive or ride a bike. Download Google Maps to use offline.
- If you ride in a minivan or on a bike, take less stuff. A small pack with just what you need is simpler to carry than a big bag. It also helps to fit your bag in small spots in the car or during breaks.
- It’s recommended to combine a trip from Hue to Nha Trang or Quy Nhon, then go by bus or car to Da Lat. This lets you see the coast of Vietnam and keeps you from long hours on the road.
Final Thoughts
From Hue to Da Lat is an amazing trip that brings you from deep, old history to the lovely, foggy highlands of Vietnam. You can pick a motorbike for freedom, a bus for ease, or a car for a cozy trip; each way will give you a great time. If you are planning to visit these destinations, SeniWorld can help you set up your ideal trip. They are confident with expert local knowledge and personalized travel solutions for your unforgettable journey.
