Da Lat To Hoi An: Beautiful Highland To Famous Ancient Town
There are various ways for you to travel from Da Lat to Hoi An, like motorbike, bus, minivan, private car, train, and plane. Depending on your favorite, demand, and money, select the right way to have a fantastic adventure.
Table of Contents
ToggleOverview Of Da Lat To Hoi An

Da Lat to Hoi An is a worthwhile journey that takes tourists from the serene pine forests and pleasant cool mountain air of the highlands to the historic appeal of the world-famous ancient town in Vietnam. Along the way from Da Lat, vacationers can revel in thrilling, winding mountain roads, green, lush valleys, coastal views, as well as dynamic local towns. After reaching Hoi An, you can see colorful lantern-lit streets, historic structures, and a vibrant riverside. This route is an adventure of Vietnam’s variety in landscapes and daily life.
How Far Is It From Da Lat To Hoi An?
The Da Lat to Hoi An distance is about 650 to 700 kilometers by road, depending on your specific direction taken. With the distance above, the typical Da Lat to Da Nang travel time is about 3 to 5 days with stops (by motorbike), from 15 to 18 hours (by bus or minivan), about 11 to 13 hours (by private car), from 15 to 17 hours, including transfers (by train), and about 1 hour and 10 minutes as well as additional 45 to 60 minutes transfer (by plane).
How To Travel From Da Lat To Hoi An
Going from Da Lat to Hoi An, you can choose many different types of transportation, like a motorbike, a bus, a minivan, a private car, a train, or a plane. In this part of this article, Seni World will show you how to get from Da Lat to Hoi An.
By Motorbike

Touring from Da Lat to Hoi An by motorbike is an interesting journey that lets you experience Vietnam’s numerous landscapes, from the cool highlands and flavorful coffee plantations to the beautiful coastal stretches and pretty towns along the way. You can freely stop at hidden treasures like impressive waterfalls, winding mountain passes, or unique local villages.
However, this Da Lat itinerary to Hoi An is about 650 to 700 kilometers, at least 3 to 5 days with stops, depending on the direction, which may be tiring for normal travelers. Road conditions can have various dangers, like steep passes, unpredictable weather on the way, and heavy traffic when going near cities.
| Aspect | Option 1 (QL14 – Ho Chi Minh Highway, Mountain Route) | Option 2 (QL27 → QL1A, Coastal Route) | Option 3 (Mixed Route: QL27 → QL14 → QL1A) |
| Route | Da Lat → Buon Ma Thuot → Pleiku → Kon Tum → Hoi An | Da Lat → Phan Rang → Nha Trang → Quy Nhon → Tam Ky → Hoi An | Da Lat → Buon Ma Thuot → Gia Nghia → Quang Ngai → Hoi An |
| Distance | About 650 kilometers | About 700 kilometers | About 680 kilometers |
| Travel Time | From 15 to 18 hours (from 3 to 5 days with stops) | From 16 to 20 hours (from 3 to 5 days with stops) | From 16 to 19 hours (from 3 to 5 days with stops) |
Suggested stops for you:
Traveling from Da Lat to Hoi An by motorbike, you can have an opportunity to see captivating highland views, coastal beauty, and various cultural destinations. Here are some suggested stops along the way:
- Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak): Let’s unveil green coffee plantations and go to Dray Sap and Dray Nur Waterfalls.
- Phan Rang (Ninh Thuan): In case you select the coastal route on this trip, you can see Vinh Hy Bay and the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers.
- Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa): This is also a stop on the coastal route, perfect for taking a beach break, snorkeling freely, and trying fresh seafood.
- Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh): Another destination on the coastal route, very suitable for travelers to relax at Ky Co Beach or admire Eo Gio’s cliffs.
- Tam Ky (Quang Nam): On the coastal route, you can stop to visit Ky Anh Tunnel or Tam Thanh mural village.
- Hoi An: This is the final destination, and you can conclude your journey with the colorful lantern-lit Ancient Town, uncover the Japanese Covered Bridge, and unwind in the riverside nightlife.
By Bus Or Minivan

The Da Lat to Hoi An bus or minivan journey is an affordable and practical option, especially for travelers who need a direct and hassle-free trip. Buses or minivans regularly offer overnight choices, helping you save on lodging and maximize sightseeing time upon arrival. Some modern buses and minivans generally include air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes free Wi-Fi, ensuring a greater pleasant journey. Thanks to them, you can revel in exploring the attractions in Da Lat, as well as in other cities and provinces.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes |
| Sleeper Bus | About 450,000 – 600,000 VND (per person) | About 16 – 18 hours | The Da Lat to Hoi An sleeper bus trip is low-priced for long trips, with reclining beds, but it can be tiring on winding mountain roads |
| VIP Sleeper Bus | About 550,000 – 750,000 VND (per person) | About 16 – 17 hours | This type of transportation offers extra legroom, privacy curtains, and sometimes free Wi-Fi, good for travelers seeking more comfort |
| Limousine Minivan | About 700,000 – 900,000 VND (per person) | About 15 – 16 hours | It provides fewer passengers, comfortable seats, and smoother rides, wonderful for travelers who prefer more comfort |
| Open Tour Bus | About 500,000 – 700,000 VND (per person) | About 16 – 18 hours | Open tour buses often consist of flexible stops at famous attractions along the route, great for budget travelers who want to sightsee |
By Private Car

Choosing a private car from Da Lat to Hoi An provides a comfortable, private, and personalized journey over a long distance. You can arrange your schedule and keep away from the dangerous situations, like navigating winding mountain passes, ensuring both protection and comfort. Particularly, a private car will help you to witness many scenic spots and freely stop at attractions along the way in this Central Highlands to South-Central Vietnam itinerary.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-Seater Sedan | About 8,000,000 – 9,000,000 VND | About 11 – 12 hours | Perfect for solo vacationers, couples, or small groups (up to 3 members) wanting privacy, comfort, and flexibility |
| 7-Seater SUV/MPV | About 8,500,000 – 9,500,000 VND | About 11 – 12 hours | Excellent for families or groups (up to 6 members) who need more space for baggage and luggage, as well as spacious seating |
| 16-Seater Minibus | About 10,000,000 – 12,000,000 VND | About 12 – 13 hours | Best for larger groups (up to 15 members), and wonderful for company outings or extended families |
| Luxury Car (SUV) | About 11,000,000 – 13,000,000 VND | About 11 – 12 hours | A premium choice with luxury interiors, modern benefits and services, and customizable stops along the way |
By Train
At present, there is no direct train from Da Lat to Hoi An, because the recent railway line in Vietnam does not connect these two places. This is the reason why travelers need to travel by other transportation mentioned in this blog, consisting of a motorbike, a bus, a minivan, or a plane. In case you still want to arrive in Hoi An from Da Lat by train, you should depart from the nearest station in the surrounding areas.
By Plane

The Da Lat to Hoi An flight trip is the fastest and most hassle-free option, saving you from the long street journey and providing you with extra time to explore your vacation spot. It is a pleasant and safe way for both local and international vacationers to tour, with modern benefits and services on board, and tickets can be good if booked early.
| Aspect | Details |
| Flight Duration | About 1 hour and 10 minutes (direct flight from Da Lat to Da Nang), then drive about 45 to 60 minutes by car or shuttle, or taxi to Hoi An |
| Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways |
| Airport in Hoi An (nearest) | Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about 30 km from Hoi An Ancient Town |
| Airport in Da Lat | Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), about 30 km from Da Lat city center |
| Estimated Price (VND) | About 800,000 to 1,600,000+ VND (depends on the peak season, the seasonal promotion, as well as the hot deal of each airline)
An additional 300,000 to 500,000 VND for transfer to Hoi An |
| Best For | Vacationers who want to have the fastest and most pleasant way to reach Hoi An from Da Lat, with many different daily flights. It combines a short flight and an easy road transfer |
| Required Documents | Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) |
Tips For Traveling From Da Lat To Hoi An
If you want to have a convenient, happy, memorable, and safe journey from Da Lat to Hoi An, you need to learn more about the essential travel tips for this journey. Seni World has summarized them for you to have a fascinating adventure.
- Check the weather: Da Lat is cool, but Hoi An is warmer and more humid. Therefore, you need to check the weather before and pack suitable layered clothes.
- Arrive early for check-in: Don’t forget to arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons, to check in. Airports or bus and train stations can get crowded at this time. Besides, Da Lat’s Lien Khuong Airport is about 30 km from the city center, which can take time to transfer.
- Plan buffer time: The weather in Da Lat and Hoi An may sometimes delay flights or buses. Therefore, you should not schedule activities in this adventure too tightly upon arrival.
- Prepare motion sickness pills: In case you choose a bus, the journey through mountain roads can be winding, so you need to bring motion sickness pills in your baggage.
- Prepare entertainment: You should bring books, prepare podcasts, as well as some downloaded movies on your smartphone or tablet, for you to unwind on this long trip.
- Stay connected: Don’t forget to buy or top up a local SIM card for internet connection and navigation. It is very important in case using online payments or searching for information on online search tools.
- Keep your valuables secure: You must be careful to use a money belt or backpack lock to keep your valuables safe, particularly on buses.
- Check travel reviews: Before buying the ticket, you should carefully check travel reviews and feedback on some famous online platforms, which provide bus, car, and flight feedback and reviews to compare and select the best option for you.
Final Thoughts
Going from Da Lat to Hoi An, you can select many different types of transportation, like an adventurous motorbike, an affordable bus or minivan, a convenient private car, and a pleasant train or plane. It will depend on your demand, favorite, and real-time cost. If you want to take a journey from Da Lat to Hoi An, know more about things to do in Da Lat and Hoi An, and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam.