Ho Chi Minh To Hoi An Transport Guide: Best Routes And Travel Options

Do you know how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An? Since Hoi An has no airport or train station, travelers usually combine a flight or train to Da Nang with a short transfer by car or bus.

Overview Of Ho Chi Minh To Hoi An

This route links the vibrant southern city of Vietnam with the lantern-lit allure of a UNESCO World Heritage town in Central Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is booming with colonial-style buildings, high-rising buildings, and busy street activity, while Hoi An draws visitors in with a riverside environment, many colored lanterns, and a well-preserved trading town.

This is a top trip for many travelers, to fly north into Da Nang, then take a short distance to Hoi An. The transition is mesmerizing: Ho Chi Minh City’s hustle lessens into a peaceful rhythm in Hoi An, with cycling lanes, lantern-lit nights, and old houses making it all seem like a different world.

How Far Is It From Ho Chi Minh To Hoi An?

Hoi An is approximately 630 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City. However, the closest large town is Da Nang, which does not have a direct flight or a train station. The fastest way to travel is to fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). The flight takes about 1hr 20 minutes. The train or bus will take roughly 16 to 20 hours, depending on the route and stops.

From Da Nang town to Hoi An is about 30 kilometers, and it usually takes 40 to 60 minutes to get to the ancient town of Hoi An by car, shuttle, taxi, or on your motorbike. It is a nice and easy road to travel on with some nice scenery while passing beautiful beaches and local villages on the way to Hoi An. Most people also like to visit Da Nang for a day or two before going to Hoi An to enjoy both places.

How To Get From Ho Chi Minh To Hoi An?

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An is straightforward and adaptable, with different transportation methods available for your time and budget. Since Hoi An does not have an airport or train station, the vast majority of visitors travel from its airport in Da Nang airport, then hire a car or shuttle for the final distance to Hoi An.

By Flight And Car/Bus Transfer

The quickest and most straightforward method to travel to Hoi An from Ho Chi Minh City is to fly to Da Nang International Airport, and then continue to Hoi An by private car, shuttle bus, or taxi.

Since there is no airport in Hoi An, Da Nang is the nearest airport, located approximately 35 km from Hoi An. Airlines that operate regular flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines. The flight time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and fares range from around 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 VND for a one-way ticket, depending on the season and airline.

By Train And Car/Bus Transfer

Since Hoi An does not have a train station, the most convenient method of reaching it is by taking the Reunification Express train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang or Tam Ky, then taking a taxi, bus, or shuttle to Hoi An. It takes around 15 to 20 hours, depending on the train you choose and the timetable.

Tickets range in price from 300,000 to 1,150,000 VND/person, with soft seats to sleeper cabins available. While it is a long journey, it is a wonderful experience with beautiful vistas of the coastline, mountains, and the countryside along the way.

By Sleeper Bus

Sleeper buses offer a practical option for those wanting to make their way to Hoi An overnight from Ho Chi Minh City. The process will typically take 18-20 hours, as many routes stop in Da Nang for about half an hour before continuing onto Old Town Hoi An.

The sleeper buses are set up in a way to make the experience more comfortable compared to standard seater buses by having reclining beds, air conditioning, and, in some circumstances, wi-fi. Ticket prices vary from 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND, depending on the bus company and when you book. Because air conditioning may be cold, it is best to bring a light blanket or jacket.

• Duration: 15-20 hours
• Cost: 400,000 – 600,000 VND
• Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind long rides.

By Motorbike

For the intrepid individual, riding a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An is an exceptional, yet not simple, experience. The journey covers over 800 km along National Highway 1A, passing through coastal provinces such as Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon. The majority of these riders will break the ride over a few days, stopping at beach towns or in the mountains for an overnight rest. The ride offers some stunning views of the coastline of Vietnam as well as its countryside.

• Duration: 3-5 days, depending on pace
• Cost: 200,000 – 400,000 VND/day rental + fuel
• Best for: Experienced riders who want an epic Vietnam road trip.

Tips For Traveling From Ho Chi Minh To Hoi An

With careful planning, traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An may go smoothly and pleasantly. Regardless of whether you prefer to fly, take a train, or take a bus, the guidelines below can help you travel with greater ease and efficiency.

• Flying, taking a car transfer, or shuttle transfer is the fastest and most comfortable option.
• If you’re taking the train or bus, be sure to book tickets in advance in case you travel during the peak season, like Tet holiday, or if there are national holidays.
• If taking the train, it may be helpful to book a sleeper cabin for more comfort on a long journey.
• Bring some cash with you because Hoi An has a lot of smaller shops that simply do not accept payments by card, and small taxis may also not accept cards.
• If you’re traveling by air, pack lightly since many budget airlines will charge extra for checked baggage.
• For a beautiful scenic experience, consider taking the Hai Van Pass route between Da Nang and Hoi An.
• Be sure to check the weather ahead of time and conditions before your trip, as central Vietnam can experience heavy rains throughout the duration of September through December.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

If you’re looking for a long drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, taking a scenic road trip makes the journey even more enjoyable. There are beautiful coastal towns, mountain drives, and cultural experiences along the way that merit your attention before getting to Hoi An’s ancient town.

Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet, located around 200 km east of Ho Chi Minh City, is a sunny coastal town known for its red and white dunes, fishing villages, and long beaches. You can head to Mui Ne to go kitesurfing or sandboarding, or just enjoy a moment by the sea. And no trip to this area would be complete without tasting fresh seafood, grilled scallops, and squid, which are particular highlights of this area. Phan Thiet will be a great start to your coastal adventure.

Nha Trang

Moving north, you will reach Nha Trang, offering turquoise water, offshore islands, and a lively beachfront scene. Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s most prominent beach destinations and is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. You can even visit Long Son Pagoda or the Po Nagar Cham Towers, but for some relaxation, you can enjoy a mud bath at Thap Ba Hot Springs. Nha Trang also has many beachfront cafes and nightlife for people needing a break before the next leg of the journey.

Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon is a more remote beach city with a calm beach culture and local vibe. It is a more comfortable location for travelers looking for a more relaxed environment. You can conveniently visit Ky Co Beach, Eo Gio, or check out the ancient Champa ruins of Banh It Towers. And, the Cantonese seafood and seaside homestays in town also make this a pleasant stop on your way to Hoi An.

Da Nang

Next, we recommend a stop in Da Nang before heading to Hoi An–a well-designed consistency between an attractive coastal city and a beach culture. For all of the tourists out there, we recommend visiting My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, or an iconic bridge, the Dragon Bridge, for that Instagram moment. Da Nang is also a great place to feel rejuvenated with many resorts, restaurants, and cafes in the area. After your much-needed Da Nang beach time, you still have a quick, 30–40-minute drive left to Hoi An.

FAQs About Traveling From Ho Chi Minh To Hoi An

If you’re going to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, you may have some questions about the routes, the costs, the best ways to get there, etc. Below are a few of the most common FAQ’s about these aspects to make your trip go smoothly and with confidence.

What is the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An?

The fastest way is to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang International Airport, and then continue by private car or shuttle bus to Hoi An. The flight is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and the drive to Hoi An is about 45 minutes. This is certainly a faster option, saving you time and energy versus trains or buses.

What is the best time to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An?

The best months are February to August, as the weather along most of the route is dry and sunny. At this time, both Da Nang and Hoi An for beach weather and sightseeing conditions are also very favorable. Try to avoid the rainy season from October to December in Hoi An if you can.

How do I find the prettiest route to Hoi An?

If you are into spectacular roadways, you can also take a coastal drive route from Phan Thiet along the coast of Vietnam. You’ll see fantastic ocean views, plenty of local fishing villages along the route, and plenty of stop-offs for seafood. It’s good for people who like a more leisurely pace and enjoy the view.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An necessitates an awareness of various means of transport. Hoi An is not equipped with an airport or rail access. The fastest option is to fly to Da Nang and then drive. Alternatively, the train may offer more scenic travel, but it is a bit slower. Buses are inexpensive, and a motorbike ride will appeal to adventurous spirits. With the help of Seni World, you can organize this trip to meet your needs from a budget, comfort, or scenery point of view.