Hoi An To Da Lat Transport Guide: Routes, Tips & Best Options

The journey between Hoi An and Da Lat links the ancient coast of Vietnam to the hazy Central Highlands. This guide provides the best transport choices, as well as tips on how to have a smooth ride.

Overview Of Hoi An To Da Lat

The trip between Hoi An and Da Lat is a mix of two opposite sides of Vietnam, which are rather different and complementary. Hoi An is a charming place with its lantern-lit old town, its river markets, and its pleasant coastal climate, where you can also take cooking lessons, go on a cruise along the Thu Bon River, or take a bike ride to its nearby craft villages.

Meanwhile, Da Lat is spectacular with cool highland air and pine forests, waterfalls, and colorful flower gardens. The tourists are able to have unique experiences like picking strawberries, riding cable cars across Tuyen Lam Lake, and exploring French-inspired villas. Most of them opt to visit these places together to cover both the scenic and culturally enriched regions of Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands in a single itinerary.

How Far Is It From Hoi An To Da Lat?

Hoi An to Da Lat distance is about 630 kilometers based on the route and transportation method used. Though Hoi An does not have an airport or a train station, most people make a stop at Da Nang before carrying on.

The distance by plane is approximately 550 kilometers between Da Nang International Airport and Lien Khuong Airport in Da Lat. The flight itself lasts only 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is the most convenient and fastest option. The total travel time of approximately 3 hours includes the transfer between Hoi An and Da Nang (approximately 1 hour).

By bus, the trip is along National Highway 1 and the Central Highlands, which is approximately 630 kilometers. The actual travelling time is approximately 16-18 hours, with stops and traffic conditions.

On the train, you will first have to travel to Da Nang Station by train south to Nha Trang (10-11 hours, 500km), and then travel by bus (3-4 hours, another 140km) to Da Lat, which is still not served by rail. This is a combined path that has a total time of 14-16 hours.

How To Get From Hoi An To Da Lat?

Both forms of transport between Hoi An and Da Lat have their merits, depending on whether you are concerned about travelling time, comfort, cost, or the view. This is the breakdown of the key options so that you can choose which one is best for your trip.

By Bus

The Hoi An to Da Lat bus is the most cost-effective mode of transport suitable for those who do not mind a long overnight trip. There are two major routes: direct sleeper buses to Da Lat or buses via Da Nang.

• Direct Bus: Hoi An → Da Lat

The direct drive will take approximately 13-16 hours with stops and traffic. The majority of buses depart in the evening and arrive early the next morning. It is an excellent method to save on a night’s stay and begin exploring instantly, although early visitors may need to book an extra night in a hotel to stay. The sleeper or cabin-style beds are provided by popular operators like An Phu Travel, Tan Kim Chi, Thanh Thuy, and Quang Dung Limousine with modern facilities.

• Indirect Bus: Hoi An → Da Nang → Da Lat

If there are no direct buses, then take an indirect one, around 1 hour from Hoi An to Da Nang by taxi or shuttle. Night buses to Da Lat are more flexible, and may be better furnished, especially at weekends or on a holiday. The total travel is slightly costlier through Da Nang, but it offers a greater number of schedule options.

By Plane

There are no direct Hoi An to Da Lat flights, as Hoi An doesn’t have an airport. Instead, travelers must transfer to Da Nang International Airport (about 40-60 minutes away) and then take to Lien Khuong Airport (DLI).

From Da Nang, you can choose between direct flights and connecting flights depending on your budget and travel dates.

• Direct Flights: Direct flights from Da Nang to Lien Khuong Airport take about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights at only 06:00 AM, and on some days, Vietjet operates at only 5:00 PM.
• Connecting Flights: VietJet Air offers connecting flights between Da Nang and Lien Khuong, which take more than 5 hours depending on which airport it makes a stopover in, Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. This option is more expensive and costs time.

There are various transportation alternatives available for passengers traveling from Lien Khuong Airport to Da Lat City Center. The airport shuttle bus is a cost-effective option, running around an hour and 20 minutes and costing between 30,000 and 40,000 VND. Taxis provide convenience, with rates ranging between 300,000 and 500,000 VND. Motorcycle taxis are also available, taking 45 to 60 minutes and costing around 250,000 VND.

To reach Da Lat city center from Lien Khuong Airport, you can take a shuttle bus (40,000 VND) or a taxi (300,000-500,000 VND), which takes about 1 hour.

To sum up, this is the fastest mode of transport from Da Lat. However, it is also the most expensive. Because the cost of the ticket includes extra transportation costs built into the price, the weather can cause delays or cancellations on a flight.

From Lien Khuong Airport, you will find Dalat city centre 30 km north. There are 2 ways to get there: a 1-hour taxi and a 1-hour bus. Taxi rates start from 290,000 VND ($11). This way, you can expect a spacious car with a professional driver waiting for you at the airport as soon as you arrive.

By Train

There is no direct Hoi An to Da Lat train. The nearest station to Hoi An is Da Nang Railway Station. From Da Nang, you can board a train southwards towards Nha Trang, which takes about 9 to 10 hours. From Nha Trang, you would then continue by bus or car to Da Lat, which adds another 3 to 4 hours. While scenic, this option is time-consuming and involves multiple transfers, making it less convenient for most travelers.

Tips For Traveling From Hoi An To Da Lat

The following are some useful suggestions to help your journey from Hoi An to Da Lat be smooth, safe, and enjoyable. These easy tips will enable you to prepare well and have a better trip.

• Looking at the weather forecast for Hoi An and Da Lat beforehand, so that you dress accordingly, and, because it can be very cold in Da Lat, pack the appropriate clothes.
• Book your train, bus, or flight well in advance to guarantee a seat and miss out on the weekend or holiday price hike. Also, you should consider booking accommodations in Da Lat, so you can rest after arrival.
• When traveling by bus, select a reputable bus company with good reviews to maximize comfort and safety for the long trip.
• Pack enough snacks, water, and a pillow so rest stops during the journey are not required because they might be unavailable or full of people.
• Consider stopping in Nha Trang to break the trip. It is a chance to unwind and experience another beach destination.

• Keep identification documents, travel insurance documents, and valuables within easy reach for any checks or emergencies.
• Keep valuables safe, and avoid placing phones and wallets in easy-to-reach pockets, particularly when on public transport.
• Begin traveling early in the morning to obtain as much daylight time as possible and see scenic views along the way.
• Have some Vietnamese dong in cash, since credit cards or cell payments may not be universally accepted at smaller rest stops or cafes.
• Stretch at stops and exercise to remain comfortable and minimize travel fatigue.

Recommended Stops Along the Way

The trip from Hoi An to Da Lat is not only about reaching the destination; it is itself an exciting journey with scenic landscapes, towns, and hidden gems to discover. If you can spare the time, there are definitely sights you should stop over to enjoy the natural beauties of Central and Southern Vietnam.

Nha Trang

One of the most popular coastal towns in Vietnam, Nha Trang boasts stunning blue beaches and an enthusiastic atmosphere. You can stop there to enjoy fresh seafood, bathe in the sun on the golden sands, and take a boat trip to the surrounding islands. The city has hot springs and mud pools where you can refresh yourself after the ride.

Binh Dinh

For something calmer than Nha Trang, you should go to Quy Nhon, which is impressive with pristine beaches and serenity. You can visit Eo Gio, an eye-catching coastal lookout point, and go to the ancient Champa Towers there. The local seafood cuisine, especially the barbecued squids, is definitely worth sampling before leaving the place.

Buon Ma Thuot

The coffee-growing city of Buon Ma Thuot in the Central Highlands is where coffee in Vietnam is at its best. You can visit coffee plantations to learn the process of coffee roasting and enjoy fresh Robusta coffee. You can further visit any waterfall, such as Dray Nur or Dray Sap, which is nestled between green forests.

Phan Rang – Thap Cham

It is an ideal stop for persons who enjoy culture and nature scenes in one place. Here, you can see the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers, sandy dunes, and roads with salt fields along the way to the shore. It affords you the opportunity to learn about Cham culture in a beautiful setting.

Dalat Countryside

Before continuing to the city proper of Da Lat, there is a short sidetrip to the countryside to enjoy the growing farms of flowers and coffee, with rolling hills of pine trees in the countryside before being treated to the lovely and famous mists of Da Lat later on.

Final Thoughts

The journey from Hoi An to Da Lat is long but rewarding, offering a transition from cultural heritage to natural beauty. Whether you choose a Hoi An to Da Lat flight for speed, a budget bus, or a train connection for a more scenic route, each option gives you a unique way to explore Vietnam. With SeniWorld’s guidance, you can find the transport that suits your travel style and enjoy a smooth trip to the Central Highlands.