Hoi An is surely one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. With its historic temples and romantic waterways, it has a charm that will sweep you off your feet and make you feel like you are in a different world. At the same time, it will bring out the foodie personality in you and the beach bum weekend you have been dreaming of -these are only a few of many things you can do in Hoi An.
Getting to Hoi An is pretty easy no matter where you are coming from or in which type of transportation you will. However, as you can imagine, some options can be slower while other ways can be expensive.
This article about how to get to Hoi An will help you decide which way is best for you depending on your budget, the time that you have, and the adventure that you are looking for. If you are coming from Hue to Hoi An, check this guide.
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FROM THE NORTH OF VIETNAM
To the North of Hoi An lie Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the transportation hub and beach destination that is Da Nang City. If you’re coming from either Hanoi or Hue, you can either fly, travel by train, or take the bus going to Da Nang then make your connecting trip to Hoi An.
RELATED POST: How to get to Da Nang from Hoi An
By bus or train
Buckle up for a long journey ahead. But don’t worry, the buses and trains heading for Da Nang are comfortable, and the trains sell food and drinks on board, some even have free WiFi so you’re pretty much covered for the duration of the trip. Plus, you get the chance to be stunned by the country’s scenic sights and views of Vietnam’s everyday hustle just outside your window. It’s worth it.
| TRAVEL TIME | COST | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES | |
| Hanoi to Hoi An by bus | 18 hours | $15-$23 | CHECK PRICES AND SCHEDULES |
| Hanoi to Da Nang by train | 17 hours | $20-$50 $80-$90 (luxury) | CHECK PRICES AND SCHEDULES |
| Hue to Hoi An by bus | 2.5-3 hours | $6-$9 | CHECK PRICES AND SCHEDULES |
| Hue to Da Nang by train | 2-2.5 hours | $6 | CHECK PRICES AND SCHEDULES |
From Da Nang airport
If you’re travelling by plane, it will take more or less 1.5 hours to reach Hoi An from the airport. Your destination is 18 miles south of Da Nang and you have plenty of options for transportation, ranging from full-on comfort (private car) to the rough and adventurous (motorbike). And of course, you have the bus as your budget-friendly option. For the public bus, go to the nearest bus stop or to the bus station to catch your ride.
RELATED POST: Accommodations in Da Nang and how to get to Da Nang from north or south of Vietnam
| TRAVEL TIME | COST | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES | |
| Bus (private and tourist transfer) | 60 minutes | $6 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| Bus (public) AKA Yellow bus #1 | 70-80 minutes | $1 | |
| Private car | 30-45 minutes | $25-$80 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| Taxi | 35-45 minutes | $15-$25 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| Motorbike | 35-45 minutes | $6/day rent | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
FROM THE SOUTH OF VIETNAM
On the south of Hoi An are Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City. From these popular points, you also have the option to take the plane, bus, or train to get to the ancient town. Many travellers prefer to travel by plane since it’s faster compared to the 10+ hours that it takes if you opt for the other two.
If you do choose to fly to the ancient city, there are 2 airports outside of Hoi An to choose from: Da Nang International Airport, which is most preferred, and the Cam Ranh International Airport that serves travellers heading in and out of Nha Trang. From these entry points, you will have to take a bus or a private car bound for Hoi An.
RELATED POST: How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An
By bus or train
Bus trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and Nha Trang provide direct transfers. Taking the train, however, means you will have to make a stop in Da Nang as there are no stations in Hoi An. Whichever your preference is, be sure to book your tickets in advance to guarantee good seating, aka window seats.
| TRAVEL TIME | COST | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES | |
| HCMC to Hoi An by bus | 22-25 hours | $15-$21 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| HCMC to Da Nang by train | 16-19 hours | $21-$47 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| Da Lat to Hoi An by bus | 18 hours | $10 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| Da Lat to Da Nang by train | 9-11 hours | $12-$35 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| Nha Trang to Hoi An by bus | 10 hours | $11 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
| Nha Trang to Da Nang by train | 10 hours | $14 | CHECK PRICES & SCHEDULES |
From Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
Nope, you’re journey’s far from over. From the airport, it’s still a 45-minute journey going to Nha Trang. You can take a taxi which costs around $8 or the shuttle (leaves every 2 hours) for only $2. Once you get to Nha Trang, you can either take the bus heading directly for Hoi An or the train which will take you first to Da Nang, then it’s another bus ride to Hoi An. Kindly see the previous table for the train and bus options heading towards town.
MOTORBIKING TO HOI AN
If you are one of the adrenaline seekers riding a motorbike all-over Vietnam, getting to Hoi An is definitely possible and pretty straightforward.
If you are coming either from the North or South of Vietnam, follow the QL1A which mostly go through the coastline. While if you are coming from the West, probably crossing the border from Laos, drive through the road QL14D. I highly recommend you talk to some locals and travellers in the destination you are coming from.
Some major highways are closed for motorbikes, meaning motorbikes are not allowed to drive on it. Most likely, you will pass through the small town instead until you reach the major highway again.
Check this motorbiking in Vietnam article for more information about this type of trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN
We list here our recommended places to stay in Hoi An, you can also check this specific post on where to stay in Hoi An.
Luxury Hotel and Resort in Hoi An
If you’re looking to pamper yourself and your family during your Hoi An vacation, then stay at the city’s most luxurious accommodations. Splurge and go all out and have your pick in one of our top choices of luxury hotels and resorts in Hoi An. From elegant furnishings, high-tech entertainment systems, impeccable service, and modern onsite facilities, these renowned establishments will not disappoint.
Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An
Settled on Cua Dai Beach, the Sunrise Premium Resort takes you close to the waters where the stunning seascape of Cua Dai entices you for a swim, a leisurely lounge in the sand, or a cosy snooze in one of the beachside cabanas. The resort covers an area of 3584.41 square feet with over 200 rooms equipped with top of the line amenities.
It’s a perfect choice if you’re in Hoi An for a wedding or big birthday bash with enough rooms to accommodate your guests. This 5-star resort has 3 restaurants on-site, and an outdoor pool, a conference centre, and a full-service spa.
PROS:
- free use of bicycles
- free WiFi and parking
- a train station pick-up service for a surcharge
CONS:
- no free breakfast
Mid-range Hotel in Hoi An
Stay in comfort and still enjoy complete facilities without breaking your wallet. These mid-range hotels don’t compromise service quality even at a lower price. And with their locations snugly settled in central Hoi An, you can save even more for transportation, making your important stops and popular landmarks a mere stone’s throw away.
TTC Hotel Premium
Formerly the Hoi An Emerald Waters Hotel, the now TTC Hotel Premiums is best known for its fabulous breakfast buffet that former guests can’t help but rave about. But more than the food, TTC is preferred for its quality service, complete amenities, clean and comfortable rooms equipped with free wifi, cable TV, and tea and coffee maker.
The hotel’s location is also convenient at just 3km away from the beach and 1km from the Hoi An centre. TTC Hotel Premium is also popular for its well-equipped fitness centre. Onsite is a swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, bar, and restaurant.
PROS:
- free use of bicycles and WiFi
- offers organised tours
- a train station pick-up service for a surcharge
CONS:
- rooms are on the small side
Backpacker’s Hostel in Hoi An
For those of you visiting Hoi An on a shoe-string budget, fret not. The city has a string of great backpacker hostels and homestays for you to choose from, equally well-located and puts as much priority on providing their guests with a memorable and comfortable stay at a cheap cost.
Lisa Homestay
If you’re looking for a calm and quiet stay, then the relaxed-vibe Lisa Homestay is among your best options. Located in Minh An district, the hostel makes going to the city’s popular destinations such as the old town and the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation easily accessible by bike or on foot. Previous guests commend the owners for being hands-on in taking care of them.
Although fitted with only the most basic amenities, the staff sees to it that the rooms, bathrooms, and all the facilities are kept neat and clean at all times. There’s also a lounge area with a TV where guests can relax and meet other visitors staying at the hostel.
PROS:
- free WiFi and parking
- great location
CONS:
- no free use of bikes
That’s it from us for now. We hope that you find this guide on how to get to Hoi An post helpful. If you have questions or suggestions, let us know in the comment section below.
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