A full Vietnam escapade is not complete without a visit to Da Nang, and a Da Nang getaway can be made even better with a side trip to Hoi An. These two remarkable destinations are more or less an hour away from one to the other. So if you’re visiting Da Nang soon, don’t miss the chance to swing by Hoi An for its quaint old town filled with historic temples and romantic vibes.
Visiting Hoi An is easy enough with the options between a bus, taxi, private car, and motorbike – whichever you find most convenient and whichever appeals most to your taste of adventure. To help you make your pick, here’s a handy guide on how to get from Da Nang to Hoi An.
If you are on your backpacking trip and planning to stay in Hoi An for a few days, there are enough hostels and hotels to accommodate you. There are also many things to do in Hoi An to keep you on your feet. However, the most important thing you need to know is that Hoi An is known for customized tailored clothing, bags, shoes, and many other things for such an affordable price. Remember to take a look at that during your visit.
RELATED POSTS:
- Getting to Hoi An from the North or South of Vietnam by bus, train or plane
- Fun things to do in Vietnam
- Vietnam packing list: What to pack
- Backpacking in Vietnam: Everything you need to know
- Fastest way to extend your Vietnam visa
WHAT IS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN DA NANG AND HOI AN
Hoi An is located 18 miles (29 km) south of Da Nang City. Different modes of transportation are available to take you there, each with varying levels of convenience, travel time, and cost. That said, we break down the ways to get you to Hoi An that meet your budget and preference.
HOW TO TAKE THE BUS FROM DA NANG TO HOI AN
Many travelers opt for the leisurely bus ride from Da Nang to Hoi An and vice versa. You have two options if you choose to go by it, and that’s either to commute to Hoi An by a public bus or seek your seat with a private bus company.
RELATED POST: How to get to Da Nang
By Private Bus Companies
If you’re arriving at the airport, private bus companies such as the Hoi An Express Bus are your most convenient option, and they’re quite popular, too. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, and the drivers are known to drive safely. The bus service will pick you up at the airport upon arrival and shuttle you off to Hoi An or to any destination in the city center.
- Fare cost: $6
- Schedule: Arranged by booking
- Travel time: 60 minutes
By Public Bus
Also known as the yellow bus (#1), the public bus from Da Nang to Hoi An is the cheapest option for those on a tight budget and/or simply curious to experience the local bus transport. If you’re going straight to Hoi An from the airport, do note that the nearest bus stop is 2 miles away. Unless you choose to walk the distance, you would need to get on a cab before you can hop on the yellow bus.
- Fare cost: $1
- Schedules: 5:30 AM – 6 PM/bus leaves every 20 minutes
- Travel time: 70 – 80 minutes
By Tourist Transfer Bus
If you’re already in Da Nang and want to visit Hoi An for the day, The Sinh Tourist Bus is a good alternative if you want air-conditioned transport designed mainly for tourists, with comfortable seats and storage space for your luggage. The bus leaves from the city bus station, so in terms of convenience, you’ll have to check how far your hotel is from the bus station.
- Fare cost: $6
- Schedules: 5 AM – 12 PM/bus leaves every hour
- Travel time: 60 minutes
CHECK BUS SCHEDULES & PRICES HERE or HERE
HOW TO GET FROM DA NANG TO HOI AN BY PRIVATE CAR
For a hassle-free journey to Hoi An, go by private car transfer. This is especially convenient if you’re traveling with your family or if you want to make a few stops along the way. Book in advance if you want to be picked up from the airport upon arrival, or ask your hotel to arrange a private car service for you. Prices vary on a company’s rates and the vehicle of your choice.
- Cost: $25 – $80
- Travel time: 30 – 45 minutes
HOW TO GET FROM DA NANG TO HOI AN BY TAXI
Going to Hoi An by taxi is a popular choice for both locals and tourists since you can hail a cab just about anywhere in the city without the need for prior arrangements. However, and this requires mentioning – taxi drivers in the area tend to drive really fast and, at times, quite recklessly. Also, not all cab drivers are very familiar with Hoi An’s area, so before you get on one, make sure your driver knows his way around the city so you don’t end up driving around in circles.
- Cost: $15 – $25
- Travel time: 30 – 45 minutes
There’s also a new taxi-sharing service, Dichungtaxi, recently launched at the Da Nang airport. Think Grab Share or Uber Pool. The new taxi-sharing service will cost you around $7, $10 if you want to book as a solo passenger or you can use Grab (works like Uber).
DA NANG TO HOI AN BY MOTORBIKE
Travelling by motorbike from the city to Hoi An spells adventure. In most parts of Vietnam, locals go around on motorbikes, so think of it as getting an authentic experience by means of transportation. But traffic in Da Nang is different and overwhelming, so if you’re not an experienced driver with excellent balance and good reflexes, better choose from the other 3 options mentioned above. Otherwise, ride away.
- Travel time: 30 – 45 minutes
- Rental fee: $6 per day / longer rental period are available at a discounted rate
Route 1
The coastal route, which is faster and easier, starts from Da Nang, passing by Dragon Bridge, then towards the beach area. Take your right at Vo Nguyen Giap St., and it’s straight ahead (along the linking streets of Truong Sa and Lac Long Quan) towards Hoi An. You’ll see the Hoi An welcome sign upon arrival.
Noteworthy stops: Lady Buddha, Son Tra Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, Ngu Hanh Son (temples and marble stone sculptures), Marble Mountains (short detour)
Route 2
Highway route, right through the city’s urban and suburban areas. Start your ride at Tran Thi Ly Bridge, turn right at the roundabout heading for Ngu Hanh Son St., and ride straight (on connecting streets of Le Van Hien, Tran Dai, Nghia, and Nguyen Tat Thanh) until you see the series of old yellow houses of downtown Hoi An.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN
The surge of tourists seeking to experience Hoi An’s exceptional offerings (natural, cultural, historical, and culinary) has been superbly met with some of the country’s most remarkable and impeccable accommodations. From the luxurious to the budget-friendly, the city serves travelers and guests a wonderful stay that will have them coming back for more.
Luxury hotels and resorts in Hoi An
Enjoy world-class accommodation with the best of modern comforts and top-of-the-line facilities in this city dotted with stunning beaches and cultural and historical gems! If you’re looking to book Hoi An’s 5-star stays, these two luxury hotels and resorts promise nothing short of a grand vacation.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Settled on the breathtaking, unspoiled shores of Hoi An Beach, the Four Seasons The Nam Hai offers postcard-worthy views of the beach’s white-sand coastline. The resort’s villas are enveloped in a lush tropical garden overlooking the tranquil waters of the South China Sea.
This 5-star hotel features spacious, elegantly styled villas fitted with high-end facilities and comfortable furnishings. Wellness and fitness centers, spas and saunas, pools, restaurants, and tennis and basketball courts on-site offer plenty of activities and relaxing treatments for you to choose from.
Best features:
- beach-front location
- the beach-side dining area serves superb Vietnamese and international cuisine
- impeccable service
- multilingual staffs
Cons:
- no kiddie pool
READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES ON BOOKING.COM and HOTELSCOMBINED
Hotel Royal Hoi An
The Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery by Sofitel is situated along Hoi An’s Thu Bon River, which offers guests easy access to the city’s major points of interest. The 5-star luxury hotel boasts 360-degree views from its rooftop bar, The Deck Hoi An, which happens to be the highest in the city.
The splendid interiors form a harmonious blend of Japanese and Indochinese influences, and the rooms are equipped with complete and high-end amenities. The boutique-style hotel is known for its extensive selection of spa, fitness, and wellness facilities, and outdoor and infinity pools.
Best features:
- stunning rooftop views
- extra long beds available (+2 meters)
- allergy-free rooms
- extensive wellness services
Cons:
- a considerable distance from the beach
READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES ON BOOKING.COM and HOTELSCOMBINED
Backpacker Hostels in Hoi An
Hostels are on the rise in Hoi An as backpackers and many solo travelers make their mandatory stop in town. Hostels are a preference not just for those strapped for bucks but also for those who want a taste of the local warmth and welcome in the company of fellow travelers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stay or a fun-packed time, here are our top picks for the best hostels in Hoi An.
Vietnam Backpacker Hostels Hoi An
Known by all counts as the best party hostel in Hoi An, the Vietnam Backpacker Hostels has it all – pools, bar, chill-out areas, bingo, and intense nightly activities down at the bar, with live music and performances, movie nights, karaoke, and so much more. The rooms and dorms are highly rated for their clean and spacious setup and comfortable beds. They also serve good food and coffee, and to top it all, it’s good vibes all the way.
- cost per dorm bed: $7 for 4- and 6-bed dorm rooms, mixed and all-female
Best features:
- outdoor swimming pool
- staff speaks English
- accepts special diet menus on request
- has facilities for disabled guests
Cons:
- far from the old town Hoi An
- payment is cash only
READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES ON BOOKING.COM and HOSTELCOMBINED
Lazy Bear Hostel
This relax-vibe hostel is fitted with modern comforts, clean, stylish, and air-conditioned. The private rooms even come with an en suite bathroom and a tub, too! The hostel has a private beach area, garden, and picnic area for you to lounge in and chill or socialize with other guests. There’s an on-site coffee house, bar, and restaurant. Not only is this place great for backpackers looking for a laid-back atmosphere, but also for families, as there are indoor and outdoor play areas for kids.
- cost per dorm bed: $7 for a 4-bed mixed dormitory room
Best features:
- Free wifi, breakfast, bikes
- Free and secured parking with an electric vehicle charging station
- Extra-long beds available (+2 meters)
- Great location; closest landmarks can be reached by bike or even on foot
Cons:
- no all-female dorm rooms
READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES ON BOOKING.COM and HOTELCOMBINED
Tribee Kinh
Another party hostel worth checking out is the Tribee Kinh, located conveniently in the heart of Hoi An, with the old town and many popular landmarks within walking distance. The hostel’s party vibe makes it an ideal place to meet and mix with other travelers.
Tribee Kinh offers free drinks on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Mondays and Thursdays, you can join the free food tours and the free spring roll cooking class on Wednesdays and Sundays. As for the rooms, they are clean and decently furnished, and the beds are soft and comfortable.
- cost per dorm bed: $7 for a 6-bed mixed dormitory room
Best features:
- free wifi and breakfast
- free tours
- pets are allowed (no extra charge)
Cons:
- no other outdoor facilities aside from the BBQ
READ REVIEWS & CHECK PRICES ON BOOKING.COM and HOTELCOMBINED
WHERE TO GO NEXT
When you’ve had your fill of picturesque coastlines and quenched the thirst for a thrill with Mui Ne’s water sports offerings – head to Phan Thiet for more! More coastal beauty, that is. A coastal port city in Southeast Vietnam, Phan Thiet draws you in with a harbor specked with colorful boats, bustling seafood markets, and a historic temple that houses skeleton collections of locally celebrated marine creatures, whales included.
I hope this guide on how to get from Da Nang to Hoi An useful, let us know if you have any questions.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin.