Ho Chi Minh City To Hoi An : 5 Ways To Travel

Hoi An, located in Quang Nam province, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in central Vietnam for its remained unique and delightful architecture including tottering Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and ancient tea warehouses.

Hoi An is 930 km from Ho Chi Minh (by land) and 40km from the center of Da Nang city. Because it has neither any airport nor railway station, the only way to go to Hoi An is by road. However, you can travel from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang, which is the neighboring city, by any means of transportation and afterward find a suitable way (bus, taxi, Grab, private car or rented motorbike) to get to Hoi An. Overall, there are 5 main ways to get from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An and each one has its pros and cons.

I. Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by plane - the fastest way

1. How to book a flight ticket from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang?

Normally, the most popular way is booking tickets on the Internet. A flight ticket from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang often costs from VND 1,000,000 to VND 3,000,000, depending on the airlines and period of time. A typical flight from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang lasts from 1 - 1.5 hours.

All about Hoi An, Vietnam: https://journeyonair.com/hoi-an-vietnam

There are 3 airlines in Vietnam, which are Vietnam airline, Jetstar, and Vietjet respectively. Vietnam airline has the most comfortable but most expensive price. 

Traveloka is the most highly recommended website for you to book e-tickets traveloka.com because of the web’s logical arrangement but also of its frequent code giving, which makes the price cheaper than booking in other websites. Also, you can purchase e-tickets onin each airline’s website.

2. Contact information of the airport in Ho Chi Minh

Tan Son Nhat airport

Address: Truong Son Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh city

Contact number: (+84)28 3848 5634

Open hour: 24/7

3. Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An

There are different ways to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An after the plane’s landing. You can choose between a private car, taxi, shuttle bus, motorbike rental or Grab to go to Hoi An. Think carefully about which to choose because each of these transportations has its own characteristics. The guide given below will assist you a lot when deciding how to travel.

Read more: 4 ways to get around Hoi An, Vietnam

a. Private car

There is always car rental service in the city. It often costs VND 350,000 with a 4-seat car and VND 450,000 for a 7-seat one (one-way trip). Remember to ask for the price before booking because they will not tell you the right price. But if you have already had accommodation in Hoi An, ask the owner to arrange a private pickup car for you. It should cost almost the same price as the amount given above. All you have to do is calling the rental store and provide them your information such as pickup time and address (or the flight number if you want them to pick you up at the airport). 

The advantage of private cars is its flexibility, especially when you travel with a team of friends or family because you can stop at any sites along the way. But by the way, it certainly costs more than other transportations for its convenience.

Here is the contact information of some car rental companies in Da Nang:

b. Taxi - Grab

Taxi is the easiest way to get to Hoi An from Da Nang because of its convenience. All you need to do is catching a taxi and telling the driver where to go with little prior arrangement. Normally, it costs around VND 11,000/km if the distance is under 10 km. Otherwise, you can arrange the fixed price with the directory inquiries to have a discount with the more-than-10-km distance. It often costs you around VND 350,000 and VND 400,000 to travel from the city center to Hoi An and also, it takes you from 30 to 45 minutes. However, make sure the driver knows where to take you to because sometimes there are drivers who find the Hoi An area unfamiliar. By the way, you should choose a well-known taxi brand to avoid scams.

Here is the contact information of some taxi brands in Da Nang:

Another similar choice is Grab. Because in Vietnam, Grab has become increasingly popular, many people choose it as a way to travel. The price depends on the type of Grab you take, as well as the period of time. You have to book a ride online through the mobile app (named “Grab”). The advantages of this is that you will know how much it costs after entering your location and destination and there are a lot of discounts.

Here is the information of some popular types of Grab:

c. Shuttle bus

There is a direct bus line between Da Nang and Hoi An - bus no.1 - for just VND 25,000. It starts serving at 5:30 a.m and stops operating at 18:00 and there is a bus every 20 minutes. 

You can search on Google, or just use Google Maps to locate the nearest bus stop and the arrival time of the bus. The ticket is purchased on the bus, but make sure to pay at the right price: VND 25,000. Although the bus is the cheapest option to get to Hoi An, it takes a bit longer, about 1.5 hours to get to Hoi An. 

d. Motorbike rental

If you are a skillful rider, traveling by motorbike is the most exciting option because of its flexibility to drop to do sightseeing along the way. But if this is your first time in Vietnam and you are not familiar with driving a motorbike, this option is not recommended because it is fairly dangerous.

The average price for this means of transportation is VND 130,000/bike/day. You will have to leave your ID or your passport at the rental shop in order to ensure that you will return the car safely. You can go to the shop to take the bike or call them to bring it to your place (and pay the extra money). Some shop will give you a discount for a longer rental. Make sure all functions are in good condition and remember to take the shop’s contact information in case you may need help when something goes wrong on the way.

Here is the information of some motorbike rental stores in Da Nang:

4. What are the advantages of traveling by plane?

The first benefit of traveling by plane that crosses everyone’s minds is its convenience. There are soft seats with prepared meals and snacks. Also, the plane itself is quite clean and well-organized. Moreover, traveling by plane is time-saving because it takes nearly ten-fold faster than traveling by other options. 

5. What are the disadvantages of traveling by plane?

Since this is the most comfortable choice, it is the most costly. Thus, you should not travel by plane if your budget is not too great. Besides, the weather plays an important role when you travel by plane because it will get uncomfortable when it is cloudy and rainy. Sometimes you have to wait for a long time because the flight is delayed for some reasons. Moreover, you have to think of the transport to take from Da Nang to Hoi An, which is sometimes complicated for foreigners.

6. Our recommendations when you travel by plane

Firstly, try to be at the airport from 2 to 1.5 hours before the flight’s departure time because you have to finish some tasks before getting on the plane. Secondly, check your luggage carefully at home. If it weighs more than 7kg, you will have to pay the extra money. Also, bear in mind to bring something to entertain during the flight, for example, books or mp3 players.

II. Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by train - a safest way

1. How to book a train ticket from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang?

Normally, there are 2 ways to get a train ticket from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An: offline and online. The first one is purchasing the tickets directly at any railway station nationwide. The other way is booking e-tickets through the website of Vietnamese railway dsvn.vn. This is far considered to be more convenient than the first way because you can you can do it at home. But in whichever way, you have to provide your card ID or passport number. The price may vary due to the difference in the time period type of seat, seat position and type of passenger.

2. Contact information of railway station in Ho Chi Minh

Sai Gon railway station

Address: 1 Nguyen Thong Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh city

Contact number: N/A

Open hour: 24/7

3. Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An

You can check out the information provided in the same part in “Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by plane” because these are almost the same.

4. What are the advantages of traveling by train?

There are several reasons why people choose the train as their means of transportation. First, traveling by train is considered as one of the most cheapest ways to get from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. Hence, it is suitable for people whose budget is not very great and doesn’t want to spend too much money on transport. Second, traveling by train is safe and it gives you the chance to do sightseeing because there is a lot of sceneries along the way from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. 

5. What are the disadvantages of traveling by train?

Despite the benefits given above, there are some downsides toof the train. First, it is time-consuming because on average, it often takes you 13-16 hours on the whole, which can lead to tiredness and inconvenience for those taking the seat tickets. Second, this option is quite complicated when you set up the travel plan because it doesn't take you directly to Hoi An and then you have to think about how to get from Da Nang to Hoi An.

6. Our recommendations when you travel by train

First, make sure you did not buy a wrong ticket or get on the wrong train, which is really embarrassing. Second, check the time carefully and try to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before departure time, also watch out the luggage and be aware of the arrival station. We recommend you to prepare something to entertain (books, mp3 players,...), as well as snacks and a U pillow if have a more comfortable journey. Finally, take the chance to enjoy the outside scenic views.

III. Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by sleeping bus/coach - a cheap way

1. How to book a sleeping bus/coach ticket from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An?

Basically, there are 2 ways to get a bus ticket from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. The first one is buying the tickets directly from the bus station or the bus company. The other one is purchasing through the company's phone number or website and give them your contact information such as name, seat priority, address (in case some buses provide the pickup services). There are different levels of price, depending on different bus brands, but it should cost VND 400,000 on average.

Occasionally, people take the Ho Chi Minh - Da Nang bus and get off in Hoi An because Hoi An itself is a station on the way from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. But it is ok if you go to Da Nang first and then come back to Hoi An by the transports mentioned above in the “Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An” part. Also, there are available buses that run the Ho Chi Minh - Hoi An route, so it’s up to you to decide which bus to go.

2. Contact information of bus companies in Ho Chi Minh

There are several bus companies for you to choose from, however, their service quality, as well as the price, may vary. Here is the information of some bus companies in Ho Chi Minh City:

3. What are the advantages of sleeping bus/coach?

Here come some merits when you travel from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang by sleeping bus/coach. First, it is a budget-friendly way because it only costs you about VND 400,000 on average, which is much cheaper than traveling by plane. Second, some buses travel directly to Hoi An (or Da Nang buses but canare able to drop you off at Hoi An). Thus, you can save your time and don't need to use other means of transportation. 

4. What are the disadvantages of sleeping bus/coach?

Despite the advantages that are mentioned above, traveling by sleeping bus/coach still has some downsides. First, like the train, going by bus is not a time-saving way because it takes you 20 hours to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang and 19 hours directly from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An, which makes you tired after such a long trip. Moreover, the service of the sleeping bus is not so good as other private options and maybe rather disturbing to some people, especially those who suffer from motion sickness. As a result, this may not be your cup of tea if you prefer a comfortable, relaxing and more private means of transportation.

5. Our recommendations when you travel by sleeping bus/coach

First, check the time and the name of bus carefully, make sure you will not get on the wrong bus. Second, be punctual, try to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before departure time. By the way, watch out your luggage and be aware of the arrival station during the journey because you may over-sleep and cannot hear the notice of the driver. Because traveling by sleeping bus/coach is somehow boring, you should prepare something to entertain (books, mp3 players,..) and snacks (in case you may get hungry)and a U pillow if you take the coach.

6. Compare sleeping bus/coach and train

IV. Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by private car - a ideal team trip

1. How to rent a car in Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh is the biggest city in Vietnam, so it is not too difficult to find a car rental store. You can go to the shop to directly deal with the owner. There are available car rental services in almost every district. Another way is contacting the shops through its phone number/website. By the way, you have to give them your information. The price may vary, depending on the kind of car. Normally, you have to pay VND 8,000,000, VND 8,500,000 and VND 9,000,000 for a 4-seat and 7-seat and car and a 16-seater respectively.

2. Contact information of some car rental shops in Ho Chi Minh

Here is the contact information of some car rental stores in Ho Chi Minh city:

3. What are the advantages of a private car?

Privacy and convenience are the most popular reasons why people choose private cars. People often choose this option when going with a group of friends or family. Hence, you will have the space talking with them or taking a rest without strangers' disturbance. Plus, thanks to its flexibility, you can arrange with the drivers to travel in another route to pay a visit to some sites along the way. By the way, some drivers know English and they can understand what you mean; therefore, don’t be worried about the language problem during the trip.

4. What are the disadvantages of a private car? 

The first noteworthy downside of traveling by private car is the high involved fee, which is only suitable for those whose traveling budget is rather great or travel in a team because it costs an arm and a leg. What is more, despite its flexibility, it’s still time-consuming when taking you 16-18 hours if there are at least 2 drivers and over a day because you cannot drive continually from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An in just 1 day. By the way, this is not a smart selection for those who suffer from motion sickness.

5. Our recommendations when you travel by private car

The most important thing is taking the contact information or a business card of the rental shop in case you get in an emergency, but try to discuss carefully with the shop owner about the rental service and make sure the price is not too much higher than the amount mentioned above. And finally, tell the drivers where you want to visit on the way before setting off in order that they may need some preparation.

V. Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by motorbike - a must-try option

1. How to rent a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh?

It is comparatively easy to hire a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh city. If you have already had the information onof the rental shop, go there for more direct discussion with the shop owner and check the bike carefully. Another more convenient way is just paying the extra money and providing your contact information  and they will bring the motorbike to your place.

As usual, there are different levels of rental, which is dependent on different types of bike. You should choose the one that is most suitable for a long ride and you can easily handle. 

2. Contact information of some motorbike rental shops in Ho Chi Minh

Here is the information about some rental stores in Ho Chi Minh City:

3. What are the advantages of motorbike rental?

Biking outperforms other options when it comes to the aspect of enjoying nature because you will have the perfect view of the amazing things around. Hence, you can stop on the way to do sightseeing, take a rest and take photos. By the way, traveling by motorbike is an effective way to run away from the busy daily life. If you love adventures, whether you go with friends or on your own, you will find it worthwhile choosing this way.

4. What are the disadvantages of motorbike rental?

The first drawback of this option is danger. This is because the route is long and sometimes hard to drive if you do not intend to go in the National Highway 1, which seems less attractive due to the high circulation of vehicles.

Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang may be time-consuming and tired and you cannot finish the journey in just one day. It is highly recommended for you to divide the trip into 3 days, thus you have to think of where to stay. One more thing should be considered is the weather, which affects your trip in a direct way. A bad condition of weather can prevent you from finishing the way as expected.

5. Our recommendations when you travel by rented motorbike

If this is the first time you have been to Vietnam and you did not drive so often before, we would not think you should choose this option because of its danger. But you are skillful enough, traveling by motorbike will be an unforgettable experience.

We suggest that you should research carefully and then find the most suitable bike in order to have a safe journey. Normally, there are 2 common kinds of motorbikes: manual and automatic transmission. Automatic bikes are easier to ride because all you have to do is just turning the throttle and then it will run. However, the manual one is more suitable to travel in case of a long route because you can control the torque manually, which helps you to go uphill easier.

Another thing you should bear in mind is checking the bike carefully before starting the trip. Make sure the functions: brakes, tires, horns, light and gear pedal are in good condition. And also, don’t forget to get the shop’s information in case you need help on the way. Last but not least, do a careful research of the route and prepare a map in case you may get lost and there are some problems with your phone.

6. Compare motorbike rental and private car

VI. How to choose a suitable vihicle from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An

1. What is your budget?

Budget is one of the first and foremost factors that decide which vehicle you will use to travel. If you don’t want to spend too much on transportation, an appropriate choice is taking the train and sleeping bus/coach because they don’t cost you much. Otherwise, if your budget is greater, you should choose a plane or private means of transportation.

2. Who do you go with?

The way you travel is also dependent on the number of your travel-mates and who they are. If you intend to take an individual trip, public transport and motorbike rental are highly recommended. But if you travel with friends, almost every option is suitable and makes a lot of fun.

3. When do you have your trip?

Although Hoi An is worth a visit at any time of the year, our advice is you should not travel by motorbike in the rainy season due to the long route. But if you prefer the other choices, it is ok for you to travel by other means of transportation because they are almost suitable in all seasons, but think carefully before deciding what to choose.

4. How much luggage do you bring along?

If you intend to bring a pretty much luggage, private cars, and public transportations are better choices than others because they contain much space. But if you want to travel light, take it easy because every vehicle suits your choice.

VII. Brief summary of all vihicles

On the whole, we hope that after reading our article, you will find a suitable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. However, always think carefully because each vehicle has its pros and cons. Many interesting things are waiting  for you to explore in Hoi An. It wouldn’t be nicer to walk along the river bank, take a rest by a Japanese-styled house and savor every sip of Mót - a Hoi An famous herbal tea brand. Now you have the necessary information, let’s go and make them all come true. We wish you a stress-free and memorable trip.