How to Get to Da Nang City and Hoi An from Ho Chi Minh City: Planes, Trains, Buses, and Sustainable Travel

Da Nang City, now encompassing the former Quang Nam Province with Hoi An as Minh An Ward, is a vibrant coastal hub and UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting over 8 million visitors annually. Located approximately 860 km (534 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), this region offers pristine beaches like My Khe, cultural treasures like Hoi An’s Ancient Town, and historic sites such as My Son Sanctuary. Whether you seek a quick flight, a scenic train journey, or a budget-friendly bus, multiple transportation options make Da Nang City and Hoi An accessible for every traveler. With sustainable travel practices like electric buses and bike tours, you can explore responsibly while immersing in Central Vietnam’s charm. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly tours to seamlessly connect you from HCMC to this coastal paradise, bookable via links throughout this guide. Start your journey now—reserve your tour today!

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our HCMC to Da Nang and Hoi An tours use low-impact transport like bicycles, electric shuttles, and eco-friendly taxis, guided by local experts who share insights into the region’s culture and history. We support Minh An and Cam Ha communities and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to promote eco-conscious tourism. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a hassle-free experience. Travel sustainably with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!

Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, with Hoi An now Minh An Ward and former districts like Tam Ky and Dai Loc integrated as Tam Ky and Hoa Vang Wards. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Da Nang City’s tourism infrastructure, including access to Hoi An, remains robust. Sustainable initiatives like electric buses, cycling paths, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023) ensure seamless travel to key destinations.

The journey from HCMC to Da Nang City covers approximately 860 km (534 miles) by road or 610 km (379 miles) by air, with Hoi An an additional 28 km (17 miles) from Da Nang. Below are the latest options for flights, trains, and buses, including prices, schedules, and sustainable travel tips, updated to reflect current data and the region’s new administrative structure.

1. By Plane

Overview: Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Da Nang City from HCMC, with frequent daily flights and a short travel time. Hoi An is a 45-minute taxi or shuttle ride from Da Nang International Airport.
Details:

• Departure: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City.

• Arrival: Da Nang International Airport (DAD), Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang City, 3 km from the city center.

• Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, Pacific Airlines.

• Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

• Frequency: Over 60 direct flights daily, from 6:00 AM to 10:35 PM.

• Ticket Prices: $40–$160 one-way (1,000,000–4,000,000 VND), depending on airline, booking time, and season. Budget carriers like Vietjet Air offer fares as low as $40 during promotions, while Vietnam Airlines averages $80–$120.

• To Hoi An: From Da Nang Airport, take a taxi ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND), Grab ($10–$13 or 250,000–325,000 VND), or shuttle bus ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND) to Hoi An (45–60 minutes).
  Sustainable Tips:

• Book with airlines offering carbon offset programs (e.g., Vietnam Airlines).

• Use Grab’s electric GrabCars or share rides to Hoi An to reduce emissions.

• Arrive at SGN 1.5 hours early for security; DAD’s compact size ensures quick exits.
  Pros: Fastest option; frequent flights; Da Nang Airport’s proximity to the city center.
  Cons: Higher cost than buses or trains; potential delays with budget airlines like Vietjet Air. Booking: Use platforms like 12Go.asia, Klook, or airline websites (e.g., vietnamairlines.com) for deals. Highlights: “Quick and hassle-free, with stunning aerial views of Vietnam’s coast” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
  Tip: Book flights 2–3 months in advance for savings, especially for peak seasons (March–August). Included in our Hoi An Cultural Explorer Tour ($350–$550).

2. By Train

Overview: The train journey from HCMC to Da Nang, part of the Reunification Express, is a scenic and sustainable option, offering views of rice fields, mountains, and the South China Sea, particularly along the Hai Van Pass. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience. Details:

• Departure: Saigon Railway Station (1 Nguyễn Thông, Phường 6, Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City).

• Arrival: Da Nang Railway Station (791 Hải Phòng, Tam Thuận, Thanh Khê, Da Nang City), 3 km from the city center.

• Operator: Vietnam Railways (trains SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, SE22); luxury options like Violette Express Train.

• Distance: 935 km (581 miles).

• Duration: 17.5–18.5 hours (fastest: SE2 at 17 hr 38 min).

• Frequency: 5 daily departures (6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:40 PM, 7:00 PM, 11:00 PM).

• Ticket Prices:

  • Hard Seat: $20–$25 (500,000–625,000 VND).

  • Soft Seat (AC): $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).

  • Hard Berth (6-berth cabin, AC): $35–$45 (875,000–1,125,000 VND).

  • Soft Berth (4-berth cabin, AC): $45–$70 (1,125,000–1,750,000 VND).

  • Luxury Violette Train (4-berth): $60–$85 (1,500,000–2,125,000 VND).

• To Hoi An: From Da Nang Station, take a taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND), Grab ($10–$13 or 250,000–325,000 VND), or bus #1 ($0.80–$1.20 or 20,000–30,000 VND, 60–75 minutes) to Hoi An. Sustainable Tips:

• Trains emit 42.61 kg CO2 vs. 121.74 kg for flights, saving 79.13 kg per trip.

• Book soft berths for comfort; bring reusable water bottles and snacks to avoid plastic waste.

• Arrive 20–30 minutes early at Saigon Station; baggage limit is 20 kg/adult, 10 kg/child. Pros: Scenic route, especially Hai Van Pass; affordable; sleeper cabins for overnight comfort.
  Cons: Long travel time; some trains (e.g., SE22) may be less clean or shaky. Booking: Use vietnam-railway.com, 12Go.asia, or baolau.com for schedules and tickets. Highlights: “A breathtaking journey through Vietnam’s countryside” (Tripadvisor, 4.0/5 stars).
  Tip: Choose SE2 or SE4 for faster travel; book lower berths for easier access. Included in our Central Vietnam Train Explorer ($350–$550).

3. By Bus

Overview: Buses are the most budget-friendly option, offering day and overnight sleeper services from HCMC to Da Nang. While slower than flights or trains, modern sleeper buses provide comfort for cost-conscious travelers. Details:

• Departure: Various stations in HCMC, including Mien Dong Bus Station (292 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, Bình Thạnh), Mien Tay Bus Station (395 Kinh Dương Vương, Bình Tân), or private offices (e.g., Đề Thám Street, District 1).

• Arrival: Da Nang Central Bus Station (Bến Xe Đà Nẵng, 156 Tôn Đức Thắng, Thanh Khê), or private drop-offs in Da Nang or Hoi An.

• Operators: Futa Bus (Phương Trang), Hanh Cafe, Vietnam Travel Bus, Hoang Long, Cuc Tung, Mai Linh Express.

• Distance: 860–965 km (534–600 miles), depending on coastal or inland routes (e.g., National Highway 1A vs. coastal roads).

• Duration: 18–24 hours, depending on stops and traffic. Fastest sleeper buses take ~18 hours.

• Frequency: Over 50 daily departures, including 40+ night buses, from 4:50 AM to 8:35 PM.

• Ticket Prices:

  • Standard Sleeper: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).

  • VIP Sleeper (e.g., 32 seats, curtains): $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND).

  • Limousine Bus (22–24 seats): $35–$50 (875,000–1,250,000 VND).

• To Hoi An: Some buses drop off in Hoi An (e.g., Hanh Cafe office); otherwise, take a taxi ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND) or bus #1 ($0.80–$1.20) from Da Nang.
  Sustainable Tips:

• Buses emit 45.65 kg CO2, slightly more than trains but less than flights.

• Choose VIP or limousine buses for better fuel efficiency; bring reusable containers to avoid plastic waste at stops.

• Arrive 15–30 minutes early; expect bathroom/lunch breaks every 3–4 hours. Pros: Cheapest option; overnight buses save on accommodation; modern sleeper buses offer comfort.
  Cons: Long travel time; some buses may feel cramped or unsafe due to road conditions. Booking: Use bookaway.com, getbybus.com, or checkmybus.com for schedules and tickets. Highlights: “A budget-friendly adventure with restful sleeper cabins” (Tripadvisor, 4.0/5 stars).
  Tip: Book VIP sleeper buses (e.g., Futa Bus) for more space; avoid peak hours (6:30–9:00 AM, 4:00–7:00 PM). Included in our Hoi An Budget Explorer Tour ($120–$220).

Da Nang City prioritizes eco-conscious travel to preserve its UNESCO heritage and coastal ecosystems:

• Eco-Friendly Transport: Electric buses (DanaBus), bike-sharing (TNGO), and Xanh SM’s electric taxis reduce emissions, with 10% of public transport electric-powered.

• Community Support: Tourism employs 500+ artisans in Hoi An’s craft villages, with revenue funding vocational training and flood-resistant infrastructure (VND500 billion, 2023).

• Plastic Waste Reduction: 70% of vendors use biodegradable packaging, aligning with Vietnam’s 2022 anti-plastic campaign.

• Cultural Preservation: Digital QR guides (2023) educate visitors, supporting heritage sites like Hoi An’s Old Town.

Legend Travel Group’s tours integrate these practices, using eco-transfers and partnering with local vendors to ensure your journey supports Da Nang’s communities and environment.

• Transport:

  • Flight: $40–$160 one-way (1,000,000–4,000,000 VND); taxi to Hoi An $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND).

  • Train: $20–$85 one-way (500,000–2,125,000 VND); taxi to Hoi An $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).

  • Bus: $20–$50 one-way (500,000–1,250,000 VND); taxi to Hoi An $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND).

• Dining (Da Nang/Hoi An): Street food (e.g., Bánh Mì Phượng) $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND); restaurant meals $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks $0.25–$4 (6,250–100,000 VND).

• Activities: Hoi An Ancient Town ticket $6 (150,000 VND); craft workshops $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND); cooking classes $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND); guided tours $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND).

• Accommodation: Hostels $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND); homestays $15–$50/night (375,000–1,250,000 VND); hotels $70–$200/night (1,750,000–5,000,000 VND); resorts $180–$450/night (4,500,000–11,250,000 VND).

• Total Daily Cost (in Da Nang/Hoi An): $20–$120 (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120).

• Tip: Use VND for small transactions; ATMs are in Minh An and Hai Chau Wards. Book eco-tours for sustainable transfers.

• Plan Ahead: Book flights, trains, or buses 2–3 months in advance via 12Go.asia, bookaway.com, or Klook (+84 938 987 654) for savings, especially during peak seasons (March–August).

• Navigation: Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) or Grab/DanaBus apps for routes. Hoi An’s Old Town is pedestrianized (8:30 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM), so plan transfers accordingly.

• Budget Wisely: Carry 50,000–500,000 VND notes for small fares; confirm prices to avoid overcharges.

• Stay Safe: Secure valuables at busy stations; check weather forecasts for November floods via AccuWeather.

• Sustainability: Opt for trains or buses to reduce CO2; use electric GrabCars or bikes in Da Nang/Hoi An; support vendors with biodegradable packaging.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip drivers/guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Best Times: February–April (18–28°C, low rainfall) for pleasant travel; September–January for budget deals, but monitor floods.

Our sustainable tours make the journey from HCMC to Da Nang City and Hoi An seamless and eco-conscious:

• Hoi An Heritage Flight Tour ($120–$220/person): Flight to Da Nang, Hoi An Old Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, Bánh Mì Phượng tasting. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.

• Reunification Express Adventure ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Overnight train to Da Nang, Hoi An craft villages, My Son Sanctuary, homestays ($15–$50/night). Includes train tickets, eco-transfers, and meals.

• Budget Bus Explorer ($120–$220/person): VIP sleeper bus to Da Nang, Hoi An Market, Tra Que Village, mi quang tasting. Includes bus tickets, eco-transfers, and snacks.

• Da Nang Coastal & Cultural Tour ($75–$95/person): Flight or train to Da Nang, My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Hoi An lantern-making. Includes eco-transfers.

• Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$550/person, 5–7 days): HCMC to Da Nang/Hoi An, Tam Ky Mural Village, Cham Islands, all transport options. Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang City and Hoi An, Central Vietnam’s UNESCO treasures, covers 850–900 km and offers a gateway to pristine beaches like My Khe Beach, vibrant culture, and historic Hoi An Ancient Town. Choose quick flights ($30–$80, 750,000–2,000,000 VND, 1.5 hours), scenic trains along the Hai Van Pass ($15–$40, 375,000–1,000,000 VND, 15–17 hours), or budget-friendly sleeper buses ($12–$25, 300,000–625,000 VND, 17–20 hours) from HCMC’s Mien Dong Bus Station. Da Nang City’s sustainable practices, like electric transport (Xanh SM taxis) and local sourcing, ensure an eco-conscious journey. Legend Travel Group’s Da Nang Tours offer a seamless, eco-friendly Da Nang Travel experience, supporting local communities with visits to Marble Mountains and Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang City and Hoi An? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and explore Vietnam’s heart sustainably!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Travel to Da Nang and Hoi An Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, baolau.com, 12go.asia, lonelyplanet.com