How to Get From Da Nang to Hoi An Vietnam (Read This First!)

Da Nang to Hoi An

How do you get from Da Nang to Hoi An? That’s a question that many travelers ask themselves when planning a visit to Central Vietnam! Know that both destinations are totally worth seeing. However, you’ll want to figure out the best option for getting between the two on your trip. We’ve visited Hoi An countless times and actually spent two months living in Da Nang! Needless to say, we’ve made the trip almost every way possible. Here’s everything to know including the distance from Da Nang to Hoi An, public bus routes, and private transportation options. 

Distance Da Nang to Hoi An

Before we get into how to get between these two popular destinations in Central Vietnam, you should be aware of how far it actually is. The distance from Da Nang to Hoi An is roughly 28 kilometers. 

There are several different ways to get to Hoi An as you’ll see in this article. The means of transportation you choose will completely dictate how long it takes.

Da Nang city is also quite large with two distinct areas. If you’re coming from the beach it will be almost straight shot along the coast to the ancient town of Hoi An. Yet, if you’re coming from the city you’ll first need to cross one of the many bridges before you make the coastal drive.  

How to Get From Da Nang to Hoi An Vietnam

While Da Nang is worth visiting in itself, many travelers skip the city entirely and head straight to Hoi An. Da Nang International Airport is a hub with flights coming in from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and other major cities around Southeast Asia. Check out our guide to using Skyscanner to save money on your upcoming flights.

If you have time we would highly recommend spending some time in Da Nang before making the trip to Hoi An. They are very unique from each other and offer completely different tourist attractions and experiences. 

Below we break down the options for how to get from Da Nang to Hoi An from easiest to most difficult. You can also use this guide to travel the opposite way from Hoi An to Da Nang Vietnam.

→ 18 Amazing Things to Do in Da Nang Vietnam (+ Fun Day Trips!)

How to Get from Da Nang to Hoi An

Taxi From Da Nang to Hoi An

A taxi is a good option to get between the two places, especially if you’re flying into Da Nang. To go to Hoi An from Da Nang Airport is very simple. 

You can either set up a private transfer beforehand with your hotel in Hoi An or jump in a local taxi after leaving the airport. We always recommend going through your hotel instead of getting your own taxi after flying in.

It should be around the same price, but this way you won’t have to deal with the language barrier. While it’s rare, there is the chance of being charged a higher rate from the taxi as a foreigner. 

About Grab in Vietnam

The Grab App is something you should download immediately after arriving. If you’re in the city already it will be super easy to get a car to come pick you up.

This is typically how we get from the airport in Da Nang to Hoi An. Just be aware there is a specific area the drivers can pick up so keep an eye on the signs.

Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber or Lyft and is an easy way to get around Vietnam. You can even use it to book a cheap motorbike taxi once you drop off your bags. 

So how much is a taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An? Typically, it should cost you between 350,000 and 500,000 Vietnamese Dong. Now that may sound like a lot, but remember that’s only around $15-20 US Dollars.

A taxi is the most expensive option, but also the fastest. This is a good way to save yourself some time for the distance from Da Nang to Hoi An if you don’t mind paying the extra cost. 

Da Nang to Hoi An Airport

Motorbike From Da Nang to Hoi An

If you’re going to be spending some time in the area then renting a motorbike is a fun option to get around. With bike rentals only costing between $3 to $5 USD per day, it can be the cheapest way to get between the two cities as well.

There are many places you can rent a bike for a day, a week, or even one month. On our last visit we rented a bike from Moto rental D&T which was located in the ex-pat neighborhood of Da Nang. 

This is the most common way from Da Nang to Hoi An Vietnam after we’re all settled. Still, know that driving a scooter in this part of Vietnam is no easy task. 

Da Nang to Hoi An Motorbike

Driving a Scooter in Central Vietnam

The traffic is hectic in both places and can be downright dangerous with local people zooming all around you at high speeds. Only rent a motorbike in Vietnam if you have experience driving in Asia and are confident in your skills. 

This is not the place you want to rent a scooter for the first time! Also, be sure to get an international driver’s license in your home country before leaving. Otherwise, your international insurance might not cover you in case of an accident. 

The drive from Da Nang to Hoi An will take you about one hour via motorbike. It’s very scenic for most of the ride and you can make a stop at the famous Marble Mountain and many beautiful beaches along the way. 

As you enter Hoi An it will be fun to cruise along the small back streets and rice paddies outside the city. Having a motorbike allowed us to see so much more of Hoi An than just the old town. 

Da Nang to Hoi An

Da Nang to Hoi An Bus

Another way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An is by public bus. This is the cheapest option if you don’t want to rent a motorbike with the average price being under $6 USD. 

There is also a wide range of buses to choose from that make this route. Shuttle buses go directly from the airport and city center all throughout the day. 

The best company to use from the airport is the Hoi An Express Shuttle Bus which runs from 7am to 9pm daily. This direct bus can drop you off right at your hotel which makes it easy if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage. 

There are even buses that go all the way from Hanoi to Hoi An and stop in Da Nang as part of their trip. Be sure to check the routes and times as they can change frequently.

So how long is the bus from Da Nang to Hoi An? They can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour depending on the traffic. 

Although it is one of the most popular ways to get from the city of Da Nang to Hoi An, we don’t really ever use the bus for this route. Even for budget backpackers on longer itineraries through the country, you’ll often find the prices of flights to be comparable. 

Da Nang to Hoi An Bus

Is it Better to Stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?

Now that you know the best ways to get from Da Nang to Hoi An, where should you choose to stay? As we’ve mentioned, these two destinations in Central Vietnam are well worth visiting. If you have the time you should really try and see both over a week or longer.

Da Nang is where the best beaches in Central Vietnam are along the Son Tra Peninsula. We actually spent two months here recently working remotely from our apartment and the beautiful cafes around town. You can also hit the local markets, explore the city, and take in the fire show at the Dragon Bridge.

Hoi An is a special place to us and somewhere we always visit when in Vietnam. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of amazing food, markets, and cultural attractions along the river. Make sure to try the popular Cao Lau noodles, Queen Banh Mi, and hit a rooftop cafe with a view!

With such a short distance from Da Nang to Hoi An, you can stay in either and have a great time. Da Nang has a more local vibe to it, especially in the heart of the city. On the other hand, you’ll find that Hoi An is more touristy with still plenty to see and do for every traveler. 

Where you choose to stay all depends on your own personal travel style. You can even take a day trip up Hai Van Pass or to the My Son Temple Sanctuary if you have time. 

21 Amazing Things to Do in Hoi An Vietnam: Ancient Town & More!

Da Nang to Hoi An Guide

​Best Hotels in Hoi An Vietnam

There are so many great places to stay in Hoi An! You can find everything from luxury beachside villas to budget hostels, and romantic bed and breakfasts on the river. In addition to the options below, here’s a list of our favorite boutique hotels in Hoi An in and around Old Town.

Ultra Luxury – Little Riverside Hoi An – Beautiful upscale hotel & spa located on the river just down the street from the central market. The highlight of the hotel is the outdoor pool facing the banks of the Thu Bon river.

Apartment – Quang Vinh Apartment and Hotel Hoi An – Our home away from home for every visit to Hoi An Vietnam. Bright rooms, a wonderful rooftop pool, and a quick walk to the Hoi An Night Market.

Fun Vacation – Hoi An Riverside Villas & Apartments – Just outside the craziness of Hoi An Old Town. Enjoy a stay overlooking the rice paddies while still being a quick bicycle ride away from everything. 

Hostel Stay – Cheerful Hoi An Hostel – Cute local hostel that is super popular with backpackers visiting the area. Good option to meet other travelers and has a buffet breakfast included.

Da Nang to Hoi An Vietnam

Best Hotels in Da Nang Vietnam

Ultra Luxury – InterContinental Danang – Although it’s outside the main city, the InterContinental is one of the nicest beachfront resorts in all of Vietnam. The ultra luxury bungalows are nestled into mountainside boulders and feature private pools with balconies facing the ocean. It’s about a 20 min ride from Da Nang so it is actually quite far if you plan to traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An! 

Beachside Boutique Hotel – Prana Boutique Hotel and Apartments – After many visits to Da Nang this is our favorite place to stay. The family who owns Prana is extremely kind and helpful with information, tours, and motorbike rentals. Enjoy beautiful rooms that are modern and spacious. We also loved the rooftop pool!

Beachside Longterm Rental – Livie Da Nang – Set in the center of the ex-pat zone in Da Nang. You can pick from one or two bedroom units and it’s a popular spot for longterm monthly rentals. 

Beachside Hostel – Light House Hostel – Fun hostel near the beach in Da Nang Vietnam. Everything is clean and new, plus they also have private rooms to accommodate couples.

Hoi An to Da Nang Vietnam

​How to Get From Hoi An to Da Nang Airport

Going the other way from Hoi An to Da Nang is very simple. However, something important we wanted to mention is if you’re catching a flight. We love having platforms like Grab and 12Go Asia so we can see the prices before ordering a transfer. 

With that said, when going to the airport we recommend booking a ride directly through your accommodation. This is because most hotels (and even hostels) have local drivers who they work with.

They will be able to set up the transfer and contact your driver directly if there are any delays. This is also the best option to get from Hoi An to Da Nang if you have a flight that leaves at a strange hour of the day.

12Go Review: What to Know Before Booking Anything in Asia!

Hoi An to Da Nang Airport

Can You Do a Day Trip From Hoi An to Da Nang?

Easily! Whether you’re grabbing a bus ticket, hiring a Grab car, or renting a motorbike, there are plenty of convenient ways to get from Da Nang to Hoi An and vice versa. With the travel time being an hour or less, it’s simple to stay in one and make a day trip to the other.

If you’re planning to visit both know that the cheapest travel option and most expensive aren’t really that far apart cost-wise. A Da Nang airport transfer is really too cheap to turn down and obviously the quickest way if you’re going straight to Hoi An.

Yet, if you have plenty of time (or want to see some sites along the way) you may want to consider the bus or motorbike. Hopefully, our guide gave you an idea of what to expect on your own trip to the central coast of Vietnam!

How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An Vietnam

Have any questions about this article, this distance from Da Nang to Hoi An, or want to share your own favorite modes of Vietnam transportation? Let us know in the comments below.

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

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Hoi An

Vietnam Travel Planning 

Check our over 40 Vietnam articles to help plan your trip! We cover everything from the best Vietnamese food to 50 travel tips & how to get around.  

Transportation: 12Go is what we use to book ferries, trains, buses, and transfers while traveling through Vietnam.

 Flights: For cheap flight deals check out Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc for $20 USD and Vietnam to Thailand for less than $50! 

 Accommodation: Compare multiple sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Tours: Get Your Guide is an amazing place to find fun activities all over Vietnam! There is everything from a Hanoi Cooking Class and market tour to a Mekong Delta Pagoda & rowing boat trip, and even the Phu Quoc Cable Car Ride with three island snorkeling tour! 

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without insurance. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are always there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials

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Brigitte & Jake

We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!

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2 Comments

  1. Jenn
    January 21, 2024 / 6:50 am

    Getting around Vietnam can be challenging – I’m sure it’ll be much easier on my next trip thanks to your tips. And you’re right, driving a scooter in the cities is a whole other challenge!

    • Brigitte & Jake
      Author
      January 21, 2024 / 7:12 am

      So glad you found it helpful! This is such a fun area of Vietnam to explore

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