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How to get from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An
The best way to travel the 940 km journey from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An is by flight. This plane journey takes 3.5 hours (including transfers) and costs around 731,000 VND ($30.00). Other options include a 17-hour train and a 24-hour bus.
3 ways to get from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An
Flying from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An is the fastest option and is sometimes even cheaper than taking the train. Hoi An does not have an airport, so you will first fly to Da Nang. From here, it’s a 1-hour bus or taxi ride to Hoi An city centre.
Travelling by train is often more expensive than taking a flight from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. But it’s a good alternative during peak season, when flight prices are too high. If you take an overnight train, you can also save a night’s cost on your lodging.
The bus may be the cheapest option, but it saves you very little money. We don’t think that’s worth losing literally an entire day travelling and risking your safety on a 24-hour bus journey. For these reasons, we don’t recommend taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by Flight
We recommend taking a flight from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. Including transfers to and from the airports, the entire journey only takes about 3.5 hours.
Combined prices are also often cheaper than taking the train.
Step 1: Ho Chi Minh City Centre to Ho Chi Minh Airport by Bus
From the city centre, Ho Chi Minh Airport (Tan Son Nhat Airport) is 45 minutes away by bus or taxi.
On a budget? Take Public Bus #152, which costs only 6,000 VND ($0.20). It might not have space for your luggage, though. So it’s best to pay for an extra seat if you’re carrying huge bags.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 150,000 VND ($6.00).
See our page on Ho Chi Minh Airport for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang by Flight
From Ho Chi Minh, you will then fly to Da Nang, the nearest airport to Hoi An. Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Jetstar are the main operators for this route.
Airfares range from 570,000 VND ($23.50) to 830,000 VND ($34.00). Flight time is around 1.5 hours.
During the busy season, rates can go as high as 2,000,000 VND ($82.00). In that case, you may want to consider taking a cheaper train.
Step 3: Da Nang Airport to Hoi An by Shuttle Bus
From Da Nang Airport, you can take a 1-hour shuttle bus or taxi to Hoi An.
If you’re travelling solo, the shuttle bus is a cost-efficient option. For 155,000 VND ($6.00), you will be taken straight from the airport to Hoi An city centre.
If you’re with at least one other companion, you can take a taxi with rates from 320,000 VND ($13.00).
You can pre-book your shuttle or taxi ride through BookAway. For more details, visit our page for Da Nang Airport to Hoi An.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by Train
Are you travelling during the peak season? When flights are too expensive, taking a train from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An is a good alternative.
Hoi An does not have its own railway station, but you can take a train to the nearby city of Da Nang.
Step 1: Ho Chi Minh City Centre to Saigon Railway Station
Trains bound for Da Nang depart from Saigon Station, which you can find 3.5 km north of Pham Ngu Lao. You can reach it by taxi for around 10 minutes. Fares start from 75,000 VND ($3.00).
Step 2: Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang by Train
Travelling by train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang takes 16-18 hours. The good news is that you can travel overnight so that you won’t lose an entire day on the journey. Also, you can save one night on accommodation.
Since this is quite a long journey, we recommend booking a 4-berth sleeper, which is the most comfortable cabin you can get for this route. Rates start from 888,000 VND ($36.50).
Train schedules from Ho Chi Min to Da Nang (Sleeper berth)
Step 2: Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An by Minivan
From Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An centre takes about 1 hour by minivan or taxi.
Minivans are available daily from 07:00 to 21:00 daily, but you’ll have to book your ride online beforehand. You can do that via BookAway, which is known for its good customer service. Prices for a minivan ticket start from 155,000 VND ($6.00).
Alternatively, a taxi ride costs around 440,000 VND ($18.00). Check out our Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An guide for the minivan schedule and more details.
IMPORTANT: Public Bus #1 used to be a cheap mode of transport from Da Nang to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (February 2023), these were no longer in operation.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by Bus
We do not recommend travelling this long distance by bus because it will be an exhausting journey from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An.
The travel time will take at least 24 hours. Also, the last time we checked (November 2022), there are no direct buses operating on this route. You will first travel for 23 hours from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang, and then transfer to a 1-hour bus to Hoi An.
With combined fares from 540,000 VND ($22.00), we don’t think that taking the bus is worth the few dollars you save. You’ll be better off taking a flight or the train.
But if you’re really decided on taking the bus, you can click the link below to book a bus ride from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang.
Check Bus Tickets with BookAway
From Da Nang Central Bus Station, you can take a 1-hour taxi to Hoi An. Visit this Da Nang to Hoi An guide for more info.
Our favourite places to stay in Hoi An
HaLo HomeStay - Budget Friendly
HaLo Homestay is an incredible budget option. You won’t quite believe the standard of the rooms for the price you’re paying. They’re large, modern and very clean. The owners serve a delicious breakfast and will do everything they can to guarantee you a perfect stay. They even have free bikes for you to use. From the homestay you can reach the Old Quarter or beach within 5 minutes.
Double rooms from: $11
Flame Flowers Homestay - Mid Range
Expect a warm welcome when you arrive at Flame Flowers Homestay. The owners feel like family from the moment you meet them. Guests have been known to extend their stays here as they just can’t face leaving. The spacious rooms provide you with everything you need – a good nights sleep and ultimate comfort!
Double rooms from: $25
Vina Beach Pool Villas - Mid Range
Dreaming of a luxurious retreat right next to the beach? Vina Beach Pool Villas tick all the boxes. There’s a relaxing pool, lush gardens and it’s only steps away from the beach. And after a hard day of relaxing, their super comfortable beds offer the best nights sleep. On top of that, the owners can’t do enough to ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
Double rooms from: $40
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
