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How to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
When travelling the 700 km distance from Ninh Binh to Hoi An, you have 3 options: you can take the train (15 hours), a flight (6 hours), or the bus (13.5 hours). Fares range between $17 and $30.50.
The closest railway station from Hoi An is Da Nang. We recommend taking the evening train from Ninh Binh which arrives in the morning in Da Nang. From Da Nang railway station, you can continue by public bus to Hoi An centre.
3 ways to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
It will be a long journey, but at least you can have a good sleep. And when you are not tired, you’ll finally have time to update your travel book or go through the pictures from your trip.
If you don’t want to travel for such a long time, then you can also book a flight from Hanoi to Da Nang. Ninh Binh does not have an airport, so you have to travel to Hanoi first. Although the costs can be as low as taking the train, travelling by flight will involve a lot of transfers.
The advantage of the bus is that it brings you directly from Ninh Binh to Hoi An. The disadvantage is that travelling by bus in Vietnam is less safe. It will also save you some money, but keep in mind that the sleeper trains offer much more comfort.
Itinerary from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Train
When you want to travel from Ninh Binh to Hoi An by train, you have to book a train to Da Nang railway station. From Da Nang railway station to Hoi An centre takes 45 minutes.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Da Nang by Train
We recommend taking one of the night trains below:
Train schedules from Ninh Binh to Da Nang (Sleeper berth)
Step 2: Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An by Bus
From Da Nang railway station to Hoi An centre takes 45 minutes by public bus. An alternative is to book a shuttle bus, which brings you closer to Hoi An centre.
See the page about Da Nang railway station for the bus schedule and more details.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Flight
When you want to fly to Hoi An, you first have to travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. And then from Hanoi city centre to the airport.
From Hanoi Airport, there are several flights leaving for Da Nang every day. Tickets start from 440,000 VND ($17.50).
The indicated price of 710,000 VND ($28.50) is an estimation of the costs including transport from and to the railway station and airport.
Flight Schedules from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
| From | To | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninh Binh Railway Station | Hanoi Railway Station | 2hrs 15m | 90,000 VND ($3.60) Check Flight Tickets |
| Hanoi Railway Station | Hanoi Airport | 1 hour | 40,000 VND ($1.60) Check Flight Tickets |
| Hanoi Airport | Da Nang Airport | 1.5 hour | 440,000 VND ($17.50) Check Flight Tickets |
| Da Nang Airport | Hoi An centre | 45 minutes | 140,000 VND ($5.50) Check Flight Tickets |
Including transit time, this option can take over 6 hours. For this reason, we recommend staying the night before in Hanoi. Or take the night train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang instead. In the end, the trains take almost the same time as flying when you exclude the night.
Ninh Binh to Hoi An by Bus
You can book a direct bus from Ninh Binh to Hoi An online for as low as 395,000 VND ($15.50). Another option is to book via a local agency in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh.
However, we do not recommend travelling by bus for this route since it is a long and exhausting journey. The train offers more comfort and is also much safer.
If you still want to travel by bus, you can see their schedules below. Note that Hey Travel departs from Ninh Binh city centre while The Long Travel departs from Tam Coc. They both arrive at Hoi An city centre.
Bus schedules from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Our favourite places to stay in Hoi An
HaLo HomeStay
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
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
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
Things to do in Hoi An
The online activity platform Klook offers many tours in Hoi An at great prices. I used it now for a couple of times and had great experiences. And the prices are often even lower than when you book with a local travel agent!
And most important, by booking the activity in advance, you avoid the problem of fully booked tours.
