Hoi An consistently ranks among the most must-visit destinations in Vietnam, known for its ancient charm, peaceful atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. But to begin this journey, many travelers still wonder: How to get to Hoi An? What are the transportation options? What are the travel costs in 2025? Let’s explore all the answers with Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in the following article!
How to get to Hoi An Ancient Town from other cities
Hoi An does not have its own airport or railway station, so travelers from other provinces must first travel to Da Nang City or Tam Ky (Quang Nam) before transferring to Hoi An. Depending on your distance, budget, preferences, and time, you can choose between airplane, train, coach, or private vehicle to make your journey as convenient and cost-effective as possible.
Traveling to Hoi An by airplane
Flying is the most popular choice for travelers from distant provinces such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Lat, or Can Tho. Although Hoi An has no airport, it benefits from being only 30 km from Da Nang International Airport, making it extremely convenient to fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.
Read more: Danang to Hoi An distance? Travel options and route suggestions
Major domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer a variety of flight times and prices. Below is a reference table of popular routes, flight durations, frequencies, and one-way ticket prices updated for 2025:
| Route | Flight Duration | One-way Ticket Price (Estimated) |
| Hanoi – Da Nang | 1h20 | 959,000 – 1,310,000 VND |
| HCMC – Da Nang | 1h15 – 1h30 | 603,900 – 2,544,000 VND |
| Da Lat – Da Nang | 1h05 – 1h20 | 770,000 – 2,526,000 VND |
| Can Tho – Da Nang | 1h25 | 770,000 – 1,533,000 VND |
| Hai Phong – Da Nang | 1h15 | 720,000 – 1,230,000 VND |
Note: Flight prices vary depending on the airline, travel season, day of the week, promotions, and time of booking.
Traveling to Hoi An by train
Train travel is preferred by many visitors exploring Central Vietnam due to its smooth ride, safety, and the ability to enjoy scenic views along the way. However, since Hoi An has no train station, you’ll need to stop at Da Nang Station or Tam Ky Station, then travel 30–35 km to reach the old town center.
You can book train tickets to Da Nang easily via the official Vietnam Railways website https://dsvn.vn, apps like Vexere, Traveloka, 12go.asia, or directly at the station. It’s best to book 5–10 days in advance to avoid sold-out seats, especially in peak season. Trains labeled SE (South Express) are most common. SE1 and SE2 are fast with few stops, while SE3 to SE8 stop more often and have lower fares.
| Route | Travel Time | One-way Ticket Price | Suggested Tips |
| Hanoi – Da Nang | 14 – 16 hrs | 350,000 – 650,000 VND | Multiple trips daily; choose air-conditioned sleeper berth |
| HCMC – Da Nang | 16 – 20 hrs | 578,000 – 1,200,000 VND | Travel at night to save time and accommodation costs |
| Nha Trang – Da Nang | 10 – 12 hrs | 363,000 – 929,000 VND | Day or night trains; night train arrives early morning |
| Vinh – Da Nang | 9 – 10 hrs | 339,000 – 758,000 VND | Good for travelers from North Central Vietnam |
| Hue – Da Nang | 2.5 – 3 hrs | 100,000 – 250,000 VND | Short route, go by day to enjoy Hai Van Pass views |
Note: Ticket prices depend on the class (soft seat, hard/soft berth with A/C) and booking time.
Traveling to Hoi An by coach
Coach buses are a popular and affordable means of transportation chosen by many travelers when going to Hoi An. They offer low ticket prices, flexible schedules, and improved service quality. Many operators now provide comfortable sleeper seats, luxury vehicles with air conditioning, WiFi, and charging ports, making them suitable for long-distance trips.
Currently, Hoi An does not have a major central bus station, but many companies offer direct routes into Hoi An or transfers via Da Nang. Below is a detailed table of bus routes to Hoi An from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, including estimated prices and suggested bus operators:
| Route | Travel Time | One-way Fare (Estimated) | Suggested Operators |
| Hanoi – Hoi An | 13 – 18 hrs | 350,000 – 1,000,000 VND | Tan Kim Chi, Quang Dung VIP, Camel Travel, Trekking Travel |
| HCMC – Hoi An | 15 – 20 hrs | 550,000 – 1,200,000 VND | Hanh Cafe, Thien An, The Sinh Tourist |
How to get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An
After landing at Da Nang International Airport, you have several options to reach Hoi An depending on your budget and needs, ranging from budget-friendly public buses to convenient taxis or private transfers.
By motorbike
Riding a motorbike is an ideal choice if you enjoy freedom and want to explore on your own. The most popular route is along the scenic coastal road Truong Sa – Lac Long Quan. Along the way, you’ll pass famous landmarks such as Tran Thi Ly Bridge, My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, and Marble Mountains, then continue toward Cua Dai to reach Hoi An Ancient Town.
You can rent a motorbike in downtown Da Nang or right at the airport for around 100,000–150,000 VND/day, with delivery service and accessories like helmet, raincoat, and a tourist map included. Travel time is about 45–60 minutes, but it’s best to ride during the day, avoid rush hours, and check your route in advance.
By taxi or ride-hailing services
This is the most common and convenient way to travel if you prefer not to drive. You can book services via Grab, Be, Xanh SM, or call traditional taxis like Mai Linh, Vinasun, or Tien Sa. Fares range from 300,000 to 450,000 VND per trip depending on the vehicle type and pick-up point. Travel time is around 40–50 minutes. If you’re traveling in a group of 3–4 people, the cost per person is quite reasonable.
Some taxi companies also offer door-to-door pick-up at hotels or the airport. Be sure to confirm the flat rate in advance to avoid any unexpected charges upon arrival.
By bus
The most popular public bus route is Route No. 01: Da Nang – Hoi An, operating daily from 5:30 AM to 5:50 PM, with a frequency of 20–30 minutes per trip. The bus departs from Da Nang Central Bus Station, follows National Highway 1A, passing Marble Mountains and Vinh Dien, and ends at Hoi An Bus Station.
The total travel time is about 70 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and stop frequency. Bus fare is very affordable, only about 20,000 VND per ride, paid directly to the onboard ticket collector.
By private car rental
If you’re traveling with friends or family and want a comfortable, flexible journey, not limited by schedules, renting a private car is a great option. This is especially cost-effective for groups of three or more, as you can split the fare while maintaining control over your itinerary.
You can rent a private car from Da Nang, Hue, Tam Ky, or directly from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. These services are now highly professional, offering modern vehicles like 4-seater sedans, 7-seater SUVs, and 16-seater minivans. You can choose between chauffeured or self-drive options depending on your preference.
| Provider | Common Vehicle Types | Price Range (Estimated) |
| Hoang Gia Travel | 4–16 seaters (with driver) | 350,000 – 450,000 VND |
| Danang Transfer | Private car with driver (4–45 seats) | 300,000 – 500,000 VND/trip |
| Klook – Car Rental Service | Private 4 or 7-seaters with driver | 390,000 – 490,000 VND (one-way) |
| Vietnam Budget Car Rental | Self-drive and with driver (4–16 seats) | 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 VND/day |
Getting around Hoi An city
Once in Hoi An, it’s easy to explore the ancient town and nearby areas thanks to a wide range of transportation options, suitable for both those who prefer a leisurely pace and those who need flexibility and convenience.
Bicycle rental
Bicycles are a popular choice and have almost become a “specialty” of Hoi An. Woven-basket bicycles gently gliding over ancient brick roads create a signature image of the old town. Tourists often use bicycles to visit nearby attractions like the Japanese Covered Bridge, along Hoai River, on streets like Bach Dang, Tran Phu, or farther out to Tra Que Vegetable Village and An Bang Beach.
Rental prices range from 20,000 to 150,000 VND, depending on rental duration and type (tandem, mountain, or traditional bikes). You can rent directly from hotels, homestays, or rental shops along Tran Hung Dao and Hai Ba Trung streets. Some providers offer door-to-door delivery, helmets, and small tourist maps.
Motorbike rental
For those wanting to go farther, such as to the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, Cua Dai Beach, or Thanh Ha Pottery Village, motorbikes offer a more flexible option. They allow you to control your schedule and easily access areas outside the old town without depending on public transport.
Rental prices in Hoi An range from 120,000 to 150,000 VND per day, depending on whether you choose a scooter or manual bike. You can rent from hotels or trusted shops like Hung An, Anh Khoa, or places near Ly Thai To and Phan Chu Trinh streets.
Note: Motorbikes are prohibited in the old town during certain hours, specifically from 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 3:00 to 10:00 PM. You should park nearby and walk into the old town.
Taking a cyclo (Rickshaw)
Cyclo rides are a nostalgic and iconic part of the Hoi An travel experience. Sitting in a cyclo, you can slowly admire the peaceful streets, hear the rhythmic sound of wheels on brick paths, and sometimes enjoy interesting stories from local drivers.
Hoi An has an organized cyclo union with over 100 numbered vehicles, all well-managed. The rental fee is around 150,000 VND per hour, and prices can be negotiated based on time and route. You can easily catch a cyclo on Tran Phu Street, at Hoi An Market, or near An Hoi Bridge.
Boat ride on the Hoai River
A poetic experience in Hoi An is floating on the Hoai River, especially at night when the old town is lit up. Small paddle boats gently glide through the water, letting you admire glowing lanterns and the serene beauty of Hoi An under nightfall.
Boat services on the Hoai River are now very common and easy to access. You can rent a boat directly at the riverside near An Hoi Bridge, or ask your hotel or homestay to help book in advance. There are various boat types to suit different group sizes.
| Boat Type | Ideal Group Size | Duration | Estimated Price |
| Small private boat | 1 – 2 people | 15 – 20 minutes | 100,000 – 150,000 VND per boat |
| Large private boat | 3 – 4 people | 20 – 30 minutes | 150,000 – 200,000 VND per boat |
| Shared boat | 4 – 6 people | 15 – 20 minutes | 30,000 – 50,000 VND per person |
In addition to boat rides, many visitors enjoy releasing lanterns, which cost around 20,000 VND each, symbolizing wishes for luck and peace.
Money-saving tips for transportation when visiting Hoi An
If you want to optimize your travel budget for Hoi An, you can consider a few useful tips below to save money while still enjoying a complete and comfortable journey.
- Book your plane, train, or coach tickets early, ideally one to two months in advance, to secure lower prices and more flexible departure times.
- Keep an eye on airline promotions or e-wallet apps to grab special fare deals when available.
- If you’re traveling in a group of three to four people, sharing the cost of a taxi or a private car will be more economical.
- Use ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, or Xanh SM and apply discount codes during payment to reduce costs.
- Within Hoi An, renting a bicycle is both cost-effective and convenient for getting around the town.
- Consider booking service combos. Several travel platforms offer bundles that include flight tickets, airport transfers, and hotel stays, which help reduce overall expenses significantly.
Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery – A five-star riverside retreat by the Thu Bon River
We hope this article has helped you better imagine your journey to explore Hoi An. To make your trip even more complete, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery offers an exceptional place to stay that you should definitely consider.
Located in the heart of the city along the gentle Thu Bon River, this luxury hotel in Hoi An is only a three-minute walk from the Ancient Town. It provides a peaceful and luxurious five-star experience. Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery impresses with its unique architecture inspired by the Vietnamese–Japanese love story of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Araki Sotaro. Each room is spacious and modern, featuring a private balcony with views of the river or the old town. Guests can enjoy full in-room amenities, including bathtubs, minibars, and premium entertainment systems.
The hotel also offers a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the soothing Woosah Spa, and exquisite Japanese cuisine at Wakaku Restaurant. At sunset, you can enjoy drinks at The Deck Bar, the highest rooftop bar in Hoi An, offering panoramic views of the city.
With professional services, an artistic atmosphere, and a prime location, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is not just a place to rest, but also a memorable part of your journey to Hoi An. If you are planning a vacation, do not forget to book early to enjoy attractive offers and experience the cultural essence that this hotel proudly offers.
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