About the ride from Da Lat to Hoi An
After exploring the incredible high-altitude city of Da Lat (also spelled Dalat), switch up the atmosphere with a visit to the world-famous town of Hoi An to the north.
Travelers looking for the best way to get from Da Lat to Hoi An can choose between a bus or a flight to cover the 619-kilometer (384-mile) distance.
Whether you save time with a quick flight or save money with a longer bus ride, you’ll soon see why so many people sing the praises of this lantern-filled town, home to some of the best seamstresses in the country.
What is Hoi An like?
Hoi An is a well-preserved ancient town centering around the Thu Bon River. It’s always bustling with activity as locals and tourists navigate its winding passageways. Paper lanterns zigzag from building to building and mark the bridges crossing the river.
The gorgeous colors and rich decorations transform the otherwise plain town into a vibrant center of activity. Rightfully earning its position as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An is a must-visit for anyone exploring the wonders of Vietnam.
You’ll see why so many people rave about this town within moments of arriving. Despite its popularity, the town retains its small-town charm thanks to its vibrancy and friendly locals.
Unforgettable activities in Hoi An
However you choose to arrive in Hoi An, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with its enchanting atmosphere.
Start your exploration by wandering the paper lantern-strewn streets into the heart of the town. From here, walk down the promenade until you find a riverboat captain to take you onto the river for a smooth ride through the town.
Next, head to the town’s clothing district for handmade designs. It’s easy to find seamstresses all over the country, but Hoi An has become the epicenter of this trade. Meander the aisles until you find fabrics that appeal, and select some designs to enhance your wardrobe.
Fill your rumbling stomach with a visit to the town’s most popular banh mi restaurant that Anthony Bourdain made famous. You’ll quickly identify it by the long line outside, but it’s well worth the wait.
Snap a picture of the famous 16th-century Japanese covered bridge in the center of the town before renting a bicycle to explore the sprawling rice fields surrounding Hoi An.
Spend the afternoon on An Bang Beach, just two miles from town.
Take a cooking class to master Vietnamese cuisine, especially their sumptuous spring rolls.
How do I get from Da Lat to Hoi An?
Travelers have two options to traverse the distance between Da Lat and Hoi An: a flight or a bus.
By flight: The fastest way to travel from Da Lat to Hoi An
People with limited time in Vietnam should consider taking a flight to travel between Da Lat and Hoi An. One-way tickets start at $75.
You’ll depart from Lien Khuong International Airport in Da Lat and arrive at Da Nang International Airport one hour later. Da Nang is the closest city to Hoi An. From there, you must take a 30-minute taxi to Hoi An.
This option is best for travelers with a larger budget and limited time to see all the sights in Vietnam.
By bus: The most affordable way to travel from Da Lat to Hoi An
Backpackers seeking the best way to get from Da Lat to Hoi An should look no further than the bus.
Yes, it’s a long journey, but it allows you to experience Vietnam’s bus transportation system, which is by far the best way to travel around the country.
Departing from the center of Da Lat, the bus will take between 12 and 15 hours to reach its destination of Hoi An. The journey time will depend on the operator you select and how many stops it makes along the way.
Prices for a single ticket start at $20 per passenger.
For long-haul journeys, Vietnamese buses are usually divided into two travel classes: sleeping buses and VIP sleeping buses.
Sleeping buses usually consist of three rows of bunk-bed-style seats with two layers, each with a small hole beneath the seat to store your shoes.
Possible sleeping bus amenities include:
Air conditioning
Reclining seats
Rest stops
WC (sometimes)
Blanket and pillow for long-haul journeys
Flexible luggage policy, but each passenger is usually allowed one large bag to go in the hold and one smaller backpack to keep in the seat.
VIP buses vary in configuration. Some have up to 32 bunks, and others have just 18. The fewer seats, the more luxurious the journey will be. However, these buses rarely have a toilet onboard because the design doesn’t allow room for it.
Possible VIP cabin bus amenities include:
Air conditioning
Blanket and pillow
TV
Reclining seats
Privacy curtain
USB charger point
Snacks and water provided
Rest stops
Flexible luggage policy
Services typically depart from the operator’s office or bus terminal, but this varies depending on the company. Always check the details of your ticket before departure to ensure you’re going to the right spot.
Some operators will get passengers to meet at their office and then drive them to the bus station as a group. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid getting left behind.
The best things about the ride from Da Lat to Hoi An
The ride between Da Lat and Hoi An takes travelers through the winding countryside of Vietnam, with a few breaks in the trees to see the South China Sea.
However, the journey does not offer anything particularly thrilling, so prioritize rest by using the bus’s gentle rocking to lull you to sleep. The views on the other side are far superior to the ones you’ll see on the road.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, from February to August.
Temperatures in this period typically sit around 86°F (30°C) with low humidity.
The weather between February and April is mild, with little rain and warm, sunny days. Hoi An continues to experience little rain, with even warmer days between May and August. If you’re set on visiting the area’s beaches, book your stay in any of these months to see them at their best.
Avoid visiting during the wet season from September to January when the weather gets sticky and humid.
How many days should I spend in Hoi An?
Spend two to three days in Hoi An to experience its top sites and soak up the charming atmosphere.
However, you should set aside a few extra days if you want to get clothes made to accommodate any necessary adjustments.
Where should I go after Hoi An?
When you can tear yourself away from the beautiful streets of Hoi An, head north to explore the bustling, nomad-populated city of Da Nang. It is home to the gorgeous Marble Mountains and the famous flame-breathing Dragon Bridge.
If the city does not appeal, head further north to soak up some of Vietnam’s stunning natural beauty. Phong Nha is home to the world’s most extensive and most beautiful caves, and Ninh Binh rightfully earns the nickname “Ha Long Bay on Land.”