Da Nang to Hoi An tickets

About the ride from Da Nang to Hoi An

Situated midway along the length of Vietnam, the modern city of Da Nang is the perfect place to base yourself for some of the best attractions in the country. From its photogenic Dragon Bridge and My Son's jungle ruins to the Marble Mountains' imposing towers, Da Nang can fill up your itinerary and your camera roll. 

But while you're in the neighborhood, there is one absolute must-see town that you need to visit for yourself: Hoi An.

Once an international trading post, this UNESCO World Heritage town is heavy on foreign influences while still maintaining its Vietnamese character. Japanese, Chinese and French architecture adorn the streets, though not quite as much as the colorful lanterns strewn everywhere overhead.

Fortunately, Hoi An is just a short ride from Da Nang, which means you could visit on a day trip. But one look at the festive atmosphere and charming setting, and you'll immediately start making plans to stay longer.

Unmissable things to do in Hoi An

Hoi An is a magical place, and just being there is an experience in and of itself. But if you're looking for things to see or do, you won't come up empty. 

Here are some of the top attractions in Hoi An:

1. Take a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River. Drifting along the palm-lined backwaters of Hoi An is a peaceful way of taking in the vibe of Hoi An and the surrounding areas. Doing it at sunset takes the tranquility to another level. Be sure to negotiate a price with one of the wooden boats moored in town.

2. Soak in multiple cultures. Once an important market port, Hoi An offers visitors a multicultural flavor. The Japanese Bridge is a popular draw — whose iconic design landed it on the 20,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Down the road is the Quan Cong Temple, a hybrid Chinese and Vietnamese site from the 1600s that still attracts businessmen looking for good luck.

And the yellow buildings in historic Old Town reflect a touch of French Colonial design. Anywhere you look, you'll have something beautiful to see.

3. Cycle your way through the countryside. For an intimate glimpse into traditional Vietnamese rural life, rent a bike and get out on the backroads. You'll see farmers working their gardens, noisy duck farms and daily rituals of all sorts taking place around you — all at the peaceful rhythm of the countryside.

4. Explore the Old Town after dark. As appealing as Hoi An is during the day, the charm goes into overdrive come nightfall. That's because the streets are lit up by countless colorful lanterns that make for a visual treat.

Add to that the festive vibe of restaurants and shops hawking their wares after dark, and you won't want to be anywhere else.

What to expect when traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An

At only 23 kilometers (14.4 miles), it's a blissfully short ride between Da Nang and Hoi An. Most transportation will get you there anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Once you clear the urban bustle of Da Nang, you will see some of the famed Vietnamese countryside. After coming from modern Da Nang, Hoi An might seem a little run down at first. But fear not. The faded yellow buildings dripping with balconies, ivy and lanterns are all part of the appeal.

How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An

The easiest options for getting from Da Nang to Hoi An are to either book a minivan, hire a private car or hop on a bus. 

Regardless of which option you choose, you won't see a lot of difference in time or money. 

Here's a closer look to help you make your choice:

Minivan

Minivans come in varying shapes and sizes depending on the operator. Prices start at only $4 per person.

In all cases, you can expect it to have air conditioning (a must in Vietnam!) and most also allow one large bag (up to 20 kg/44 pounds) per passenger. 

The trip can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a little over an hour. 

Some companies offer upgraded seats, while others are pretty cramped. Considering the paltry difference in price, you won't break the bank if you splurge for the better vehicle.

Pick-up and drop-off points vary wildly. Your operator will have a preset pickup location from any number of sites around the city — including the airport and the popular Ba Na Hills.

Departure times generally range from the early morning to the late afternoon, so you can travel throughout the day. 

If you are traveling with a group of six to eight people, you can hire a private minivan. 

You'll get perks like making your own schedule and getting door-to-door service — all for about $30 for the entire van.

Car

For just a few dollars (prices start at $15), you can rent a private car to get you to Hoi An from Da Nang. 

Due to their smaller size, they can accommodate a maximum of 2-4 passengers. 

There are also luggage limitations that vary according to the operator.

Cars are air-conditioned, have an English-speaking driver, and make restroom breaks as needed. 

Travel time is around 1-1.5 hours.

Most pick-up options are from your hotel or directly at the airport (DAD). Drop-off is at your hotel in Hoi An.

Bus

Taking the bus between Da Nang and Hoi An is pretty straightforward. 

Tickets are very cheap — starting at just $2. 

There are multiple departures daily, with just as many departure and arrival locations spread throughout both towns, including the Da Nang airport. Some buses take you directly to nearby An Bang Beach. 

Fortunately, Hoi An is so compact that regardless of where you arrive, you won't be very far from the action.

Buses are air-conditioned and may have reclining seats. The ride generally takes 1-1.5 hours, and you can store your luggage underneath.

When is the best time of year to visit Hoi An?

The early part of the dry season — specifically between February and April — is the best time to visit Hoi An. The weather will be cooler (26-31°C/79-88°F) and less humid than other times of the year, and you have the bonus of it not being peak tourist season. 

If you'd like to add beach days to your itinerary, May through August will still be relatively dry and even warmer, with highs averaging around (34°C/94°F).

September through January is the wet season in Hoi An. Sure, you will encounter some heavy rain and even the chance of a typhoon, but the crowds will be gone, and accommodation prices will be more favorable.

How many days do I need in Hoi An?

Many visitors will spend half a day in Hoi An as part of an organized excursion. Yes, you could hit the highlights in such a short timeframe, but you really won't be doing your visit justice.

To truly enjoy the best of Hoi An, you will need at least one night — if not more — to bask in the glow of the colorful lanterns and experience an ambiance that every traveler appreciates. 

Where to go after Hoi An

After the fascinating streets of Hoi An, hop over to Hue, another UNESCO site known for its Imperial City and sacred tombs. 

It will only take you a couple of hours by bus, train, car or minivan.