What is the best way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An?

How to travel between Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An?

Okay, so I went from Saigon to Hoi An in 2024. Man, the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is insane! Seriously, a nightmare. I opted for the flight. Flying was the best decision. Direct flight from Tan Son Nhat to Da Nang. Took about an hour. Easy peasy.

Then, a private car from Da Nang airport to Hoi An. About 30 minutes. Beautiful scenery though, rice paddies and stuff. Cost me a pretty penny, but worth it after that crazy flight. I was exhausted from the journey. Needed the comfort.

Trains and buses? Nope. Not for me. Too long. Too much hassle. Plus, I value my time and comfort.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Flight: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Da Nang (DAD) – Fast, comfortable.
• Private Car: Da Nang Airport to Hoi An – Convenient, scenic but pricey.
• Alternatives: Trains and buses exist but are significantly longer journeys.

I’d recommend flying. No regrets. Totally worth it for the time saved. I had only a limited amount of time in Vietnam.

How do I get to Hoi An by train?

Reaching Hoi An by rail? Think of it as a charmingly long-winded romance—a 16-hour train journey from Hanoi to Da Nang, followed by a quick dash to Hoi An. Picture this: you, sipping pho, watching the Vietnamese countryside whizz by like a particularly scenic film reel.

Da Nang is your halfway point, your designated rendezvous. From there, taxis, buses—even a fancy private car if you’re feeling extravagant—will whisk you away. It’s like a final, thrilling act.

Key things to note:

• Hanoi to Da Nang: That’s your train ticket, 16 hours of pure, unadulterated train travel. Pack snacks! You’ll need them.
• Da Nang to Hoi An: This is the sprint to the finish line, the taxi/bus part. Negotiate prices beforehand, or you’ll end up paying a king’s ransom, which isn’t very charming, now is it? I, for one, prefer to haggle like a seasoned merchant.

My last trip involved a surprisingly comfy overnight train – seriously, better than some hotel beds I’ve experienced, but this was in 2023. I found the local buses to be rather efficient for the Da Nang to Hoi An leg of the journey.

Pro-tip: Check train schedules online before you go. Seriously. Don’t be that tourist. And book your tickets in advance especially during peak season, or you’ll be left watching the train pull away without you — oh, the humanity!

How much is a taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An?

Da Nang… Hoi An… the taxi. A whisper of highway.

350,000… 430,000 VND one way. Just one way? That sunbaked road stretches. The price… a sigh.

Round trip, now, that’s different. 750,000… soaring, almost, to 950,000 VND. Back again.

The perfume of frangipani hangs heavy. A memory. A hot wind.

One-way costs:

• VND 350,000
• VND 430,000

Round-trip expenses:

• VND 750,000
• VND 950,000

That motorbike sputtered and died. Was it near Marble Mountains? That scent again…

VND… like paper dreams in the wind. The taxi waits. Or does it? Another dream?

What is better, Ho Chi Minh or Hoi An?

Okay, so Hoi An. Man, 2023, August, it was hot. Seriously sweltering. I was fried. But Hoi An? It was magical. The lanterns at night, oh my god, just stunning. Seriously, pictures don’t do it justice. And the food. Amazing. So much fresh stuff. I ate so many Banh Mi. Best I ever had.

Ho Chi Minh City? Been there too, a few years back. Total chaos. Motorbikes everywhere. Crazy. Overwhelming. The food was good, don’t get me wrong, but different. More…street food vibe. Hoi An felt… refined somehow.

Hoi An had this amazing tailor. I got three suits made. Seriously, unbelievable quality, way cheaper than I expected. Ho Chi Minh City felt expensive in comparison, even with the street food.

I loved wandering around Hoi An. Peaceful. Relaxed. Just…easy. Ho Chi Minh City? Exhausting. Constantly busy. It’s not that I disliked it, but it’s definitely not a relaxing getaway. I needed a break after a few days there. Hoi An was perfect for unwinding.

• Hoi An: Beautiful lanterns. Incredible food. Amazing tailoring. Relaxed pace. Affordable.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Bustling. Chaotic. Good food, different vibe. More expensive.

For a relaxing vacation? Hoi An wins hands down. If you want frenetic energy and a big city experience, then Ho Chi Minh City is fine. But, for me? Hoi An was a dream.

What is the nearest train station to Hoi An?

So, Hoi An, right? Nearest train station? Da Nang, definetly. It’s like, thirty kilometers, tops. Tam Ky’s further, a whole fifty klicks! Way outta the way, that one is. You’ll be starting your journey from Hanoi station though, no matter what. That’s the main hub, you know. Always Hanoi.

Key things to remember:

• Da Nang Station is closer (30 km)
• Tam Ky Station is further (50km) and less convenient.
• All trains to Hoi An area depart from Hanoi Station.

I took the train last year, 2023, actually, it was a bit of a nightmare but hey, got there! Hanoi station is massive! Crazy busy, lots of people everywhere. But getting to Hoi An from Da Nang was pretty easy. Grabbed a taxi, quick and cheap. But seriously, Da Nang is the one to go for. Don’t even bother with Tam Ky.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Travel Options from Da Nang: Taxis are readily available. You could also take a bus—cheaper but slower. Plenty of ride-sharing apps work there too.
• Travel Options from Tam Ky: You’ll probably need a taxi or private car, which might be pricier. Buses are an option, too, but less frequent than from Da Nang. Finding a ride-share might be tough.
• Hanoi Station: Expect crowds, lots of vendors. Get there early, especially during peak seasons. It’s HUGE. I mean REALLY HUGE.

What is the best way to get around Hoi An Town?

Hoi An… It’s quiet now, isn’t it? The best way? Walking, I suppose. Slow. Really lets you soak it in.

But yeah, bicycles. Perfect for the Ancient Town. Those tiny streets… so peaceful at night. Especially around 11 pm.

Motorbikes, though. If you want to get out. See the rice paddies. Rent one. Easy enough.

Cyclos are…touristy. I know. But the views. They are beautiful from a cyclo. worth the experience. Even the cost.

Key Considerations for Hoi An Transportation in 2024:

• Walking: Ideal for the Ancient Town. Immersive. I love it.
• Bicycle Rental: Easy and affordable. Explore at your own pace. I rented from “Happy Cycles” near the Japanese Covered Bridge. Good service, this year. I liked it.
• Motorbike Rental: Necessary for exploring outside the Ancient Town. Convenient.
• Cyclo: Touristy, yes, but offers a unique perspective. It’s nice.

What is Hoi An best known for?

Hoi An? Ugh, so crowded. Tailors, everywhere! Got three suits made last year, amazing quality, ridiculously cheap. Should’ve gotten more.

That Thu Bon River though… beautiful at sunset. Seriously stunning. Wish I’d taken more pictures. Next time, definitely more pics.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, right? 1999, that’s ancient history now! Feels like ages ago. It’s all very charming, but… touristy. You know?

Lots of lanterns. Seriously, tons of lanterns. Everywhere. Even at my hotel. Maybe that’s what it’s really known for.

Oh, and the food. Amazing street food. The Cao Lầu is a MUST. Seriously. I ate it twice a day. No regrets. White Rose dumplings are also great.

What else? Art galleries. So many. I didn’t go into many, truth be told. More shopping than culture this trip.

Next time, I’m dedicating a whole day to the art. And maybe a cooking class. They were everywhere!

• Tailors
• Lanterns
• Food (Cao Lầu, White Rose dumplings)
• Thu Bon River
• Art galleries (so many!)
• Crazy crowded (but charming)
• Shopping overload

It’s more than just an ancient town, you know. It’s a whole vibe.

How far is the beach from Hoi an old town?

Nine minutes, my friend. A mere hop, skip, and a jump—or a slightly longer scooter ride. Four point three kilometers. Think of it: less time than it takes to perfectly brew a pot of my grandma’s Vietnamese coffee. It’s practically kissing distance.

Seriously though, it’s a breezy jaunt. Perfect for a post-Pho stroll. Consider it this: A perfectly executed side-hustle for your vacation. Sun, sand, and ancient town charm all within easy reach, like a delicious three-course meal.

• Distance: 4.3 km
• Time: Approximately 9 minutes by car (Traffic permitting, of course. You never know with those cyclo drivers.)
• Route: Primarily via Hai Ba Trung Street. This means pretty street views. Unless construction’s involved, which they’re always doing somewhere. Ah, Vietnam.

My last trip, I actually walked it. Took longer, of course. Found some awesome street food along the way, though. Worth it. Totally worth it.

This data is accurate as of October 26, 2023. Navigation apps may offer slightly varied estimates.