Are you planning to visit Hoi An from Ho Chi Minh City? Here’s our short guide on how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An.
If you want to read about other amazing places to visit in Vietnam, check out our detailed guide here.
Where is Hoi An?
Hoi An is a city in central Vietnam. It is around 30 km from Da Nang and around 120 km from Hue. Hoi An is a popular stop in central Vietnam, between Hanoi to the North and Ho Chi Minh City to the South.
You can read more about places to visit in south Vietnam here.
Where is Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is in the South East of Vietnam, on the Saigon River. It is relatively near to the Mekong River.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An is 845km. This is approximately a 17 or 18 hour drive in good traffic.
We did not hire a car in Vietnam and we wouldn’t necessarily recommend driving. The public transport in Vietnam is excellent and driving conditions are a little chaotic. It may be better to leave the driving to the professionals in Vietnam!
Is there a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An?
There are no direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An. Instead, if you want to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, you will need to take a bus to Da Nang and take a short (45 minute) taxi ride from there to Hoi An.
There is currently one bus company operating this route from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (Hoi An) with three services a day. The bus takes a whopping 23 hours. There are currently no “VIP” style buses, just a normal sleeper with quite cramped seats. Prices start at around $20.
Another option is to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, a popular seaside town.
Is there a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An?
There are no direct trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An. Instead, if you want to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, you will need to take a train to Da Nang and take a short (45 minute) taxi ride from there to Hoi An.
If you are planning to take public transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, we would recommend taking the train rather than the bus if at all possible. The train is shorter at 17 hours, compared to the bus which is 23 hours, and a lot more comfortable.
There are three ticket options on the train. A second class seat ($35), a second class cabin ($45) or a first class cabin ($55).
What is public transport in Vietnam like?
You can find out more about transport in Vietnam in our article here. This guide will provide details about the conditions on public transport with more detail about what buses and trains are like in Vietnam.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An by private transfer
At time of writing, I could not find any private transfer options between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.
This may change in the future, we recommend checking with Bookaway or Getyourguide. You could also ask at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and they may be able to arrange something privately.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An by airplane
Another option is to take a plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang airport. This airport is around 45 minutes drive from Hoi An and you can also stop and enjoy Da Nang too if you wish.
There are two airlines that fly this route, Viejet and Vietnam airlines. Flight time is 1 hour 30 minutes and it costs from $45 upwards.
What to do in Hoi An
Hoi An is one of our favourite places in Vietnam. It’s a stunning and romantic city for a start. But we also love it because there’s so much to do. From cooking classes and exploring markets, to boat tours and lantern making courses. Plus, there’s a theatre, fabulous food and great night life.
We’ve written a full guide to visiting Hoi An, including what to do in Hoi An here.
If you want to book some activities or tours in and around Hoi An in advance, we’ve selected a few options below with the tour booking agent Viator. Click the link for more information and to check availability for your stay.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Hoi An is a relatively small place to visit. You can get around easily on foot or on bicycle. Indeed, cycling is a really popular way to explore Hoi An. This means that you can choose to stay centrally in Hoi An, or pick a slightly cheaper accommodation option a little distance from the centre, or even on one of the peninsulas.
If you’re ready to book accommodation – check out our recommendations here.
Would you prefer a tour of Vietnam?
We love independent travel, but sometimes a tour can be the best way to travel the country. It’s also a great way to make friends for life.G Adventures has some excellent tours for Vietnam.The first, is a 22 day trip which includes the highlights of Vietnam and Laos.The second, is a great trip, but a little shorter for anyone who doesn’t have as long to spend travelling but still wants to see everything! The ten day trip travels from the North to the South of Vietnam.
Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find them here on Amazon.to get the travelling started!
More blog posts on Vietnam
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Long journeys don’t get any easier, here are some ideas we had to make the road more pleasant. Find them here on Amazon.
Silk Sleep Mask, 2 Pack 100% Real Natural Pure Silk Eye Mask
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Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance Free Makeup Remover Face Wipes
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WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag Travel Hiking Chest Bag Daypack
Anker Portable Charger, 313 Power Bank (PowerCore Slim 10K) 10000mAh Battery Pack with USB-C
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