Hanoi to Hoi An: The Route and How to Enjoy the Journey

700km down the coast

Hanoi to Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s classic travel routes — and how you make the journey shapes the trip. Here’s what’s actually available.

Fly Hanoi to Da Nang + transfer

The fastest option. 1-hour flight to Da Nang, then 30 minutes by Grab to Hoi An (around 150,000 VND). Total door-to-door: 3–4 hours. Flights on VietJet and Bamboo Airways from $25–60 booked in advance. This is what I do for this route now. Check Aviasales for best prices. — book a Kiwi.com in advance for the best price.

Night train to Da Nang + transfer

The scenic choice. Hanoi to Da Nang overnight takes about 17–19 hours. The spectacular part — the Hai Van Pass coastal crossing — happens in the morning of the southbound journey, so you wake up to mountain-meets-ocean scenery before arriving in Da Nang. Soft sleeper: 550,000–750,000 VND. Then Grab to Hoi An. Total time: 20–22 hours but you sleep through most of it.

The stop option: Hue first

Many travelers break the journey in Hue for 2 nights before continuing to Hoi An. Hue deserves the stop — the Imperial City and the food alone justify it. Hanoi to Hue overnight train (13–14 hours), then day train or bus Hue to Da Nang/Hoi An (3–4 hours, spectacular Hai Van Pass in daylight). This is the most satisfying version of the journey if you have the time.