Vietnam

How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h
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From
18€
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Distance
592 km
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There are 2 way(s) to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
📍Most long-distance sleeper buses to Hoi An depart from Mien Dong Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Dong) in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a very large, busy terminal with numerous bus operators. It's advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
🚇From the city center (District 1), you can reach Mien Dong Bus Station by taxi or Grab (ride-hailing app) in about 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic, costing approximately 100,000-150,000 VND (€4-6). Public buses are also an option but take longer.
Overnight buses typically depart between 17:00 and 20:00, with several departures an hour from different operators. Daytime services are less frequent but available. Always check the exact departure time with your chosen operator.
💸 Transport from 18€ per person
Fastest: 1h
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

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Choose Your Sleeper Bus Wisely

Look for bus companies with good reviews for comfort and reliability. Opt for a 'VIP sleeper' if available; it often means more space and a better chance of sleep, avoiding those cramped, freezing experiences.

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Book Flights to Da Nang, not Hoi An

Hoi An doesn't have an airport. When flying, book your ticket to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). From there, it's a straightforward 30-45 minute taxi or private car ride to Hoi An.

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Pack Layers for Overnight Journeys

Sleeper buses can be notoriously cold due to air conditioning. Bring a light blanket or warm layers to ensure a comfortable night's sleep and avoid shivering through the journey.

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Secure Your Valuables

On any overnight bus or train, keep your most valuable items (passport, money, phone) close to you, preferably in a small bag on your person. Avoid leaving them in overhead compartments or luggage storage.

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Compare and Book Ahead Online

Websites like 12go.asia or BaoLau.vn allow you to compare prices and schedules for buses and flights side-by-side. Booking in advance, especially during peak travel times, guarantees your spot and often better prices.

🛣️ The journey experience

Navigating Vietnam's long, thin geography means choosing the right transport for each leg is key to a smooth journey. For the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, you've got two main options: a long overnight bus or a quick flight. Understanding the real durations, comfort levels, and when each option runs overnight will save you time and ensure you don't lose a precious day.

Your choices are a sleeper bus, costing around €18 and taking about 9 hours, or a flight for approximately €35, which gets you there in just 1 hour. Bus services are plentiful, often departing in the evening to arrive in Hoi An by morning, allowing you to save on a night's accommodation. Flights, operated by airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, depart frequently from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Da Nang (DAD), with a short transfer needed from Da Nang to Hoi An.

While the bus is budget-friendly and offers an overnight travel solution, the flight is significantly faster. Consider your travel style: if saving time is paramount, a flight is your best bet, despite the extra cost and airport transfer. If you're looking to stretch your budget and don't mind a longer journey, the overnight sleeper bus is a practical choice. Always check schedules and book ahead, especially during peak seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassle and ensure you pick the best option for your itinerary.

Frequently asked questions — Ho Chi Minh City → Hoi An

✨ Why visit Hoi An?

  • Wander through the UNESCO Ancient Town with its lanterns and yellow houses.
  • Get custom-made clothing or shoes from expert tailors and shoemakers.
  • Explore the local markets and taste authentic street food specialties.
  • Cycle through the surrounding rice paddies and fishing villages.
  • Learn to cook Vietnamese dishes with a hands-on cooking class.
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Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — to fully immerse in the old town's charm and explore surroundings.

☀️ When to visit Hoi An?

TROPICAL HUMID MONSOON

February to April — pleasant temperatures, less rain, perfect for exploring.

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In Hoi An — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Hoi An
Compare the best rates available
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What to do in Hoi An?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
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Explore Ancient Town Lanterns
Wander through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, especially enchanting at night when thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets. This pedestrian-friendly area offers historic architecture and vibrant marketplaces. Tip: Arrive just before dusk to experience the transition from day to night, an ideal time for photography.
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Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
Cross the iconic 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An with its unique pagoda-style roof and shrine inside. It connects Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets. A small entrance fee (often included in the Old Town ticket) is required for entry. Early morning offers fewer crowds.
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Indulge in Local Cuisine
Savor Hoi An's culinary specialties like Cao Lau (noodles), White Rose dumplings, and Banh Mi. Many local eateries and street food stalls offer authentic flavors. Consider taking a street food tour for guided tastings. Expect to pay a few euros per dish.
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Boat Ride Thu Bon River
Take a scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River, especially at sunset, to see the Ancient Town from a different perspective. Many small boats offer tours from the riverside. A 30-minute ride costs around 5-10€ depending on negotiation and boat capacity. Lantern release rituals are common in the evening.
tailor
Get Custom Tailored Clothes
Hoi An is renowned for its skilled tailors offering custom-made clothing at affordable prices. From suits to dresses, you can choose fabrics and designs for quick turnaround. Plan for at least two fittings. Prices vary widely but expect significant savings compared to Western bespoke tailoring.
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Relax at An Bang Beach
Escape the town's bustle for the sandy shores of An Bang Beach, just a short bicycle or taxi ride away. It's less developed than other nearby beaches and offers a laid-back atmosphere with beach bars and restaurants. Best time to visit is late afternoon for sunset views and cooler temperatures.
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Join a Lantern Making Workshop
Engage in a cultural experience by learning to craft your own traditional Hoi An lantern. Several local workshops offer hands-on classes, providing insight into this unique art form. This activity typically takes 1-2 hours and costs around 10-15€. It's a great souvenir to take home.
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Cycle Through Countryside Villages
Rent a bicycle and venture into the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An. Explore coconut groves, rice paddies, and local villages like Tra Que Vegetable Village. It's a fantastic way to observe rural Vietnamese life. Bicycles can be rented for as little as 1-2€ per day. Go early to avoid the midday heat.

⏱️ How long to visit Hoi An?

2 to 7 days

For independent travelers, 3-4 days in Hoi An is ideal to soak in its charm, explore the Ancient Town, and enjoy a cooking class or a boat trip. With 2 days, focus on the core historical sites and tailor shops. If you have a week, you can include beach time, cycling in the countryside, and day trips to My Son Sanctuary or Da Nang.

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