Travelers making the 582-mile (938 km) trip between Ho Chi Minh City and the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An have several options to complete the journey. The fastest and best route is via a 1.5-hour plane ride to Danang, but taking the train is another (significantly slower) option for those who might like to experience Vietnam's countryside up close.
By Plane and Private Transfer
Duration: 2 hours
The quickest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An is by catching a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and then taking a private transfer the rest of the route.
The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang is an easy and direct hour and twenty minutes. A private transfer can be arranged in advance from the Danang airport, or a taxi can simply be found outside the arrivals hall at the airport. The drive is approximately forty-five minutes down the coast.
Those who might like to experience a Vietnamese beach can stop along the way on the second leg of the journey. The Non Nuoc Beach is particularly lovely, with views of the Ngu Hanh mountains in the distance, and surfing, sunbathing, and seafood options for those who might like to make a longer stop of it.
By Train and Private Transfer
Duration: 17 hours, 45 minutes
For those who might like the opportunity to experience Vietnam's train system and don't mind taking much longer to complete the trip between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, a combination of train and private transfer is also an option.
The train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An takes approximately seventeen hours. Travelers should note that the public train system can be crowded and uncomfortable, and those who want to ensure the utmost comfort on the train should likely book their tickets with one of many private train operators. Those booking with the public train system should make sure to book a first class ticket, which will offer a more comfortable transfer.
The journey from the train station at Danang to Hoi An is approximately forty-five minutes along the coastline, and will follow the same route as that taken by those arriving from the airport.
Map
