How to Get from Hanoi to Hoi An

Leaving the bustling, thousand-year-old streets of Hanoi for the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An marks a transition from Vietnam's political heart to its most poetic coastal escape. While Hanoi is a whirlwind of motorbikes and street food steam, Hoi An offers a slower pace where the Thu Bon River reflects centuries of merchant history. Because Hoi An does not have its own airport or train station, every traveler must first navigate the gateway city of Da Nang before finishing the final leg of the journey south.

From Hanoi to Da Nang it is 791 km by rail, and Hoi An lies a short drive further south.^[1] Most travelers opt to fly to save time, trading a long day or night on the rails for a quick hop over the Truong Son Mountains. Once you land in Da Nang, a short drive separates you from the yellow-walled alleys of the Ancient Town. You can easily coordinate your entire journey and book tickets for these connections on GoAsia.cc to ensure a smooth transition between the north and the center.

Hanoi to Hoi An by Flight via Da Nang

Flying is the most efficient way to bridge the gap between northern and central Vietnam. Since Hoi An has no airport, you book a flight from Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). From Da Nang, Hoi An is a short drive south by private car, shuttle, or taxi.

Economy Class Flights

The flight itself is remarkably quick, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Vietnam Airlines lists one-way fares from VND 998,181 (fares collected within the last 48 hours, which may no longer be available at booking).^[2] Several domestic airlines serve this route, offering a range of service levels from basic no-frills seating to more comfortable full-service experiences.

Noi Bai Airport is outside the city, so plan the transfer in advance: a taxi to the airport costs about VND 200,000 to 300,000 and the public bus VND 8,000 to 40,000.^[2] Upon arrival in Da Nang, the airport is only 3 km from the city center, making it very easy to find onward transport to Hoi An.^[3]

Hanoi to Hoi An by Train via Da Nang

If you prefer to travel overland, take a Reunification Express train from Hanoi to Da Nang and continue by road to Hoi An. Vietnam Railways lists 5 trains a day from Hanoi to Da Nang (SE7, SE5, SE9, SE3 and SE1), and the journey takes about 15.5 to 17 hours. The overnight trains SE3 and SE1 leave Hanoi at 19:20 and 21:45 and reach Da Nang at 10:43 and 13:29 the next day.^[1]

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Hanoi to Hoi An

• Book in Advance: The cheapest seats on budget carriers sell out weeks ahead, especially during public holidays like Tet.
• Check Your Baggage: The lowest fares often do not include checked luggage. Vietnam Airlines, for example, lists its Super Lite economy fare with carry-on baggage only.^[4] If you plan on buying custom-made suits or dresses in Hoi An, ensure your return flight has enough weight allowance.
• Airport Transfers: Avoid the stress of haggling at the Da Nang airport by pre-booking a private transfer to Hoi An. Most hotels in Hoi An can arrange this, or you can use ride-hailing apps which operate reliably in the region.
• Arrival Timing: Try to arrive in Hoi An by late afternoon. This gives you time to check in and head to the Ancient Town just as the sun sets and the famous silk lanterns are lit.
• Weather Considerations: Central Vietnam has a different climate than the north. In the autumn rainy season, be prepared for heavy rain and localized flooding in Hoi An, even if Hanoi is dry.