Da Nang and Hoi An sit just 30km apart along Vietnam\’s central coast — close enough to visit one from the other as a day trip, but different enough in character that most travellers choose to stay in both. The journey is short and straightforward, with Grab (ride-hailing), taxis, local buses, and bicycle all viable options depending on your budget and sense of adventure.
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ℹ️ The coastal road between Da Nang and Hoi An (passing My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach) is one of central Vietnam\’s most scenic drives. If you\’re on a motorbike or bicycle, this is the route to take.
Option 1: Grab (Easiest)
Grab is the most convenient option — open the app, book a GrabCar or GrabBike, and you\’re on your way. The ride from Da Nang city centre (or the airport) to Hoi An takes around 40–50 minutes. A GrabCar costs around 200,000–280,000 VND ($8–11 USD). GrabBike is cheaper (~80,000–120,000 VND) but not ideal with luggage.
- Journey time: 40–50 minutes
- Price (GrabCar): ~200,000–280,000 VND ($8–11 USD)
- Price (GrabBike): ~80,000–120,000 VND ($3–5 USD)
- Best for: Most travellers, especially with luggage
Option 2: Taxi
Metered taxis run between Da Nang and Hoi An. Mai Linh and Tien Sa are the most reliable companies — always use the meter or agree on a price before getting in. Expect to pay around 250,000–350,000 VND for a private taxi.
- Journey time: 40–50 minutes
- Price: ~250,000–350,000 VND ($10–14 USD)
- Tip: Grab is cheaper and more transparent — use it unless you need a taxi for other reasons
Option 3: Local Bus (Budget)
The yellow public bus (Bus 1) runs between Da Nang and Hoi An for around 25,000 VND ($1 USD). It stops at Da Nang bus station, runs along the coastal road, and drops you at Hoi An bus station. Journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes with stops. Buy a ticket from the conductor on board.
- Journey time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Price: ~25,000 VND (~$1 USD)
- Route: Da Nang bus station → coastal road → Hoi An bus station
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes, 5:30 AM–7:30 PM
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Option 4: Bicycle or Motorbike
The coastal road from Da Nang to Hoi An is one of the best cycling routes in Vietnam — flat, scenic, and passing My Khe and Non Nuoc beaches before reaching the Thu Bon River delta and Hoi An. Bicycle rental in Da Nang costs around 50,000–100,000 VND per day. Allow 2–3 hours by bicycle. Motorbikes can be rented for 100,000–150,000 VND per day and do the route in under an hour.
- By bicycle: 2–3 hours, rental ~$2–4 USD/day
- By motorbike: ~45 minutes, rental ~$4–6 USD/day
- Route: Follow the coastal road south (Vo Nguyen Giap → Truong Sa)
Journey Summary
| Method | Time | Cost from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab | 40–50 min | $8 USD | Most travellers |
| Taxi | 40–50 min | $10 USD | No smartphone |
| Local bus | ~75 min | $1 USD | Budget |
| Bicycle | 2–3 hours | $2 USD | Scenic / active |
| Motorbike | ~45 min | $4 USD | Freedom / scenic |
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Hoi An\’s Ancient Town (UNESCO-listed) is the main draw — the old merchant quarter with lantern-lit streets is best experienced by staying nearby. An Bang Beach (5km from town) is popular for beach-plus-culture visitors. Book ahead for January and February when the town is at its busiest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Da Nang from Hoi An?
About 30km by road. By Grab or taxi it takes around 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. By local bus, around 75 minutes.
Can I fly into Da Nang and stay in Hoi An?
Yes — this is very common. Da Nang is the closest airport to Hoi An. Take a Grab or taxi from Da Nang Airport directly to your Hoi An hotel — around 40–50 minutes and $8–11 USD.
Is it better to stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
Hoi An is the more atmospheric of the two — the ancient town is genuinely magical at night. Da Nang has better beaches (My Khe) and more modern infrastructure. Many travellers split their time: a night or two in Da Nang for the beach, then move to Hoi An for the cultural experience.
Related Guides
- Singapore to Da Nang: Flight Guide
- Kuala Lumpur to Da Nang: Flight Guide
- Hoi An: What to Do and Where to Eat
- Da Nang to Hue: How to Get There
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