Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An is about 950 km by road, about 935 km by rail and about 610 km by air. Hoi An has no airport and no railway station, so every flight and train ends in Da Nang. From there it is a 30 km, 40–50 minute drive to Hoi An Ancient Town.
The fastest way is a 1 hr 20 min flight to Da Nang, about 4–5 hours door to door, with fares from about 771,000 VND (₹2,825). The cheapest way is a direct sleeper bus at 18–22 hours, from about 450,000 VND (₹1,650). The overnight train takes 16.5–19.5 hours and suits travellers who want a berth and coastal views.
This 2026 guide compares all four options for Indian travellers: flight, train, sleeper bus and private car. It covers schedules, INR costs, transfers, the return trip, the best months to travel and tour package options.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An at a glance (updated November 2026)
- Distance: About 950 km by road, about 935 km by rail and about 610 km by air (SGN to DAD).
- Fastest: Fly to Da Nang in 1 hr 20 min, then drive 30 km (40–50 min) to Hoi An. Total from about ₹3,300 per person, including a share of the transfer.
- Cheapest: Direct sleeper bus, 18–22 hrs, from about ₹1,650.
- Train: SE2, SE4, SE10 and other even-numbered trains from Sai Gon Station to Da Nang, 16.5–19.5 hrs, from about ₹2,580.
- Private car: About 16–18 hrs of driving. One-way quotes start around US$800 (about ₹77,000) per vehicle, so it is best done as a multi-day road trip.
- Best months: February to April, when both cities are dry. Avoid October–November, which is Hoi An’s peak rain and flood season.
- Good to know: Since 1 July 2025, Hoi An has been part of Da Nang city.
Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An Distance and Travel Time
The table compares the four ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hoi An. Starting prices are per person unless marked per vehicle, and they include the final transfer to Hoi An where one is needed.
| Option | Route | Travel time | Starting cost (VND) | Starting cost (INR) | Best for |
| Flight | SGN → DAD, then 30 km by road | 1 hr 20 min flight; 4–5 hrs door to door | 771,000 + transfer | ₹2,825 + ₹475–1,280 | Families, seniors, short trips |
| Train | Sai Gon Station → Da Nang Station, then 30 km by road | 16.5–19.5 hrs + 45 min | 704,000 + transfer | ₹2,580 + transfer | Rail lovers and couples who want a berth |
| Sleeper bus | HCMC → Hoi An direct | 18–22 hrs | 450,000–950,000 | ₹1,650–3,480 | Budget solo travellers and backpackers |
| Private car | HCMC → Hoi An by road | 16–18 hrs of driving | From about US$800 per vehicle | From about ₹77,000 per vehicle | Multi-day road trips with stops |
The air distance is short, but the road and rail routes follow Vietnam’s long coastline through Phan Thiet, Nha Trang and Quy Nhon. That is why ground travel takes most of a day and a night.
Which Way Should You Choose? Quick Advice by Traveller Type
The best way to get from Saigon to Hoi An depends on your time, budget and who you travel with.
- Families with children or seniors: Fly. A morning flight puts you in Hoi An by lunchtime, and you lose no hotel night.
- Couples who enjoy slow travel: Take an overnight train in a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin. Book all four berths for privacy.
- Budget solo travellers: A cabin or VIP sleeper bus drops you in Hoi An town and doubles as a night’s accommodation.
- Groups who want to see the coast: Hire a private car and turn the trip into a 3–5 day drive, with overnight stops in Mui Ne, Nha Trang or Quy Nhon.
- Strict vegetarian or Jain travellers: Fly, or carry your own food on the train or bus. Highway rest stops rarely offer suitable meals.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by Flight (via Da Nang): The Fastest Option
There is no direct Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An flight. Instead, fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). It is one of Vietnam’s busiest domestic routes, with 30–40+ nonstop flights a day and a flight time of about 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 25 min.
| Airline | Tan Son Nhat terminal | Lowest one-way fare seen (Nov 2026) | Checked baggage |
| VietJet Air | Terminal 1 | 771,000 VND (about ₹2,825) | Not included in Eco fares; 20 kg pre-paid costs about 192,000 VND (₹705) |
| Sun PhuQuoc Airways | Terminal 3 | 776,000 VND (about ₹2,840) | Depends on fare type |
| Vietnam Airlines | Terminal 3 | 979,000 VND (about ₹3,585) | 23 kg on Economy Classic and Flex; none on Economy Light |
| Vietravel Airlines | Terminal 3 | 981,000 VND (about ₹3,595) | Depends on fare type |
Typical economy fares range from about 850,000 to 1,450,000 VND (₹3,115–5,310). Fares climb sharply around Tet (6 February 2027), the 30 April – 1 May holiday and the Vietnamese summer school break.
Points to note:
- Check your terminal. Tan Son Nhat’s new Terminal 3 now handles domestic flights for Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines and Sun PhuQuoc Airways. VietJet still uses Terminal 1.
- Bamboo Airways is not an option. It stopped selling scheduled flights from 1 August 2026.
- Add baggage when you book. Indian travellers usually carry more luggage. Adding 20 kg online on VietJet is far cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Allow 4–5 hours in total. That covers the ride to the airport, arriving 90 minutes before departure, the flight, baggage claim and the drive to Hoi An.
- Consider Chu Lai as a backup. VietJet and Vietnam Airlines also fly to Chu Lai Airport (VCL). It is much farther from Hoi An than Da Nang, so use it only if Da Nang fares spike.
Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: Transfer Options and Cost
Da Nang Airport is about 30 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. The drive takes 40–50 minutes, or up to 90 minutes in heavy rain.
| Transfer | Cost (VND) | Cost (INR) | Notes |
| Shared shuttle or limousine van | About 120,000–150,000 per seat | ₹440–550 | Runs roughly hourly, 6 AM–9 PM; book ahead |
| Grab car | 250,000–350,000 per car | ₹915–1,280 | Fare shown upfront and works like Ola or Uber; the easiest choice |
| Metered taxi (Mai Linh, Vinasun) | 300,000–450,000 per car | ₹1,100–1,650 | Use the official taxi queue and refuse inflated fixed quotes |
| Pre-booked private car | From about 280,000 per car | From ₹1,025 | Driver waits with a name board; included in most tour packages |
The local LK02 bus (35,000 VND) runs from Da Nang to Hoi An but does not stop at the airport, so it is not practical with luggage.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by Train: Reunification Express Schedule and Fares
The Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An train is the Reunification Express (Thống Nhất). It runs from Sai Gon Station to Da Nang Station, about 935 km, in 16.5–19.5 hours. You then take a car for the last 30 km to Hoi An.
Trains heading north from Saigon carry even numbers: SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, SE10 and SE22. Odd numbers such as SE1 and SE3 run in the opposite direction, from Da Nang towards Saigon.
| Train | Departs Sai Gon | Arrives Da Nang | Lowest fare (VND) | Good for |
| SE8 | 06:00 | 23:21 (same day) | 716,000 (₹2,625) | Daytime coastal views |
| SE6 | 08:45 | 01:46 | 826,000 (₹3,025) | Not ideal, because it arrives late at night |
| SE22 | 10:15 | 05:40 | 729,000 (₹2,670) | An early-morning arrival |
| SE10 | 13:15 | 08:44 | 704,000 (₹2,580) | Overnight, arriving for a full day in Hoi An |
| SE4 | 19:20 | 12:13 | 835,000 (₹3,060) | Overnight with a midday arrival; recommended |
| SE2 | 20:35 | 13:06 | 835,000 (₹3,060) | The fastest express; recommended |
Timings are for November 2026 and can change by season. Check the latest timetable before booking.
Train Classes and Ticket Prices from Saigon to Da Nang
| Class | Layout | Approx. price (VND) | Approx. price (INR) |
| Soft seat (air-conditioned) | Reclining seat | 700,000–850,000 | ₹2,565–3,115 |
| Hard sleeper, 6-berth | Three-tier bunks with a cabin door | 1,000,000–1,300,000 | ₹3,665–4,760 |
| Soft sleeper, 4-berth | Two-tier berths in a closed cabin | 1,200,000–1,500,000 | ₹4,395–5,495 |
| Private luxury cabin (e.g. Violette on SE2 and SE4) | 2- or 4-berth upgraded cabin | From about 2,200,000 | From about ₹8,060 |
Prices depend on the train, the berth level (lower berths cost more) and the travel date.
The 4-berth soft sleeper is the best choice for Indian families. It has a closed cabin, bedding and space for luggage. Book all four berths if you are a family of four.
Tickets are sold on the Vietnam Railways website (dsvn.vn) and at Sai Gon Station. The railway has accepted international cards since August 2024. Agents such as 12go and Baolau also sell tickets for a service fee.
From November to April, book at least 2 weeks ahead, because soft-sleeper berths on SE2 and SE4 sell out first. Bring vegetarian food for the journey. The dining car serves mostly Vietnamese rice dishes.
Da Nang Station to Hoi An
Da Nang Station is in the city centre, about 30 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. A Grab or taxi takes 40–50 minutes and costs about 250,000–400,000 VND (₹915–1,465) per car.
In total, expect about 1,325,000–1,700,000 VND (₹4,855–6,225) per person. That covers a soft-sleeper berth plus a share of the transfer for two people.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An by Sleeper Bus: The Cheapest Option
Sleeper buses are the cheapest way from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An.
- Price: 450,000–950,000 VND (₹1,650–3,480).
- Journey time: 18–22 hours.
- Drop-off: Several operators go direct to Hoi An town, so you need no Da Nang transfer.
- Departure points: New Mien Dong Bus Station (Thu Duc), An Suong Bus Station, or the operators’ own offices in District 1.
| Bus type | Example operators | Approx. price | What you get |
| Standard sleeper | Phuong Trang (FUTA), Dinh Nhan | From about US$19.5 (₹1,850) | Reclining berths in 3 rows, air-conditioning, blanket, water |
| Cabin or VIP sleeper | VietNam Travel Bus, Tan Quang Dung limousine | About US$23.5–53 (₹2,230–5,035) | Semi-private cabin with curtain or door, wider bed, USB charging |
The bus is comparable to an overnight Volvo AC sleeper on routes such as Mumbai–Goa, but almost twice as long. Buses stop 2–3 times at highway restaurants, where vegetarian food is limited. Carry fruit, snacks and water.
For strict Jain or pure-vegetarian groups, Vietnamtour.in can arrange pre-packed Indian meal kits (Veg, Jain or Halal) through partner restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. This service is run by our team of 100+ specialists, who have 10+ years of Indian-market experience.
Tip: Choose an afternoon or evening departure (4–7 PM). You sleep through most of the drive and reach Hoi An the next morning or around midday.
Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An by Private Car: Best as a Road Trip
A private car with a driver covers about 950 km. With most of the North–South Expressway now open, that means 16–18 hours of driving including stops. One-way online quotes start at about US$811 for a sedan, US$865 for a 7-seater and US$1,027 for a 16-seater. That is roughly ₹77,000–97,500 per vehicle, including the driver, fuel and tolls.
Even for a family of five, that is much more than five flight tickets. So a car only makes sense when the drive itself is part of the holiday.
- Make it a 3–5 day coastal road trip. Spend nights in Mui Ne (about 200 km from Saigon), Nha Trang and Quy Nhon. For the first leg, see our guide ho chi minh to nha trang.
- You cannot self-drive on an Indian licence. Vietnam does not recognise Indian driving licences or the 1949-convention IDP, so a car always comes with a Vietnamese driver.
- Get a fixed quote. It should include the driver’s meals and hotel nights, tolls and waiting time.
When you book through Vietnamtour.in, our English-speaking drivers are vetted by the team of 100+ specialists. Breakdown support is coordinated 24 hours a day from our offices in Vietnam and India. This is the standard behind our TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2023 award.
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City: The Return Journey
The Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh distance is the same, about 950 km by road. The return trip uses the same four options in reverse.
- By flight: Drive 30 km from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport (40–50 min), then fly DAD to SGN in about 1 hr 20 min. Afternoon flights let you enjoy a last morning in the Ancient Town.
- By train: Take a southbound odd-numbered train from Da Nang Station. Approximate departure times are:
- SE9 at 06:03
- SE21 at 07:55
- SE23 at 08:46
- SE3 at 10:43
- SE1 at 13:29
- SE11 at 15:05
- SE7 at 22:30
- SE5 at 00:36
Morning trains run along the coast in daylight.
- By sleeper bus: Direct buses leave Hoi An in the afternoon or evening and reach Saigon the next day.
If you spend a final night in Saigon before your flight home, our ho chi minh city guide covers where to stay, last-day ideas and getting to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
A smarter plan is often an open-jaw trip. Fly into Ho Chi Minh City and leave from Da Nang or Hanoi, so you never travel back south at all.
Best Time to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
February to April is the best time to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An. Both cities are dry, the sea is calm and temperatures are comfortable.
The two cities have opposite rainy seasons:
- Ho Chi Minh City: wet from about May to November.
- Hoi An: wet from about September to January, with the heaviest rain and flood risk in October and November.
| Months | Ho Chi Minh City | Hoi An | Verdict |
| February–April | Dry and sunny, 30–35°C | Dry and pleasant, 22–30°C | Best period for both cities |
| May–August | Short tropical showers most afternoons | Hot and mostly dry, 30–36°C; good for the beach | Good, and suits Indian summer holidays |
| September | Rainy | Rains begin | Fair, with flexible plans |
| October–November | Rain easing | Peak rain, storms and flood risk | Avoid for Hoi An if you can |
| December–January | Dry and sunny | Cool, 18–25°C, with drizzle | Acceptable; bring a light jacket |
Hoi An’s floods can be serious. In late October 2025, record rainfall pushed the Thu Bon River above its 1964 peak and submerged the Ancient Town for several days. If you travel between October and December, book refundable rooms and check weather alerts.
Diwali falls on 8 November 2026 and on 29 October 2027, both inside Hoi An’s wet season. A Diwali trip works better as Ho Chi Minh City plus a beach such as Phu Quoc, or as Hoi An from late January onwards.
For a month-by-month breakdown, read our guide to the best time to visit hoi an.
Many first-time visitors only spot the clash between festival dates and Hoi An’s flood window after they have paid for non-refundable bookings. Before you lock in dates, you can check what Indian travellers say about Vietnamtour.in:
- 2,140 TripAdvisor reviews, rated 5★
- 1,140 Google reviews, rated 5★
- Times of India coverage as a top Vietnam travel brand for Indians
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An Tour Packages for Indian Travellers
A tour package removes the hardest part of this route: coordinating the flight, the Da Nang transfer, hotels, guides and Indian meals across several vendors. Browse our Vietnam tour packages from India to compare itineraries that link Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An. If you are short on leave, look at our vietnam 6 days tour packages.
| Tier | Hoi An nights | Indicative price per person | Usually includes |
| Budget | 2 nights | ₹18,000–25,000 | SGN–DAD flight, transfers, 3★ hotel, Ancient Town walk |
| Mid-range | 3 nights | ₹28,000–40,000 | Flight, transfers, 4★ hotel, My Son Sanctuary, cooking class |
| Premium | 4 nights | ₹50,000+ | Private transfers, 5★ resort, all guided tours, meals |
Vegetarian, Jain and Halal meals are available on request. Mention them when you book so hotels and restaurants can prepare in advance.
Vietnamtour.in has served more than 428,000 Indian travellers since 2015. We work with Indian-cuisine partners in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An. Ms. Huyen Tran, our Director of Operations, oversees meal arrangements on the ground for Jain and pure-vegetarian groups.
Sample 10-Day Route: Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An and Hanoi
The most popular south-to-north route for Indian travellers runs like this:
- Fly into Ho Chi Minh City and stay 2–3 nights, including the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
- Fly to Da Nang and stay 3 nights in Hoi An, including the Ancient Town, My Son and the beaches.
- Fly to Hanoi for 2 nights, plus 1 night on a Ha Long Bay cruise.
- Fly home from Hanoi.
The route never backtracks and needs only two domestic flights. It fits a 10–12 day leave window.
Want a beach finish instead? Add 3 nights on a phu quoc travel package, an easy one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
Da Nang or Hoi An: Where to Stay After Arriving from Ho Chi Minh City
Stay in Hoi An for heritage, tailoring and lantern-lit evenings. Stay in Da Nang for a beach resort base, nightlife and a 10-minute ride to the airport.
| Factor | Da Nang | Hoi An |
| Hotel cost per night | ₹3,500–8,000 | ₹2,500–12,000 |
| Beach | My Khe Beach, wide and in the city | An Bang and Cua Dai, quieter and 4–5 km from town |
| Indian restaurants | Several, mostly near My Khe Beach | A few in and around the Ancient Town |
| Nightlife | Bars, clubs, Dragon Bridge fire shows at weekends | Quiet; most places close around 10–11 PM |
| Distance to airport | About 5 km | About 30 km |
| Ancient Town access | 30 km, about 45 minutes | Walking distance |
You can easily reach My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains from either base.
A budget-friendly plan is to stay in Da Nang and day-trip to Hoi An for the lanterns. Our Da Nang travel guide covers Ba Na Hills, the beaches and the best areas to stay. To plan your days in town, see our list of places to visit in hoi an.
6 Things to Know Before Travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
- Hoi An is now part of Da Nang city. Since 1 July 2025, the old Quang Nam province has merged into Da Nang. The Ancient Town lies in Hoi An Ward, Da Nang. Some apps still show the old “Quang Nam” address, which is fine.
- Budget for the last 30 km. Every flight and train ends in Da Nang. Add 45–60 minutes and ₹440–1,650 for the ride to Hoi An.
- One e-visa covers the whole trip. Indian passport holders need only a single Vietnam e-visa (US$25, about ₹2,375) for all domestic travel. Carry your passport for domestic flights and train tickets.
- Book trains and buses 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season. Soft-sleeper cabins and VIP bus cabins sell out first between November and April, and around Tet.
- Hoi An Ancient Town has its own ticket. Foreigners pay 120,000 VND (about ₹440). The ticket covers entry to 5 heritage sites of your choice plus the traditional performances. Buy it only at official ticket booths.
- Carry some cash. Tailors, street food stalls, cyclo rides and small guesthouses prefer Vietnamese dong. Withdraw cash at Da Nang Airport on arrival.
For entry zones, ticket rules and vegetarian food in town, see our complete hoi an travel guide.
Want us to plan the Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An leg for you, including flights, transfers, a vegetarian-friendly guide and hotels? Share your dates and our team in Vietnam and India will send a tailor-made itinerary.
FAQs: Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
How far is Ho Chi Minh City from Hoi An?
About 950 km by road, about 935 km by rail to Da Nang plus 30 km by road, and about 610 km by air to Da Nang. Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City is the same distance.
Is there a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An?
No. Hoi An has no airport. Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang (about 1 hr 20 min) with VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines or Sun PhuQuoc Airways. Then take a 40–50 minute Grab, taxi or shuttle to Hoi An.
Is there a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An?
Not directly, because Hoi An has no railway station. Take the Reunification Express (SE2, SE4, SE10 or another even-numbered train) from Sai Gon Station to Da Nang, which takes 16.5–19.5 hours. Then drive 30 km to Hoi An.
What is the cheapest way to get from Saigon to Hoi An?
The sleeper bus, from about 450,000 VND (₹1,650), with direct drop-off in Hoi An. Flight sales on VietJet can be almost as cheap, from about 771,000 VND (₹2,825), and save more than 15 hours.
How long does the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An take?
About 18–22 hours, depending on the operator, the traffic and the number of stops. Evening departures arrive the next morning or around midday.
Is the sleeper bus safe for Indian tourists?
Yes. Choose licensed operators such as Phuong Trang (FUTA) or established cabin-bus companies. Keep valuables with you and carry your own vegetarian snacks.
How do I get from Hoi An back to Ho Chi Minh City?
Drive 30 km to Da Nang Airport and fly to SGN. Or take a southbound train from Da Nang, such as SE1, SE3 or SE21. Direct sleeper buses also leave Hoi An every afternoon and evening.
What is the best month to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An?
February to April, when both cities are dry. Avoid October and November if you can, because Hoi An’s heaviest rain and flood risk fall then.
Flight fares, train timetables, bus and transfer prices were last checked in November 2026 and may change. Prices are converted at ₹1 = 273 VND and US$1 = ₹95.
