The best way to travel by car from Hue to Hoi An – Routes, stops & tips

Traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An is one of the most enjoyable journeys in Central Vietnam. With the freedom of a private vehicle, you can take your time, enjoy the changing landscapes, and stop at scenic viewpoints or local eateries along the way. Whether you prefer the thrill of the Hai Van Pass, the comfort of the Hai Van Tunnel, or a leisurely route with sightseeing, each option offers a unique experience worth exploring.

Car from Hue to Hoi An: Prices and how to book

When booking a car from Hue to Hoi An, travelers usually decide between hiring a private car with a driver or renting a self-drive car. Each option has its own price range, pros and cons, depending on your travel style, group size, and how much flexibility you want.

Private car with driver: This is the most popular option, especially for families with kids or groups of friends who prefer comfort and safety. Prices are usually calculated per trip:

• 4-seater (Sedan): from 65 – 75 USD/trip
• 7-seater (SUV/MPV): from 75 – 90 USD/trip
• 16-seater (Van/Minibus): from 95 – 120 USD/trip

The price normally includes: driver, fuel, tolls, parking fees. You can also make sightseeing stops along the way at spots like Lang Co Beach, Lap An Lagoon, Hai Van Pass, or Marble Mountains without paying extra. Many reliable companies even offer free cancellation if plans change.

Self-drive car rental: For travelers who value flexibility and want to explore at their own pace, renting a self-drive car is a great choice. Prices are charged per day instead of per trip:

• 4-seater (Sedan): from 30 – 40 USD/day
• 7-seater (SUV/MPV): from 45 – 60 USD/day

To rent a self-drive car, you’ll need to: 

• Leave a deposit of 2 – 5 million VND (about 80 – 200 USD).
• Provide valid ID (passport or ID card).
• Hold a valid driving license (at least B1 in Vietnam).

Some companies also deliver the car to your hotel in Hue and allow drop-off in Hoi An, which is convenient if you’re traveling one way.

How to book a car from Hue to Hoi An

Booking a car from Hue to Hoi An is very straightforward, and you have several reliable options to choose from depending on your budget and preferences:

• Book directly with transport companies in Hue

Many local car rental and transfer companies in Hue provide fixed-price packages for the Hue – Hoi An route. This option is often cost-effective, especially for groups. You can contact them through their websites, Facebook pages, or by phone. The advantage is that you’ll know the exact price in advance, and you can often request a customized itinerary with sightseeing stops.

• Use travel apps and booking platforms

Popular platforms allow you to compare prices, read customer reviews, and choose the type of car that suits your group size. Booking through these apps is convenient for international travelers since everything is in English, payment is secure, and you’ll receive instant confirmation. Some platforms even offer discounts for early bookings or combo packages.

• Book through your hotel in Hue or Hoi An

If you prefer a hassle-free option, simply ask your hotel reception to arrange the transfer. Most hotels in Hue or Hoi An have partnerships with trusted car providers, ensuring reliability. While the price may be slightly higher than booking directly, this option is convenient, especially if you don’t want to spend time researching. The hotel staff can also help communicate your requests to the driver in Vietnamese.

For travelers staying at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness, everything becomes even easier. The resort’s concierge team is always ready to assist with private transfers between Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, working only with trusted car providers. This means you can enjoy a smooth, safe, and comfortable journey without worrying about arrangements. Simply let the staff know your schedule, and they will handle the rest, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your stay.

Distance and travel time by car from Hue to Hoi An

The distance from Hue to Hoi An by car is about 120 km if you take National Highway 1A through the Hai Van Tunnel. This is the fastest and most convenient route, usually taking around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

If you’d like to enjoy the scenery along the way, many drivers recommend taking the Hai Van Pass instead of the tunnel. This route is a bit longer (about 125 km) and the journey often takes 3 to 3.5 hours. In return, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the East Sea, Lang Co Bay, and the winding roads of what is famously called the “most majestic gateway under the sky.”

Read more: Hue to Hoi An Vietnam: Complete travel guide for a smooth journey

Routes for traveling by car from Hue to Hoi An

From Hue to Hoi An, there are three popular routes when traveling by car. Each route offers a different experience, making it suitable for various types of travelers and their preferences.

Route via Hai Van tunnel 

If you want to travel from Hue to Hoi An by car quickly and without too much fatigue, taking the Hai Van Tunnel is the best choice. This is the most common route for both tourists and local drivers thanks to its convenience and high level of safety.

Starting from Hue city center, you follow National Highway 1A southbound, passing through peaceful suburban areas before reaching Lang Co town. From here, instead of turning up the mountain pass, you continue straight into the Hai Van Tunnel. Once you exit the tunnel, Highway 1A takes you directly into Da Nang City. From Da Nang, you simply follow the coastal road Vo Nguyen Giap – Truong Sa heading south until you arrive in the charming town of Hoi An.

The Hai Van Tunnel currently holds the record as the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia at nearly 6.3 km. Using the tunnel not only shortens the journey compared to the pass route but also ensures greater safety, especially during the rainy season or when fog is heavy. The road is smoother with fewer sharp turns, making it more comfortable for passengers who easily get car sick on winding mountain roads.

This route is perfect for travelers who want to reach Hoi An quickly, safely, and without too many stops along the way. It’s highly recommended for families with small children, elderly passengers, or those traveling for business. If sightseeing along the way is not your priority and you’d rather save time and energy for exploring Hoi An itself, this is undoubtedly the most suitable route.

Route via Hai Van pass 

If you’re not in a rush and want to turn your Hue to Hoi An car trip into a memorable sightseeing journey, the route over Hai Van Pass is the perfect choice. This is one of the most stunning mountain passes in Vietnam, for its dramatic blend of mountains and sea.

Starting from Hue city center, follow National Highway 1A southbound. After passing through Lang Co town, instead of entering the Hai Van Tunnel, take the road leading up to the pass. The pass stretches about 21 km with multiple sharp hairpin turns, flanked by towering mountains on one side and the vast blue sea on the other. 

From the higher points, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lang Co Bay, the railway line curving along the mountainside, and Da Nang city shimmering in the distance. Once you descend, the road merges back into National Highway 1A, leading you through Da Nang and then along the coastal Vo Nguyen Giap – Truong Sa road straight to Hoi An.

Although the road includes steep and winding sections, the surface is well-maintained and safe for cars. Along the way, you can stop at famous viewpoints such as Hai Van Gate (Hai Van Quan) – a historic relic located at the summit that also marks the boundary between Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang. The pass is especially captivating on clear, sunny days when mist drifts across the peaks and sunlight shimmers on the sea below.

The Hai Van Pass is ideal for travelers who love nature, photography, and scenic drives, and don’t mind spending extra time on the road. If you enjoy stopping along the way to capture stunning landscapes of mountains and coastline, this route is well worth it. However, if you’re traveling with young children, elderly passengers, or those prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider carefully since the winding curves can be tiring.

Scenic route with sightseeing stops

If you want your journey from Hue to Hoi An by car to feel like a mini road trip, the scenic route with multiple sightseeing stops is the perfect choice. This option is not just about getting from point A to point B, but also about experiencing some of Central Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes along the way.

Starting from Hue city center, drive south along National Highway 1A and make your first stop at Lang Co Bay. Recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, it’s famous for its turquoise waters and long stretch of white sandy beach. Continue past Lap An Lagoon, where the still water reflects the sky and surrounding mountains, creating postcard-perfect views. 

From here, you can either take the Hai Van Pass for a dramatic mountain drive or use the Hai Van Tunnel if you’d like to save time. Once in Da Nang, make a stop at My Khe Beach – often listed among the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Before reaching Hoi An, don’t miss Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), a cluster of limestone and marble hills dotted with caves, pagodas, and viewpoints that offer a mix of nature and spirituality.

This route is slightly longer than the direct drive (around 130 km), and the total travel time may stretch to 4 – 5 hours depending on how many stops you make. The reward, however, is worth it: a journey that combines mountains, lagoons, beaches, and cultural landmarks, giving you a complete taste of Central Vietnam in just one trip.

The scenic route is perfect for groups of friends, families, or couples who want to turn the transfer into an experience in itself. If you’re not in a hurry, spend the whole day on this journey: leave Hue in the morning, stop and relax at beautiful spots along the way, and arrive in Hoi An in the late afternoon just as the lanterns of the Ancient Town begin to glow – a truly magical way to end the day.

Read more: Explore Lang Co bay – One of the world’s most beautiful bays

Travel tips for driving car from Hue to Hoi An 

Traveling from Hue to Hoi An by private car gives you freedom, comfort, and the chance to explore at your own pace. To make the most of the journey, here are some practical tips that go beyond the usual advice:

• Choose the right time to start

Most travelers prefer leaving Hue around 7 – 8 AM. The weather is cooler, traffic is lighter, and you’ll have plenty of time to stop for sightseeing, photos, or food along the way. If your goal is to arrive in Hoi An just in time to enjoy the lantern-lit evening atmosphere, you can start a bit later, around 9 – 10 AM, and plan for a lunch stop in Lang Co or Da Nang.

• Where to stop for food

Instead of rushing through, take advantage of the many great food stops along the way. Lang Co Bay is famous for fresh seafood restaurants right by the water, while Lap An Lagoon offers local specialties like grilled oysters and clams. If you stop in Da Nang, try regional dishes such as mi Quang (turmeric noodle soup with pork and shrimp), fish cake noodle soup, or the popular banh trang cuon thit heo (pork and rice paper rolls). These stops turn your drive into a culinary experience as well.

• Combine sightseeing with the drive

One of the biggest advantages of traveling by private car is flexibility. You can stop at iconic viewpoints like Hai Van Gate to take in panoramic views of Lang Co Bay and Da Nang, spend some time relaxing at My Khe Beach, or explore Marble Mountains with its caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints. Adding 1-2 hours for sightseeing along the way makes the trip feel like a small adventure rather than just a transfer.

• Safety tips and driving notes

If you choose the Hai Van Pass, make sure your driver is confident with mountain roads, as there are many sharp turns and steep climbs. Avoid driving over the pass at night.

• Carry water, snacks, and a power bank since some stretches are quiet with limited services.
• Check the car carefully before starting, especially brakes, tires, and air conditioning, as you’ll be going through mountain passes, tunnels, and coastal roads.
• Families with small children or travelers prone to motion sickness may find the tunnel route more comfortable than the winding pass.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, peaceful retreat close to nature after your car from Hue to Hoi An journey, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is the perfect choice. Nestled along a pristine beach, the resort offers a serene atmosphere with an outdoor pool, rejuvenating spa services, and premium facilities. It’s the ideal place to unwind, enjoy the beauty of Hoi An Ancient Town, and recharge both body and mind for a truly fulfilling vacation. Ready for your Hoi An adventure? Book your accommodation now!

A trip by car from Hue to Hoi An is much more than just getting from one city to another. It’s an opportunity to experience breathtaking coastal roads, taste local specialties, and enjoy complete flexibility. Whether you value speed, scenery, or cultural stops, traveling this route by private car ensures comfort and unforgettable memories along Vietnam’s central coast.