How to travel from Dong Hoi to Hoi An: Best ways & Guide
Planning a trip from Dong Hoi to Hoi An can open the door to one of the most scenic journeys in Central Vietnam. Whether you prefer flying for convenience, taking the train for comfort, or going on a motorbike adventure, every option offers a different travel experience. This guide breaks down all the ways to get from Dong Hoi to Hoi An, including travel times, estimated costs, and practical tips to help you choose the best route for your journey.
Overview of the distance and geography
The journey from Dong Hoi to Hoi An takes travelers through the heart of Central Vietnam, where coastal views, peaceful countryside landscapes, and gentle mountain stretches create a diverse and scenic route. This is a popular travel path because it is easy to navigate and offers plenty of beautiful scenery along the way.
From Dong Hoi City, you will head south toward Hoi An in Quang Nam Province. The total distance is approximately 285 km, with an average travel time of 4 to 5 hours, depending on the type of transportation and road conditions. The route is straightforward, supported by well-connected national highways and modern expressways.
Dong Hoi is a calm coastal city known for Phong Nha – Ke Bang and its impressive natural attractions. It serves as an ideal starting point before exploring further into the cultural and historical regions of Central Vietnam.
Hoi An, on the other hand, offers a completely different atmosphere. The ancient town is famous for its yellow-walled houses, colorful lantern streets, and the gentle Hoai River. Because of this contrast, the trip from Dong Hoi to Hoi An is more than just a transfer, it feels like a transition from the wild beauty of Quang Binh to the nostalgic and poetic charm of Hoi An.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, this route always brings a pleasant experience. Travelers can enjoy the changing landscapes and observe the daily life of Central Vietnam unfolding along the way.
Traveling from Dong Hoi to Hoi An by air
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Dong Hoi to Hoi An, especially for travelers who want to save time. Although Hoi An does not have its own airport, the journey is still convenient thanks to the nearby Da Nang International Airport.
From Dong Hoi Airport, flights to Da Nang operate with limited schedules, so availability may vary depending on the season. The flight takes around 1 hour, making it the quickest option compared to all other transportation methods. Travelers should check flight times in advance and book early to avoid fully booked routes during peak periods.
To help you quickly compare flight options from Dong Hoi to Hoi An (via Da Nang Airport), the table below summarizes the reference prices, flight availability, travel time, and key pros and cons of each airline.
| Airline / Source | One-way price (reference) | Actual flight time (if available) | Notes / Pros & Cons |
| Vietnam Airlines (official) | 1,915,000 VND (one-way, sample date displayed on site) | ~ 1 hour (typical for short domestic flights) | Stable service, low risk, but generally more expensive than promotional fares. |
| VietJet Air (official / airline site) | From USD 74 (price displayed for some dates on VietJet’s site) | ~ 1 hour (if there’s a direct flight) | Often has promos; base fare is cheaper, but baggage and seat-selection fees are extra. |
Once you arrive at Da Nang Airport, you can easily continue the journey to Hoi An. The distance from Da Nang to Hoi An is about 30 km, and the travel time ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Several transportation choices are available, including private cars, airport shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Among these, private transfers are preferred for their comfort and straightforward pickup.
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Choosing to fly is ideal for travelers who prefer convenience or have a tight schedule. It shortens the travel time significantly and offers a smooth transition from Dong Hoi’s coastal vibe to the cultural charm of Hoi An, making the trip both quick and enjoyable.
Traveling from Dong Hoi to Hoi An by train
Traveling by train is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to move from Dong Hoi to Hoi An. Although Hoi An does not have its own railway station, you can easily travel by train to Da Nang Railway Station, then continue the final 30 km to Hoi An by taxi, private car, or shuttle bus. This option is ideal for travelers who want a smooth journey, stable pricing, and the opportunity to enjoy Vietnam’s coastal and mountain landscapes along the way.
The train route from Dong Hoi to Da Nang is part of the North–South Reunification Railway, so it is well-operated with multiple departures every day. Travel time ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the train code. Ticket prices vary based on seat type (soft seat, hard seat, soft berth, hard berth), but generally remain reasonable and easy to book in advance.
Below is the most updated and clear comparison table for all major trains running from Dong Hoi Station (VDH) to Da Nang Station (DAD):
| Train Code | Departure Time (Dong Hoi) | Arrival Time (Da Nang) | Travel Duration | Estimated Ticket Price |
| SE1 | 06:42 | 12:12 | 5h 30m | ~ 300,000 VND |
| SE3 | 05:03 | 10:36 | 5h 33m | ~ 318,000 VND |
| SE5 | 19:28 | 01:31 (next day) | 6h 03m | ~ 342,000 VND |
| SE7 | 16:31 | 22:43 | 6h 12m | ~ 375,000 VND |
| SE9 | 00:05 | 06:14 | 6h 09m | from ~ 200,000 VND |
| SE19 | 05:52 | 11:45 | 5h 53m | usually above 300,000 VND |
Most trains on this route offer both air-conditioned seats and berth cabins, ensuring comfort whether you choose to travel during the day or at night. For long daytime journeys, soft seats are comfortable enough, while overnight trains like SE5 or SE7 make soft berths a better choice.
The scenery along the way is one of the major highlights. Travelers can observe peaceful countryside, winding rivers, and coastal views as the train approaches Da Nang. Compared to flying or taking a bus, the train offers a much more relaxed and immersive travel experience.
Traveling by train is a great middle-ground option, slower and more scenic than flying, but safer and more comfortable than long-distance buses. It is also the most stable in terms of pricing, especially during peak travel periods when flight fares fluctuate heavily.
Traveling from Dong Hoi to Hoi An by motorbike or car
Traveling from Dong Hoi to Hoi An by motorbike or car is a great choice for travelers who want flexibility and enjoy the freedom of road trips. The distance between the two destinations ranges from 300–320 km, depending on the route. This is a relatively long journey, but the landscapes along central Vietnam, mountains, coastline, and open highways, make it a rewarding experience. If you love exploring at your own pace, this travel method is worth considering.
Traveling by private car or self-drive
Going by car is the safest and most comfortable option for this long-distance trip. The travel time averages 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and weather. A car gives you maximum convenience, especially if you’re traveling with family, children, or a lot of luggage.
Advantages of traveling by car:
- Comfortable and weather-protected throughout the trip
- Easy to stop along the way for meals, photos, or sightseeing
- No restrictions on luggage
- Flexible departure times
If you do not plan to drive, you can hire a private car with a driver. Prices usually start from 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND per trip, depending on the car type (4–7 seats) and travel date.
Traveling by motorbike
Motorbiking is a popular option among adventure travelers. The total riding time is around 7–8 hours, though breaks are strongly recommended for safety and comfort. The journey offers scenic coastal views, mountain passes, and rural areas, ideal for those who enjoy long-distance rides.
Important notes for motorbike travelers:
- Ensure the motorbike has been serviced (oil, brakes, tires, lights).
- Avoid riding at night due to low visibility on several national highway sections.
- Bring protective clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, and enough water.
- Check the weather ahead of time, as the central region, especially Quang Binh to Hue, often experiences sudden storms or heavy rain.
- For a more enjoyable trip, you can take breaks at scenic spots such as Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay, or even Huế if you want to split the journey across two days.
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about traveling from Dong Hoi to Hoi An
Before planning your trip from Dong Hoi to Hoi An, travelers often have a few common questions about distance, travel time, transportation options, and costs. The following FAQs highlight the most practical and frequently searched concerns to help you prepare with confidence.
- How far is it from Dong Hoi to Hoi An?
The distance from Dong Hoi to Hoi An is approximately 300–320 km, depending on the route you take (National Highway 1A or the Ho Chi Minh Road).
- How long does it take to travel from Dong Hoi to Hoi An?
Travel time varies by transportation:
Car: 5–6 hours
Motorbike: 7–8 hours
Train to Da Nang + transfer: 6–7 hours total
Flight to Da Nang + transfer: 3–4 hours total (including airport transfer)
- Is there a direct flight from Dong Hoi to Hoi An?
There is no airport in Hoi An. Travelers must fly from Dong Hoi (VDH) to Da Nang (DAD) and then continue to Hoi An by car or shuttle (45–60 minutes).
- Is there a direct train from Dong Hoi to Hoi An?
No. Hoi An does not have a train station.
You can take a train from Dong Hoi Station → Da Nang Station, then connect to Hoi An by taxi, bus, or private transfer.
- What is the cheapest way to travel from Dong Hoi to Hoi An?
The cheapest option is usually the train to Da Nang (from ~200,000 VND depending on seat type), followed by a local bus or shared transfer to Hoi An.
- What is the fastest way to get from Dong Hoi to Hoi An?
The fastest way is to fly to Da Nang, then take a private car to Hoi An. This option typically takes 3–4 hours total.
- Is traveling by motorbike safe?
Motorbiking is safe if you are experienced and travel during the daytime. Avoid riding at night, check your vehicle carefully, and monitor weather conditions since Central Vietnam can have sudden rainstorms.
- Can I book private car transfers from Da Nang to Hoi An easily?
Yes. Private cars are widely available, with prices starting from 350,000–500,000 VND depending on vehicle type.
- Do I need to book train or flight tickets in advance?
Yes, especially during weekends, holidays, or high seasons (summer and Tet). Booking early helps secure better seats and lower prices.
Traveling from Dong Hoi to Hoi An is straightforward once you know the available transportation options and what each one offers. Whether you choose the speed of a flight, the affordability of a train, or the freedom of traveling by car or motorbike, the journey promises beautiful scenery and memorable moments along Vietnam’s central coast. With the right plan, getting from Dong Hoi to Hoi An becomes not just a transfer, but an enjoyable part of your trip.
