Still known by its old name of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and most visited city in Vietnam. Filled with fantastic architecture that reflects the historic changes as a French colonial city, Ho Chi Minh City also played a major role in the Vietnam War and offers visitors many war-related attractions. It is also a place full of life, culture and delicious food that can be found at street stalls. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An City can be a welcome relief. Known for its remarkably well-preserved harbor and historic district, Hoi An takes you back in time with beaches to relax and a peaceful atmosphere.
Travel options from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
Being two of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An is quite crowded. Nevertheless, the distance between the two cities is long and depending on the mode of transport chosen, the journey can take a whole day. Fortunately, there are several transport options available, and each has a different price, so there’s something for every budget. Flying is a great option for those who are short on time as the plane will take you from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An in no time. But for those who prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery and meet other travelers along the way, trains and buses are also available. The shortest road route is around 850 kilometers, so if you decide to travel by car or train, you need to be prepared for a very long journey.
Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An flights
Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport © AsiaTravel / Shutterstock.com
Let’s start with the fastest option to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An: by plane. We certainly recommend air travel for such long distances, but sometimes the cost of a plane ticket can be unbearable for those traveling on a budget. But surprisingly, flights from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An are not as expensive as you might think, so this is a mode of transport you should consider, especially if you don’t have much time to explore Vietnam and want to get to Hoi A .Even in the shortest possible time.
The cost of flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An varies depending on the airline you’re traveling with, so be sure to compare prices before buying the first option you see. If you travel with Vietnam Airlines, you will spend much more than with low-cost airlines such as VietJet Air. Their prices are probably the cheapest on this route, but you can also consider Jetstar Pacific. Their tickets are slightly more expensive than VietJet Air, but usually cheaper than Vietnam Airlines.
When comparing prices, pay attention to what is included in the ticket price. Vietnam Airlines includes 20 kilograms of checked baggage while the other two airlines do not, so you would have to look at how much checked baggage costs to find out which option is more cost-effective. Compare different travel days and times as going early or late in the day can save you a lot of money. Avoiding weekend travel can also reduce the price of your ticket. Try to book as far in advance as possible, as the closer to the departure date, the more expensive it will be.
Check out the website 12Gowhich allows you to compare the performance of the three airlines that serve the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, so you can see different prices and departure times.
Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air at Da Nang Airport © Nils Versemann / Shutterstock.com
While the flight is the quickest option to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, it also has a downside that should not be overlooked: you won’t be flying directly to Hoi An as Hoi An doesn’t have an airport. Flights arrive at Da Nang Airport, which is located 30 kilometers north of Hoi An. You can take a bus to get to the city, but first you have to take a taxi to the bus stop because the bus doesn’t run until 10:00. Airport. Still, driving from the airport to Hoi An shouldn’t take long. Even taking that into account, the plane will get you there in a much shorter time than by train or bus.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An by train
Traveling by train in Vietnam is quite an experience, but in the best possible way. The main disadvantage is the travel time as the trains run at very low speed, but the cost is reasonable. The best thing about the train journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An is without a doubt the landscapes you can see along the way. It’s a beautiful route, and by traveling at low speed, you’ll have plenty of time to rest and watch the world go by. We also like to travel by train because it allows you to experience the local culture and chat with other travellers. While you may not understand the locals, it’s always worth sharing moments with them and watching their reactions.
Vietnam Railways is the national company that operates railways in Vietnam, so tickets are reasonably priced. You have a variety of options depending on your budget and preferences, from cheap second-class seats to first-class sleeper trains to second-class sleeper trains.
As with flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, traveling by train also has the same disadvantage, namely that Hoi An city does not have a train station. The train also arrives in Da Nang and from there you will need to find a way to get to Hoi An. It won’t be difficult for you as there are different options and if you book your train ticket through 12Go you can also book your journey to Hoi An by bus or taxi.
Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
The last option to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An is by bus, but it is not the mode of transport we recommend as we have two other alternatives. Bus journeys are very long and not advisable for those who are overwhelmed by tight spaces. There is the option of half-sleeper buses that allow you to stretch out a bit. If you want to save money, the bus can be a good option. But in addition to saving money, this will not avoid any other inconvenience, because you will also have to find a way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An flights are great if you want to save time and explore the streets of Hoi An as quickly as possible. On the contrary, if you have some free time, we advise you to take the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An and enjoy your journey.