About the ride from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hoi An
Say farewell to the gigantic megacity of Saigon and discover a more serene side of Vietnam in the small town of Hoi An.
Surrounded by luscious rice fields on one side and lined with beaches on the other, this dreamy town is a must-visit when exploring Vietnam.
You have a few options to traverse the 891.3-kilometer distance by road from Ho Chi Minh City An. Slow travelers and budget backpackers can opt for a bus or a train. Alternatively, opt for a private car transfer to take the journey at your own pace.
What is Hoi An like?
Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, almost rivaling the world-famous Ha Long Bay.
With its vibrant street decorations, winding passageways, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, Hoi An has rightfully earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bustling town centers around the lantern-strewn Thu Bon River and the colorful bridges that jump across it.
Visitors from all over the world and Vietnam come to discover this town's gems, and so should you.
Five unforgettable activities in Hoi An
When you arrive in Hoi An, the enchanting town will overwhelm you with sightseeing options.
To narrow it down, here are our top five activities to make your trip unforgettable:
Wander the lantern-lit streets along the river and then take a boat ride: Quaint bridges make for perfect picture spots, dozens of eateries will entice you with their mouth-watering smells, and boat captains will call out for riders. Find a boat and a price that suits you to enjoy a ride down the Thu Bon River.
Get some clothes made: Many visitors to Vietnam will leave with handmade, bespoke garments, and the best place in the country to get them is Hoi An. The town is the epicenter of this trade.
Visit the Japanese bridge: This iconic bridge is a popular hotspot among domestic and foreign tourists. Walk across the 16th-century bridge to immerse yourself in the town's history before wandering the winding back alleys.
Master Vietnamese cooking: Book a cooking lesson to learn how to master the basics of Vietnamese cuisine. Your friends and family back home will thank you for it!
Rent a bicycle: Find a bargain price from one of the many vendors in town and head out to discover the surrounding landscapes. You can spend a full day cycling through the vast rice fields before ending your excursion with a sunset view on An Bang Beach.
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hoi An?
To travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, you can choose between a bus journey, a train, or a private car transfer.
By bus
Any traveler to Vietnam must take a sleeper bus at some point — it's like a rite of passage for backpackers. Tickets start at $27.
Departure and arrival points vary depending on the operator, so check your booking carefully before leaving.
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An is an epic trip, taking between 20 and 24 hours to complete. But don't worry — the driver makes rest stops along the way. Additionally, the buses are very comfortable and have air conditioning, reclining seats, and usually a blanket and pillow are provided. Some have WiFi and TVs as well.
Sleeper buses in Vietnam typically have three rows of bunk-bed-style seats. There is also a small compartment to put shoes in and a space by your feet for additional baggage. You can bring one piece of luggage up to 20 kg (45 lbs) and one piece of hand luggage.
Services depart throughout the day and are operated by companies such as Hanh Cafe, Sapa Discovery Travel, Full Moon Party, and more.
Pro tip: When booking, request a seat on the bottom bunk. The top bunks can get rocky on long journeys — always keep your seatbelt on!
By train
Another popular way to travel in Vietnam is by train, most of which are air-conditioned.
Services depart from Ho Chi Minh City Station and arrive at Da Nang Train Station. You'll then need to make your way to Hoi An.
On this journey, you can choose between several classes, starting with a first-class or second-class sleeper carriage. First-class tickets start at $45, and second-class tickets start at $40.
Sleeper carriages in first and second classes typically come in configurations of four or six bunk beds.
The brave can opt for the most budget-friendly class option: second-class seated. This does mean sitting upright for the 17-hour journey, but you'll only pay $25 for the ticket.
Amenities in the sleeper carriages include a nearby WC, charger sockets, a blanket and a pillow, and a luggage allowance of 20 kg (45 lbs) and one piece of hand luggage.
Pro tip: People on the bottom bunk should be prepared for people to use your bunk as the seating area during the journey. Book a top bunk if you want to avoid this.
If you want to travel in luxury, book an entire cabin for two or four people. You'll pay a higher premium but travel in much more comfort. You'll need to pay for the whole cabin to ensure privacy, but single tickets start at $70 for a four-person cabin and $107 for a two-person cabin.
You can purchase drinks on board.
By car
To travel comfortably and privately, you can book an air-conditioned private car transfer.
Prices start at $482 and include a pick-up and drop-off at your hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.
An SUV car can take up to four people and takes 16 hours to reach Hoi An. A standard car can fit two people.
You'll get rest stops on request, WiFi (when available), and a luggage allowance of one bag and two handbags per passenger. The driver will also provide water.
The best things about the ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
Honestly, this isn't the easiest journey. It's long and tiring, and you won't see much en route if you're traveling by night.
During the daylight hours, you might see some spectacular views, though. Most of the drive or train ride is spent hugging the coastline, overlooking the South China Sea. Grab a window seat to make the most of the views.
For the rest of your journey, invest in good earphones and download some films or an audiobook to help pass the time. Set aside time to sit back and people-watch, too. Trains and buses in Vietnam are always full of characters, both local and foreign.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, which starts around February and ends in July. The town sees the best weather between February and April.
In the dry season, expect abundant sunshine, minimal rainfall, and high temperatures. Average temperatures during these months are around 86°F (30°C). March, April and May have the hottest temperatures, spiking above 90°F.
If the hot weather feels too intimidating, plan your visit just before the dry season starts or right after it ends. The heat is a little less intense, and the rains won't be too severe.
How many days should I spend in Hoi An?
You should set aside at least three days to explore the winding alleyways and waterways of Hoi An.
Three days gives you enough time to take a relaxing boat ride along the river, to marvel at the colorful lanterns at night, and to visit all the top historical sites. Plus, you'll have time to relax on one of the beaches!
However, if you plan on getting clothes made, as many travelers do, book an extra night to accommodate any necessary alterations. Make sure you start the process on your first day in Hoi An. The tailors are quick, but they'll still need ample time to make your bespoke garments sparkle.
Where should I go after Hoi An?
If you can tear yourself away from Hoi An's enchanting borders, you should keep heading north to discover Vietnam's best side.
Start by stopping off in Da Nang to explore a bustling city that has attracted digital nomads from all over the world.
After traveling through the Hai Van Pass, stop at the historical city of Hue to sample some delicious cuisine and discover the sprawling Imperial City.
If you want to skip over the cities, head straight to Ninh Binh to immerse yourself in Vietnam's spell-binding natural beauty. It's even been nicknamed Ha Long Bay on land.
Next up, book an excursion to Ha Long Bay to see why millions of tourists flock there every year.
