Dalat to Hoi An tour

Journeying from Dalat to Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most scenic road trips. It’s about 600+ km of varied landscapes - from pine forests to an endless coastline. By car or bus it’s roughly 12 hours of driving (you can break the trip in two).

Da Lat’s colonial villas, coffee farms and flower gardens feel worlds apart from the lantern lit old town and beach resorts of Hoi An.
We’ll help you choose how to travel (flight, bus, car), where to stop, and what to expect on the way.

How to Get There

There are a few ways to make this trip:

• By Flight: There’s no direct flight to Hoi An (no airport), but you can fly from Lien Khuong Airport (DLI, serving Dalat) to Da Nang (DAD).
  But do note that Hoi An is only an hour away at most from Da Nang airport so it's no big deal!
  
  The flight itself is short: about 1 hour 10 minutes in the air. Once in Da Nang, it’s just a 30-minute drive (30 km) to Hoi An’s center. As of writing this in July 2025, only Vietnam Airlines and VietJet offer direct flights on this route, with one-way tickets often around 1,400,000 VND (~US$70).
  This is fastest but can be pricey for a budget traveler, watch for promo fares or book months ahead (September has some cheapest fares according to Skyscanner).
  
  Vietjet Schedule: Departure from Dalat at 9:20 PM
  Vietnam Airlines Schedule: Departure from Dalat at 7:50 AM
  
  Prices for both are similar with Vietjet being slightly cheaper. It will eventually depend on if you want to reach Hoi an at night (Vietjet) or in morning (Vietnam Airlines).
  
  Note: Flight information and schedule are as of July 2025 and can be changed by the airlines in future. So always check the official airline website.
  

Passenger Boarding a Flight on Lien Khuong International Airport Near Dalat

• By Bus/Coach: Multiple sleeper-bus companies run Da Lat ↔ Hoi An daily. The ride is long (~12-14 hours) but convenient - buses have reclining seats or even cabins.
  
  An Phu Travel’s 44-seater sleeper bus takes about 12h.
  Fares range ~400,000-700,000 VND ($17-30) one-way.
  A typical schedule: depart Da Lat in the evening, arrive Hoi An next morning. Book on 12GoAsia or at local travel offices. On board, they usually provide pillows and cold drinks.
  The road route mostly follows National Road 1A (the scenic coastal highway) or QL24 through the mountains.
  
  Two quirks: 1. Very few sleeper buses have onboard washrooms. The bus stops every 2-3 hours for a few minutes rest/food stop where you can find the washroom.
  
  2. If you are taller than 5 feet 10 inches, you might have trouble sleeping as a lot of sleeper buses do not have space longer than that length. I mean you can still sleep but will have to ‘adjust’ a bit and sleep kinda diagonally.
  Another option is to book a luxury bus which has VIP cabins with two seats combined where you can sleep diagonally but of course you will have to pay for two seats!
  

a Road Leading From Dalat Towards Hoi An

• By Private Car (Taxi/Transfer): If you want flexibility, renting a car or hiring a driver is possible. The road distance is about 620 km, roughly 11-12 hours of driving without long stops. The most common route is along National Highway 1A - some drivers prefer this for being straighter. Expect tolls and mountain passes.
  
  The best thing about this option is it allows you to stop anywhere: beautiful lakes, waterfalls, or coffee farms. Dray Nur and Elephant Falls (Dak Lak Province) are detours on the way, along with Buôn Ma Thuot’s coffee plantations. This option is costly (hundreds of dollars) but great if you travel in a group or with lots of luggage.
  I would prefer this over every other transport option any day if I could afford it, just to enjoy the scenery and the freedom of stopping wherever we want!

• By Train (Not Direct): There is no direct train between Dalat and Hoi An (Dalat’s train is a short tourist line). In theory, you could bus to Phan Rang - Tháp Chàm, catch a train north to Tam Ky, then bus down to Hoi An.
  However, that roundabout train trip takes ~11 hours just from Tháp Chàm to Tam Ky and then more road travel. It’s longer and more complicated than the direct bus, so most travelers skip this (I would too!).

Top Highlights & Hidden Gems En Route

Fishing Boats Near Phan Thiet Beach

• Phan Thiet / Mui Ne (Detour): If you have a day, swing east after Da Lat toward Phan Thiet. This coastal town is famous for its red and white sand dunes - you can even sandboard! Stop by the Linh Son Pagoda (with a giant Buddha) and try fresh seafood. It’s a popular half-day outing from Da Lat.
  

a Sunset to Behold  Nha Trang Beach

• Nha Trang: This beach city (midway) is a classic stop. Its long white sand beach is great for a swim or sunbathing. Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers for a touch of history (dating to 781 AD) with a view over the sea. If you like marine life, the island of Hòn Mun has snorkeling.
  Don’t miss the local fresh-spring yogurt and seafood stalls along the beach road.
  

Thap Doi Cham Towers in Its Full Glory

• Quy Nhon: A bit north, Quy Nhon is quieter but beautiful. Stop at the Thap Doi Cham Towers or relax at Ky Co Beach. It’s off many direct routes but worth a detour if you enjoy sleepy seaside towns.
  

Giant Lady Buddha Statue on Danang Coast

• Da Nang: If flying via Da Nang, spend a few hours here. Highlights include the Marble Mountains (hike to pagodas in limestone hills) and the Golden Bridge (inside the Ba Na Hills resort, about 25 km from the airport). The city also has the Linh Ung Pagoda on the peninsula (giant Lady Buddha statue). From Da Nang, it’s a short 50-min trip to Hoi An’s ancient streets.
  

Hoi an Ancient Town During Rain Is a Beauty

• Hoi An: Once you arrive, the relaxed Old Town awaits. Lantern-lined streets, tailor shops, and delicious street food (like cao lau noodles) make it a reward after the journey. Wander the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses, and riverside markets and last but not the least Cham islands of Hoi An!

Off-the-Beaten-Path Tips:

• Consider breaking up the trip. For example, spend a night in Nha Trang or Quy Nhon instead of driving straight through. This way you can actually see the ocean or mountains rather than powering on.

• If you take a bus, sit on the left side facing north for ocean views (especially around Phan Rang - Nha Trang).

• The highway (QL1A) hugs the coast from Phan Rang to Da Nang, so you get mountain passes and sea views.
  Alternatively, National Route 24 (via Ngoc Linh Pass) is shorter (11h30) but more twisting through the highlands. A lot of people prefer QL1A despite the extra distance.

• Vietnam’s long-distance buses often stop at road rest stations where you can grab tea, instant noodles, fresh coconuts or banh mì. Try the lotus tea in the Central Highlands region or local fruit (dragonfruit, jackfruit).
  

Dalat at the Start of Winter Looks Like Heaven With the Cloud Cover

Practical Info

• Travel Time: By road it’s ~600 km, roughly 12 hours drive. Nonstop that’s about 11-12 hours, but realistically plan 15h with short stops.

• Fares & Booking: Sleeper buses cost ~400k-700k VND one-way. Flights (one-way) usually run 3,000,000+ VND. Book buses a day ahead at stations or via apps (Phuotbus, etc). For flights, book early online.

• When to Go: The coast can get typhoon rain in late summer (Aug-Sep), so the best months are Feb-Apr or Oct-Nov when it’s dry.
  Da Lat itself has two seasons (cool dry Oct-Apr, warm rainy May-Sep), but rain only really affects the trip if roads wash out (rare on main highways).

• On the Bus/Car: Wear a mask if you’re sensitive to dust. Carry water and snacks for comfort (buses do provide bottles and a pillow). For an overnight bus, bring an eye mask and ear plugs - it can be noisy at highway stops.

• Packing: Light layers (Da Lat is cooler in morning; Hoi An is warm/tropical). Don’t forget a swimsuit if you’ll stop at beaches. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must (especially near the coast).

• Stop Amenities: Highway rest stops have clean toilets and fast-food counters (a convenience in Vietnam). Petrol station stops often double as small diners (banh mi, pho, coffee). Remember that night driving in mountains means limited lighting - rest stations help stretch or sleep.

• Driving Safety: If self-driving or motorbiking, note that Vietnamese roads are hectic. Stay alert for motorbikes weaving, especially near towns. Use taxis or ride-share in cities (Grab taxi). Don’t drive at night on rural roads (sharp turns). Speed limits: usually 60 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways.
  

Dambri Waterfall in Bao Loc, Lam Dong

Road trip Itinerary

If you plan to make stops, here’s one road trip itinerary from Dalat split over two days:

• Day 1 - Da Lat to Nha Trang:

• 7:00 AM: Depart Da Lat (by private car or taxi).

• 10:00 AM: Stop at Da Teh or Boo Loc (Lam Dong) for fresh tea/coffee and local snacks. Enjoy the mountain scenery.

• 12:30 PM: Lunch in Doc Let or Nha Trang. Swim at Vinpearl Beach or visit Po Nagar Cham Towers.

• 3:00 PM: Explore Dam Market (Chợ Đầm) for quick souvenirs.

• 4:00 PM: Continue to Hoi An or stay overnight in Nha Trang (highly recommended to break journey).
  

Marble Mountains of Danang

• Day 2 - Nha Trang to Hoi An:

• 9:00 AM: If staying in Nha Trang, leave after breakfast. Drive north along QL1A.

• 11:30 AM: Quick photo stop at Quy Nhon’s Thap Doi (twin Cham towers).

• 1:00 PM: Lunch break in Phan Rang. Try local goat hotpot or seafood.

• 3:00 PM: Pass through Da Nang. Stretch at Marble Mountains (15-minute hike to the pagoda).

• 4:30 PM: Arrive in Hoi An (~30 km from Da Nang). Check into your hotel and wander the lantern-lit streets at dusk. I would recommend taking a bicycle and riding around as streets are pretty safe even in the dark. Most homestay/hotels provide bicycles either complementary or for less than a dollar per day!

Alternatively, if doing a direct overnight (bus or self-drive):

• Depart Da Lat ~6 PM, arrive Da Nang ~6 AM next day, transfer to Hoi An by 7 AM. Have breakfast in Hoi An by 8 AM after a night on wheels.
  
  Recommendation: If you are still in Dalat and have a few days, then you should definitely trek to the Langbiang Peak before leaving the town or visit the clay tunnel of Dalat
  

the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An

FAQs

• How far is Da Lat from Hoi An?
  About 600-620 kilometers by road. It typically takes around 11-12 hours driving non-stop on highways.

• What is the fastest way to travel from Dalat?
  Flying to Da Nang is the fastest and from there Hoi An is only 1 hour away by car/bike. Flight time is only ~1h10m.
  Just note that Dalat doesn’t have its own airport so you will have to fly from Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) which is like 30 minutes by road from the city center of Dalat.

• Are there direct flights?
  Yes. Both Vietjet and Vietnam airlines operate direct flights but do note that it's from Lien Khuong airport to Danang airport.
  
  Lien Khuong airport is only 30 minutes away by car from Dalat center and Hoi is an hour away from Danang airport.

• Can I break the journey?
  Absolutely. Many people stop in Nha Trang or Quy Nhon to rest and explore. Breaking the trip makes it more enjoyable and safer than overnight driving.

• Is it better to take the bus or drive?
  Buses are cheap and have sleeper options. Driving (self or taxi) offers freedom to stop anywhere. If you’re not a confident driver, the overnight bus is relaxing as long as you are not taller than 5 feet 10 inches!

• What’s the cost of a bus ticket?
  Sleeper bus tickets start around 400,000 VND (roughly $17) one-way.

• What should I do if I feel sick?
  Travel sickness can happen on winding roads. Ask the driver to stop for fresh air breaks. Carry motion-sickness meds. Also keep hydrated - rest stops sell cold drinks and snacks.
  One trick I use is to sit in front and look ahead outside the car. Do not use your phone while sitting in the car if you are prone to sickness.
  Also, you can just notify your driver to not take sharp turns rapidly which is the number one reason people feel car sick!

• Is the train an option?
  Not directly. You could take a bus to Thap Cham and catch a train to Tam Ky, but by that point you’re already near Hoi An. The train leg itself (Phan Rang to Tam Ky) takes ~11 hours - longer than a bus.