Hoian Ancient town, Travel Guide
What is the best way to travel from Hoi An to Hue?
The journey from Hoi An to Hue is one of the most attractive tourist routes in Central Vietnam, connecting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This approximately 130 km journey not only offers stunning landscapes but also the opportunity to experience the diversity of culture and history.
Journey from Hoi An to Hue: Choosing the optimal means of transport
Choosing the right means of transport from Hoi An to Hue will greatly affect your comfort and experience. There are many means of transport for you to choose from such as: bus, limousine, train or private car. Each means of transport will bring you its own advantages and disadvantages. Below is a detailed analysis of the popular options for traveling from Hoi An to Hue:
Bus
Buses are usually the most economical way to travel from Hoi An to Hue. Ticket prices vary depending on the bus company and type of bus (seat or sleeper), usually ranging from 150,000 vnd to 350,000 vnd.
There are many buses departing daily, with different timeslots, making it easy to choose a time that fits your schedule. You can buy tickets directly at the bus companies’ offices in Hoi An, through travel agents or book online via bus ticket booking websites and apps.
The bus journey from Hoi An to Hue usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops. Modern buses are equipped with air conditioning, free drinking water and wifi.
However, compared to other means of transport, the space on the bus may not be comfortable, especially when the bus is crowded. And there may be many stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers along the way, which will prolong the travel time from Hoi An to Hue.
Popular bus companies on the Hoi An – Hue route: The Sinh Tourist, Queen Cafe, Camel Travel, Duy Khanh Limousine, Hoang Minh Limousine, Thuan Phat Limousine,…
Limousine
Limousines are usually 7-9 seater or 11-16 seater vehicles upgraded with spacious, soft leather seats that can be reclined comfortably. The number of passengers on a limousine is usually less than on a bus, providing a quieter and more private space.
Most limousine companies provide pick-up and drop-off services at hotels or your requested address in the central area of Hoi An and Hue, which is very convenient. In addition, limousine companies often focus on service quality, with professional and friendly staff and drivers.
Limousine fares are usually higher than buses, ranging from 250,000 VND to 450,000 VND depending on the bus company and type.
Popular limousine companies on the Hoi An – Hue route include: Duy Khanh Limousine, Thuan Phat Limousine, Hai Van Limousine, HK BUSLINES, Khang limousine,….
Train
Trains are generally considered one of the safest means of transport. The train route from Da Nang to Hue (the closest station to Hoi An) passes through the Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Vietnam, offering majestic views of mountains and sea. Compared to buses, the space on trains is often more spacious, allowing you to move around and stretch your legs comfortably.
To take the train, you need to travel from Hoi An to Da Nang station (about 30 km) by taxi, bus or private car. Contact Hoi An taxi via Whatsapp: +84 933914411 for cheap prices and good service.
Train Schedule and Ticket Prices from Da Nang to Hue:
There are many trains departing daily from Da Nang Station to Hue Station. Ticket prices vary depending on the seat type (hard seat, soft seat, sleeper) and the type of train (regular train, express train, tourist train). Ticket prices can range from VND 80,000 to VND 300,000 or more.
You can check the schedule and book tickets online on the Vietnam Railways website in here: dsvn.vn or via train ticket booking applications.
| Train from Da Nang to Hue | Depart | Arrive |
| SE2 | 13:33 | 16:03 |
| SE4 | 12:38 | 15:12 |
| SE6 | 01:59 | 04:31 |
| SE8 | 23:20 | 01:59 |
| SE10 | 09:06 | 12:59 |
| SE12 | 16:05 | 18:56 |
| SE20 | 18:00 | 20:33 |
Another option for a unique experience and the opportunity to admire the stunning scenery is the Da Nang to Hue Heritage Train. This is not only a regular means of transport but also a unique journey to explore culture and nature. Unlike the speed of the north-south train, the heritage train offers a slow pace, allowing you to leisurely admire and feel the majestic beauty of Hai Van Pass and the beautiful Lang Co Bay.
Currently, there are daily round-trip heritage trains between Da Nang and Hue, with a convenient schedule for day trips. Ticket prices are usually quite reasonable, and the journey lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. Some trains also stop at Lang Co station so that passengers can get off to take photos and admire the beauty of this bay.
There are 2 regular heritage trains running from Da Nang to Hue:
| Da Nang to Hue by heritage train | Depart | Arrive |
| HD2 | 07:45 | 11:26 |
| HD4 | 14:20 | 17:35 |
Private car from Hoi An to Hue
Choosing a private car allows you to freely choose your departure time, the driver will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. You will stop at famous attractions on the route from Hoi An to Hue such as Marble Mountain, Linh Ung pagoda, Lang Co beach, Hai Van pass, Lap An lagoon, … Besides, the drivers are often experienced and can provide useful information about the destinations. Rental prices range from 1,400,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND, depending on the type of car and schedule. You can contact Hoi An taxi directly via WhatsApp: +84 933914411 for advice and receive preferential prices.
Some options for you to consider are:
Option 1: Hoi An hotel – Marble Mountain – Hai Van Pass – Lap An lagoon, Lang Co bay – Hue hotel center
- Marble mountain: Marble Mountains is a complex of five limestone mountains rising above the coastal sand, about 8km from the center of Da Nang city. The five mountains are named after the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth.
- Hai Van Pass: With a length of about 21km, Hai Van Pass connects Da Nang City and Thua Thien Hue Province. Since ancient times, this place has been known as “Thien ha de nhat hung quan” because of its beauty, both dangerous and poetic. along the pass, you will glimpse a diverse picture of nature. Below is the blue East Sea with white sand beaches, in the distance are hilltops covered in lush green. When reaching the crown, you will be enriched by the panoramic view of the vast sky and sea.
- Lap An lagoon, Lang Co bay: With a large area of about 800 hectares, the calm surface of Lap An lagoon reflects the beauty of the surrounding green Bach Ma mountain range and the floating white clouds. This place is also famous for its oyster farm, where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy delicious fresh oysters from the lagoon.
| Sedan | SUV | VAN | |
| Hoi An to Hue | 1450.000 vnd | 1700.000 vnd | 2400.000 vnd |
| Book here | |||
Option 2: Hoi An hotel – Marble Mountain – Linh Ung Pagoda ( Lady Buddha or monkey mountain) – Hai Van Pass – Lap An lagoon, Lang Co bay – Hue hotel center
- Linh Ung pagoda: Located on a hill overlooking the vast East Sea, Linh Ung Pagoda has a beautiful location. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Da Nang city with modern bridges across the poetic Han River, white sand My Khe beach and majestic surrounding mountains. The most prominent highlight of Linh Ung Pagoda is the 67-meter-high statue of Quan Am Buddha. The majestic Buddha statue faces the ocean, as if protecting and bringing peace to fishermen and Da Nang city.
Option 3: Hoi An hotel – Marble Mountain – Bana Hills – Hai Van Pass – Lap An lagoon, Lang Co bay – Hue hotel center
- Bana Hills: is about 25km from the center of Da Nang. Coming to Bana Hills, you will have the opportunity to experience the longest single-wire cable car system in the world, recognized by Guinness. In addition, you can also explore majestic architectural works such as: Golden Bridge, French Village, Fantasy Park, Le Jardin d’Amour Flower Garden, Debay Wine Cellar,…
Read more: things to do in Bana Hills
The Hoi An to Hue journey is a memorable trip, giving you the opportunity to explore unique cultural heritages, admire majestic natural landscapes and experience the unique cuisine and people of Central Vietnam. Plan your Hoi An to Hue trip today to enjoy the wonderful things this trip has to offer.