Dalat to Hoi An: Tips for a Smooth Trip
Planning a trip from Dalat to Hoi An? Whether you are looking for the fastest route or want to enjoy the views along the journey, there are several ways to travel between these two popular destinations. From catching a flight to taking a sleeper bus, each option has its’ own benefits and drawbacks. This guide will help you choose the best travel method for your specific needs and give you tips for a smooth journey from Dalat to Hoi An!
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Dalat to Hoi An Travel Guide
Option 1: Plane
In my opinion, the best option for traveling from Hoi An to Dalat is by plane. It is the fastest form of transport between the two and, if booked on the right day, can be just as inexpensive as a sleeper bus.
Dalat’s airport, Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI), is located 29 KM from the city center. Although Hoi An does not have an airport, its neighboring city, Da Nang, has an international airport (DAD) just under 30 KM from Hoi An.
Flight Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Flight Cost: Flights are usually around 50 to 80 (USD) but can increase during high season. My flight in January 2024 with Vietnam Airlines was 46 (USD).
How To Get To Dalat Airport: As mentioned, Dalat has an airport, Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI), located 29 KM from the city center. I recommend hiring a taxi from your Dalat accommodation to the airport for the most convenience and ease. My taxi was 300,000 VND (12 USD) to travel from my accommodation (very close to the city center) to the airport.
Note: An airport shuttle runs between Dalat Airport and Ngoc Phat Dalat Hotel from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The bus fee is 40,000 VND (1.61 USD) to ride from the airport to the hotel. However, I have never done this, so I am unsure of the specifics or whether you can take the bus from the city center to the airport. It would be best if you had minimal luggage, should you decide to try for the airport shuttle.
How To Get From Da Nang Airport To Hoi An: There are two options for traveling between Da Nang Airport (DAD) and Hoi An.
Option 1: Taxi: You can use several different taxi companies to travel from the Da Nang Airport to your accommodation in Hoi An. The taxi fee is usually between $15-20 USD. I used the Hanoi Transfer Service for my taxi. You can book on their site ahead of time for peace of mind. Most accommodations in Hoi An also offer assistance in booking transfers as well.
Option 2: Shared Van/Bus: There are many options for taking a shared van or bus from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. However, you will most likely not be taken directly to your accommodation. You can find some of these options by searching on 12GoAsia.
When adding up the transfer fees and flight costs, you are looking at spending around 77-100 USD to travel between Dalat and Hoi An!
Option 2: Bus
The next best option for traveling from Dalat to Hoi An is with a sleeper bus. A sleeper bus usually has three rows of beds, each with an upper and lower bed (think bunk beds). Some of them have toilets, while others do not.
The journey via sleeper bus is over 600 km and takes anywhere from 12-15 hours. The bus can cost as little as 20 USD for a basic bed arrangement, and up to 50 USD for more comfortable sleeping options. Many of them come equipped with USB charging ports, curtains for privacy, personal AC vents, a blanket, a water bottle, and a pillow.
The bus will make a few stops along the route for restroom breaks, stretching, and food and beverage purchases.
I have taken only one sleeper bus from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City. The travel time was much shorter than the bus from Dalat to Hoi An, being around 4.5 hours. The bus ride was fine for me because I am quite short (around 5 feet). However, if you are taller (i.e. my boyfriend is over 6 feet), this may not be an ideal option for you. The beds are smaller, so you may feel slightly cramped depending on which bus you go with!
To book travel throughout Asia, I always use 12GoAsia. They list nearly every company that runs sleeper buses throughout Vietnam, allowing you to pick the cheapest and most efficient options.
Other Options & Why I Would Not Bother with them
Train: There is no direct train between Dalat and Hoi An. No train system goes into Dalat at all. Therefore, traveling via train will get complicated quickly, involving many transfers between the two. It really is not worth the confusion when flying and traveling via sleeper buses are more convenient and inexpensive.
Motorbike: A motorbike is not worth the hassle for such a long drive between the two locations. Moreover, you would likely need to return the bike to the rental place, meaning you would have to make the journey twice.
General Information: Hoi An
WHERE TO STAY:
I recommend staying in Hoi An Ancient Town, Minh An, or Cam Pho to be within walking distance of everything.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Backhome Hostel & Bar or HY Local Budget Hotel by Hoianese
Best Low-Budget: Hoi An Center Town or Lacasa Old Town Villa (I stayed here and truly enjoyed my stay, breakfast was included.)
Best Mid-Budget: La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa or Em's House Hoi An Homestay
High-End: Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa or RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa
Best “Luxury” Priced: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort (Villa and river view options) or La An Central Boutique Villa (The apartment with a river view)
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
February - August during the dry season. However, there are sporadic rain showers year-round due to the humidity. I went during the end of the wet season in January, and it did not rain. If you prefer cooler temperatures, I recommend going between the end of January - April.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED?
You can explore all of Hoi An in 1-2 days. If you plan to take any day trips, consider adding an extra day for each trip. To be honest, while I enjoyed my time here, I found that five days was too long for me. I eventually ran out of things to do and grew tired of the constant crowds, which were often overwhelming both day and night. I think Hoi An is well worth the visit and I intend to go back, but just bear in mind it draws quite a crowd.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, most definitely. As always, follow common travel safety practices:
Always check vaccination requirements and travel advisories, and practice food and water cleanliness/safety. Do not drink tap water in Southeast Asia.
Be aware of travel scams and know how much things should cost.
Secure valuables.
Emergency Contact Numbers: Fire: 114 | Police: 113 | Ambulance: 115
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
VEGAN FOOD OPTIONS:
V Vegan - Vegan Cafe & Restaurant (A Fav!)
Chickpea Eatery (Cooking Classes Offered Here)
The Espresso Station (Yummy Speciality Coffee Drinks)
Banh Mi Phuong: (A Bonus for my Non-Vegan Friends)
General Information: Dalat
Where to Stay:
I recommend staying in Dalat’s city center to be within walking distance/the center of everything. I chose to stay in Ward 1.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Dalat Mr Peace Backpacker's (dorm) or Jerry House Đà Lạt (private room)
Best Low-Budget: Together is Home (I stayed here) or Moc Thach Hostel Dalat
Best Mid-Budget: VX Hotel or Le House DaLat
High-End Budget: Le Macaron City Center - Boutique Hotel Đà Lạt or Ngọc Nguyên Homestay
Best Luxury: Quy Tai Premium Hotel or Hôtel Colline (Colline Suite)
Best Time to Visit:
December to March during the dry season. Make sure to pack long pants and a sweatshirt for chillier days.
How Many Days Do I Need?
I recommend 1-2 days in Dalat, however, if you plan to do a canyoning day trip or go see the waterfalls, I recommend having 1 day for exploring Dalat and another day for the trip! The city was not really at the top of my favorite spots in Vietnam.
Is it Safe?
Yes, most definitely. Following the same safety tips from those listed in the Hoi An section.
Vegan Food Options:
Chay Da Lat (Beautiful Views)
