There is a regular bus service to/from Danang but most peole take on of the minibuses that run between Hoi An and Danang, Hue or Nha Trang. Most hotels will be able to arrange a ticket. Hotels in Danang will be able to organise a car and driver to take you on a day trip to Hoi An, stopping at Marble Mountains on the way.

Hoi An is quite a small place so you can walk everywhere quite easily. Hiring a rowboat with oarsperson is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, or you can take a motorised launch.

Hoi An Arriving & Departing

Hoi An is NOT easily accessbile to the international tourist!  in fact it is easier & cheaper for someone in Hanoi to fly Bangkok, Thailand than it is to fly to Danang and then by  taxi or bus to Hoi An!

Because it is NOT so accessible & is somewhat hidden & takes a more determined tourist to find it is not so crowded! 

There are a few options when it comes to getting to Hoi An, which depend on what type of transportation is preferred:

By air to Danang and then bus/ taxi to Hoi An. Danang airport only has VERY LIMITED international flights - most travellors are forced tofly thru Hanoi or HCMC

By train to Danang and then bus/ taxi to Hoi An
By bus direct to Hoi An

Hoi An Public Transportation

There are a few options for public transportation while in Hoi An, and include buses, trains, and taxis. 

First of all, Hoi An is a relatively small town and most places that tourists go are accessible by foot.  This means that the need for public transportation within the town is almost non-present. 

The bus system throughout Vietnam is much like the bus system in other developing countries.  If visitors plan to travel in public buses that are air conditioned, comfortable, and punctual, they will be sorely disappointed.  The truth is, much of the country is accessible by bus, but it is far from a luxurious mode of transportation.  It is however cheap.   Expect to spend long, hot hours in close confines, be picked up late, and arrive late.  This is just how it is.  If this sounds bad, then choose another mode of transportation (fly or travel by train).  There is a bus stop just outside of Hoi An.  Route and timetable information must be obtained once in Vietnam.

Much of the country is also accessible by train.  However, the nearest train station to Hoi An is located in Danang (a 45 minute drive away).  Trains when compared to buses are great.  They are comfortable, reliable, safe, and inexpensive.

Taxis are available in town, but are few and far between.   The best way to get a taxi is to call one of the companies servicing the area.  Hotels should provide these phone numbers. 

Hoi An Taxis & Rental Cars

Taxis and rental cars are options for getting around while in Hoi An, but both have certain drawbacks.

First of all, Hoi An is a relatively small town (see the Map), and most places that tourists go are accessible by walking.  This means that the need for a car or taxi is almost non-present.  However, getting to areas outside of Hoi An does require modes of transportation other than walking.

Taxis are available, but are few and far between.   The best way to get a taxi is to call one of the companies servicing in the area.  Hotels should provide these numbers.  Taxis are fairly inexpensive when compared to many western locations.  Fares are determined by negotiating.  Make sure to agree on a price before beginning a journey to avoid any problems at the end of the ride. Because most drivers speak little or no English, make sure to carry around a map with the desired destination distinctly circled.   A journey from of 3km will cost only $2.  There are taxis at the bus station all the time waiting.

Rental cars are an option for getting around Hoi An, but there is a catch.  In order to drive in Vietnam, foreigners must hold a temporary Vietnamese driving license.  For the vast majority of visitors, these licenses are more work than they are worth.  See Driving in Vietnam for more information. 

The better option for personal transportation is to rent a motorbike.  Foreigners do not require a license to drive these, and most hotels rent them for around $5 USD per day.