Getting to Quang Nam by transport type
Quang Nam province sprawls across central Vietnam (베트남 / 越南 / ベトナム), anchored by the city of Tam Ky and the ancient town of Hoi An. If you're planning a trip here, the fastest route depends on where you're starting and your budget. Most travelers arrive via Da Nang (the closest major airport) or overland from Hanoi or Saigon.
From Da Nang (closest option)
Da Nang (다낭 / 岘港 / ダナン) is 40 km north of Hoi An and sits 60 km from Tam Ky, Quang Nam's capital. If you fly into Da Nang airport (DAD), you're already halfway there.
Bus: Minibuses and local coaches run from Da Nang bus station (Tran Phu) south to Hoi An (호이안 / 会安 / ホイアン) and Tam Ky every 30–60 minutes, 5 am to 6 pm. Hoi An is 45 minutes (60,000–80,000 VND). Tam Ky is 90 minutes (80,000–100,000 VND). Tourist agencies also sell minibus tickets with pickup from hotels; expect to pay double but gain convenience.
Taxi/Grab: A Grab or taxi from Da Nang airport to Hoi An runs 250,000–350,000 VND (40 km, ~50 minutes). To Tam Ky is longer and pricier (400,000–500,000 VND). Pre-book Grab on the app to avoid meter negotiation.
Rental motorbike: If you're comfortable riding, rent a bike in Da Nang (150,000–250,000 VND/day for a 110cc semi-automatic) and ride south on Highway 1. The road is well-maintained and flat; Hoi An is a relaxed 45-minute cruise. Tam Ky is another 45 minutes inland.
Photo by Fernando B M on Pexels
From Hanoi (longest, cheapest option)
Bus: The most direct route is Hanoi (하노이 / 河内 / ハノイ) to Hoi An or Tam Ky via the central highways. Several bus companies (Phuong Trang, Kim Phuong, Thai Duong) run overnight sleeper coaches; the journey is 14–16 hours. Prices range 350,000–600,000 VND depending on seat type (hard seat, soft sleeper, limousine). Buses depart Hanoi's main station (Giap Bat) or Luong Yen between 4 pm and 8 pm, arriving early morning. Book online (Busbooking.com, Omio) or at a ticket office.
Train: You can take the main north-south railway (Reunification Express) from Hanoi to Dieu Tri station, near Tam Ky. The journey takes 18–22 hours depending on the train (SE1, SE3, or SE5). Soft sleeper berths cost 600,000–900,000 VND; hard sleeper is 400,000–500,000 VND. Trains are slower than sleeper buses but roomier and less cramped. Book through Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn) or a travel agent. Note: the railway station is not in the town center; you'll need a motorbike taxi (xe om) or Grab to reach Hoi An or Tam Ky center.
Domestic flight: Hanoi to Da Nang costs 1.5–3 million VND (1.5–2 hours flight time) with Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines, or Bamboo. Then take a bus or motorbike from Da Nang to Quang Nam (see above). This option saves 12+ hours but is costlier and only worthwhile if your time is tight.
From Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Bus: Saigon (사이공 / 西贡 / サイゴン) to Hoi An is 600 km and takes 10–12 hours on an overnight sleeper. Phuong Trang and Viet My run this route; tickets are 400,000–700,000 VND. Buses leave Saigon's Mien Dong station between 5 pm and 8 pm. Arriving in Hoi An at dawn, you can drop straight into breakfast or check into a hotel.
Domestic flight: Saigon to Da Nang is 2.5–3 hours and costs 1–2.5 million VND. Then proceed to Quang Nam as above. Good option if you want to break the journey and explore Da Nang first.
Motorbike road trip: The coastal highway (Highway 1) from Saigon to Hoi An is scenic and passable in 2–3 days. You'll pass through Nha Trang (냐짱 / 芽庄 / ニャチャン), Quy Nhon, and Quang Ngai—giving you time to stop, eat, and swim. Rent a motorbike in Saigon (200,000–350,000 VND/day) and ride north. This is the slowest but most immersive route.
Photo by Vincent Nguyen on Pexels
Where to base yourself
Hoi An: The tourist heart of Quang Nam. Ancient town, tailor shops, riverside restaurants, and easy day trips to ""banh mi"" stands and beaches. Accommodation ranges 200,000 VND (dorm) to 2+ million (resort). Buses connect Hoi An to Tam Ky (1 hour) and Da Nang (45 minutes).
Tam Ky: Quieter, less touristy, and cheaper. Good for staying longer-term or as a base for exploring rural crafts and villages. Guesthouses cost 150,000–400,000 VND/night. The bus station here connects to Da Nang, Hanoi, and Saigon.
My Son: Near Tra Kieu village, this archaeological site is best visited as a day trip from Hoi An (30 km, 1.5 hours by motorbike or tour minibus).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Da Nang airport to Hoi An cheaply?
The cheapest option is a local bus from Da Nang's Tran Phu station, which runs every 30-60 minutes between 5 am and 6 pm. The 40 km ride takes about 45 minutes and costs 60,000-80,000 VND. If you prefer a private ride, a Grab or taxi covers the same route in roughly 50 minutes for 250,000-350,000 VND. Tourist agency minibuses with hotel pickup cost roughly double the bus fare.
What is the fastest way to reach Quang Nam from Hanoi?
Flying is the fastest option. A domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang takes 1.5-2 hours and costs 1.5-3 million VND with airlines like Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines, or Bamboo. From Da Nang, Hoi An is 45 minutes by bus (60,000-80,000 VND) or 50 minutes by Grab (250,000-350,000 VND). This saves over 12 hours compared to the overnight sleeper bus or train.
When do overnight buses from Hanoi to Hoi An depart?
Buses from Hanoi's Giap Bat or Luong Yen stations depart between 4 pm and 8 pm, arriving in Hoi An early the following morning after 14-16 hours on the road. Operators include Phuong Trang, Kim Phuong, and Thai Duong. Tickets range from 350,000-600,000 VND depending on seat type, from hard seat to limousine-style sleeper. Book in advance via Busbooking.com, Omio, or at a ticket office.
Practical notes
Quang Nam is accessed easiest via Da Nang airport if you're flying; buses and taxis are cheap and frequent. Overnight buses from Hanoi or Saigon are budget-friendly but tiring. Renting a motorbike is popular among confident riders and gives you flexibility to explore the coast and backroads. Book buses at ticket offices or apps (Omio, Busbooking) to avoid last-minute markup.
Last updated · May 19, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
