Vietnam travel guide
Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang: Flight or Train
Fly: 1 hour 20 minutes, advance fares from ~700,000–1,500,000 VND (~A$42–90) — almost everyone should. The Reunification Express train takes 17–19 hours (soft sleeper ~US$35–50) and only makes sense for the journey itself. Da Nang airport is ten minutes from the beach strip; the train arrives at Da Nang station in the city centre.
The options at a glance
| Flight | ~1h 20m · ~700,000–1,500,000 VND (~A$42–90) · 20+ flights daily |
|---|---|
| Train (SE services) | 17–19 h · soft sleeper ~US$35–50 (~A$53–76) |
| Sleeper bus | 18–20 h · ~US$18–28 (~A$27–42) · not recommended for this distance |
Flying
This is one of Vietnam’s busiest routes — Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo and Vietravel all fly it hourly or better. Book two to three weeks ahead for the ~700,000–1,000,000 VND fares; same-week seats run higher. Tan Son Nhat’s domestic terminal is 20–40 minutes from District 1 depending on traffic — leave margin at rush hour. Landing at Da Nang, you are ten minutes from My Khe beach and 45 from Hoi An.
The train, for romantics
The SE-numbered trains leave Saigon station through the day and evening and take 17–19 hours. A soft-sleeper berth (~US$35–50) is the only sensible class at this length. The reward comes at the end: north of Da Nang the line climbs the Hai Van pass with the sea far below — take a morning-arrival service (or ride just the Hue–Da Nang leg on a separate trip) so you cross it in daylight. Book via the official railway site or stations; berths sell out around Tet and summer weekends.
When the train wins
On a long Vietnam trip heading north — HCMC, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon — the train is the better tool: overnight hops between coastal cities double as hotel nights. Flying point-to-point suits a shorter highlights trip. Our 10-day itinerary flies this leg; a two-week version could rail it.
Our take
Fly. The fare gap over a soft sleeper is often under US$20, and you trade 17 hours for 80 minutes. Arrive fresh, drop bags on the beach strip or in Hoi An, and keep the train for the short scenic hops — Hue–Da Nang is the one worth doing. More in the Da Nang itinerary.
Keep planning Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang — FAQs
How long is the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang?
About 1 hour 20 minutes, with 20 or more flights a day across four airlines. Advance fares run 700,000–1,500,000 VND (~A$42–90).
Is the train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang worth it?
Only for the journey itself — 17–19 hours in a soft sleeper (~US$35–50). The scenic payoff is the Hai Van pass section just north of Da Nang; otherwise fly.
How far is Da Nang airport from Hoi An?
About 45 minutes by car (~400,000–500,000 VND). Da Nang airport is the gateway for both Da Nang's beaches and Hoi An old town.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.