There are a few ways you can get from Hanoi to Danang. Avoid making the same mistakes we made by reading through to find the best travel option for you.
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Necessary Spacing
The best way to get from Hanoi to Danang is by plane. It is the fastest and comparable in price to the other options. – see options and book here.
The bus is the cheapest option and is 15-18 hours long. The seats recline but you have to be a good sleeper to enjoy one of these journeys. Book your Hanoi to Danang bus here.
I personally didn’t enjoy the Hanoi to Danang train but it is similar in price to the plane, takes 15 hours and you get a bed to sleep on. Book your Hanoi to Danang train here.
Here are our top picks for accommodation in Danang | Boutique | Apartment | Villa
Traveling From Hanoi To Danang
Here is a quick breakdown of the options you have for traveling from Hanoi to Danang. I have included a star rating so you know which I recommend booking.
| Cost | Time | Rating | How To Book | |
| Plane | $40 | 80mins | 5* | |
| Train | $50 | 15hrs | 2* | |
| Bus | $20 | 15hrs | 3* |
I have gone into more detail below if you need a little more convincing! Remember to click on any of the links to check availability, updated prices, and more.
Read More: The Full Guide On How To Get From Danang To Hoi An
Plane From Hanoi To Danang
After having a quick look at the table above you will see that it is actually pretty cost-effective to take the plane. I have also included a 20kg hold luggage in my $40 price point so if you don’t have hold luggage, you can get the flight at an even cheaper rate. Check out prices here.
In my opinion, getting the plane from Hanoi to Danang is by far the best option. It takes MUCH less time as it is also comparable in price to the train and the bus. If you are pressed for time in Vietnam or have a tight schedule then there really isn’t any other option that could possibly come close to the plane.
Pro Tip
If you are worried about the environmental impact then make sure you offset your carbon emissions by visiting a CO2 offsetting scheme like this.
Read More: Danang Or Hoi An? Where Should You Visit?
Getting To Hanoi Airport
Download the Grab app (android/apple) and get a taxi from your accommodation to the airport. This will, of course, vary from wherever you are staying in Hanoi but from the Old Quarter, you will be looking at around $15.
You will need a local sim card to use Grab in Vietnam but I highly recommend you do this as having a local sim in a country you are visiting makes the entire experience MUCH easier. If you do not want to go for a local sim then I recommend you ask your accommodation to sort transport for you. This way you can be sure you are not being ripped off and should be able to trust the vehicle you are getting into.
Getting To Danang From Danang Airport
Once you arrive at Danang airport you will be able to use the Grab app to get a short journey to the center of Danang. If you don’t have Grab then they are many taxis waiting outside the airport or you can get your accommodation to arrange transport.
I don’t recommend getting one of the waiting taxis as they usually inflate their prices well over the market rate.
Getting To Hoi An From Danang Airport
By far the easiest way to do this is by booking a shared shuttle. This is the most convenient and well-priced option out there. I have written an entire guide to getting from Danang to Hoi An so you can check out other options here!
Read More: Have A Look At Our 2-Day Hanoi Itinerary In Full Here!
Bus
The bus from Hanoi to Danang is your second-best option in my opinion. It is the cheapest option by some distance and takes the same amount of time as the train. There are a few companies to choose from (the link below has all options) but they all offer a very similar experience.
What you will get is a bunkbed-type layout where you will either be on the top or bottom bunk. The seats recline so you can sleep but be warned, this is not going to be as comfortable as a truly flat mattress bed. Some people swear by the bus as they can sleep pretty much anywhere but if you are a light sleeper or struggle to sleep then this may not be the option for you.
Read More: All Of The Best Phu Quoc Tours
This may be exasperated by the driving style of your driver as some can be very aggressive which makes sleeping or relaxing even more difficult.
It doesn’t sound like I’m massively selling the bus from Hanoi to Danang but if you sleep well and you’re tight on budget then this is a solid option to choose. Check out the prices, images, and how to book here.
Getting To Danang From The Bus Station
The bus station you will be dropped off at will be in the center of the town so you may even be able to walk to your accommodation. If this is not possible then use Grab or get a local taxi outside the station.
Getting To Hoi An From The Bus Station
Your best option here is to arrange transport with your accommodation or get a taxi from the station. You could also get the public buses (the yellow ones) which run between Danang and Hoi An but they can be very crowded and might be difficult if you have large luggage.
Train
I have put the train as the 3rd best option because I, personally, did not enjoy my Vietnam train experience. However, a lot of people would put this as first or second. It’s certainly not a terrible solution but it costs around the same as a plane (with hold luggage) and takes 10x longer.
When you think of it like that it is hard to justify.
However, I recommend you have a look at the 4-birth sleeper option if you are going to go for the train. This gives you the largest beds and the most amount of space available. Check out all of your Hanoi to Danang train options here.
Read More: All The Way From Hanoi To Hoi An
Getting To Danang From The Train Station
The train station is also right in the middle of the city so after your Hanoi to Danang train you should easily be able to get to your accommodation by foot or local taxi.
Getting To Hoi An From The Bus Station
Again, speak to your accommodation about arranging transport from the train station or you can get one of the local yellow busses that run from Danang to Hoi An frequently. The train system is linked to google maps so all you have to do is put your location to Hoi An into google maps and it will give you the option of taking the bus and it will show you to the nearest bus terminal.
Our Mistake
When we first came to Vietnam, we wanted that quintessential Vietnamese train experience. We were also on a pretty tight budget so we didn’t even look at flights, expecting them to be considerably more money.
I think that watching the rice paddies and the beautiful Vietnamese countryside shoot by as you sit on your train seat is genuinely a brilliant thing to do, and I recommend you do it. However, I don’t recommend you do it for an overnight train. After 4 hours, you are not going to be watching the world go by, you’re going to be wishing you were already there.
Maybe do it for a shorter journey but not one that is over 12 hours. Considering the price of flights is comparable, I don’t think there is much argument for getting anything other than a flight from Hanoi to Danang.
Read More: Explore The Best Beaches In Hoi An
The Environmental Impact
If getting the flight is more of an environmental impact, remember you can offset your carbon emissions by visiting a site (like this) and paying a small fee to help carbon-negative projects.
Where To Stay In Danang
After your trip from Hanoi to Danang, you’ll be wanting some decent accommodation. The following 3 are our favorites at different price points. Don’t worry if none of them are available, Danang is full of incredible options! We have a map below to show you all of the currently available accommodations for your dates below.
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Boutique
This hotel is shockingly good value for what it offers. Good clean rooms which are well furnished, and a pool, gym, and restaurant on site. It sounds like it is going to break the bank but you’ll be shocked after checking through the button below.
Apartment
We usually opt for an apartment when we travel as they just come with additional home comforts that aid us when we are working. If you are looking for a kitchen, a table, and other homey items then this is a great affordable option for you.
Villa
Danang is home to a gigantic beach that spans all the way down to Hoi An. What most don’t know is that a huge amount of that beach is taken up by private villas and accommodations. Make the most of this stunning private coastline by grabbing a private villa right on the coast.
Where To Stay In Hoi An
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Homestay
Right next to the Hoi An night market, D Central is the affordable option that still has insanely high reviews and fantastic rooms and facilities. The breakfast here is even affordable at £2 / $2.2 and they have free bike here too! It just keeps getting better.
Villa
Serenity Villa is a really nice little option for people who want a tiny bit more luxury in their lives. That luxury includes a gorgeous inner courtyard pool and daily housekeeping. They do some crazy sales (70% off as of writing) so remember to take a look now.
Boutique
La An Central is for those who know and love the boutique vibe. Those smaller more intimate experiences with little additional touches like a spa and wellness centre and bar on the grounds. All three of these options have incredible reviews so remember to check these out through the links!
Where To Stay In Hanoi
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Hostel
This is the best hostel in Hanoi Old Quarter. It features mixed and female dorms, alongside an indoor swimming pool and a bar. The dorms themselves are extremely good. This is the absolute no-brainer if you are looking for a hostel in Hanoi.
Boutique
Boutique hotels have become a huge hit in recent years and for good reason. Oriana is a great example of the boutique vibe and personal service that everyone craves. There are bathtubs in some of the rooms for those of you who need a soak after a long day.
5 Star Perfection
The absolute pinnacle of luxury in Hanoi and very affordable for a city 5-star hotel too! I could list everything and tell you how insane the decor is but just go through the link to see the pictures and you’ll be sold.
What To Pack For Hanoi To Danang
Here are a few of the most recommended items to pack for your Hanoi to Danang trip. These are constantly updated so don’t worry about things being out of date! At the end, I have also put a list of travel essentials that everyone needs wherever they go!
Our Top Pick
If you need some sunglasses then take a look at our recommended pair right here. Kev has just done 7 months without a pair because he couldn’t find any he liked on the trip and it was just a lot of complaining about the sun. Don’t be a Kev… Find out the price of not being a Kev right here.
Our Top Pick
If you haven’t already got a swimming costume then what the hell are you doing?! Have a look at this gorgeous high waist bikini and get a swimsuit before you leave. I absolutely love the dual colour option but there are loads of colour options available. Take a look here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for a portable speaker then check out the JBL Flip 5. In my opinion, it is the best portable speaker in the world right now in terms of price and quality. Going to a secluded beach and listening to decent-sounding music makes all the difference so take a look here!
Our Top Pick
Travelling with hundreds of books isn’t feasible, so packing a Kindle is a no-brainer! The latest Paperwhite has a 6.8″ display so it’s much better than reading on your phone. There’s also a warm backlight and an incredible 10 weeks of battery life! This version is even waterproof so you can relax by the pool with peace of mind. I’ve had my Kindle for 10 years and it’s still perfect – this is a purchase that will last you a lifetime! Check out the full specs here.
Our Top Pick
Don’t even think about stepping out in the sun without protection! This factor 50 sun cream from Sunbum is vegan, reef-safe and smells like summer, as well as being dermatologist approved! It’s non-greasy, easy to apply and doesn’t leave a white cast so you can quickly rub it in and get on with your adventures! Take a look on Amazon here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re stuck on what kind of towel to take with you then take a look at this microfibre poncho. We absolutely love ours and it is insanely helpful when you need to change on the beach. They dry fast and pack down super small so you’ll be able to fit one in your day pack easily enough. Check out the price here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re planning on going to the beach then make sure you have some flip-flops in the bag. There is nothing worse than getting sand in your shoes or socks and there is nothing better than feeling the sand on your feet. We recommend an affordable pair like these Old Navy casual flip-flops. They will get the job done and shouldn’t break almost immediately as other brands might. Check them out in more detail here.
Packing List Essentials
Things To Do In Danang/Hoi An
The Dragon Bridge
In the heart of Danang, they have made a bridge look like a dragon and when you make anything look like a dragon, it has to spit fire. At 9 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can watch the dragon spit water and fire to a large crowd of spectators. Definitely worth a trip as it really isn’t far from anywhere in the city.
Ba Na Hills Theme Park
Ba Na Hills is a huge theme park built on top of the hills around 35 km from Danang city. With rides, attractions, and scenery you would expect from any theme park, Ba Na Hills is a must-visit for families. To get to the park you will need to travel up one of the many cable cars from the base of the mountains and this can be arranged privately or by booking online.
There are reports that the ticket counters do not accept cards so take cash or pay for your tickets before you go here.
My Khe Beach
Just a great beach. Great water, great facilities and will definitely satisfy your need for a beach day in Vietnam.
Tailored Clothes In Hoi An
We found an absolutely fantastic tailor who can take any image of anything you bring to them and make it into the most perfect fitting dress/suit/anything. Check out the full video and article here for more information.
Hoi An Night Market
A really nice tourist market in the heart of the lantern city. I recommend getting a lantern boat along the river and then taking a nice short walk through the night market to see if there is anything you might want to buy as a souvenir. Check out our full guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is The Hanoi To Danang Train?
The train from Hanoi to Danang is roughly 15 hours long but this can depend on delays.
How Long Does It Take To Get From Hanoi To Danang By Plane?
A Plane from Hanoi to Danang takes around 80 minutes.
Should I Get The Bus Fron Hanoi To Danang?
I think the bus is a pretty good option but I recommend the plane over anything else.
What Is The Best Way To Get From Hanoi To Danang?
I think the plane is the best option by far. It is pretty close in price and takes MUCH less time. You can also offset your carbon emissions when booking which helps reduce the environmental impact.
That’s our whole guide on how to get from Hanoi to Danang. I hope it was helpful and if you have suggestions on how to improve this post then please let us know in the comments section below!