How to Get from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam

If you're trying to get from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam, you've got two main options: hit the road with one of the many bus or car options available, or take a short flight. (Flights are generally considered more expensive but also more comfortable... I think that buses are really underrated and surprisingly comfy, but that's just me!).

The drive from Hoi An to Dalat takes about 12-13 hours travel time, but how long it actually takes depends on several factors: what bus type you choose, whether you travel overnight or during the day, if it's public or private transport, and how many stops you make along the way. The only bad thing about taking the bus on this route is that the roads are winding and much more bumpy than the other common routes in Vietnam. The flight is only about an hour flight time, but that doesn't factor in getting from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport first, then from Dalat Airport into the city center.

Having taken the bus from Hoi An to Dalat myself with a group of friends, I can tell you it's definitely an adventure – and I'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the journey as smooth as possible. (Other than the road. The road I cannot make smooth for you.)

The route of Hoi An to Da Lat on a map of Vietnam

Taking the Bus from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam
Types of Public Bus in Vietnam
How to Book Your Bus from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam
Will the bus pick me up at my accommodation?
Taking a Flight from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam
FAQs About the Trip from Hoi An to Dalat

Taking the Bus from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam

So, a word of warning about this particular route: it is BUMPY! I'd made a bunch of friends in Hoi An and we all travelled to Da Lat together on the same day, but the group was split between several separate buses (we booked separately and couldn't all get on the same bus). Every single one of us had the same experience – that the roads from Hoi An to Dalat were incredibly bumpy. I was on a top bunk and genuinely felt like I was going to get thrown off at times!

Despite the bumpy ride, taking the bus is still the most popular way to get from Hoi An to Dalat, and it's definitely an experience. Plus, you get to see the countryside change as you make your way through central Vietnam (if you travel with daylight, that is). The long journey takes you through varying landscapes and offers glimpses of rural Vietnamese life.

Types of Public Bus in Vietnam

Understanding the different bus types is important for ticket booking the right journey from Hoi An to Dalat. On 12GoAsia, you'll see the number of beds listed with each bus option – this tells you how big your bed will be. For example, "Cabin 24" or "VIP 24" means there are 24 beds on the bus, whilst "Cabin 32" means there are 32 beds, and so on.

Don't be fooled by terms like "VIP" or "luxury" – they don't mean anything... the most common configurations you'll find are 37, 32, and 20 beds (sometimes 24, depending on whether or not the bus has a bathroom), and they'll all have the words VIP or luxury attached to them.

You get to lie down on almost all buses in Vietnam. Of course there are exceptions, but I never encountered a bus with upright seats on an inter-city, even on a four-hour trip in the middle of the day!

37-bed buses usually mean you're lying down but there isn't a curtain or privacy between your bed and the aisle. Approximate cost for Hoi An to Dalat: 500k VND (€19).

32-bed buses typically have a similar layout to 37-bed buses, but with a curtain for privacy and maybe a bit more space lengthwise. Approximate cost for Hoi An to Dalat: 600k VND (€23).

20-bed buses are those ultra-modern, blue-neon-light spaceship-style beds you see all over TikTok. Approximate cost for Hoi An to Dalat: 750k VND (€29).

You can choose to take this bus ride during the day or overnight – the timing doesn't affect the bus type you get. Usually, the more expensive buses are faster because they make fewer stops, but seriously, taking this 12+ hour journey during the day would be quite a commitment time!

Most bus companies operating this route provide air conditioning and basic amenities, making the long journey more comfortable despite the bumpy roads.

How to Book Your Bus from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam

You've got a couple of options for ticket booking journeys in Vietnam:

Book through your hostel – Often, booking through your accommodation gets you a free transfer from your hostel to the bus station, or they'll arrange for the main bus to pick you up directly from your accommodation. Honestly, this can be a bit of a mixed bag and when we booked this particular trip through our hostel we ended up getting in a minivan at 4pm from our hostel to the tourist office in the city, waiting for half an hour, getting on another small bus from the tourist office to a bus station outside of the city, waiting another hour, and then getting picked up by our actual bus, by which time it was about 7pm. So, that was a waste of almost 3 hours. But hey ho, we made it to Dalat in the end!

Book online through 12GoAsia or BookAway – In my opinion, 12GoAsia is the most reliable platform. I had some issues with unconfirmed bookings when I tried booking Asia travel through BookAway. A few of our friends booked through 12GoAsia and managed to get the last spots on 20-bed buses (we'd had to take a 32-bed, which wasn't our first choice). They made their own way to the tourist office, but had the same random wait at the bus station outside of the city as we did.

When booking online, you'll need to provide buyer information including your full name, buyer email address, buyer phone number, and buyer nationality. Some platforms accept credit card payments or provide online payment links for convenience. Always check the confirmation of services and confirmation of availability before finalizing your booking.

Will the bus pick me up at my accommodation?

That depends on how you book. Usually they will if you book through your accommodation, but if you book online you typically need to go to a pickup point or bus station. (See above for what happened when we booked through our hostel!).

In smaller towns like Hoi An, sometimes it makes more sense to walk to the bus station rather than wait at your hostel for a shuttle bus that might drop you off somewhere random, leaving you to wait around for ages before the actual bus arrives.

Taking a Flight from Hoi An to Dalat, Vietnam

A flight is obviously much quicker than taking the bus, but unless you get travel sick or have time constraints, I recommend the overnight bus; it's practically a rite of passage for anyone travelling in Vietnam to take an overnight bus at some point in their trip.

Airlines serving this route include Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air. Flights depart from Da Nang International Airport and arrive at Lien Khuong Airport (also known as Lien Khuong International Airport), which serves Dalat City.

Flight ticket prices for this route start from around 1.3 million VND (€50), but they can get much more expensive, especially if you're booking last minute during peak season or Vietnamese holiday time like Tet holiday. Remember, you'll also need to factor in transport costs and time it'll take you to Da Nang Airport from Hoi An, and then from Dalat Airport into the city center.

To find best flight deals, book in advance and compare prices across different airlines. You'll need a valid boarding pass and identification document for domestic flights. Check seat availability early, especially during peak travel periods.

From Lien Khuong Airport, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to reach Dalat city center, which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.

What to Expect in Dalat

Upon arrival in Dalat, you'll find yourself in Vietnam's "City of Eternal Spring." The cooler mountain climate provides a refreshing change from the coastal heat of Hoi An. Key attractions include Xuan Huong Lake, the old town area, and various day trips to surrounding attractions.

Dalat offers a unique French colonial atmosphere and is famous for its coffee culture, flower gardens, and cooler temperatures year-round.

FAQs About the Trip from Hoi An to Dalat

How do I get from Dalat to Hoi An?

The journey works exactly the same way in reverse! You can take buses or flights, with the same approximate timings and costs. Most people prefer the overnight bus option to save on a night's accommodation. The estimated arrival time and actual arrival time may vary depending on road conditions.

Is Dalat worth visiting?

Absolutely! Dalat offers a completely different vibe from coastal Hoi An – it's cooler, more mountainous, and has a unique French colonial influence. The coffee culture there is incredible, and it's a great place to escape Vietnam's heat.

How long is the bus from Hoi An to Dalat?

The bus journey takes approximately 12-13 hours, depending on your bus type, number of stops, and road conditions. Overnight buses are popular as you can sleep through most of the journey, though the bumpy roads may affect sleep quality.

Is it better to stay in Hoi An or Da Nang?

That depends on what you're after! Hoi An is more atmospheric with its ancient town charm and lantern-lit streets, whilst Da Nang is more modern with better beaches and nightlife. Most travellers prefer Hoi An for the cultural experience.

What should I bring for the bus journey?

Pack a water bottle, snacks, entertainment for the long journey, and perhaps motion sickness medication given the winding roads. Bring warm clothes as air conditioning can make buses cold, and bring your ID card or passport for check-in.

When should I book my ticket?

Book in advance, especially during peak season or Vietnamese holiday time. Check bus schedules and contact hotlines of bus operators if you need confirmation of availability. Some operators offer ticket refund policies, but terms vary by company.

Conclusion

The journey from Hoi An to Dalat might be long and bumpy, but it's definitely doable and part of the Vietnamese travel experience. Whether you choose the adventurous bus route or the quicker flight option, you're in for a treat when you reach the cool mountain air of Dalat. Just remember to pack some patience if you're taking the bus – and maybe some motion sickness tablets!