The Hanoi To Hoi An Train Experience
Journey Time: Approx 17hrs Train + 90min Transfer
Cost Involved: US $20-$90 (train) + $25-80 (Transfer)
1: Hanoi to Da Nang Train (or vice versa from Da Nang to Hanoi)
Traveling by train through Vietnam is an eye-opening experience. About 16-17 hours is required for a roundtrip train ride from Hanoi to Da Nang (or vice versa) (note there is no direct Hanoi to Hoi An train option). The beds aboard night trains are plush, and there is a vending machine on board for purchasing snacks and meals.
There are six daily trains from Hanoi to Da Nang on the Vietnam Railways. In the US, a one-way train ticket costs around US$20-30. A private berth on the Violette Train or Livitrans Express can set you back as little as $80-90 for a foreign tourist.
You should reserve your train tickets online ahead of time because they tend to sell out during peak travel periods. E-tickets can be printed or carried on a mobile phone or tablet and presented at the station while boarding a train when you order your ticket online.
2. Getting to Hoi An from Da Nang
You can either take a cab or a private automobile from the train station. If you don’t want to take a taxi (those drivers are insane!) to the bus station, you’ll need to plan ahead of time because it’s difficult to get there.
In order to save money, you can use your hotel’s shuttle service, but we highly recommend Blacklane Transfers for the ultimate in convenience. Those who drive in air-conditioned luxury are more likely to practise safe driving habits than those who don’t.