The cost of a self-guided trip to Da Nang and Hoi An that is Super Economical for You!
Da Nang and Hoi An, two prominent destinations in Central Vietnam, offer unforgettable experiences with emerald green seas, picturesque ancient streets, and rich cuisine. The cost of self-guided travel to Da Nang and Hoi An is the top concern when planning to explore this land. From the vibrant Dragon Bridge in Da Nang to the shimmering lanterns by the Hoai River in Hoi An, a self-guided journey is not only economical but also allows you to freely enjoy the local rhythm of life. NVK Travel will analyze the costs in detail with vivid descriptions, the total budget needed, and money-saving tips for a complete and affordable self-guided trip to Da Nang and Hoi An!
What are the costs of self-guided travel in Hoi An?
Self-guided travel to Da Nang and Hoi An requires detailed planning to control the budget. Below are the main costs when exploring Hoi An, described authentically as if experiencing each moment.
Transportation costs to Hoi An
The journey to Hoi An usually starts from Da Nang, 30 km away, where there is a convenient international airport. Transportation costs depend on the starting point and means of transport, creating an exciting feeling as you prepare to step into the ancient town.
From Hanoi (800 km):
Airplane: Book early through Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, or Vietnam Airlines, round-trip prices range from 1,500,000 – 3,500,000 VND/person, flight time is 1h20. The plane lands at Da Nang airport, where you will see the blue sea and mountains appear through the window, signaling a promising journey. From the airport, take a taxi (about 300,000 VND/trip, 45 minutes) to feel the bustling atmosphere of Central Vietnam, or choose the Da Nang – Hoi An bus (20,000 VND/person, 1 hour) to save money and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Bus: Sleeper buses from Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam bus stations, prices range from 400,000 – 600,000 VND, taking 16-18 hours. Hoang Long and Camel Travel buses have comfortable seats and Wi-Fi, allowing you to rest comfortably overnight. The bus stops in Da Nang or Hoi An, ready for your exploration journey.
Train: Take the SE1 or SE3 train to Da Nang station, ticket prices range from 300,000 – 1,200,000 VND depending on the class, taking 15-17 hours. Sitting on the train, watching rice fields and mountains pass by is a slow yet delightful experience. From the station, take a taxi or bus to Hoi An.
From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km):
Airplane: Round-trip ticket prices range from 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 VND, flight time is 1h15. Landing in Da Nang, you will feel the sea breeze right from the airport.
Bus: Phuong Trang and Minh Duc buses have comfortable sleeper buses, prices range from 350,000 – 550,000 VND, taking 18-20 hours. Traveling overnight, you will arrive in Hoi An in the early morning, ready to stroll through the ancient town.
Motorbike: The adventurous route QL1A is 900 km long, with fuel costs around 300,000 VND round-trip, taking 2-3 days. Riding along the coastal roads, the feeling of freedom and the cool breeze is a worthy reward.
From Da Nang:
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Prices range from 250,000 – 350,000 VND/trip, taking 45 minutes, convenient for small groups.
Bus: The Da Nang – Hoi An route runs from 5:30 AM to 6 PM, costing 20,000 VND/person, sitting and enjoying the view through the window is a cost-effective and enjoyable way.
Motorbike: Rent a bike in Da Nang (100,000 VND/day), ride along QL1A through coastal roads, with fuel costs around 30,000 VND round-trip. The sea breeze carries a salty flavor, making your heart flutter.
Total estimate: 1,300,000 – 3,800,000 VND/person round-trip, depending on the means of transport and starting point.
Airplanes are the most popular means of transport used by many tourists to travel to Hoi An
Exploring Hoi An is like stepping into a painting, and the mode of transport greatly affects the experience.
Bicycle: Rental price is 30,000 VND/day, you will cycle through the ancient stone-paved streets, glide past the lush Tra Que vegetable village or the shaded Cua Dai beach. The cool breeze and the sound of the bicycle bell bring a relaxing and intimate feeling.
Motorbike: Rental price is 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day, ideal for reaching Bay Mau coconut forest or An Bang beach. Fuel costs about 30,000 VND/day, enough to roam around Hoi An. Riding through village roads, admiring rice fields and ancient houses, the feeling of freedom is hard to resist.
Walking: The ancient town prohibits motor vehicles from 3 PM to 9 PM, walking is free, allowing you to leisurely admire the lanterns, listen to the calls of street vendors, and feel the rhythm of life in Hoi An.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Prices start from 10,000 VND/km, convenient for long distances or rainy weather.
Boat on the Hoai River: Price is 50,000 VND/person, sitting on the boat, releasing flower lanterns and admiring the ancient town shimmering with lights is a romantic moment not to be missed.
Total estimate: 150,000 – 300,000 VND/person for 2 days, depending on the mode of transport.
Accommodation costs in Hoi An
Hoi An offers countless accommodation options, from rustic homestays to luxurious resorts, each place has its own story.
Homestay: An Bang Beach Hideaway, Loong Boong Homestay prices range from 200,000 – 400,000 VND/night/room for 2 people. The cozy little rooms, decorated with lanterns and bamboo paintings, are nestled among lush green gardens, giving a feeling of being at home. Sipping tea in the yard, listening to the birds chirping, is a wonderful way to start the day.
2-3 star hotels: Vinh Hung Heritage, Hoi An Sincerity Hotel prices range from 400,000 – 800,000 VND/night, with comfortable rooms, close to the ancient town. Waking up in a room fragrant with wood, looking out at the mossy street through the window, feels truly peaceful.
Resort: Palm Garden Resort near Cua Dai beach, prices start from 1,500,000 VND/night, with a swimming pool, spa, and luxurious space. Enjoying a buffet breakfast by the beach, listening to the waves, is a luxurious experience worth trying.
Total estimate: 200,000 – 800,000 VND/person for 2 nights (price split in half if traveling with 2 people).
When traveling to Hoi An, choose reputable accommodations through nvktravel.com
One of the essential costs of self-guided travel to Da Nang and Hoi An is Hoi An cuisine, offering dishes that explode with flavor.
Main meals: Cao lau at Quan Ba Mu (46 Tran Phu) with chewy noodles and fragrant pork, priced at 40,000 – 60,000 VND/portion. Mi Quang at Huong Que (3 Le Loi), with rich broth and fresh sweet shrimp and chicken, priced at 50,000 – 80,000 VND/portion. Hoi An chicken rice at Quan Ba Nga (8 Phan Chau Trinh), with sticky rice and tender shredded chicken, priced at 50,000 VND/portion. Sitting in a small restaurant, listening to the sizzling from the kitchen, is a moment full of Hoi An essence.
Snacks: Banh mi Phuong (2B Phan Chau Trinh), a baguette stuffed to the brim, priced at 20,000 – 30,000 VND. Hoi An sweet corn dessert, priced at 15,000 VND/cup, enjoyed on the sidewalk of the ancient town, both delicious and cheap.
Drinks: Coffee and fruit juice at The DeckHouse (Cua Dai beach) or Soul Kitchen (An Bang beach), priced at 30,000 – 60,000 VND/cup, with a chill beach view.
Seafood: Coastal restaurants at Cua Dai like Hai San A Roi, grilled shrimp, steamed squid, priced at 100,000 – 200,000 VND/portion. Sitting and listening to the waves while enjoying fresh seafood is an experience not to be missed.
Eating 3 main meals/day, plus snacks and drinks, costs about 150,000 – 300,000 VND/person/day. Total estimate: 300,000 – 600,000 VND/person for 2 days.
Quang noodles from Hoi An is a must-try specialty
Visiting costs in Hoi An
Hoi An is a treasure trove of culture and nature, with attractions that feel like stepping into a history book.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Ticket 120,000 VND/person, visit 5 sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Strolling through the stone-paved streets, admiring the moss-covered yellow walls and shimmering lanterns, is a quintessential Hoi An experience.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Ticket 30,000 VND/person, includes trying pottery on a wheel. The feeling of kneading clay and shaping a pottery vase brings simple joy.
Tra Que Vegetable Village: Ticket 20,000 VND/person, farming experience (watering vegetables, planting) costs 100,000 VND/person. Breathing in the aroma of basil, walking among the green gardens, is a way to connect with nature.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest: Basket boat ride costs 150,000 VND/boat (2-3 people). Gliding through the water coconut groves, listening to the boat rower's stories, is a cheerful moment.
An Bang/Cua Dai Beach: Free, only pay for parking (10,000 VND/visit). Swimming, lying on the fine sand, listening to the waves, is an inexpensive way to relax.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Take a boat across the Thu Bon River, price 20,000 VND/person. Admire exquisite wood carvings, feel the skilled hands of artisans.
Total estimated: 300,000 – 400,000 VND/person for 2 days.
Costs for souvenirs in Hoi An
Souvenirs are a way to bring Hoi An home after your self-guided trip to Da Nang and Hoi An.
Lanterns: Buy at Hoi An Market, price 50,000 – 200,000 VND/piece, from small cute lanterns to large elaborate ones. Holding a colorful lantern, you will immediately remember the shimmering light of the ancient town.
Thanh Ha pottery: Vases, cups, small statues priced at 30,000 – 100,000 VND/product, reflecting the rustic charm of the craft village.
Silk for ao dai: Tailors in the ancient town sell silk, cotton fabric priced at 100,000 – 300,000 VND/meter, ao dai made within 24 hours (making price 300,000 VND/set).
Green bean cake: A specialty of Hoi An, priced at 50,000 VND/box, fragrant and sweet, easy to bring back as a gift.
Total estimated: 100,000 – 300,000 VND/person, depending on the quantity purchased.
Lanterns are a popular souvenir
Some additional costs
Small expenses that can easily arise during a self-guided trip to Da Nang and Hoi An:
4G SIM card: Price 100,000 VND/SIM (1GB/day), needed for map navigation, booking Grab, and communication. Surfing the internet under the lantern light of the ancient town, sharing photos, is a modern experience amidst the old space.
Motorbike fuel: About 30,000 VND/day if traveling far like to the coconut forest or An Bang beach.
Emergency costs: Budget 100,000 VND for vehicle repairs, medicine, or personal items forgotten.
Event tickets: Join the lantern festival or play bai choi, prices from 50,000 VND/person, bringing a lively atmosphere.
Total estimated: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/person.
Total cost for a self-guided trip to Hoi An
Summary of expenses for a self-guided trip to Da Nang and Hoi An for 2 days and 1 night (departing from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, focusing on exploring Hoi An):
Travel to Hoi An: 1,300,000 – 3,800,000 VND.
Getting around in Hoi An: 150,000 – 300,000 VND.
Accommodation: 200,000 – 800,000 VND.
Food and drink: 300,000 – 600,000 VND.
Sightseeing: 300,000 – 400,000 VND.
Souvenirs: 100,000 – 300,000 VND.
Additional costs: 200,000 – 300,000 VND.
Total cost: 2,550,000 – 6,500,000 VND/person.
If taking a bus instead of a plane: 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND/person.
If traveling in a group (2-4 people), sharing costs for room, taxi, the cost reduces to 1,800,000 – 4,000,000 VND/person.
Ways to save costs for traveling to Hoi An
To keep the costs of a self-guided trip to Da Nang and Hoi An low while still fulfilling, apply the following tips:
Book tickets early: Book flight tickets 2-3 months in advance through Traveloka, Skyscanner to get prices from 800,000 VND round trip. Choose an overnight bus to save on accommodation costs.
Choose homestays: Prioritize homestays like Loong Boong (200,000 VND/night), book through Agoda for discounts. Travel in a group to share room costs.
Eat reasonably: Enjoy specialties at local eateries like Banh Mi Phuong, Quan Ba Mu, avoid fancy restaurants. Buy snacks and drinks at Co.opmart supermarket.
Travel economically: Rent a bicycle (30,000 VND/day) to stroll through the ancient town and pottery village. If renting a motorbike, negotiate a 2-day package for a discount.
Sightsee smartly: Buy an ancient town ticket (120,000 VND) and choose 5 favorite spots, skipping less interesting ones. Go to An Bang beach for free instead of ticketed attractions.
Buy gifts wisely: Negotiate at Hoi An Market, choose small gifts like mini lanterns, green bean cakes to save.
Plan your itinerary: Prioritize nearby attractions (ancient town, Thanh Ha pottery village) to reduce travel costs. Travel in the low season (February-March) for better prices.
There are many ways to save costs
The cost of a self-guided trip to Da Nang and Hoi An is not too high if you know how to plan and apply saving tips. From the shimmering lanterns by the Hoai River, the fragrant cao lau, to the gentle waves at An Bang, Hoi An offers unforgettable moments. With a budget starting from 1,800,000 VND, you can freely explore the poetic ancient town. Prepare your plan, pack your backpack, and start your self-guided journey to Da Nang and Hoi An today! If you plan to book a tour for family and friends to travel to Hoi An, please contact nvktravel for detailed advice!
