Hai Phong to Da Nang: don't book a cheap flight that costs you a day of sightseeing

An overnight bus from Hai Phong to Da Nang can take around 16 hours, while a direct flight takes just 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. For a three-day getaway, the simplest plan is flying from Cat Bi Airport, spending two nights in Da Nang, and setting aside one evening for Hoi An and one full day for Ba Na Hills. Book the flights first, then build the sightseeing around their times.

1. Are there direct flights from Hai Phong to Da Nang every day?

Two airlines currently operate direct flights between Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong and Da Nang International Airport (DAD): Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air.

Vietnam Airlines generally operates around one flight per day. Vietjet usually offers one or two daily flights, depending on the period, bringing the combined schedule to approximately two or three direct flights a day.

Here is a sample schedule:

These are typical departure times, not a promise that all three flights run, or have seats, every day of the year. Check the times in the airline’s app before booking.

The direct flight covers approximately 550-555 km and takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes.

A flight that arrives before or around lunchtime works best for a 3-day, 2-night Da Nang and Hoi An trip. That leaves enough time to check into your hotel, have a meal, and head to Hoi An later in the afternoon.

Check the return leg at the same time. Da Nang-Hai Phong flights usually leave around 07:05, 09:25, and 14:20, so on many dates there is no evening flight that lets you spend the entire third day sightseeing.

2. How much are flights from Hai Phong to Da Nang?

Airfares can change considerably depending on your travel dates, the season, and how far in advance you book. Even travelers flying the same route just a few days apart may pay very different prices.

Vietnam Airlines sells economy fares from approximately VND 936,000 one way, including taxes and fees. On some dates, fares start around VND 1.06 million or more. The final amount should always be checked when selecting your flight and completing payment.

Vietjet advertises promotional fares from VND 90,000 one way on selected dates. However, that is a promotional base fare rather than the full amount you’ll pay. Taxes, applicable fees, and checked baggage can increase the total, and promotional seats are limited.

To compare the two airlines fairly, compare final totals:

1. Open the fare calendars for Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet and search the same departure and return dates.
2. Choose flights with practical departure times, then compare the total prices including taxes and fees.
3. Add checked baggage, seat selection, and any other services you actually need.
4. Check the ticket change and cancellation conditions, particularly during the rainy season.

A Vietjet ticket that’s a few hundred thousand dong cheaper might not be worthwhile if it arrives so late that you lose an afternoon of sightseeing. On the other hand, a slightly more expensive Vietnam Airlines fare may offer better overall value when the included baggage allowance suits your needs.

Which months have the cheapest flights?

November fares are often lower than in the peak holiday season, but it is also one of the wettest periods in Da Nang and Hoi An.

February can be expensive because of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. In 2027, Lunar New Year’s Day falls on February 6, with the official public-sector holiday scheduled for February 4-10. Flights around this period may be in high demand.

June and the summer holiday season can also bring higher ticket prices, particularly when Vietnamese families travel to beach destinations.

• For comfortable sightseeing weather without extreme heat, prioritize March and April.
• For swimming and beach holidays, consider May through August, while expecting hot weather and more visitors.
• To find cheaper flights, compare midweek departures, but carefully consider the higher risk of rain from September through the end of the year.

Booking several weeks or months ahead often provides more choice of departure times, though there is no guaranteed window for finding the lowest fare.

Do cheap tickets include baggage?

Baggage is where budgets most often slip, especially for international visitors carrying luggage for a longer journey around Vietnam.

For Vietnam Airlines domestic economy tickets issued from May 5, 2025, the standard cabin baggage allowance is up to 10 kg in total, including one main bag measuring no more than 56 × 36 × 23 cm and one smaller accessory. Many economy fare types include one 23 kg checked bag, but you should verify the exact baggage allowance attached to the fare you’re purchasing.

Vietjet’s standard Eco fare generally includes 7 kg of cabin baggage but no checked baggage. You can add checked luggage during the booking process.

Items such as fish sauce, strongly scented liquids, and bottled souvenirs may be subject to specific airline restrictions. Don’t assume that every local specialty can be carried in the aircraft cabin.

3. Is it worth taking a bus or train from Hai Phong to Da Nang?

For a three-day holiday, neither the train nor the bus comes close to flying on time.

By bus: lower fares, much longer travel time

Sleeper buses, limousine-style coaches, and private-cabin buses between Hai Phong and Da Nang generally take around 15-17 hours, with approximately 16 hours being a common journey time.

Tickets typically range from about VND 450,000 to over VND 1 million each way, depending on the operator, seat or cabin type, and travel date. Many standard options fall somewhere around VND 600,000-800,000.

Departure points may include Thuong Ly Bus Station, Vinh Niem Bus Station, Dinh Vu Plaza, or individual bus company offices. In Da Nang, buses may stop at the Central Bus Station, an operator’s office, or areas such as Ho Nghinh Street near the beach.

Many services leave Hai Phong in the afternoon and arrive the following morning, although some daytime departures are available.

You might save some money on transportation, but you’ll spend an entire night on the road and may arrive feeling tired.

The bus makes more sense when you have a longer itinerary, prefer not to fly, or find a service with particularly convenient pickup and drop-off locations.

By train: you’ll need to change in Hanoi

There is currently no direct passenger train from Hai Phong Railway Station to Da Nang Railway Station. You’ll first need to travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi, then connect to a train on Vietnam’s North-South railway.

The Hanoi-Da Nang section typically takes around 15-18 hours, depending on the service.

For example, a sample timetable shows the SE3 leaving Hanoi at 19:20 and reaching Da Nang at approximately 10:28 the following morning. The SE19 has been listed with a departure around 19:45 and arrival around 11:35 the next day.

Once you add the journey from Hai Phong to Hanoi, any station transfers, and the waiting time between trains, the trip can consume nearly an entire day.

An overnight train suits travelers crossing Vietnam over several weeks. On a three-day escape, save it for another trip.

You can check train schedules, sleeper berth prices, and seat availability through Vietnam Railways’ official booking system before deciding.

4. How do you get from Da Nang Airport to the city or Hoi An?

Da Nang International Airport has two main terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. Flights arriving from Hai Phong use Terminal T1.

Photo: Bahnfrend

The airport is conveniently located within Da Nang’s urban area, only a few kilometers from the Han River and city center, so the ride to most hotels is short.

Getting to central Da Nang and My Khe Beach

Taxis and ride-hailing services are the easiest options when you’ve just landed, especially if you’re carrying suitcases or traveling with family.

The journey to the Dragon Bridge, Han Market, or the Han River area usually takes around 10-20 minutes in favorable traffic. Hotels near My Khe Beach may take a little longer to reach.

Taxi fares vary according to distance, traffic, vehicle type, and time of day. Check the estimated fare in your ride-hailing app before you book, and confirm the correct airport pickup point.

Da Nang also has public buses connecting the airport with other parts of the city.

Route 06 serves areas including Dragon Bridge, Vo Van Kiet Street, and the beach, with published fares of approximately VND 15,000-22,000 depending on distance. Route 12 costs VND 8,000 per trip. These urban bus services generally operate around 05:30-19:00.

Public transport is a good option when you’re traveling light and don’t mind walking from the bus stop to your hotel.

Getting from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

The distance from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An Ancient Town is approximately 30 km by road. A private car or taxi usually takes 40-60 minutes when traffic is flowing smoothly.

One convenient option is the Hai Van limousine service between Da Nang Airport and Hoi An. The published reference fare is VND 120,000 per person, one way.

The service picks up passengers at the airport, travels along the coastal route, and has a drop-off point at 497 Hai Ba Trung Street before continuing to the Cua Dai parking area.

The service runs roughly 07:30-16:00, but you should confirm the exact pickup time for your travel date.

You can book through Hai Van’s official website or contact the operator at +84 919 00 6763 or 1900 6763. Ask whether the service can drop you directly at your hotel, since the scheduled stop may still be some distance from your accommodation.

Travelers staying in Hoi An should arrange their return airport transfer in advance, and earlier still when catching a morning flight back to Hai Phong.

Public buses between Da Nang and Hoi An generally depart from designated locations within the city. Not every service stops outside the airport terminal, which is what the dedicated airport shuttles do.

5. What is the best time to visit Da Nang and Hoi An?

Most of this itinerary is outdoors: walking through Hoi An, spending time at the beach, and riding the cable car to Ba Na Hills. The month you pick matters as much as the flight.

Over 2015-2024, average monthly rainfall in Da Nang was lowest during spring and rose sharply from September onward.

These are averages from historical weather model data, not forecasts for your specific travel dates. Sunny days still turn up in the rainy season, and storms sometimes hit in a normally dry month.

The average daily maximum temperature in Da Nang is around 24°C in January and February, rising to approximately 32-34°C from May through August. June is typically the hottest month.

For a short three-day trip, February through April works best, especially March. The weather is usually comfortable enough for exploring Hoi An on foot, walking around Da Nang, and spending a full day at Ba Na Hills.

May through August can also be excellent for a beach holiday. Just prepare for stronger sunshine and try to avoid long walks during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Why should you be careful about visiting in October and November?

Hoi An lies near the Hoai River, and some low-lying streets can flood when heavy rainfall combines with rising water upstream.

In late October 2025, floodwater spilled into streets including Bach Dang and Nguyen Phuc Chu in Hoi An Ancient Town. By the afternoon of October 26, some sections had already been flooded to a depth of around 0.5 m, with water levels continuing to rise afterward.

Several businesses and sightseeing activities were disrupted during the following days.

A trip affected by heavy rain may leave you unable to walk through the Ancient Town comfortably, enjoy the beach, or visit Ba Na Hills as planned because of weather conditions in the mountains.

6. Can you visit Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ba Na Hills in 3 days and 2 nights?

Yes, without much rushing, provided you arrive in Da Nang before early afternoon.

Spending both nights in Da Nang saves you from changing hotels. This reduces travel time, makes luggage easier to manage, and works particularly well with the daytime return flights to Hai Phong.

1. Day 1

   Fly from Cat Bi to Da Nang, then spend the evening in Hoi An

   Morning to early afternoon: fly from Cat Bi Airport to Da Nang. After collecting your luggage, head to your hotel in the city center or near My Khe Beach, leave your bags, and enjoy lunch.

   A bowl of mi Quang (turmeric noodles), bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), or com ga (Vietnamese chicken rice) is an easy first meal of Central Vietnamese food.

   If time allows, take a short walk around Dragon Bridge, the Han River, or Han Market.

   Around 15:30-16:30: travel to Hoi An by taxi or private car.

   Three or four people can share one car, which is often more convenient than arranging several individual transfers.

   Late afternoon and evening: explore the streets around the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tran Phu Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and the Hoai River.

   Visit a traditional house, stop for coffee, and sit down for dinner as the lanterns come on.

   Photo: Alexkom000

   In 2026, the published Hoi An Ancient Town sightseeing ticket prices are VND 80,000 for Vietnamese visitors and VND 120,000 for international visitors. These tickets provide access to participating heritage sites according to their respective ticket packages. Check the current ticket conditions and included attractions at the counter when you arrive.

   Around 20:30-21:00, return to Da Nang.

   City buses stop running around 19:00, so have your car or taxi back to the hotel arranged beforehand.

   You see Hoi An under its lanterns and still sleep in Da Nang, close to the road to Ba Na Hills the following morning.

2. Day 2

   Spend a full day at Ba Na Hills

   Ba Na Hills deserves a day of its own. Trying to squeeze it between several other distant attractions usually makes the experience feel rushed.

   Leave Da Nang in the morning and aim to reach the resort around 08:30-09:30, depending on your transportation and the operating schedule.

   The drive from central Da Nang to the foot of the mountain generally takes around 45-75 minutes, depending on where you’re staying.

   After taking the cable car, the smoothest route is the Golden Bridge and flower gardens first, then the French Village, Fantasy Park, and other attractions.

   Photo: Suicasmo

   Lunch is at one of the resort’s restaurants or on a buffet package.

   In 2026, the published standard Ba Na Hills cable car ticket for an adult visitor from outside Da Nang, including international tourists, is VND 1,000,000. It includes the return cable car journey and access to many main attractions, but not every optional service.

   Children between 1 m and under 1.4 m tall and eligible senior visitors have separate ticket prices. Children under 1 m are admitted free of charge.

   From September 1 to December 31, 2026, the FIRST 18-25 promotion offers VND 500,000 cable car tickets for eligible visitors born between 2001 and 2008. Valid identification is required to verify age.

   The cable car generally runs from about 08:00 to 22:00, although individual lines and attractions may follow different schedules. Operations can also be affected by strong winds and poor mountain weather.

   Is the free shuttle bus from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills convenient?

   During its trial period from August 8 to December 31, 2026, Sun World introduced the free Wow Bus service connecting central Da Nang with Ba Na Hills.

   Morning departures were scheduled at approximately 08:30 and 09:30 from the Novotel area at 36-38 Bach Dang Street, continuing through selected coastal pickup points such as East Sea Park and Vo Nguyen Giap Street.

   Each journey takes approximately 75-80 minutes.

   The afternoon return has run at 15:00 on some dates and 16:00 on others, so confirm the return time the day before.

   Sun World has also advised passengers to reserve seats through its QR-code registration system one day in advance, as capacity is limited, and to arrive approximately 15 minutes before departure.

   Traveling after December 31, 2026? Check whether the free bus service has been extended.

   After your day at Ba Na Hills, return to Da Nang for dinner and a relaxed evening.

   Another Hoi An visit that night would be pushing it. Too much back-and-forth travel can leave everyone exhausted.

3. Day 3

   Enjoy a relaxed morning in Da Nang before flying home

   Keep the final day relatively light, especially if your return flight departs in the morning or early afternoon.

   You could wake up early for a stroll along My Khe Beach, enjoy breakfast, and stop at a café near your hotel.

   With a sufficiently late flight, there may also be time for a museum or a little more exploring around the Han River.

   Then return to your hotel, collect your luggage, and head to the airport.

   A 14:20 flight from Da Nang to Hai Phong means being at Terminal T1 by around 12:20. Leave your hotel early enough to allow for the transfer and unexpected traffic.

   If the only available return flight departs at 07:05 or 09:25, your third day will mostly be spent traveling. That leaves two sightseeing days rather than three, unless you add another night.

7. Should you stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?

For an itinerary that includes Ba Na Hills and a return flight to Hai Phong, staying in Da Nang for both nights is the easiest setup.

The Han River area is a good choice if you enjoy walking around the city, exploring cafés and markets, and using transportation services to Ba Na Hills.

My Khe Beach is better suited to travelers who want an early morning walk by the sea, a more relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of beachfront hotel options.

Photo: Jpatokal

Staying in Hoi An is especially appealing to anyone who wants to experience the Ancient Town early in the morning or late at night, when many day visitors have left.

However, traveling from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills the following morning and then returning to Da Nang involves extra driving and possibly moving your luggage between hotels.

On a three-day trip, an afternoon in the Ancient Town, dinner there, and a car back to Da Nang shows you Hoi An at night without a second hotel.

The exception is when Hoi An itself is your main reason for traveling. If you primarily want to explore the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, and the surrounding countryside, staying in Hoi An for both nights and skipping Ba Na Hills may offer a more relaxed experience.

8. How much should you budget for a Hai Phong - Da Nang - Hoi An trip?

Your total budget will depend heavily on your flight dates and accommodation preferences.

Fixed price estimates go stale quickly. Splitting the trip into the main costs below makes it easier to compare.

For groups of friends, sharing a taxi to Hoi An can be a good balance between cost and convenience.

Solo travelers can save by using shuttle buses or public transport, but check the last departure, especially for evening journeys.

Baggage is not the place to cut costs. Paying for extra luggage at the last minute is less convenient than choosing an appropriate allowance when booking.

Before paying for anything, look at the cost of the entire trip, not just the attractive number on an airline advertisement.

9. What should international travelers in Hai Phong know?

International visitors who are traveling or living in Hai Phong will find adding Da Nang to a Vietnam itinerary fairly straightforward because it is a domestic flight.

• Carry your valid passport and appropriate immigration or residence documents. A domestic flight does not count as another entry into Vietnam, but it also does not extend your permitted stay.
• Make sure the name on your flight ticket matches your travel documents, especially when your passport contains multiple given names or a name order different from the Vietnamese format.
• If you’re traveling with a large suitcase, compare fares after including checked baggage rather than automatically selecting the cheapest Eco ticket.
• Use the exact hotel location on a map when booking a taxi or private transfer. Hoi An is now administratively part of Da Nang City, although some older booking systems still show Quang Nam Province.

A three-day trip works particularly well if you’ve already explored Hai Phong, Cat Ba Island, or Ha Long Bay and want to experience another part of Central Vietnam before leaving the country.

The same principles apply to Vietnamese residents of Hai Phong planning a long weekend: choose a flight that arrives early, avoid an unnecessarily early return, and prioritize dates with favorable weather forecasts.

A direct flight from Cat Bi, a relatively dry month, and two nights in Da Nang: that covers an evening in Hoi An, a full day at Ba Na Hills, and the flight home to Hai Phong without racing through the itinerary.