Getting around Central Vietnam is relatively straightforward thanks to the short distances between the three main cities and the quality of the railway connections along the coastal axis.
In Hoi An, the bicycle is the ideal and near-universal mode of transport. The Old Town is semi-pedestrianised, the An Bang beach is a 20-minute flat ride along the river, and the Tra Que rice fields are 10 minutes away by pedal. Hotels lend or rent bicycles for 1-2 USD a day. For longer trips (My Son, Da Nang), scooter hire (100,000-150,000 VND/day) or Grab taxis are the solution.
Between Da Nang and Hoi An (30 km), Grab is the most practical option (10-15 USD, 45 min). The yellow tourist bus (Line 1, 30,000 VND) is slower but picturesque. By scooter from Hoi An, allow 45 minutes along National Road 1 — a pleasant ride outside rush hours.
Between Da Nang and Hue (100 km), the train is the top choice. Express trains SE1 and SE3 cover the distance in 2h30 for 8-12 USD and hug a spectacular coastline with the passage through the Hai Van tunnel. A rental car with driver (60-80 USD) allows stops at the pass and in villages along the way — a must if you are travelling south to north.
The Hai Van Pass (497 m) between Da Nang and Hue is one of Vietnam's most dramatic road sections and a road trip in itself by scooter. Allow 3-4 hours to cover it with photo stops along the old National Road 1 above the highway tunnel. In clear weather, the view over the South China Sea and the Lang Co lagoon from the pass is among the most beautiful in the country.
Read also
- Hoi An, Vietnam's lantern city — UNESCO Old Town, silk lanterns, cao lầu and custom tailors a short ride from the sea.
- Hue, imperial capital of the Nguyen — The Citadel, imperial tombs and royal cuisine in Vietnam's ancient capital.
- Vietnam — Complete guide: visa, budget, north-centre-south circuit and best time to visit.
- North Vietnam — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa and the hill tribes — the historical face of Vietnam.