Da Nang is the gateway to central Vietnam, and Hoi An is often paired with it as a day trip or a base. This page covers what you need on your phone and how to get from the airport to your hotel. Figures below are as of September 2026.
Quick facts
| Da Nang and Hoi An | |
|---|---|
| Airport | Da Nang International Airport (DAD) |
| Distance to centre | About 3 to 5.5 km to central Da Nang; about 29 km to Hoi An Ancient Town |
| Ride-hailing apps | Grab, Be, Xanh SM |
| Networks | Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone, 4G across the city and 5G in parts of Da Nang |
Staying connected: SIM or eSIM
You have two ways to get mobile data in Vietnam. A physical SIM is sold at kiosks at Da Nang airport and in carrier stores. You need your passport, because the SIM has to be registered to you.
An eSIM skips the counter. VietSim sells prepaid eSIMs on the Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone networks: you pay, scan the QR code at home, and turn the line on when the plane lands. The eSIM setup guide walks through the install, and activating on arrival covers the settings to switch on. If you are torn between the two, read SIM card or eSIM in Vietnam.
All three carriers cover Da Nang and Hoi An. The ministry in charge of telecoms reported in July 2025 that 4G reaches 99.8 percent of Vietnam’s population and 5G about 26 percent. Those are population figures, so signal on a mountain road or among ruins is not guaranteed. If you want help choosing a network, see Viettel vs VinaPhone vs MobiFone.
Day trips
- My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO site about 40 km from Hoi An. Load your ticket and an offline map before you set off.
- Ba Na Hills: save any booking confirmation as a screenshot rather than relying on signal on the day.
- Marble Mountains is about 15 minutes from the city, according to Vietnam Tourism.
Arriving at Da Nang airport
The airport is close to town. Da Nang Tourism puts the ride at about 10 to 17 minutes, depending on the transport and traffic.
- Taxi: Vietnam Airlines lists about 60,000 to 100,000 VND to the centre, and Vietnam Tourism’s airport guide about 70,000 to 120,000 VND, as of September 2026. For Hoi An, Vietnam Tourism’s airport guide quotes upwards of 450,000 VND by metered taxi, or about 250,000 to 350,000 VND for a car arranged by your hotel.
- Ride-hailing: about 40,000 to 130,000 VND according to Vietnam Airlines. Grab, Be and Xanh SM all operate in Da Nang. The app needs mobile data at the kerb, which is where an eSIM installed at home pays off.
- City bus: routes 6 and 12 run between the airport area and the city at 8,000 VND, taking 30 to 45 minutes according to Vietnam Airlines. The stop is near the Nguyen Van Linh toll station, a 5 to 10 minute walk from the terminals.
For the arrival checklist in general, see our Vietnam guide.
Getting around Da Nang and Hoi An
In Da Nang, taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find. Be offers beCar and beBike, and Xanh SM runs electric cars and electric motorbikes. You can book Xanh SM in its app or through its hotline.
Vietnam Tourism suggests walking and cycling for sightseeing in Hoi An Ancient Town, with taxis and ride-hailing apps for longer hops such as An Bang Beach, about a 10-minute drive away. For My Son or a return trip to Da Nang, ask your hotel about a private car. The apps to install page lists what to set up before the trip.
Practical phone tips
- Offline maps: In Google Maps, download the Da Nang and Hoi An area over hotel Wi-Fi. Offline mode gives driving directions only, not walking or transit, and downloaded maps expire, so refresh them if your trip is long.
- Hotspot: Sharing data with a laptop or a travel partner depends on the carrier and plan supporting it. Check the plan before relying on it; our FAQ covers hotspot questions.
- Card payments: Hotels, tour operators, restaurants and grocery stores generally accept international cards. Keep cash for street food and small vendors.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: If several people share one connection, compare options in pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM.
If the eSIM shows signal but no data, work through not connecting or the help centre.
Heading on
Vietnam Tourism notes daily flights from Da Nang to major Vietnamese cities, so Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are easy next stops, and Nha Trang lies further down the coast. A single eSIM covers the whole country, so there is nothing to change between cities.