Short answer: The top of the Hai Van Pass is roughly 55–60 km from Hoi An, about 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 by car each way. A private car from your Hoi An hotel costs $70 per car for the round trip in a 5-seat car ($80 in a 7-seat car) with the driver waiting up to 8 hours. One way over the pass with drop-off in Lang Co is $35 ($40 for 7 seats). Your driver takes the old pass road, not the tunnel, and stops wherever the views are clear. Prices checked on 28 October 2026.
Private car Hoi An ⇄ Hai Van Pass
Round trip, driver waits up to 8 hours: 5-seat $70 · 7-seat $80
One way over the pass, drop-off in Lang Co: 5-seat $35 · 7-seat $40
Per car, not per person
About 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 each way · pick-up at your Hoi An hotel · no deposit, pay the driver
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Hoi An to the Hai Van Pass at a glance
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Distance | about 55–60 km to the summit (Hai Van Quan) |
Drive time | about 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 each way |
Private car | round trip $70 (5-seat) / $80 (7-seat); one way to Lang Co $35 / $40 |
Summit fee | 70,000 VND standard admission to Hai Van Quan |
Best conditions | a clear morning; often cloudy September–December |
The route from Hoi An
From Hoi An the car follows the coast road north past the Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc and My Khe beaches into Da Nang, then runs along the curve of Da Nang Bay to the foot of the pass. Instead of the tunnel, the driver takes the old road that climbs over the mountain, about 20 km of bends with views back over the bay.
At the summit, Hai Van Quan is an old gate and fort with wide views north towards Lang Co and south over Da Nang. Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes there. On the way down the driver can stop at viewpoints where it is safe to pull over.
How to plan the day
Half day: leave Hoi An around 7:30, spend time at the summit and the viewpoints, and be back for lunch.
Longer day: continue down the far side to Lang Co for a seafood lunch by the lagoon, then return over the pass. The 8 hours of waiting included in the round-trip price leave room for this.
Add a stop: the Marble Mountains or a Da Nang beach on the way back can be added (+$4 for a stop under 30 minutes, +$6 for a longer one).
Safety and weather
The pass road is steep, narrow in places and shared with trucks and tour buses. Fog and rain are common from September to December, when the summit can be in cloud while Hoi An is sunny. With a local driver you can enjoy the views instead of watching the road. If the forecast is poor, message us and move the trip to another day.
What is included in the price
One price per car, not per person. The 5-seat car takes up to 3 guests with luggage; the 7-seat car up to 5 guests.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off, fuel, tolls and parking for the car.
Child seats on request at no extra cost.
No deposit: pay the driver at the end of the ride, in cash (VND or USD) or by bank transfer.
Not included: entrance tickets, meals, and extra stops on the way (+$4 for a stop under 30 minutes, +$6 for a longer one). Pick-ups between 10 pm and 5 am add $3.
Planning more of your trip
Starting in Da Nang? Read our Hai Van Pass from Da Nang guide. Heading north for good? Hoi An to Hue by private car crosses the pass with stops on the way. More ideas: Hoi An to Ba Na Hills and all private car day trips.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Hai Van Pass from Hoi An?
Roughly 55–60 km to the summit at Hai Van Quan: about 30 km from Hoi An to Da Nang, then 25–30 km north along the bay to the top of the pass. Allow about 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 each way.
How much is a private car from Hoi An to the Hai Van Pass?
Round trip with the driver waiting up to 8 hours: $70 (5-seat) or $80 (7-seat) per car. One way over the pass with drop-off in Lang Co: $35 (5-seat) or $40 (7-seat).
Is there a fee at the top of the Hai Van Pass?
Yes. Hai Van Quan, the monument at the summit, charges a standard admission of 70,000 VND (fee rules published in June 2026). It is not included in the car price.
When is the best time to go?
A clear morning. From September to December the summit is often in cloud, so check the forecast the evening before and keep the day flexible if you can.
Can we continue to Hue instead of returning?
Yes. Our Hoi An to Hue private car crosses the pass with stops at the summit, Lang Co and Lap An lagoon. See the Hoi An to Hue page for that price.
Do I need to pay in advance?
No. There's no deposit. You pay the driver at the end of the day, in cash (VND or USD) or by bank transfer.