Private car with driver

Da Nang to Hue by Private Car via the Hai Van Pass

The road from Da Nang to Hue climbs over the Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic coastal drives in Vietnam. With a private car you can stop at the summit, Lang Co bay and Lap An lagoon and still reach Hue the same day.

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Route at a glance

Distance: about 100 km
Driving time via Hai Van Pass: 2.5–3 hours without stops
Driving time via Hai Van tunnel: about 2 hours
Recommended: half a day with photo stops

Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, lies about 100 km north of Da Nang. There are two ways through the mountains that separate them: the Hai Van tunnel, which is faster, and the old road over the Hai Van Pass, which is slower but much more beautiful. Most travellers who book a private car choose the pass, because a bus or train cannot stop at the viewpoints.

The pass climbs to roughly 500 m, where the ruins of the Hai Van Gate fortress look south over Da Nang bay and north over Lang Co. After descending, the road follows Lang Co beach and the Lap An lagoon before continuing to Hue on National Road 1. With a few stops, plan for about four hours door to door. If you are short on time, tell the driver and they will take the tunnel instead.

Stops worth making on the way to Hue

1
Hai Van Pass summit and Hai Van Gate
The old fortified gate at the top of the pass marks the historical border between two regions. On clear days you can see Da Nang city, Son Tra peninsula and the coastline in both directions.
2
Lang Co bay and beach
A long, quiet beach on the north side of the pass, backed by mountains. A good place for a coffee or a seafood lunch.
3
Lap An lagoon
A calm lagoon right beside the road, lined with oyster farms and mountains. It is especially photogenic in the morning light.
4
Elephant Springs (Suoi Voi)
Natural pools and rock formations a short detour inland from the main road — a pleasant swim stop on hot days.
5
Thanh Toan tile-roofed bridge
An 18th-century covered bridge among rice fields, about 8 km east of Hue. It fits nicely at the end of the drive if you arrive in the afternoon.

Which vehicle fits your group

For a drive of two to four hours, comfort matters more than on a short city transfer. The 4-seat sedan is fine for one to three people with standard luggage. Families of four to six, or travellers moving hotels with large suitcases, should book the 7-seat MPV.

Groups of seven to sixteen can travel in the 16-seat Ford Transit or DCAR limousine, which keeps the group together at every photo stop and costs less per person than two cars.

Prices for this route

The table shows our current prices between Da Nang and Hue. One-way is a transfer from your hotel in Da Nang to your hotel in Hue; return is a same-day trip back to Da Nang — please confirm the timing with our team. Prices are per vehicle, not per person.

Da Nang ↔ Hue
Vehicle	One way	Round trip
4-Seat Sedan	$51	$62
7-Seat MPV	$55	$66
16-Seat Limousine	$66	$94

Indicative prices, per vehicle. Please confirm the vehicle, route and total with our team before booking. See all routes and prices

Prices are set in VND. USD shown at the Vietcombank transfer rate: 1 USD = 25.610 VND (updated Nov 1, 2026). You can pay in VND or USD.

Good to know

Ask for the Hai Van Pass route when you book; choose the tunnel only if you are in a hurry.
The pass is often in cloud during the rainy season (roughly September to December); mornings usually have the clearest views.
If you are moving on to Hue for a few nights, a one-way transfer with stops is often easier than a train, because the car takes your luggage door to door.
In Hue, the Imperial City, Thien Mu pagoda and the royal tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc are spread out, so having a car for sightseeing is helpful.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive from Da Nang to Hue?

About 2 hours through the Hai Van tunnel, or 2.5–3 hours over the Hai Van Pass without stops. With photo and lunch stops, most guests arrive about four hours after leaving.

Can we stop on the Hai Van Pass?

Yes. Stopping at the summit, Lang Co and Lap An lagoon is the main reason to take a private car rather than a bus or train.

Can I do Da Nang to Hue and back in one day?

Yes, with the return option. Leave early to have several hours in Hue for the Imperial City and one or two royal tombs before driving back.

Is the Hai Van Pass safe by car?

The road is paved and has guard rails, and our drivers know it well. In heavy rain or fog they will drive slowly or suggest the tunnel.

Do you also drive from Hue to Da Nang or Hoi An?

Yes, in both directions. We also have a separate published price for Hoi An to Hue.