Traveling from Hue to Hoi An is not just a transfer — it’s a breathtaking coastal adventure through central Vietnam’s most picturesque and culturally rich landscapes. If you rent a private car with a driver or even choose to self-drive, you can turn the 3-hour trip into a full-day road trip filled with incredible stops. Below is a suggested itinerary for a day you won’t forget.
Stop 1: An Bang Cemetery – The “City of Ghosts”
Stop 2: Lap An Lagoon – A Mirror of the Sky
Stop 3: Lang Co Beach – One of Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Bays
Stop 4: Hai Van Pass – “The Ocean Cloud Pass”
Stop 5: Linh Ung Pagoda – Overlooking the Sea
Stop 6: Marble Mountains – Sacred Caves and Stone Art
What to expect
Your driver picks you up at your hotel in Hue. You’ll head south along the peaceful coastal road (QL49B), a less-traveled route that offers stunning countryside and sea views.
- An Bang Cemetery is one of the most unique cemeteries in the world, known for its elaborate, colorful mausoleums built in imperial and Buddhist styles. Often called the “City of Ghosts”, it reflects the deep spiritual culture of Vietnam and the influence of overseas Vietnamese sending money back home to build these family tombs.
This surreal and photogenic spot is a great way to begin your journey.
- Lap An Lagoon is a peaceful and scenic brackish lagoon surrounded by mountains and sea. On calm days, it reflects the sky like a giant mirror — a perfect photo opportunity. You can also enjoy a quick coffee or try fresh oysters, a local specialty.
- Lang Co Beach offers soft white sands, clear blue water, and gentle waves. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, take in the sea breeze, and snap a few seaside photos before climbing Hai Van Pass.
- Famous from BBC’s Top Gear, Hai Van Pass is one of the most dramatic coastal roads in Southeast Asia. Stop at the top for panoramic views, old French bunkers, and the Hai Van Gate, the historic boundary between the north and south of Vietnam.
It’s a thrilling drive — one of the highlights of the day.
- Linh Ung Pagoda on Monkey Mountain is famous for its 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in Vietnam. The pagoda sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and Da Nang city. It's a peaceful spiritual stop with beautiful gardens, ocean breezes, and an iconic view.
- Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) are a group of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. You can climb Thuy Son, the largest peak, to explore ancient pagodas, Buddhist caves, and viewpoints.
After a day of sightseeing, you’ll arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town, just in time to check into your hotel. We finish the private car Hue to Hoi A via City of Ghosts, Monkey Mountain. We wishes you a great day trip with us!