Where is Tien Sa Port?
Tien Sa (Tiên Sa) is the main seaport of Da Nang, at the foot of the Son Tra peninsula on the north-east side of the city. Cruise ships that fit Da Nang's harbour dock here, a short drive from the beaches and the city centre. Ships that are too large usually call at Chan May instead, about an hour further north. If your itinerary just says "Da Nang", check the exact port name in your cruise app or daily programme. It makes a big difference to your day.
How far is Tien Sa Port from Hoi An?
Hoi An is about 35 km south of Tien Sa Port. The drive takes 45–55 minutes, crossing the Han River and following the coast road past My Khe Beach and the Marble Mountains.
| From Tien Sa Port to | Distance | Typical drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Da Nang city centre / Dragon Bridge | ~12 km | 20–25 minutes |
| Marble Mountains | ~20 km | 30 minutes |
| Bay Mau coconut forest (basket boats) | ~33 km | 45–50 minutes |
| Hoi An Ancient Town | ~35 km | 45–55 minutes |
Compared with Chan May, that is less than half the time in the car. You can easily do the coconut forest and Hoi An in a single port day, with time left over.
Sample Tien Sa to Hoi An timeline
Here is a relaxed plan for a ship that docks at 8:00 AM with all aboard at 5:00 PM.
- 8:30 AM Meet your private driver at the port gate.
- 8:30 – 9:20 AM Drive south along the coast to Hoi An.
- 9:30 – 10:30 AM Coconut basket boat ride in the Bay Mau coconut forest, with the spinning show, crab catching and a fishing net demo. Morning is cooler and calmer.
- 10:45 AM – 2:00 PM Hoi An Ancient Town: the Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls, lantern shops, lunch and coffee. Plenty of time for a tailor fitting if you ordered online.
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM Drive back to Tien Sa.
- 3:00 PM Back at the ship with two hours to spare.
Ways to get from Tien Sa Port to Hoi An
Ship excursion
Easy and guaranteed, but expensive per person and usually done in a large coach with a fixed schedule.
Taxi or Grab
Cars are easier to find at Tien Sa than at Chan May because the port is close to the city. A one-way trip to Hoi An is reasonable, but you still need to arrange the trip back. Grab works well in Hoi An, though at busy times you may wait.
Private car with driver
Your driver waits for you all day, knows where to drop you in Hoi An and brings you back on time. For two or more people it is often cheaper than the ship tour and much more flexible.
Our Tien Sa Port shore excursion
Basket Boat Tour + Private Transport from Tien Sa Port
Private round-trip car from Tien Sa, ~60-minute coconut basket boat ride, free time in Hoi An Ancient Town. Tolls, fuel and entrance included.
1,000,000đ/person (~US$40) · flat rateThe price is the same for any group size, and your driver will meet you at the port. Send us your ship name and all-aboard time when you book.
What to see in Hoi An on a port day
- Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu): Hoi An's most famous landmark, built by the Japanese trading community.
- The old streets: yellow-walled shophouses, bougainvillea and lanterns overhead, all free to walk and photograph.
- An Hoi Night Market: stalls of lanterns, street food and souvenirs across the river. It opens in the late afternoon, so it suits ships that stay into the evening.
- Hoi An Central Market for a quick bowl of cao lầu or mì Quảng.
- The riverside on the Thu Bon River, lined with lanterns and cafés.
Our package includes free time in Hoi An Ancient Town for you to explore on your own: wander the old streets, the riverside and the market at your own pace. No ticket is needed.
Tips for a Tien Sa port day
- Bring Vietnamese dong in small notes for food, drinks and shopping.
- Keep your ship card, a passport copy and the port agent's number with you.
- Lantern boats on the Thu Bon River run in the evening. Most cruise passengers leave before dark, so if your ship stays late, ask us about adding a lantern boat ride.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The Ancient Town is flat but you will walk 3–5 km.
