Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs from Da Nang: Plan Your Outward Time, Return Time and Time at the Resort

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion (Alba Thanh Tan) is a hot-spring resort at the foot of the Truong Son mountains in Phong Dien, about 30 km north-west of the Hue Imperial City and about 125 km from Da Nang. It is known for natural mineral water that rises through a quiet valley of primary forest. From Da Nang or Hoi An the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, which suits a same-day recovery trip or a 2-day, 1-night retreat. Below are the practical details on the route, the resort experiences and the ways to arrange a car.

Natural hot springs and the main experiences at Alba Thanh Tan

Alba Thanh Tan is a large hot-spring and adventure complex, with several distinct areas:

• Natural hot springs rising from the mountain: the Thanh Tan mineral spring was discovered by the scientist Albert Sallet in 1928. The water rises from thousands of metres underground, reaching up to 68 °C at the source, and contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulphate and silicic acid.
• Outdoor hot-spring pools (Thanh Tan Hot Springs): an open stream of mineral water winds beneath cool forest trees and is divided into terraced pools, cooling from about 48 °C down to 35 °C. Guests can soak in the open air and ease the tiredness of daily life.
• Japanese-style onsen area: in the Alba Wellness Resort zone, the onsen follows a seven-step bathing routine. It combines indoor and outdoor hot pools, a jacuzzi, a Himalayan salt steam room and a dry herbal steam room.
• Adventure games in the forest: for thrill seekers, the resort has a zipline run of up to 560 m from the Ma Yen hilltop and a Highwire balance course in the treetops, with several levels of challenge.
• Village crafts and organic farm: guests can visit a vegetable garden, try pottery, or make traditional Thanh Tien paper flowers with local artisans.

The road from Da Nang and Hoi An

Alba Thanh Tan is about 125 km from Da Nang and about 150 km from Hoi An. The route passes through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Central Vietnam:

• Through the Hai Van road tunnel: the car leaves Da Nang along Nguyen Tat Thanh or National Highway 1A and runs straight into the Hai Van tunnel. At 6.28 km long, the tunnel takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cross, which saves a lot of time and avoids the mountain pass.
• Lang Co bay and the tunnels: after the Hai Van tunnel, the road passes the scenic Lang Co bay and the Lap An lagoon, then goes through the Phu Gia and Phuoc Tuong tunnels into Thua Thien Hue province.
• Turn-off to the Phong Son hot springs: instead of entering the centre of Hue, the car takes the Hue bypass road and joins provincial road 11B into the Phong Son valley. It reaches the resort’s main gate without the city traffic.
• Driving time: the whole journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes on smooth, flat asphalt.

A sample plan for a day trip

If you want to go from Da Nang and return on the same day, this timing lets you enjoy the services without rushing. It is an illustration, not a fixed schedule:

• 7:30 to 8:00: the car picks you up at your hotel or home in Da Nang and sets off for Hue through the Hai Van tunnel.
• 10:15 to 10:30: arrive at the Alba Thanh Tan gate. Collect your entry ticket, store your things in a secure locker and start with the outdoor hot springs or the onsen.
• 12:30 to 1:30 pm: a light lunch of Hue specialties and wellness dishes at the Madame Chau or Hoa Sen restaurants in the grounds.
• 2:00 to 3:30 pm: try the zipline, walk through the bamboo grove, and visit the deer farm and the organic vegetable garden.
• 4:00 pm: board the car for the return to Da Nang.
• 6:30 to 7:00 pm: back in Da Nang, the day ends after a relaxing soak.

Why a private car with a driver suits this trip

After a session in the mineral pools, the steam rooms and outdoor activities, the body tends to be deeply relaxed and easily sleepy. A private car with a driver brings some practical benefits:

1. Safety and less fatigue: you do not have to drive the 5 hours of round trip on National Highway 1A yourself. The whole family can rest in an air-conditioned, quiet cabin.
2. Door-to-door pickup: the car collects you from your hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An and takes you to the resort’s guest entrance, which protects older people and young children when the weather changes.
3. Flexibility on timing: you can extend your soak or stop to photograph Lang Co bay on the way. Waiting time is confirmed before the trip, as the Trip terms on the route page explain.

For more about this route, see the private car from Da Nang to Alba Thanh Tan page, and read our long-distance car trip tips.

For details on the price for each seat option, check the private car rates.