Travel & Transportation to/go Phong Nha

How do I get to Dong Hoi/Phong Nha from Ninh Binh?

To travel from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi or Phong Nha, there are several convenient options depending on your preferences for budget, comfort, and time. Here’s a guide to the best ways to make the trip:

1. By Sleeper Bus

  • Direct Bus to Phong Nha
    Several sleeper buses operate from Ninh Bình to Phong Nha. These buses usually depart in the evening and arrive in Phong Nha early in the morning, making it an overnight journey of about 8-9 hours. The ticket prices range from $15 to $20. Some popular bus companies include:
    • Camel Travel
    • Queen Café
    • Hung Thanh
  • Booking: You can book tickets online, through travel agencies, or via your hotel or hostel.

2. By Train

  • Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi
    Trains are a scenic and comfortable way to travel from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi. The train ride takes around 7-9 hours, depending on the train service. Tickets typically range from $15 to $35, depending on whether you choose a seat or a sleeper cabin.
  • From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
    Once you arrive in Dong Hoi, it’s about a 45-minute to 1-hour taxi or bus ride to Phong Nha. Taxis cost around $25 to $30, while local buses are a cheaper alternative, costing around $3 to $5.
  • Booking: Train tickets can be purchased online through the official Vietnam Railways website or at the Ninh Binh Railway Station.

3. By Private Car or Taxi

  • Private Transfer
    If you prefer comfort and flexibility, hiring a private car or taxi from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha or Dong Hoi is an option. The journey by car takes about 6-7 hours and costs between $120 to $180. This option allows for more flexibility, including sightseeing stops along the way.
How do I get to Phong Nha from Ha Noi?

To travel from Hanoi to Phong Nha, you have several options depending on your preferences for time, cost, and comfort. Here are the best ways to get to Phong Nha from Hanoi:

1. By Bus

  • Sleeper Bus
    This is the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $15 to $25. The sleeper bus departs from various bus stations in Hanoi and typically takes 9-10 hours to reach Phong Nha. It’s an overnight journey, so you’ll arrive early in the morning. Some well-known bus companies include:
    • Hung Thanh Travel
    • Queen Café
    • Camel Travel
  • Booking: You can book tickets through travel agencies, your accommodation in Hanoi, or online via bus booking platforms.

2. By Train

  • Hanoi to Đồng Hới
    You can take a train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, which is the nearest train station to Phong Nha. The train ride takes about 9-11 hours, depending on the train class you choose (seats or sleeper). Tickets range from $20 to $40.
  • From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
    Once you arrive in Dong Hoi, it’s a 45-60 minute taxi or bus ride to Phong Nha. Taxis are convenient and cost about $25 to $30, while local buses are cheaper (around $3 to $5).
  • Booking: Train tickets can be booked online via the official Vietnam Railways website or at the station.

3. By Flight and Transfer

  • Flight to Dong Hoi
    For the fastest option, you can take a flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi. The flight lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes, and prices range from $40 to $100 depending on the season and booking time. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines,  VietJet Air operate daily flights.
  • From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
    Once you land in Dong Hoi, you can take a taxi or a private car to Phong Nha, as mentioned earlier.
  • Booking: Flights can be booked online through airline websites or travel agencies.

4. By Private Car

  • Private Transfer
    If you’re looking for comfort and flexibility, you can hire a private car with a driver. The journey takes around 8-9 hours. It’s the most expensive option, costing approximately $200 to $300, but allows you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way.

In summary, taking a sleeper bus or train is the most cost-effective way to travel from Hanoi to Phong Nha. For a faster trip, flying to Dong Hoi and transferring to Phong Nha is a good option.

How do I get to Dong Hoi/Phong Nha from Hoi An/ Da Nang or Hue?

There are several optimal ways to travel from Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang, each differing in terms of convenience, travel time, and cost. Below are the best options available:

1. Private Car or Taxi

This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. Prices vary depending on your starting point:

  • Hoi An: $150 – $200
  • Da Nang: $120 – $160
  • Hue: $100 – $150

The drive takes approximately 4 to 7 hours, depending on your departure location. This option provides flexibility, allowing you to make sightseeing stops along the way.

2. Bus

Sleeper buses operate between Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, and Phong Nha. The journey duration depends on where you start:

  • Hoi An/Da Nang: 7-8 hours
  • Hue: 5-6 hours

Prices range from $10 to $20. Tickets can be booked through travel agencies, hotels, hostels, or directly at bus stations. Major bus operators include HK Buslines, Hung Thanh, Queen Café, and Camel Travel.

3. Train

For a scenic and relaxing journey, you can take the train to Dong Hoi, which is the closest station to Phong Nha. Once you arrive at Dong Hoi, it’s about a 1-hour taxi or bus ride to Phong Nha.

  • From Hoi An: Take a taxi or bus (approximately 45 minutes) to Da Nang Railway Station, and then catch a train to Dong Hoi. The train ride lasts 6-8 hours.
  • From Hue: Similar to the Da Nang option, board a train to Dong Hoi. The train journey takes 3-4 hours, with a total travel time (including transfers) of 5-6 hours.

Tickets can be booked online or directly at the railway stations. Prices range from $10 to $20.

How do I get to Dong Hoi/Phong Nha from Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam, serving as a major hub for international travel and a gateway to attractions like the Mekong Delta.

The most practical way to travel between Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Phong Nha is by flying with Vietnam Airlines or VietjetAir to Dong Hoi city (about a 45-minute drive from Phong Nha). Flight tickets cost between 1,200,000 and 1,800,000 VND (50–80 USD) each way. Upon arrival in Dong Hoi city, you can reach Phong Nha by bus, taxi, or private car.

While buses and trains are cheaper options, they take much longer and may not be ideal for those looking to travel quickly between the two cities. For budget travelers with more time, cheaper flights may be available between HCMC and Da Nang or Hue. From either city, you can take a train to Dong Hoi or a direct bus to Phong Nha.