Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Quang Binh province, in the North Central Coast of Vietnam. In recent years, the park has gained international recognition for featuring the world’s largest caves, attracting adventurers from all around the world. Phong Nha is well-connected with the rest of Vietnam and you can travel easily by train, bus and flight from different cities.
In this article, we will explain how to get to Phong Nha from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh.
Phong Nha is 45 km away from Dong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh province. The most convenient way to travel to Phong Nha is by bus. Alternatively, you can take a train or fly to Dong Hoi and then transfer from the railway station or the airport to Phong Nha by bus or taxi.
From Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha
Should you travel by train, from Dong Hoi Railway Station it takes only 5 minutes by taxi or 15 minutes on foot to get to Nam Ly Bus Station. The taxi ride should cost around 30,000 VND (1,3 USD). Once at the bus station, search for a green-yellow colored bus with the number B4. The public bus from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha will depart every hour. The timetable is 05:20 AM, 06:00 AM, 07:10 AM, 08:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 13:00 PM, 14:00 PM, 15:00 PM, 16:00 PM and 17:20 PM. The public bus ticket costs only 35,000 VND (1,5 USD) and the trip will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
If you travel in a group, perhaps it is easier to share a taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. There is always a taxi waiting in front of the railway station. The ride should cost 400,000-500,000 VND (17-22 USD). Make sure you negotiate the price before getting in. In general, the taxi will get you faster to Phong Nha than the public bus.
From Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha
Should you fly, once landed in Dong Hoi Airport search for a green-yellow colored bus with the number B4. The public bus from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha will run through the airport 12 times per day. The route starts in Dong Hoi city and the bus usually passes by the airport after 30 minutes. The timetable is 05:50 AM, 06:30 AM, 07:40 AM, 08:30 AM, 09:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 13:30 PM, 14:30 PM, 15:30 PM, 16:30 PM and 17:50 PM. The price of the public bus ticket is 35,000 VND (1,5 USD) and the trip will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
If you travel in a group, perhaps it is easier to share a taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. There is always a taxi waiting outside the airport terminal. The ride should cost 400,000 VND (17 USD). Make sure you negotiate the price before getting in. In general, the taxi will get you faster to Phong Nha than the public bus.
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Hanoi to Phong Nha
The distance from Hanoi to Phong Nha is 500 km. The most convenient way to travel is by taking a bus, as the bus will drop you right in Phong Nha.
The nearest airport and railway station are in Dong Hoi, 45 km away from Phong Nha. In case you prefer to travel by train or fly, you will need to transfer by bus or taxi to Phong Nha. This usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Hanoi to Phong Nha by bus
The travel time from Hanoi to Phong Nha by bus is 9 hours. You can select any of the well-trusted bus companies that travel between Hanoi and Phong Nha overnight and arrive the next day in the early morning. Depending on your location, you can choose to depart from a different district in Hanoi.
Since the arrival will be very early, we recommend that you book your accommodation in advance, so that you don’t have to go around looking for hotels after arriving in Phong Nha. Depending on the location of your accommodation, you can choose the bus route that stops nearby.
Hung Thanh
Hung Thanh operates a fleet of sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and AC. The crew provides blankets, drinking water and refresh towels to make your journey more comfortable. There is only one daily bus service to Phong Nha, departing from Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi.
- Travel time: 9h
- Cost: 300,000 VND (13 USD)
- Point of Departure: 162B Tran Quang Khai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Point of Arrival: Easy Tiger Hostel, Phong Nha, Sơn Trạch, Quang Binh
Hey Travel
Hey Travel operates sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and AC. The company provides many amenities on board. There is only one daily bus service to Phong Nha, departing from Hai Ba Trung District in Hanoi.
- Travel time: 9h 30m
- Cost: 350,000 VND (15 USD)
- Point of Departure: 282 Tran Khat Chan, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Point of Arrival: Nam Anh Hotel, Phong Nha, Quang Binh
Queen Cafe
Queen Cafe operates a fleet of sleeper buses, which are pretty comfortable. You can lay down and stretch your legs to sleep during the night. There is only one daily bus service to Phong Nha, departing from Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi.
- Travel time: 9h 45m
- Cost: 300,000 VND (13 USD)
- Point of Departure: 208 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Point of Arrival: Central Backpackers Hostel, Phong Nha, Quang Binh
Hanoi to Phong Nha by train
If you stay in the center of the capital, traveling by train is also a convenient option as Hanoi Railway Station is located in Hoan Kiem District. You can take the train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, then transfer by public bus or taxi to Phong Nha. The journey from Hanoi to Dong Hoi by train takes 9 to 11 hours, depending on the train service, so we recommend that you travel in Soft bed class.
Vietnam Railways operates 6 daily trains from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, which is the train station closest to Phong Nha. The most recommended options are the SE1 and SE19 trains, departing from Hanoi in the night and arriving in Dong Hoi the next morning. With this schedule, you save one night of the hotel. However, depending on your travel plans and your interest in traveling by daytime, you can also consider the SE5 and SE7 trains departing in the morning and arriving in Dong Hoi in the evening.
- Travel time: 10h 40m – 12h
- Cost: from 300,000 VND (13 USD)
- Point of Departure: 120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Point of Transit: Dong Hoi Railway Station, Nam Ly Ward, Đong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Point of Arrival: Phong Nha
To get from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha you can take the public bus or share a taxi. This will usually take another hour and a half. Mind that the public bus operates from morning until afternoon, so plan your transfer accordingly.
Hanoi to Phong Nha by plane
The fastest option to travel between Hanoi and Phong Nha is flying to Dong Hoi first, then transfer by public bus or taxi to Phong Nha.
It takes over 1 hour from Hanoi to Dong Hoi by plane. Every day there are several flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways.
- Travel time: 2h 30m
- Cost: from 1,600,000 VND (70 USD)
- Point of Departure: Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi
- Point of Transit: Dong Hoi Airport, Quang Binh
- Point of Arrival: Phong Nha
To get from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha you can take the public bus or share a taxi. This will usually take another hour and a half. Mind that the public bus operates from morning until afternoon, so plan your transfer accordingly.
Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
Similar to Hanoi, the easiest way to travel 400 km from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha is by bus. Alternatively, you can also take the train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi and from there transfer to Phong Nha by public bus or taxi.
Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by bus
It takes 7 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by bus, Two well-trusted bus companies operate this route, namely Queen Cafe and Hey Travel. The buses depart at night and arrive in the morning.
Since the arrival will be very early, we recommend that you book your accommodation in advance, so that you don’t have to go around looking for hotels after arriving in Phong Nha. Depending on the location of your accommodation, you can choose the bus route that stops nearby.
Queen Cafe Bus
Queen Cafe operates a fleet of sleeper buses, which are pretty comfortable. You can lay down and stretch your legs to sleep during the night.
- Travel time: 7 h 30m
- Cost: 280,000 VND (12 USD)
- Point of Departure: Duc Tuan Hotel, opposite to Tam Coc Pier, Ninh Binh
- Point of Arrival: Central Backpackers Hostel, Phong Nha, Quang Binh
Hey Travel
Hey Travel operates sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and AC. The company provides many amenities on board. There is only one frequency bus service to Phong Nha, departing from Tam Coc Pier.
- Travel time: 7 h 30m
- Cost: 350,000 VND (15 USD)
- Point of Departure: Tam Coc Pier, Ninh Binh
- Point of Arrival: Nam Anh Hotel, Phong Nha
Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by train
The second option is traveling by train. First, it would take 8 hours to travel from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi by train, then transit in Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by public bus or taxi for another 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Travel time: 9h – 9h 30m
- Cost: from 240,000 VND (11 USD)
- Point of Departure: Ninh Binh Railway Station, 1/ 41 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ninh Binh
- Point of Transit: Dong Hoi Railway Station, Nam Ly Ward, Đong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Point of Arrival: Phong Nha
There are several trains running this route but we recommend taking the sleeper trains SE3 or SE19 that pass by Ninh Binh in the night and arrive at Dong Hoi in the morning. For the overnight journey, we recommend that you travel in a Soft bed class. With this schedule, you will be able to sleep through the night and catch a local bus to get to Phong Nha in the morning.
To get from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha you can take the public bus or share a taxi. This will usually take another hour and a half. Mind that the public bus operates from morning until afternoon, so plan your transfer accordingly.
Hue to Phong Nha
The distance between Hue and Phong Nha is about 200 km. For this short distance, we recommend that you take the bus, although you can also consider the train.
Hue to Phong Nha by bus
It takes over 4 hours to travel from Hue to Phong Nha by bus. There are three well-trusted bus companies operating this route every day. These sleeper buses depart in the afternoon and arrive in Phong Nha at night.
Hung Thanh
Hung Thanh operates a fleet of sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and plenty of amenities, such as AC, blankets, drinking water, and refresh towels to make a comfortable journey.
- Travel time: 4 h
- Cost: 150,000 VND (7 USD)
- Point of Departure: 12 Duong Van An, Xuan Phu, Hue City
- Point of Arrival: Easy Tiger Hostel, Phong Nha, Quang Binh
Queen Cafe
Queen Cafe operates a fleet of sleeper buses, which are pretty comfortable. You can lay down and stretch your legs to sleep during the night.
- Travel time: 4 h 30m
- Cost: 150,000 VND (7 USD)
- Point of Departure: 11 Doi Cung, Phu Hoi, Hue
- Point of Arrival: Central Backpackers Hostel, Phong Nha, Quang Binh
Hey Travel
Hey Travel operates sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and AC. The company provides many amenities on board. There is only one daily bus service to Phong Nha, departing from Xuan Phu, Hue city.
- Travel time: 4 h 30m
- Cost: 170,000 VND (8 USD)
- Point of Departure: 15 Duong Van An, Xuan Phu, Hue
- Point of Arrival: Nam Anh Hotel, Phong Nha
Hue to Phong Nha by train
Another option is to travel by train. It takes 3 to 4 hours to travel from Hue to Dong Hoi by train, then you would need to transit from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by public bus or taxi for another 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Travel time: 3h – 4h
- Cost: from 100,000 VND (5 USD)
- Point of Departure: Hue Railway Station, 01 Bùi Thị Xuân, Hue
- Point of Transit: Dong Hoi Railway Station, Nam Ly Ward, Đong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Point of Arrival: Phong Nha
There are several trains running this route. If you wish to travel in the morning you can take the SE6 train, whereas if you prefer to travel in the afternoon you can take the SE2 or SE4 trains. For this daytime journey, we recommend that you travel in a Soft seat class.
To get from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha you can take the public bus or share a taxi. This will usually take another hour and a half. Mind that the public bus operates from morning until afternoon, so plan your transfer accordingly.
Da Nang to Phong Nha
The distance from Da Nang to Phong Nha is 300 km. The most convenient way to travel is by taking a bus, as you will arrive right at Phong Nha. The nearest railway station is in Dong Hoi, 45 km away from Phong Nha. In case you prefer to travel by train, you will need to transfer by bus or taxi to Phong Nha. This usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Da Nang to Phong Nha by bus
Hey Travel is the only well-trusted bus company that operates this direct route from Da Nang to Phong Nha. It departs in the afternoon and arrives at night.
Hey Travel
Hey Travel operates sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and AC. The company provides many amenities on board. The bus departs from Hai Chau District in Da Nang.
- Travel time: 7 h 30m
- Cost: 300,000 VND (8 USD)
- Point of Departure: 23/ 3 Tháng 2, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Point of Arrival: Nam Anh Hotel, Phong Nha
Da Nang to Phong Nha by train
While there is only one bus service connecting Da Nang to Phong Nha, there are many train services connecting Da Nang to Dong Hoi every day. The journey from Da Nang to Dong Hoi by train will take around 6 hours, then you need another 1 hour and 30 minutes to transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by public bus or taxi.
There are many train services running this route. If you prefer to travel by daytime you can take the SE4 or SE2 trains and choose Soft seat class. On the other hand, if you prefer to travel by night and arrive the next day in the morning you can take the SE8 sleeper train and choose the Soft bed class.
- Travel time: 7h 30m
- Cost: from 140,000 VND (6 USD)
- Point of Departure: Da Nang Railway Station, Thanh Khe, Da Nang
- Point of Transit: Dong Hoi Railway Station, Nam Ly Ward, Đong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Point of Arrival: Phong Nha
To get from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha you can take the public bus or share a taxi. This will usually take another hour and a half. Mind that the public bus operates from morning until afternoon, so plan your transfer accordingly.
Hoi An to Phong Nha
The best and fastest way to travel 350 km from Hoi An to Phong Nha is by bus.
Hoi An to Phong Nha by bus
Currently, there are two companies operating the route from Hoi An to Phong Nha by bus. The bus ride takes 7-8 hours. Both companies depart in the afternoon and arrive in the late evening.
Hey Travel
Hey Travel operates sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and AC. The company provides many amenities on board.
- Travel time: 7h
- Cost: 300,000 VND (8 USD)
- Point of Departure: 486 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Pho, Hoi An
- Point of Arrival: Nam Anh Hotel, Phong Nha
Queen Cafe
Queen Cafe operates a fleet of sleeper buses, which are pretty comfortable. You can lay down and stretch your legs to sleep during the night.
- Travel time: 8h
- Cost: 280,000 VND (8 USD)
- Point of Departure: 117 Ton Đuc Thang, Tan An, Hoi An
- Point of Arrival: Central Backpackers Hostel, Phong Nha, Quang Binh
Ho Chi Minh to Phong Nha
Phong Nha is located 1,250 km north of Ho Chi Minh. Flying from Ho Chi Minh to Phong Nha is the fastest option. We do not recommend traveling by train or by bus since the journey would take too long and you would arrive exhausted in Phong Nha.
Ho Chi Minh to Phong Nha by plane
Taking the plane from Ho Chi Minh to Phong Nha would require flying to Dong Hoi first, then transfer by public bus or taxi to Phong Nha.
It takes 1 hour and a half from Ho Chi Minh to Dong Hoi by plane. Every day there are several flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air. We recommend taking a morning flight so that you can catch the public bus from the airport to Phong Nha.
- Travel time: 3h
- Cost: from 1,000,000 VND (45 USD)
- Point of Departure: Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh
- Point of Transit: Dong Hoi Airport, Quang Binh
- Point of Arrival: Phong Nha
To get from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha you can take the public bus or share a taxi. This will usually take another hour and a half. Mind that the public bus operates from morning until afternoon, so plan your transfer accordingly.
How to travel by train in Vietnam
For more information about train routes in Vietnam, check our Transportation Guide for Trains in Vietnam.
How to travel by bus in Vietnam
For more information about bus routes in Vietnam, check our Transportation Guide for Buses in Vietnam.
Updated on Feb 4, 2020
