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Leaving Hoi An for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park takes you north through the narrow waist of Vietnam, past Hue and across the former demilitarized zone. You can take a bus, combine a taxi with the Reunification Express to Dong Hoi, or book a private car.
Hoi An to Phong Nha by Bus
Direct sleeper buses between Hoi An and Phong Nha are sold by private operators. A direct bus saves the transfer at Dong Hoi, but departure points and times change, so confirm the pick-up point in Hoi An and the drop-off in Phong Nha when you book.
Hoi An to Phong Nha by Train
There is no railway station in Hoi An or Phong Nha. For the train, first take a taxi or shuttle from Hoi An to Da Nang station, then ride to Dong Hoi, 269 km to the north.[1] Five Reunification Express trains cover this stretch, and the journey takes between 5h 47min and 6h 31min.[1]
| Train | Da Nang | Dong Hoi | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE8 | 23:41 | 05:34 (next day) | 5h 53min[1] |
| SE6 | 02:01 (next day) | 08:25 (next day) | 6h 24min[1] |
| SE10 | 08:59 | 15:30 | 6h 31min[1] |
| SE4 | 12:28 | 18:18 | 5h 50min[1] |
| SE2 | 13:21 | 19:08 | 5h 47min[1] |
From Dong Hoi, local buses run to Phong Nha in 45 to 90 minutes, hourly from 05:00 to 17:00 except at noon; a taxi is the alternative.[2] If your train arrives in the evening, plan for a taxi.
Hoi An to Phong Nha by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Hoi An and takes you to your accommodation in Phong Nha. You can ask the driver to stop at the Hai Van Pass or in Hue. Agree the vehicle, the price and the stops in advance.
Tips for Traveling from Hoi An to Phong Nha
- Book in advance in peak season: Sleeper buses and train berths can sell out ahead of busy dates.
- Dong Hoi to Phong Nha: If you take the train, remember that you still need a bus or taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. SE8 reaches Dong Hoi at 05:34 and SE10 at 15:30.[1]
Timetable
| Bus Hoi An - Phong Nha $ 15.11–23.36 7h – 8h 30m | |
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| Taxi Hoi An - Phong Nha $ 146.29–511.98 6h – 6h 40m | |
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| Train Da Nang - Dong Hoi $ 11.95–249.02 5h 30m – 7h 4m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hoi An to Phong Nha, including current prices and schedules.
A standard bus berth or a train seat is normally cheaper than a sleeper cabin or a private car. Fares depend on the operator, class and date, so compare current prices before you book.
A private car or a direct bus avoids the changes of the train route, but the time depends on traffic and stops. The train from Da Nang to Dong Hoi takes 5h 47min at best, plus the transfers at both ends.
The Reunification Express trains take between 5h 47min and 6h 31min.
No. The train from Da Nang stops in Dong Hoi, and from there you take a local bus or a taxi to Phong Nha, which takes 45 to 90 minutes by bus.
Standard sleeper berths can be cramped for travelers over 180 cm. If you are tall, book a cabin or a VIP sleeper bus, or a longer berth on the train.
Both are possible. Overnight travel saves a night of accommodation, while daytime travel lets you see the coast, and the daytime train SE10 leaves Da Nang at 08:59.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietnam Railways (Đường sắt Việt Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Vietnam Tourism (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism): A complete guide to Phong Nha. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.