Phong Nha, known for its stunning caves, lush national park, and adventure activities, is a top destination in central Vietnam. Located 500 km (310 miles) south of Hanoi, Phong Nha is accessible by sleeper bus, train + transfer, or flight + transfer. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Hanoi to Phong Nha:
- By Sleeper Bus: The most direct and budget-friendly option.
- By Train + Transfer: A comfortable but indirect journey.
- By Flight + Transfer: The fastest but least direct option.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Hanoi to Phong Nha.
Timetable
| Flight Hanoi - Quang Binh â‚« 1,527k–3,052k 1h 5m – 1d 2h 55m | |
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| Bus Hanoi - Phong Nha â‚« 372k–764k 8h – 12h | |
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| Van Hanoi - Phong Nha â‚« 827k–891k 10h – 12h | |
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| Train Hanoi - Dong Hoi â‚« 519k–3,651k 9h 10m – 10h 57m | |
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By Sleeper Bus: The Most Direct and Budget-Friendly Option
Taking a direct sleeper bus from Hanoi to Phong Nha is the most affordable and convenient way to travel.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Hanoi Old Quarter (hotel pickup available for some operators).
- Hanoi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station.
- Arrival Point: Phong Nha Town (near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park).
- Duration: 9 to 11 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
- Price: 400,000–600,000 VND (~$17–$25 USD).
- Bus Operators:
- Hung Thanh Travel (popular with backpackers).
- Queen Cafe Open Bus.
- Camel Travel.
- Bus Types:
- Sleeper Bus (Reclining seats, A/C, blankets, WiFi).
- VIP Sleeper Bus (More legroom, fewer passengers).
- Departure Frequency: Evening departures (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM).
- Arrival Time in Phong Nha: Early morning (4:00 AM to 6:00 AM).
Pros:
- Direct travel from Hanoi to Phong Nha.
- Budget-friendly option (~400,000 VND for standard sleeper buses).
- Overnight travel saves on accommodation costs.
Cons:
- Bumpy roads can affect sleep quality.
- Seats may feel cramped for taller passengers.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort, book a VIP Sleeper Bus. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your ticket.
By Train + Transfer: A Comfortable but Indirect Journey
For travelers who prefer a comfortable and scenic journey, taking a train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi followed by a transfer to Phong Nha is a great option.
Step 1: Take a Train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi
- Departure Station: Hanoi Railway Station.
- Arrival Station: Dong Hoi Railway Station (Quang Binh Province).
- Duration: 9 to 11 hours, depending on train type.
- Price: 500,000–1,200,000 VND (~$22–$50 USD), depending on class.
- Train Types:
- SE1, SE3 (Fastest, most comfortable).
- SE7, SE19 (Cheaper, slower).
- Seating Options:
- Soft Seat (A/C, reclining seats).
- Soft Sleeper (4-berth cabin, best for comfort).
- Hard Sleeper (6-berth cabin, cheaper, less space).
- Departure Frequency: Multiple daily departures (morning, afternoon, and evening).
Step 2: Take a Transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
- Distance: 45 km (28 miles).
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Transfer Options:
- Shuttle Bus: 100,000–150,000 VND (~$5–$7 USD).
- Taxi/Grab: 500,000–700,000 VND (~$22–$30 USD).
- Departure Frequency: Every 1–2 hours from Dong Hoi Railway Station.
Total Duration: 10 to 12 hours.
Total Price: 600,000–1,900,000 VND (~$26–$80 USD).
Pros:
- More comfortable than buses for overnight travel.
- Scenic views of Vietnam’s countryside.
- Multiple departure times throughout the day.
Cons:
- Requires a transfer in Dong Hoi.
- More expensive than direct sleeper buses.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort, book a Soft Sleeper 4-berth cabin. Use our online search form to check train schedules and book your ticket.
By Flight + Transfer: The Fastest but Least Direct Option
For travelers who prefer the fastest travel time, taking a flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi followed by a transfer to Phong Nha is the quickest way to travel, but it requires a transfer.
Step 1: Take a Flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi
- Departure Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi.
- Arrival Airport: Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), Quang Binh.
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes (excluding airport transfers).
- Price: 1,200,000–3,000,000 VND (~$50–$130 USD), depending on airline and booking time.
- Airlines:
- Vietnam Airlines (full-service).
- VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways (budget airlines).
- Flight Frequency: 1–3 flights daily.
Step 2: Take a Transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
- Distance: 45 km (28 miles).
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Transfer Options:
- Shuttle Bus: 100,000–150,000 VND (~$5–$7 USD).
- Taxi/Grab: 500,000–700,000 VND (~$22–$30 USD).
Total Duration: 4 to 5 hours.
Total Price: 1,300,000–3,700,000 VND (~$55–$160 USD).
Pros:
- Fastest travel time (~4 hours total).
- Comfortable and convenient.
Cons:
- Most expensive option.
- Requires a transfer in Dong Hoi.
Booking Tip:
For lower fares, book flights at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Use our online search form to compare flight options.
Final Tips for Traveling from Hanoi to Phong Nha
- Best Option for Budget Travelers: Sleeper Bus (~400,000 VND, 9+ hours).
- Best Option for Comfort & Scenic Views: Train + Transfer (~600,000 VND, 10+ hours).
- Best Option for Speed: Flight + Transfer (~1,300,000 VND, 4+ hours).
- Book Early for Peak Season: Buses, trains, and flights sell out quickly during holidays and festival periods.
