Either “How to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha” or “What is the distance from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha” is the most searched question for those planning a visit to Phong Nha. In this post, we will share ways to get there and compare them by time, price, and level of comfort for you. 

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Quang Binh is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2003. It has a large network of caves, underground rivers and unique flora and fauna with an area of 85.754 hectares. The Park’s landscape is formed by limestone plateaux and tropical forests. It features great geological diversity and offers spectacular phenomena, including a large number of caves and underground rivers. This place is truly worth a visit.

1. Ways to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha

The distance from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is about 45 km, very suitable for a day trip or a short vacation. You can freely choose means of transportation such as motorbike, car or bus to explore the wild beauty of this region.

1.1. How to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by bus

dong hoi to phong nha by bus
local bus at bus station

Buses are a popular and relatively inexpensive form of public transportation for visitors. Many buses operate daily between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha, making it convenient for visitors to plan their itineraries. Visitors can easily board a bus from the main road near Dong Hoi airport or train station. The buses will drop you off at the center of Phong Nha, either opposite the boat Station or at Phong Nha Farmstay Village.

  • Operating time: the bus departs from Dong Hoi at 5:30 am, 6am and then every hour until 5pm
  • Travel time: it takes about 1 hour to Phong Nha
  • Price of a 1 way ticket: the ticket price is very cheap about 35.000 vnd/ticket/way

There are two main bus routes operating between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha:

  • Route B1: This route offers more frequent departures, but the final stop is not directly at the Phong Nha tourist center. You can get off on the road near the caves you want to visit
  • Route B4: This route has fewer departures, but its final stop is directly at the Phong Nha tourist center, making it highly convenient for tourists.

1.2. From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by motorbike

dong hoi to phong nha by motorbike

Motorbikes are a popular choice for travelers who want a great and adventurous travel experience. To start your journey to explore Phong Nha, you can choose to follow National Highway 1A. This road is quite easy to travel, but there is a lot of traffic. If you want to experience a more adventurous feeling, try the Ho Chi Minh road. This road will take you through primeval forests, small streams, and peaceful villages. However, you should note that the Ho Chi Minh road has many dirt roads, especially during the rainy season.

  • Travel time: It takes about 1 – 2 hours to go from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by motorbike
  • Price: The cost of renting a motorbike typically ranges from 100,000 to 120,000 vnd per day

Note: Traveler should be careful when traveling by motorbike and should be aware of local traffic laws and regulations

1.3. How to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by taxi

Traveling by taxi is an ideal option for travelers who want to enjoy a comfortable and quick journey from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha without having to wait for public transport and accommodating those with substantial luggage. You can conveniently hail a taxi from taxi companies or use ride hailing apps like Grab. However, to ensure a smooth trip, you should check the meter or negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, especially when traveling in the evening or on holidays.

Some reputable taxi companies in Dong Hoi:

  • Mai Linh Taxi: 02323.85.85.85
  • Taxi Tien Sa: 02323.79.79.79
  •  Taxi Phong Nha: 02323.86.86.86
  •  Sun Taxi: 02323.53.53.53
  • Taxi Dong Hoi: 023 841 841 – 0232 383 83 83

Read more: Dong Hoi taxi service

1.4. How to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by private car

A private car is another popular option, allowing you can arrange your own time and choose your own sightseeing places. The driver will pick you up from Dong Hoi airport or Dong Hoi station to Phong Nha. The private car is brand new, modern, and fully equipped with amenities, including complimentary wi-fi.

Hura cars provides one way or round trip private car service from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. You have the freedom to customize your itinerary and select your desired sightseeing spots. Depending on your preferences, you can even plan to visit multiple caves within a single day. Our team of experienced and professional drivers always put good service first. We ensure that your journey will be comfortable, convenient and satisfying.

Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by private car

Sedan

SUV

Van

Phong Nha town

(Son Trach, Cu Lac, Xuan Son Village, DT20)

600.000

700.000

900.000

Booking now

2. Tips for traveling in Phong Nha:

To make your trip to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park more complete, huracars private car would like to share some useful tips:

2.1 The best time to visit Phong Nha

The weather in Phong Nha is similar to the weather in Quang Binh province, divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. 

The dry season lasts from April to August, Phong Nha has sunny weather, with occasional showers. The rainy season in Phong Nha – Ke Bang lasts from September to March, with heavy rain lasting for many months. 

Therefore, although the dry season sometimes has high temperatures, this is a favorable time to visit and experience Phong Nha. Phong Nha’s dry weather will ensure your safety when exploring the caves.

Read more: The weather in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

2.2 Places not to be missed in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

  • Son Doong cave: With its enormous size and wild beauty, Son Doong Cave is likened to a miniature world underground. When coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to admire giant stalactites, ancient gardens and underground rivers inside the cave. In addition, visitors can experience exciting activities such as camping, kayaking, trekking, …
son doong cave
Sunlight passes through the crevices of the rocks, creating beautiful lighting effects, making Son Doong magical and shimmering.
  • Phong Nha cave: With its magical cave system, diverse stalactites and mysterious underground rivers, Phong Nha Cave has attracted millions of tourists every year. To enter the cave, visitors will take a boat along the Son River for more than 30 minutes by boat. Inside the cave, visitors will visit beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, wonderful masterpieces of nature. However, Phong Nha weather in the rainy season is quite complicated, the water level in the cave will rise. To ensure the safety of visitors, the cave will not be open during the rainy season.
phong nha cave
Experience the magical beauty of Phong Nha Cave while cruising on the poetic Son River
  • Paradise cave: Paradise Cave is one of the most beautiful dry caves in the world. The cave has a system of magical stalactites and stalagmites. When coming here, visitors will admire the masterpieces of natural sculptures and feel the wild and majestic beauty of the mountains and forests.

paradise cave

  • Mooc spring: Mooc spring with its natural stream and pristine natural scenery, this is an ideal destination for you to relax and enjoy life. Immerse yourself in the warm water, admire the majestic mountains and breathe the fresh air. It will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
Mooc spring
The cool and peaceful stream at Mooc Spring is a perfect place to relax
  • Dark cave, Chay river: Chay River – Dark Cave is one of the most attractive destinations in Quang Binh, attracting tourists by its wild beauty and unique experiences. When coming to Dark Cave, visitors will be able to explore the cave with flashlights because there is no light here. In addition, visitors can also participate in activities such as mud bathing, swimming, zip lining and kayaking at Chay River.
Dark cave mud bath
Mud bath is an experience not to be missed when coming to Dark cave Chay river

We hope that the information about the means of transportation from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha will help you make the most suitable choices. Hopefully the experiences of exploring the caves as well as the activities will bring you an interesting and memorable journey.