How to get to Phong Nha- A complete guide

Introduction to Phong Nha:

Phong Nha is a beautiful place in central Vietnam, famous for its incredible caves, including the world’s largest, Son Doong Cave. Whether you’re an adventurer or just love nature, Phong Nha is a must-visit. Here’s a simple guide on how to get there from some popular places in Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.

By Bus: Traveling by bus from Hanoi to Phong Nha is convenient and affordable. Several bus companies offer overnight services, which means you can sleep on the bus and wake up in Phong Nha.

• Hung Long Bus: Departs at 7:30 PM from 338 Tran Khat Chan, Hanoi, and arrives around 6:00 AM in Phong Nha.

• Camel Travel Bus: Leaves at 7:00 PM from 459 Tran Khat Chan Street, Hanoi, and arrives in Phong Nha at 5:00 AM.

• Queen Cafe Bus: Departs at 6:00 PM from 208 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hanoi, and arrives around 5:00 AM.

You can book your tickets through your hotel in Hanoi or visit the bus company's office directly. The journey takes about 10-11 hours.

By Train: Traveling by train offers a comfortable and scenic journey. You can take the overnight train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, the closest city to Phong Nha, and then take a taxi or private car to Phong Nha.

• Recommended Train: SE3 departs Hanoi at 7:20 PM and arrives in Dong Hoi at 5:00 AM.

The train ride takes about 9-10 hours, followed by a 45-minute drive from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. Private transfers can be arranged for around VND 650,000 for a 7-seater car.

By Flight: The quickest way to reach Phong Nha from Hanoi is by taking a flight to Dong Hoi. The flight takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

• Airlines: Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offer regular flights.

• From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha: Arrange a private transfer or taxi for VND 650,000. The drive takes about 45 minutes.

By Private Car: Traveling from Hanoi to Phong Nha by private car is a long but scenic journey that takes approximately 10-12 hours, offering flexibility to stop and explore along the way. This option is more expensive but provides comfort and convenience because you can choose the convenient departure time.

• Queen Cafe Bus: Leaves Ninh Binh at 8:30 PM from 46 Street 27/7 or Tam Coc Wharf and arrives in Phong Nha around 5:00 AM.

• Hung Long Bus: Departs at 9:00-9:30 PM from near Big C Supermarket or Tam Diep - Tam Coc and arrives around 6:00 AM in Phong Nha.

By Train: Take an overnight train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi and then transfer to Phong Nha by taxi or private car.

• Recommended Train: SE3 departs at 9:35 PM from Ninh Binh and arrives in Dong Hoi at 5:00 AM.

The train ride is comfortable and takes around 7-8 hours. Once you arrive in Dong Hoi, take a 45-minute car ride to Phong Nha.

By Private Car: Traveling from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by private car takes around 8-10 hours, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful countryside at your own pace. It's a comfortable and convenient option for those who prefer direct and flexible travel.

By Bus: The bus is a popular choice for travelers going from Hue to Phong Nha. The journey is relatively short, about 4-5 hours.

• Camel Travel Bus: Departs from 86 Nguyen Sinh Cung, Hue, at 5:00 PM and arrives in Phong Nha at 9:30 PM.

By Train: Traveling by train from Hue to Dong Hoi takes about 3 hours. From Dong Hoi, you can arrange a transfer to Phong Nha.

• Train Schedule: Trains leave Hue throughout the day, but it's best to arrive in Dong Hoi the day before your tour to avoid arriving too early in the morning.

Once in Dong Hoi, a private transfer to Phong Nha can be arranged for VND 650,000.

By Private Car: If you prefer a more comfortable and flexible option, you can book a private car Hue to Phong Nha. The drive takes about 4 hours and allows you to stop along the way to enjoy the scenery.

By Bus: Traveling by bus from Da Nang or Hoi An to Phong Nha is convenient, with several options available.

• Hanh Luyen Bus: Departs from Da Nang Central Bus Station at 09:45 AM and 5:30 PM and arrives in Phong Nha in about 7 hours.

By Train: If you’re traveling from Da Nang, you can take a train to Dong Hoi, which takes about 7 hours. From Hoi An, you’ll first need to travel to Da Nang to catch the train.

• Train Schedule: Trains leave Da Nang throughout the day. It’s recommended to arrive in Dong Hoi the day before your tour.

Once in Dong Hoi, take a private transfer to Phong Nha, which takes about 45 minutes.

By Private Car: A private car is the most comfortable way to travel from Da Nang or Hoi An to Phong Nha, though it is a more expensive but convenient way. The drive takes about 7 hours from Da Nang and 8 hours from Hoi An.

• Cost: The price for a private car is around VND 3,700,000 from Da Nang and VND 4,400,000 from Hoi An. You can book a Da Nang to Phong Nha private car or Hoi An to Phong Nha by car via the Culture Pham Travel website.

• Book in Advance: Whether you’re taking a bus, train, or flight, it’s best to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Arrive Early: If you’re joining a tour in Phong Nha, plan to arrive the day before to ensure you’re well-rested.

• Bring Snacks: Some journeys can be long, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks and water.

• Check the Weather: Phong Nha’s weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast and pack accordingly.

• Communication: English might not be widely spoken, especially in smaller towns and villages. Having a translation app can be very helpful.

Traveling to Phong Nha is an adventure in itself, whether you’re coming from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, or Hoi An. With this guide, you should have a good idea of the best way to reach this stunning destination based on your preferences. Enjoy your journey and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Phong Nha!