Traveling from Hue to Phong Nha offers several transportation options, each with its own advantages. Whether you’re looking for convenience, budget travel, or sightseeing along the way, there’s a method that will suit your needs.
Good to know
What is Phong Nha?
Phong Nha is a national park known for its stunning caves, jungles, and rich biodiversity. It’s not a city or a major tourist hub, so transportation options are somewhat limited. It’s important to plan your trip with this in mind, as you won’t find the same extensive network of transport as in larger cities.
Dong Hoi
Dong Hoi is the closest city to Phong Nha, located around 45 km away. While not a large city, it is well-connected by both National Highway 1 and the Reunification Express railway between Hanoi and Da Nang. Dong Hoi also has a small airport, making it accessible by train, bus, or flight.
Son Trach Town
Son Trach Town is the main tourist base for Phong Nha National Park. It’s located about a 45-minute drive from Dong Hoi and serves as the starting point for exploring the park and its surrounding attractions.
The DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is an area rich in historical significance from the Vietnam War, located between Hue and Phong Nha. Famous sights include the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hien Luong Bridge, and Khe Sanh Combat Base. If you’re traveling by car, you can visit some of these historical sites along the way, turning your journey into a full day of sightseeing.
Option 1: Car & DMZ sightseeing transfer
Direct transfer by car
The fastest and most convenient way to travel between Hue and Phong Nha is by car. You can decide your own schedule, which isn’t as flexible with bus or train options. The travel time is around 3 to 4 hours, making it a quick option. Prices range from 100 to 150 euros, depending on the driver and car type. If you’re traveling with a small group, this option can be quite affordable when splitting the cost.
DMZ sightseeing by car
Instead of just a direct transfer, you can enhance your trip by adding sightseeing stops along the way. The drive takes you through the DMZ, and you can visit historical sites such as the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hien Luong Bridge, and Khe Sanh Combat Base. Keep in mind that not all sites are directly on the main route, so this option will turn your transfer into a full-day trip, but it’s a great way to combine travel with an educational experience.
Easy Rider alternative
For a more adventurous experience, you can opt for an Easy Rider tour. These are motorbike drivers who are also knowledgeable guides. They know the best places to stop and can provide interesting insights into the region’s history and culture. It’s a fun and thrilling way to travel between Hue and Phong Nha. Multi-day Easy Rider tours are also available, covering parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and continuing on to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads.
Option 2: Bus
The cheapest way to travel between Hue and Phong Nha is by bus. However, there are limited bus options, and most of them depart late in the day. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, with ticket prices ranging between 7 and 9 euros.
If you don’t mind traveling via Dong Hoi, you’ll have more bus options, but this means you’ll need to take an additional taxi ride from Dong Hoi to Son Trach Town, which adds time and cost to your journey.
From Phong Nha to Hue
Several buses pass through Phong Nha to pick up passengers on their way to Hue. These buses typically come from northern cities like Hanoi or Ninh Binh and continue south to Hue and Da Nang. However, most of these buses arrive in the early hours of the morning (between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m.), which may not be ideal for all travelers. There are very few buses that depart from Phong Nha to Hue during the day.
From Hue to Phong Nha
Buses from Hue to Phong Nha usually depart in the evening, between 17:00 and 22:00, with arrival times in Phong Nha ranging from 21:30 to 1:30. Unfortunately, there aren’t many daytime bus options for this route.
Option 3: Train to Dong Hoi
Traveling by train through central Vietnam offers scenic views of the countryside, making the journey enjoyable, though it is slightly more expensive and takes a bit longer. The train itself takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, but the additional time comes from needing a taxi transfer between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha.
Hue to Phong Nha (via Dong Hoi)
To travel from Hue to Phong Nha by train, you’ll first need to take a train from Hue to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi for the 45-minute drive to Son Trach Town (Phong Nha’s tourist hub).
Phong Nha to Hue (via Dong Hoi)
If traveling in the opposite direction, you’ll start with a taxi from Son Trach Town to Dong Hoi, where you can then catch a train to Hue.
Train information:
- Duration: Around 3 to 3.5 hours for the train journey
- Cost: Between 7 and 12 euros, depending on the class of ticket
- Taxi transfer: The taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha takes about 45 minutes and costs extra
This option offers a more flexible schedule, as trains run more frequently throughout the day compared to buses. However, you need to account for the added time and cost of the taxi ride.
