Phong Nha, with its impressive caves and lush jungles, is one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural attractions. Getting there from Hanoi requires some planning, as it is not a city or major transportation hub, but there are several ways to reach this remote destination.
Good to know
What is Phong Nha?
Phong Nha is a national park famous for its stunning caves, dense jungles, and diverse wildlife. It is not a city or a bustling tourist center, so transportation options are somewhat limited. If you’re planning to visit, don’t expect a large transportation network, but rather a few well-defined routes.
Dong Hoi
Dong Hoi is the closest city to Phong Nha National Park, located about 45 km away. While it is not a large city, it sits along National Highway 1 and the reunification railway between Hanoi and Da Nang. Dong Hoi also has a small airport, making it accessible by train, bus, and flight.
Son Trach Town
Son Trach Town is the main tourist hub for visitors to Phong Nha National Park. It’s located about 45 minutes by car from Dong Hoi and serves as the base for exploring the park’s caves and other attractions.
Option 1: Flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi
As mentioned, Phong Nha is a national park with limited direct transportation options. However, nearby Dong Hoi offers more convenient choices, including a small airport. Although flying involves two additional taxi rides—one in Hanoi to the airport and one from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha—it’s still by far the fastest way to travel between these destinations. Despite the extra time for check-in, flights are efficient and save you several hours of travel.
Flight information:
- Frequency: 1 flight per day
- Airline: Flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines
- Prices: Start from 40 euros
- Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour
Option 2: Sleeper train to Dong Hoi
The nearest train station to Phong Nha is in Dong Hoi, the same city as the airport. Although Dong Hoi isn’t a major city, it’s located on the main route of the Reunification Express, which connects Hanoi to cities like Hue and Da Nang. Several trains stop here daily, making it a reliable option for those who prefer train travel.
Train information:
- Duration: Around 12 hours
- Trains: 2 to 4 trains per day
- Price: 18 euros per person for a 4-berth sleeper; 65 euros per person for a tourist-class 4-berth sleeper cabin
What to book:
For such a long journey, it’s highly recommended to book a sleeper cabin. There are both 4-berth and 6-berth sleeper options, but the 4-berth cabins are more comfortable and offer a better experience.
While most trains are part of the standard Reunification Express, there is also a tourist train option: Laman Express. This private company provides a more luxurious experience with cleaner and more comfortable cabins, making it a great choice for tourists. Although it’s part of the regular train, the tourist compartments are far superior to the regular cabins.
Option 3: Direct sleeper bus Hanoi – Phong Nha
In addition to sleeper trains, there are also sleeper buses that travel overnight from Hanoi to Phong Nha. This means you save daytime hours for exploring Phong Nha and avoid the need for an extra night’s accommodation. The main benefits of taking the bus are its low cost and the convenience of having some buses go directly to Phong Nha, eliminating the need for a transfer from Dong Hoi.
However, there are some downsides to consider. Not everyone finds it easy to sleep on a bus, and some travelers have safety concerns about traveling overnight by bus. Despite these issues, the sleeper bus is one of the most popular options, especially for locals and backpackers looking for an affordable way to travel.
Bus information:
- Duration: Approximately 9 hours
- Schedule: 10+ buses per day, most of which are night buses
- Price: Standard sleeper costs around 15 euros; VIP sleeper buses are priced at 22 euros
The VIP sleeper buses are highly recommended for their added comfort, offering almost double the space and greater privacy compared to standard sleeper buses.
Option 4: Custom made tour
For those who prefer a more personalized and convenient travel experience, a custom-made tour is an excellent option. This allows you to have every detail tailored to your preferences, from transportation and accommodation to activities. A custom tour can be designed to suit your budget, travel style, and desired experiences.
For example, you could start with a limousine van transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, explore the highlights of the province, and then take a sleeper train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi. Once in Dong Hoi, you’d be picked up by a private car and driven to Phong Nha, where you can explore the national park’s jungles and caves at your own pace.
Your trip could continue with a private car transfer from Phong Nha to Hue, taking a scenic route through the historic DMZ, and then on to Hoi An via the stunning Hai Van Pass. Along the way, you can enjoy stops and sightseeing tailored to your interests, whether you prefer cultural experiences, nature, or historical sites.
With a custom tour, anything is possible, and you’ll have full flexibility in terms of budget, activities, and the type of traveler experience you want. It’s the ultimate way to make the most of your time in Vietnam without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.
