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Phong Nha is the gateway to Vietnam's biggest cave country. The national park next door holds Son Doong, the world's largest cave. There are gentler show caves you can walk through too. The cheapest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is the public bus at $2.30 (60,000 VND). The ride takes 1h - 1h 20m. A taxi is the quickest way at $36 (947,000 VND).
Distance from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
Dong Hoi and Phong Nha are about 35 km (22 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 40 km by road. The quickest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is by taking the taxi or private car, which takes around 50m - 1h.
2 ways to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
There are two ways to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. The journey takes 50m–1h and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $2.30 (60,000 VND).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Route 1: Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha by Bus1h 20m
- Route 2: Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha by Bus1h
2 legs — see itinerary
- Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha by Taxi1h
- Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha by Taxi50m
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6Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Public Bus
The public bus is the cheapest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. A ticket costs $2.30 (60,000 VND) for the bus journey that takes about 1h - 1h 20m.
You are to take Bus #4 (B4), a green and yellow-coloured bus with a huge sign on the front that says: Bus 4 Dong Hoi – Hoan Lao – Phong Nha – Trooc.
The first bus departs at 05:30, with hourly departures from 06:00 to 17:00.
Bus 4 makes several stops in Phong Nha city centre. We recommend telling the driver beforehand where you’re headed so he can drop you off at the nearest bus stop.
From Dong Hoi Railway Station, the closest bus stop for Bus 4 is about 1 km away.
You can find this bus stop across from the central bus station Ben Xe Nam Ly. This bus station is a 15-minute walk from the train station. You can also take a short taxi ride for around $1.50 (40,000 VND).
Not that Bus 4 does NOT enter the bus station. You’ll have to wait for it across Ben Xe Nam Ly. You can ask the locals for the exact location of the bus stop, or you can just look for the blue signboard bearing the route guide for B4.
TOP TIP: There are also minivans operating from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. A minivan seat costs about $2.30 (60,000 VND), making it an alternative option if you miss the hourly bus. However, it’s a hit-or-miss situation with the minivans. Sometimes, they are faster than the local bus. Other times, travel time can take up to 2 hours because of the many stops. Also, minivans can be fully packed — with both passengers and courier packages.
Route 2: Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha by Bus
Are you coming from Dong Hoi Airport? You can find Bus 4 just outside the airport gates.
Simply walk out to the main road, turn right and walk for around 100 m. You should already find the blue signboard for the B4 bus stop.
Taxi drivers will try to talk you into getting a ride. Just shake your head and say you are waiting for a bus.
The bus journey from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha takes around 1 hour and a ticket costs $2.30 (60,000 VND).
Opposite Route: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi by Bus
When travelling in the opposite direction from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi, you can catch the bus from the main street in Phong Nha.
There are several bus stops within the city centre. It’s best to check with your accommodation where to find the nearest bus stop from your hotel. Also, confirm with them the latest schedules so you won’t have to wait long at the pick-up point.
Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Taxi or Private Car
Want more comfort? Then taking a taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is your best option.
Many accommodations in Phong Nha offer pick-up service from and to Dong Hoi. Inquire with your hotel beforehand so you can compare prices and see if their private transfer will be more convenient than hailing your own taxi.
Option 1: Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha by Taxi
Taxis are parked just outside Dong Hoi Railway Station.
Taxi rates from the train station in Dong Hoi to Phong Nha start from $23 (600,000 VND), but drivers often try to charge so much more.
Just give your best haggling skills and make sure to agree on a reasonable rate before going on your way.
Option 2: Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha by Taxi
You can find plenty of taxi choices as you get out of the arrivals hall of Dong Hoi Airport.
A reasonable taxi rate from Dong Hoi Airport to Pong Nha is about $23 (600,000 VND). However, drivers at the airport are known for charging more — sometimes up to $38 (1,000,000 VND).
For fixed taxi prices when coming from Dong Hoi Airport, you can consider booking your ride online in advance. BookAway offers good cars with trusted drivers. Online taxi rates start from $36 (947,000 VND).
Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Phong Nha
Here are our favourite places to stay in Phong Nha for every budget.
Thao Nguyen Homestay
Thanks to the great hospitality of the family, Thao Nguyen Homestay will feel like your home. After a day of trekking, you can take a dive in the pool or sit back and relax with a Netflix movie.
The homestay is located right in front of the bus stop in the centre of Phong Nha. The rooms are bright and spacious, with some of them offering spectacular views of the mountains.
- Mountain views
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bright and spacious rooms
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $16 per night.
Phong Nha Dawn House
You'll probably find it slightly hard to believe that rooms also start at $16 at Phong Nha Dawn House. This place has an almost perfect rating for a reason.
Tu Tu and her family make you feel right at home in their beautiful homestay where you can enjoy a refreshing swimming pool, delicious restaurant and comfortable rooms.
- Great value for money
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Delicious restaurant
- Free breakfast
Private rooms start from $16 per night.
Karst Villas Phong Nha
Floating in an infinity pool overlooking endless rice fields, can you think of anything better? How about if on top of that, there are mountains in the background and you're staying with a beautiful Vietnamese family?
Karst Villas offer all of that plus modern room and unique bathrooms. A very memorable stay!
- Infinity pool
- Incredible views
- Amazing family
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $38 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Phong Nha?
Phong Nha is a haven for adventure seekers. Its location in central Vietnam requires more time and effort to reach, probably why fewer travellers make their way to this town. That means you can enjoy a mostly unspoiled bit of paradise when you visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its enormous cave system — which includes the world’s largest cave (Hang Son Doong) and the longest dry cave in Asia (Paradise Cave). Outdoor lovers will also enjoy the lush hiking trails, karst mountains, and amazing wildlife in Phong Nha.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, roughly 35 kilometres (22 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $2.30 (60,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 50m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha?
The distance from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is 35 kilometres (22 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha?
The fastest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is by private transport and takes 50m - 1h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha?
The cheapest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is by bus with ticket costs starting from 60,000 VND.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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