Travel Guide To Phong Nha
Phong Nha is a stunning destination in Vietnam, known for its natural wonders as the world's largest cave Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha cave system with plenty of things to see and do. With its unique beauty and charm, Phong Nha has become a must-visit destination for travelers from all over the world. To make your journey to Phong Nha easier, below are the different ways you can travel to Phong Nha from various locations:
Please note: There is limited English communication on the transport network throughout Vietnam.
Travel to Vietnam
Vietnam, a country with diverse and captivating beauty, offers easy and convenient access for travelers from around the world. Visitors from abroad can reach Vietnam through air travel, waterways (from Cambodia), railways (from China to the capital city Hanoi), and roadways (international bus routes from Laos or Cambodia to Vietnam).
International Airports in Vietnam: Foreign travelers have convenient access to Vietnam through three main international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang (Da Nang).
Visa to Vietnam: For foreign travelers, it is crucial to check and obtain the appropriate visa before arriving in Vietnam. In the article "Vietnam Travel Policy Updates" on the Oxalis Adventure website, travelers can find detailed information about visa regulations and changes related to Vietnam.
From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an important tourist destination in Quang Binh province and is located about 45 km west of Dong Hoi city. It is easy and convenient to get here by taxi, motorbike, public bus, or private car.
We are happy to offer you a private transfer from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi (or vice versa) for VND 650,000/one-way/7 seater car.
If you have any questions regarding transfers or need help deciding the best means of transportation before or after an Oxalis Adventure tour, please do not hesitate to contact Oxalis consultant team for recommendations regarding your travels.
Hanoi to/from Phong Nha
It is relatively easy to reach Phong Nha from Hanoi. There are a number of transport options including train, bus and plane. Most bus companies now stop directly in Phong Nha, so this is becoming a more popular option as it saves time on having to transfer in Dong Hoi (closest train station and airport to Phong Nha).
(Please be aware that all suggested bus, train and airline companies, and their agencies, operate entirely independently of Oxalis Adventure. Bear in mind that all information is subject to change as per the transportation company’s discretion, and we accept no responsibility for the service provided by any other company)
BUS TRAVEL
Hung Thanh, Queen Cafe Bus and Camel Travel operate regular services, depart from Hanoi at 6:30 PM, 6:30 PM 7:30 PM respectively.
You can either book in person through your hotel in Hanoi, or telephone/visit their offices.
Hung Thanh Bus
• Address: 162B Tran Quang Khai St.
• Tel: 0976.34.9090 - 0345823004
• Departure time from Hanoi: 6:30 PM
• Arrival time in Phong Nha: Between 4-5 AM the next morning
• Arrival address in Phong Nha: Phong Nha - Ke Bang Tourism Center or Hung Thanh bus office in Phong Nha (opposite Central Backpacker Hostel).
Queen Cafe Bus
• Address: 208 Tran Quang Khai St.
• Tel: +84 24 3903 6036 - 02439283666
• Departure time from Hanoi: 6:30 PM
• Arrival time in Phong Nha: Between 4-5 AM the next morning
• Arrival address in Phong Nha: Thien Phu Hotel
NOTE:
These buses also provide a Phong Nha – Ha Noi route, departing from Phong Nha at 9:00 PM, and arriving into Ha Noi at 6:00 – 8:00 AM. You can buy tickets at their offices in Phong Nha or through your hotel.
TRAIN TRAVEL
Trains are an enjoyable way to travel and see a bit of the countryside. A soft-sleeper cabin is the most comfortable option with only 4 people per cabin, allowing travelers to sit up or lie down. A hard-sleeper cabin does not provide enough room to sit up, and there are 6 beds per cabin. Overnight trains are a good option; you not only get somewhere to sleep for a night but also avoid missing out on another day of adventure.
We recommend the following overnight train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi:
Train No |
Departs |
Arrives |
SE3 |
07:30 PM |
05:20 AM |
NOTE:
- Unfortunately, train schedules cannot be guaranteed, so for 1-day tours we advise you to travel directly by bus, arriving in Phong Nha on the day of your tour. If you choose to fly or travel by train, you should plan to arrive in Phong Nha one day before the tour.
- If you do arrive by train on the same morning the tour departs, please make sure you take the SE3 and have private transfer booked with Oxalis Adventure in advance.
- If you plan on traveling to Hanoi on the same evening that you complete your tour, we highly recommend you to take the overnight bus that departs at around 9:30 PM. If the train is your preferred method of travel, you will need to book a private transfer from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi. You can check the train schedule via the Vietnam Railway official website http://dsvn.vn (English/Vietnamese) or contact http://www.baolau.com to book your tickets in advance.
- You will need to book a transfer from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi in advance. We are happy to offer you a private transfer between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha in a 7-seater car for VND 650,000 each way.
AIR TRAVEL
Of course, the fastest mode of transport is to fly direct: Hanoi to Dong Ho is just a 1 hour and 25-minute flight. However, you have to factor in travel time to the airport (1 hour from the Old Quarter). It is best to book in advance with Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways websites. Otherwise, we suggest using the train or bus. Note that if you choose to fly, you will have to book a transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. We are happy to offer you a private transfer from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi for VND 650,000/one-way/7 seater car.
Ho Chi Minh City to/from Phong Nha
Ho Chi Minh City, still known by its former name of Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam. It is a focal point for those looking to see highlights such as the Mekong Delta, and it is an international transport hub.
(Please be aware that all suggested bus, train and airline companies, and their agencies, operate entirely independently of Oxalis Adventure. The following information is given in good faith, and Oxalis Adventure Tours accepts no responsibility for the services provided by any other company.)
The only practical way to journey between Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Phong Nha is to take a flight with Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways or VietjetAir to Dong Hoi City (located 45 mins drive from Phong Nha). From Dong Hoi, you will need to book a transfer to Phong Nha. We are happy to offer you a private transfer between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha in a 7-seater car for VND 650,000 each way.
The bus and train journeys are both just too long to be viable options for those wanting to travel quickly between the two cities. Alternatively, for those on a budget who have a little more time, the cheapest flights are often available between HCMC and Da Nang or Hue (versus direct to Dong Hoi). From Da Nang or Hue, one can take a train to Dong Hoi or even a bus directly to Phong Nha.
Ninh Bình to/from Phong Nha
Ninh Binh is located on the way from Hanoi to Phong Nha, so you can take the same bus or train.
(Please be aware that all suggested bus, train and airline companies, and their agencies, operate entirely independently of Oxalis Adventure; bear in mind that all the information is subject to change as per the transportation company’s discretion and we accept no responsibility for the service provided by any other company)
BUS TRAVEL
Queen Café Bus
• Address: Queen Restaurant, 27 Tháng 7 St, Ninh Binh City
• Tel: 02439283666
• Departure time: 8:00 PM
• Arrival time in Phong Nha: Between 4:00-5:00 AM
• Arrival address in Phong Nha: Thien Phu Hotel
NOTE:
Queen Cafe Bus also provides a Phong Nha – Ninh Binh route, departing at 9:00 PM and arriving in Ninh Binh at 04:00 AM. You can buy tickets in Phong Nha at Central Backpackers Hostel, located on 20 Highway, Xuan Tien Village, Phong Nha Town, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh.
TRAIN TRAVEL
Trains are an enjoyable way to travel and see a bit of the countryside. A soft-sleeper cabin is the most comfortable option with only 4 people per cabin, allowing travelers to sit up or lie down. A hard-sleeper cabin does not provide enough room to sit up, and there are 6 beds per cabin. Overnight trains are a good option; you not only get somewhere to sleep for a night but also avoid missing out on another day of adventure.
We recommend the following overnight trains from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi:
Train No |
Departs |
Arrives |
SE3 |
09:47 PM |
05:20 AM |
Unfortunately, train schedules cannot be guaranteed, so for 1-day tours we advise you to travel directly by bus, arriving in Phong Nha on the day of your tour. If you choose to fly or travel by train, you should plan to arrive in Phong Nha one day before the tour.
If you do arrive by train on the same morning the tour departs, please make sure you take the SE3 and have a private transfer booked with Oxalis Adventure in advance.
If you plan on traveling to Ninh Binh on the same evening that you complete your tour, we highly recommend you to take the overnight bus that departs at around 9:00 PM. If the train is your preferred method of travel, you can check the train schedule via the Vietnam Railway official website http://dsvn.vn (English/Vietnamese). You will need to book a private transfer from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi in advance for VND 650,000/one-way/7 seater car.
Ha Long to/from Phong Nha
Ha Long’s remote location means that you must travel to Hanoi before heading to Phong Nha by bus,train or air.
(Please be aware that all suggested bus, train and airline companies, and their agencies, operate entirely independently of Oxalis Adventure; bear in mind that all information is subject to change as per the transportation company’s discretion and we accept no responsibility for the service provided by any other company)
BUS TRAVEL
Van Luc Tung Bus
• Address: Bai Chay bus station, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
• Departure time from Ha Long: 2:30 PM
• Tel: 0915363377
• Arrival time in Dong Hoi: 5:00 AM
• Arrival address in Dong Hoi: 287 Ly Thuong Kiet, Dong Hoi
NOTE:
- From Dong Hoi, you will need to book an additional transfer to Phong Nha.
- We are happy to offer you a private transfer between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha in a 7-seater car for VND 650,000/one-way.
Hue to/from Phong Nha
Hue is located just a few hours’ drive from the jungle and caving capital of Vietnam. It is a relatively convenient route with trains and buses offered by a number of companies, as well a private transfer option if you prefer.
(Please be aware that all suggested bus, train and airline companies, and their agencies, operate entirely independently of Oxalis Adventure; bear in mind that all information is subject to change as per the transportation company’s discretion and we accept no responsibility for the service provided by any other company)
BUS TRAVEL
Hung Thanh Bus
• Address: 12 Duong Van An, Hue City
• Departure time from Hue: 4:00 - 4:30 PM
• Arrival time in Phong Nha: 9:00 – 9:30 PM
• Tel: 0905.615.715
Nhat Tuan Bus
• Address: Big C supermarket, 174 Ba Trieu / Hung Vuong - Hue City
• Departure time from Hue: 4:00 PM
• Arrival time in Phong Nha: 9:00 PM
• Tel: 02333606966
NOTE:
- You also have the option of the Tan Nhat Bus, departing from 1A Hung Vuong St (center of Hue City) at 7:00 AM and arriving in Phong Nhaat about 11:00 AM.
- For the return journey, Hung Thanh Bus services leave Phong Nha at 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM from Hung Thanh Bus Office (opposite Central Backpacker Hostel) or at hotels/motels on the main road in Phong Nha
TRAIN TRAVEL
Hue is just a short 3-hour train journey from Dong Hoi and is a popular city to visit before, or after, one of our caving adventures. However, the connections in the late evening or morning are inconvenient, and would have you arriving in Dong Hoi, bleary-eyed, at 2:00 AM or 5:00 AM, making it difficult to check in to any hotel.
We would suggest arriving the day before if you intend to take a train from Hue. This ensures you have plenty of rest before your jungle and caving adventure. Do not forget, if you are traveling on the train to Dong Hoi, you will need to book an additional transfer between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha. We are happy to offer you a private transfer between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha in a 7-seater car for VND 650,000 each way.
You can check the train schedule via the Vietnam Railway official website: http://dsvn.vn (English/Vietnamese) or contact https://www.baolau.com to book your train tickets in advance.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
We are happy to offer private transfers between Hue and Phong Nha for VND 2,800,000/1 private car/each way. Please indicate the number of passengers when booking a private transfer with us.
If you have any questions regarding transfers, or need help deciding your best means of transportation before or after an Oxalis Adventure Tour, please do not hesitate to contact an Oxalis Travel Specialist.
Da Nang/Hoi An to/from Phong Nha
Da Nang is the biggest city in central Vietnam, with beautiful beaches, mountains and only a 45 min drive from the UNESCO world heritage town of Hoi An. It is a 7 hour train/bus journey between Da Nang and Phong Nha.
(Please be aware that all suggested bus, train and airline companies, and their agencies, operate entirely independently of Oxalis Adventure; bear in mind that all information is subject to change as per the transportation company’s discretion and we accept no responsibility for the service provided by any other company)
BUS TRAVEL
Hung Thanh Bus
• Address: No 105, Ton Duc Thang street, Hoi An and No 28, 3/2 street, Da Nang
• No.28, 3/2 street, Da Nang
• Departure time from Hoi An: 01:00 – 01:30 PM
• Departure time from Da Nang: 02:00 pm – 02:30 PM
• Arrival time in Phong Nha: 09:00 – 09:30 PM
• Tel: 02343831417
Hanh Luyen Bus
• Address: Da Nang Central Bus Station
• Departure time from Da Nang: 10:00 AM and 5:40 PM
• Arrival time in Phong Nha: Varies (Kindly confirm with bus company)
• Tel: 0912173173
NOTE:
- If you are going from Phong Nha to Hoi An by bus, Hung Thanh Bus is also an option which leaves Phong Nha at 04:00 AM or 07:00 AM from Hung Thanh Bus Office, located at Capture Vietnam. However, you will stop in Hue at 12 Duong Van An St for an hour before you continue your journey to Hoi An, arriving in Hoi An at around 01:00 PM or 05:00 PM.
- The Queen Cafe Bus Travel departs Phong Nha between 04:00 – 04:30 AM from Phong Nha Thien Phu Hotel. It arrives in Hue first where you will be transferred to a different bus heading for Da Nang and arriving in Hoi An at around 12:00 – 02:00 PM.
- The Camel Bus Travel departs from Phong Nha between 04:00 - 04:30 AM and 07:00 AM – 07:30 AM from Phong Nha Backpacker Hostel. It arrives in Hue first where you will be transferred to a different bus heading for Da Nang and arriving in Hoi An at around 12:00 - 02:00 PM.
- Hanh Luyen leave Phong Nha at 7:30 PM and you can get tickets at your hotel or the booking office in Phong Nha. They reach Hue at around 12:00 AM, Da Nang at around 05:00 AM and Hoi An at around 06:00 AM.
TRAIN TRAVEL
There is no train station in Hoi An. You will need to transfer to Da Nang first if you would like to travel by train.
We recommend arriving the day before your tour if you are taking the train from Da Nang. This ensures you get a good night’s sleep, and are not arriving too early in the morning. From Dong Hoi, you will need to book an additional transfer to Phong Nha. We are happy to offer you a private transfer between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha in a 7-seater car for VND 650,000 each way.
You can check the train schedule via the Vietnam Railway official website: http://dsvn.vn (English/Vietnamese) or contact https://www.baolau.com to book your train tickets in advance.
PRIVATE TRANSFER
We are happy to offer you a private transfer between Da Nang or Hoi An and Phong Nha. To and from Da Nang costs VND 3,700,000/1 private car/each way; and to/from Hoi An costs VND 4,400,000/1 private car/each way. Please indicate the number of passengers when booking a private transfer with us.
If you have any questions regarding transfers or need help on deciding your best means of transportation before, or after, an Oxalis Adventure Tour, please do not hesitate to contact an Oxalis Travel Specialist.
Whether you prefer long treks, camping in a cave, sleeping under the stars in the jungle, swimming underground in river caves, explore the huge dry caves or just taking an exploratory day trip, Oxalis Adventure Tours can provide the right amount of adventure just for you.