How to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

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.

There are 3 ways to travel the 400 kilometers (249 miles) from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. You can choose between the bus, private transfer and train. The journey takes 6 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by with tickets starting at .

There are eight main bus companies operating from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. These are Green Trips, Queen Cafe Bus, The Long Travel, Full Moon Party, Camel Travel, Grouptour, Duc Duong Bus and TBus.

Ticket prices start from . Depending on which company you travel with, the bus journey from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha takes around 6 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes.

Own experience: I travelled this route with Queen Bus and had a very comfortable ride. However, the last two passengers who entered the bus had to sleep in the walkway, even though they booked their tickets from their accommodation. Travelling by bus in Vietnam is not as safe as in Western countries. Taking the train is safer, but for this route, it comes with more hassle.

Departure & Arrival station

The Queen Cafe bus departs from Ninh Binh Central Hotel in the city centre. Grouptour departs from Tam Coc Central Hostel.

Both bus companies arrive at the Central Backpackers Hostel along the main street in Phong Nha.

If you have the budget for it, it’s also possible to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by private transfer. The journey takes 8 hours so this option doesn’t come cheap.

Rates start from for a 3-seater car. Bigger vehicles are also available for larger groups.

We recommend booking your ride via BookAway so that you can expect a spacious car with a professional driver.

Private Transfer options from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

Do you want to travel by train from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha? You can only take the train to Dong Hoi (not Dong Ha!), which you can find 40 km southeast of Phong Nha.

From Dong Hoi Railway Station, you can take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha.

There are several trains operating daily from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi. But because this train journey takes roughly 7h 45m - 9h 40m, it’s best to catch an overnight train (you can see their schedules below).

With an overnight train, you won’t lose a day of travelling. You can also save a night on accommodation.

We recommend getting a bunk in a 4-berth cabin so you’ll have enough space as well as a comfortable bed to get a good night’s sleep.

Alternatively, you can get a cheaper yet less spacious bunk in a 6-berth cabin. Soft seats are also available, but we think they’ll be uncomfortable for this long journey. In that case, you might be better off taking a sleeper bus.

Train rates start from .

There are 2 ways you can get from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha: by bus for 50,000 VND (€1.80) or by taxi with fares from 400,000 VND (€14.30).

See our guide on how to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for the bus schedule and more details.