What to expect when visiting 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.
3 ways to get from CatBa to Phong Nha
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 365 kilometers (227 miles) from CatBa to Phong Nha by bus (10 to 14 hours), flight (6 hours 30 minutes) and bus via Hanoi (10 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 6 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €22 for the bus.Where to stay in Phong Nha?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phong Nha at the bottom of this page.
CatBa to Phong Nha by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from CatBa to Phong Nha. Bus fares start from €22 and the journey takes around 10 to 14 hours.
You can choose from thirteen bus companies operating on this route.
Bus options from CatBa to Phong Nha
Indirect Bus+Ferry via Ninh Binh
With the bus, you also have the option of booking your tickets separately. Taking a bus from CatBa to Phong Nha via Ninh Binh will be more scenic than the alternative route via Hanoi.
Ninh Binh’s province is rich in natural wonders. We highly recommend including this in your itinerary and staying here for a few days. But if you’re short on time, at least spend an afternoon exploring the town of Tam Coc while waiting for your overnight bus to Phong Nha.
Step 1: CatBa to Ninh Binh by Bus + Ferry
From CatBa, you can take a combined bus/limo van and ferry to Ninh Binh. Travel time is around 4h - 4h 30m and ticket prices start from €8.40.
There are two main companies operating on this route: The Long Travel (bus) and Discovery Travel (limo van).
The Long Travel departs from The Long Office in CatBa city centre and parks at The Long Hotel in Tam Coc centre.
Discovery Travel leaves from CatBa Swan Hotel in the city centre and arrives at Ninh Binh Central Hotel in the centre of Ninh Binh.
Why we recommend making a stopover in Tam Coc
There are 2 arrival points in Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh City and the laidback village of Tam Coc.
Since you’re already making a stop here, we highly recommend that you make the most of it by joining an afternoon boat tour along Trang An River. To do this, take the morning trip of The Long Travel so that you will already be in Tam Coc by noon.
After the boat tour, you can have an early dinner or play pool at Tam Coc Bungalow. From its terrace, enjoy a beautiful view of the limestone landscape — with villagers paddling through the river — and regret you cannot stay here longer.
Alternatively, if you’re just passing through Ninh Binh, take the Discovery Travel limo van that departs at noon. This will take you only up to Ninh Binh City, where you won’t have much to do, but you can use the few hours of waiting time by having an early dinner.
Visit our page on CatBa to Ninh Binh for more info.
Step 2: Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by Bus
Only night buses operate from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. Travel time is 6h 10m - 9h 40m, depending on which bus you take. Ticket prices start from €13.50 for a sleeper bunk.
The good thing about these buses is that they travel overnight — you can sleep throughout the journey and wake up at the national park.
You can choose from two bus companies: Queen Cafe and Grouptour. Queen Cafe departs from Ninh Binh Central Hotel in Ninh Binh city centre. Grouptour leaves from its headquarters in Tam Coc centre.
Both buses park at Central Backpackers Hostel in Phong Nha town centre.
You can also take a night train from Ninh Binh, but this will only bring you up to Dong Hoi. From here, you will still need to take a 1.5-hour bus or 1-hour taxi to reach Phong Nha.
See the page of Ninh Binh to Phong Nha for more details.
CatBa to Phong Nha by Bus via Hanoi
Taking a bus from CatBa to Phong Nha via Hanoi is a good option if you’re looking to spend a few hours in the capital. The waiting time for your connecting transfer will allow you to explore the Old Quarter and its busy streets.
This route takes around the same time as the bus via Ninh Binh — around 10 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes.
Step 1: Cat Ba to Hanoi by Bus + Ferry
Good Morning Cat Ba and Daiichi Travel operate several bus trips from CatBa to Hanoi daily. This includes a short ferry ride, but your tour operator takes care of the transfers so you won’t have to worry about anything.
Ticket prices start from €10 and travel time is around 3h - 6h 30m.
Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for ferries in Asia to be delayed or cancelled because of the rough seas. See below our recommended bus schedules that will give you ample time to catch your connecting bus or train in Hanoi.
Good Morning Cat Ba departs from CatBa Oasis Bungalows in the city centre and parks at its office in Hanoi, about 1 km north of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Daiichi Travel departs from its headquarters in CatBa centre and arrives at its Hanoi office, just a few metres north of Hoan Kiem Lake.
PRO TIP: Have an early dinner in Hanoi or buy a meal for takeout before boarding your connecting bus. You’ll have a lot of good food choices in the city. The buses going to Phong Nha stop for a dinner break, but oftentimes the driver does not pick a good place to eat.
Visit our guide for travelling from CatBa to Hanoi for more information.
Step 2: Hanoi to Phong Nha by Bus
Buses bound for Phong Nha depart from Hanoi in the early evening. Travel time is 7h 30m - 12h, but all buses travel overnight so you can sleep for the most part of the journey.
Bus fares start from €14.80 and you can choose from a number of bus companies.
Queen Cafe leaves from its office in Hanoi’s French Quarter. Grouptour departs from Hanoi SSB, some 600m north of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Both companies park at Central Backpackers Hostel in Phong Nha.
Visit our page for Hanoi to Phong Nha for more tips on this route.
CatBa to Phong Nha by Flight
We don’t really recommend taking a flight from CatBa to Phong Nha.
First, there are no airports in both cities. Second, with all the transfers, you won’t really get to save a lot of time by taking a flight. Third, taking a flight is the most expensive option and we don’t think it’s worth all the hassle.
Do you still want to take a flight from CatBa to Phong Nha? Read on for a step-by-step guide.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: CatBa to Hanoi by Bus & Ferry
First, you will take a combined bus & ferry from CatBa to Hanoi. It’s best to depart in the morning so that you’ll have ample time to catch your flight.
Travel time is around 3.5 hours. Rates start from 275,000 VND (€10.10) and you can book your tickets online beforehand through BookAway.
Step 2: Hanoi to Hanoi Airport by Bus
From Hanoi city centre, the best way to get to Noi Bai Airport is via Express Bus 86. This bus departs from Hanoi Railway Station and makes several pick-up stops near the Old Quarter before going on its way to the airport.
A ticket costs 45,000 VND (€1.70) for the journey that takes 1 hour.
Check out our page for Hanoi Airport for more transport options.
Step 3: Hanoi to Dong Hoi by Flight
From Hanoi, you will then take a flight to Dong Hoi Airport, the nearest airport to Phong Nha. This flight takes around 1 hour.
Airfares start from 620,000 VND (€23). It’s best to book your flight well in advance as prices can go beyond 1,100,000 VND (€40) during the busy season.
SIDE NOTE: The closest airport to CatBa is actually in Hai Phong, but there are no direct flights from here to Dong Hoi. All flights still make a layover in Hanoi and are triple the price, with fares from 1,800,000 VND (€66).
Step 4: Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Bus/Taxi
From Dong Hoi Airport, you can take either a bus or a taxi to Phong Nha. Travel time is about 1 hour.
The bus is the cheaper option at around 50,000 VND (€1.80). Buses are available every day from 05:30-17:00. You can hail them from the main road outside the airport, just find the B4 bus stop. This bus will drop you off along the main road in Phong Nha.
Taxis are also available at the airport. Taxi fares start from 400,000 VND (€14.70).
For more details, check out our page for Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.
Best places to stay in Phong Nha
Thao Nguyen Homestay - Budget Friendly
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 - Budget Friendly
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 - Mid Range
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about CatBa to Phong Nha
What is the distance from CatBa to Phong Nha?
The distance from CatBa to Phong Nha is 365 kilometers (227 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from CatBa to Phong Nha?
The fastest way to get from CatBa to Phong Nha is by flight and takes 6 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from CatBa to Phong Nha?
The cheapest way to get from CatBa to Phong Nha is by bus with ticket costs starting from €22.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from CatBa to Phong Nha. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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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.
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.
