How to get from CatBa 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 365 kilometres (227 miles) from CatBa to Phong Nha. You can choose between the bus, flight and bus via Hanoi. The journey takes 6 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 629,000 VND ($24).

The bus is an affordable way to get from CatBa to Phong Nha. Bus fares start from 629,000 VND ($24) 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

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.

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 241,000 VND ($9.20).

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.

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 388,000 VND ($14.80) 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.

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.

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 289,000 VND ($11) 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.

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 428,000 VND ($16.30) 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.

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.

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 ($10.50) and you can book your tickets online beforehand through BookAway.

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.

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 ($23.50). It’s best to book your flight well in advance as prices can go beyond 1,100,000 VND ($42) 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 ($69).

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 ($1.90). 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 ($15.30).

For more details, check out our page for Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.