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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 (950,000 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).
Reach out to our Community
6Where does the bus leave from in Dong Hoi
Hi Holly, we shared the google maps location of the bus station in "Route 1 (geckoroutes.com)".
Hi Vicky! We know this reply is a bit late. But thank you so much for your feedback. This helped us confirm the latest transport details from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. We've also updated the article accordingly. We hope you had a great time in Vietnam. Happy travels!
Thanks for letting us know about this, Greg. We've shared this information on the page. Safe travels!
Thank you for sharing this update! Just updated the prices. Safe travels!
Hi Grant! Thanks a lot for this confirmation! Just updated the prices as you quoted. Hope you had an amazing time in Phong Nha! Safe travels!
Hello Patrice, Sorry to hear you have been waiting for the bus. I double checked my sources, but I haven't heard about any update on the schedule. However, delays in Vietnam are not uncommon and it happens from time to time that you have to wait for 30min-1hr. In case there is a new bus schedule, I would love to see the new schedule. Any chance you have a picture of this?
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 (420,000 VND) per night.
Phong Nha Dawn House
You'll probably find it slightly hard to believe that rooms also start at $16 (420,000 VND) 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 (420,000 VND) 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 (1,000,000 VND) 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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