Overview Compare Bus Taxi To Stay
How to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
Dong Hoi is the capital of Quang Binh Province in central Vietnam. When travelling by train or flight, this city also serves as the gateway to the nearby Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can choose from 2 ways to travel the 45 km from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha: a 1.5-hour bus or a 1-hour taxi. Rates start from 50,000 VND ($2.10) and 400,000 VND ($17), respectively.
2 ways to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
On a budget? The public bus is a cheap way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. Ticket prices start from 50,000 VND ($2.10) and you can take the bus whether you’re coming from Dong Hoi Railway Station or Dong Hoi Airport. The bus drops you off at the main street in Phong Nha.
Travelling in a group? You can also take a taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for about 400,000 VND ($17) to 500,000 VND ($21). The taxi saves you the hassle of finding your way to bus stations and brings you directly to your hotel.
Itinerary from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
Public Bus
- Dong Hoi
- 1.5 hours
- Phong Nha
Taxi
- Dong Hoi
- 1 hour
- Phong Nha
Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Public Bus
UPDATE (January 2023): A reader shared that Bus 4 from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is not operating. Instead, private bus drivers are charging 100,000 VND ($4.25) per person. We’ll update the page once we confirm the availability of Bus 4.
The public bus is the cheapest way to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. You are to take Bus 4, a green and yellow-coloured bus with a huge sign on the front that says: Dong Hoi – Hoan Lao – Phong Nha.
The first bus departs at 05:30, and then you can expect an hourly departure from 06:00 to 17:00.
Bus 4 makes several stops in Phong Nha city centre. We recommend telling the driver beforehand where you’re headed so he can drop you off at the nearest bus stop.
Route 1: Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha by Bus
When you are coming from Dong Hoi Railway Station, the closest bus stop for Bus 4 is located about 1 km away.
You can find this bus stop ACROSS the central bus station, or Ben Xe Nam Ly. This bus station is a 15-minute walk from the train station. You can also take a short taxi ride for around 40,000 VND ($1.70).
Not that Bus 4 does NOT enter the terminal, you’ll have to hail it from the street. Just find the blue signboard with Bus 4 written on it!
The bus ride from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha costs 50,000 VND ($2.10) and takes about 1.5 hours.
Route 2: Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha by Bus
Are you coming from Dong Hoi Airport? You can find Bus 4 just outside the airport gates.
Simply walk out to the main road, turn right and walk for around 100m, then you should already find the blue signboard for the B4 bus stop.
Taxi drivers will try to talk you into getting a ride. Just shake your head and say you are waiting for a bus.
The bus journey from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha takes around 1 hour and a ticket costs 50,000 VND ($2.10).
Opposite Route: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi by Bus
When travelling in the opposite direction from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi, you can catch the bus from the main street in Phong Nha.
There are several bus stops within the city centre. It’s best to check with your accommodation where to find the nearest bus stop from your hotel. Also, confirm with them the latest schedules so you won’t have to wait long at the pick-up point.
Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Taxi
Want more comfort? Then taking a taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is your best option.
Many accommodations in Phong Nha offer pick-up service from and to Dong Hoi. Inquire with your hotel beforehand so you can compare prices and see if their private transfer will be more convenient than hailing your own taxi.
Route 1: Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha by Taxi
Taxis are parked just outside Dong Hoi Railway Station. Make sure to agree on a price for getting onboard though!
Taxi rates from the train station in Dong Hoi to Phong Nha range from 400,000 VND ($17) to 500,000 VND ($21). But drivers often try to charge so much more.
Just give your best haggling skills and make sure to agree on a reasonable rate before going on your way.
Route 2: Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha by Taxi
You can already find plenty of taxi choices as you get out of the arrivals hall of Dong Hoi Airport.
A reasonable taxi rate from Dong Hoi Airport to Pong Nha costs around 400,000 VND ($17) to 500,000 VND ($21). However, drivers at the airport are known for charging more, sometimes up to 1,000,000 VND ($42.50).
This is why, when coming from Dong Hoi Airport, we recommend that you pre-book your ride online. BookAway offers good cars with trusted drivers and fixed prices. Rates start from 576,000 VND ($24.50) for a 3-seater car.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Our favourite places to stay in Phong Nha
Thao Nguyen Homestay
Thanks to the great hospitality of the family, this 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 center of Phong Nha. Rooms with mountain views already start from $21,- including an outstanding breakfast!
Bonus: Free cancellation policy till the last day!
Phong Nha Rustic Home
Want a more unique experience? The interior of Phong Nha Rustic Home creates a real rustic feel which makes you feel one with nature. It's located outside the city center, but you can use their free-bicycle rental to explore the National Parks or get to the center. Rooms start from $24.
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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.
