How to get from Hoi An 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 335 kilometers (208 miles) from Hoi An to Phong Nha. You can choose between the bus, private transfer and train. The journey takes 6 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 55 minutes and the quickest way is by private transfer. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 319,000 VND ($12.30).

Several companies offer direct bus trips from Hoi An to Phong Nha. With this option, you won’t have to worry about any transfers. But you’ll also miss the scenic views you can get with the train.

That’s because buses operating on this route pass through the Hai Van Tunnel instead of the Hai Van Pass.

Bus fares start from 319,000 VND ($12.30) for the ride that takes 6 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 5 minutes.

Departure and arrival station

Grouptour departs from Hoi An Luxury SSB, while Queen Cafe leaves from its own headquarters in Hoi An. You can find both along Ton Duc Thang Street, some 1.5km north of the Old Town.

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

We recommend taking a day train from Hoi An to Phong Nha. You will lose a day of travelling, but for a part of this, you will be breezing through the famous Hai Van Pass, a 21km mountain pass overlooking the sea from Hue to Da Nang. And that will make it all worth it.

Although travelling the Hai Van Pass by motorbike will be the most exciting, the train ride between Da Nang and Dong Hoi (step 2) will still reward you with magnificent scenery.

Below we will explain which steps to take when travelling by train.

From Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station, you can take either a minivan or a taxi. Both options take about 45m - 2h.

A minivan ticket costs around 67,000 VND ($2.60) and you can catch a ride from 06:00 to 20:00 daily. There are a number of companies offering minivans for this route and they depart from their own offices in Hoi An city centre.

If you prefer to be picked up from your hotel, you can get a private transfer with fares from 440,000 VND ($17).

Book your minivan or private transfer beforehand through BookAway, which offers comfortable vehicles at a fixed rate. This way, you won’t have to deal with drivers offering overpriced taxi rides. See our page on DaNang Railway Station for more details.

IMPORTANT: Previously, there were cheap local buses operating from Hoi An to Da Nang. But the last time we checked (September 2024), these were no longer available.

From Da Nang, you can then take a 5h 25m - 6h 25m train to Dong Hoi.

We recommend taking a train that travels during the day and will allow you to enjoy the views all throughout the journey.

Train fares start from 241,000 VND ($9.30) for a soft seat. More expensive sleeper berths are also available if you’re hoping to get some sleep.

If you take a day train to Dong Hoi, you won’t make it in time for the buses. Your only way to get to Phong Nha are the taxis parked outside the train station.

Taxi prices from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha start from 400,000 VND ($15.40).

If you choose to take the night train (and miss the scenic views), you will be able to catch the local bus. A ticket costs 50,000 VND ($1.90).

Visit our guide for Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for the bus schedules and more details.

Looking for a door-to-door ride? You can get a private transfer from Hoi An to Phong Nha.

Larger vehicles are also available for bigger groups of up to eight people.

Private Transfer options from Hoi An to Phong Nha