Hoi An to Phong Nha

How to Get From Hoi An to Phong Nha

3Options
6h 30mFastest
$12From
ElaMaartenWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten · Updated 3 weeks ago

Bus · Train · Private Transfer

Phong Nha is cave country, 289 kilometres (180 miles) north of Hoi An. Its national park holds Son Doong, the world's largest known cave. The cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Phong Nha is the bus at $12 (325,000 VND). The private transfer is the quickest option at 6h 30m - 6h 40m, and it costs a good deal more.

DISTANCE

Distance from Hoi An to Phong Nha

Hoi An and Phong Nha are about 289 km (180 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 339 km by road. The quickest way to get from Hoi An to Phong Nha is by taking the private transfer, which takes around 6h 30m - 6h 40m.

~289 km
Straight-line distance
~339 km
Route distance
6h 30m
Fastest
COMPARE

3 ways to travel from Hoi An to Phong Nha

There are three ways to travel from Hoi An to Phong Nha. You can choose between the bus, train, and private transport. The journey takes 6h 30m–7h 10m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $12 (325,000 VND).

Bus18 departuresDuration6h 45m+Pricefrom$12325,000 VND

Hoi An to Phong Nha by Bus

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 $12 (325,000 VND) for the ride that takes 6h 45m - 9h 5m.

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.

Bus schedule from Hoi An to Phong Nha

8h30mGreen TripsSleeping105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnCentral Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha13:00$12325,000 VNDTickets
8h30mGreen TripsVIP Cabin105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnCentral Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha13:00$15390,000 VNDTickets
8hQueen Cafe BusLuxury SleepingQueen Cafe Hoi An officeCentral Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha13:00$15405,000 VNDTickets
8hQueen Cafe BusSleepingQueen Cafe Hoi An officeCentral Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha13:00$16420,000 VNDTickets
8hFull Moon PartySleepingHoi An Full Moon BusPhong Nha Hung Thanh Bus Office12:50$16425,000 VNDTickets
Show all 25 companies
8hFull Moon PartySleepingHoi An Full Moon BusPhong Nha Hung Thanh Bus Office13:0013:10$16425,000 VNDTickets
9h5mCamel TravelVIP SleepingHoi An CityThien Phu Hostel12:00$17435,000 VNDTickets
8hGrouptourSleepingHoian Luxury SSBPhong Nha SSB13:00$19490,000 VNDTickets
8hGrouptourSleepingHoian Luxury SSBPhong Nha SSB13:1013:15$19490,000 VNDTickets
6h45mTechbus VN JSCVIP 20 Seats105 Ton Duc ThangTbus Phongnha07:00$19495,000 VNDTickets
6h45mTechbus VN JSCVIP 20 Seats105 Ton Duc ThangTbus Phongnha07:2513:4014:00$19495,000 VNDTickets
7hTechbus VN JSCSleeping105 Ton Duc ThangTbus Phongnha13:30$23610,000 VNDTickets
7hTechbus VN JSCSleeping105 Ton Duc ThangTbus Phongnha13:50$23610,000 VNDTickets
8hGrouptourVIP 32 SeatsHoian Luxury SSBPhong Nha SSB13:00$24610,000 VNDTickets
8hGrouptourVIP 32 SeatsHoian Luxury SSBPhong Nha SSB13:1013:20$24620,000 VNDTickets
7h10mDuc Duong BusVIP Cabin105 Ton Duc ThangThien Phu Backpacker Hostel07:1007:2013:3513:55$27700,000 VNDTickets
7h10mDuc Duong BusVIP Cabin105 Ton Duc ThangThien Phu Backpacker Hostel07:00$27700,000 VNDTickets
7h10mDuc Duong BusVIP Cabin105 Ton Duc ThangCentral Backpackers Hostel Phong Nha07:1007:2013:3513:55$27700,000 VNDTickets
7h10mDuc Duong BusVIP Cabin105 Ton Duc ThangCentral Backpackers Hostel Phong Nha07:00$27700,000 VNDTickets
7hTP BookingVIP 22 Sleeper105 Ton Duc ThangTP Booking Office07:30$27710,000 VNDTickets
6h45mTechbus VN JSCLuxury Sleeping105 Ton Duc ThangTbus Phongnha14:00$28730,000 VNDTickets
7hTechbus VN JSCLuxury Sleeping105 Ton Duc ThangTbus Phongnha13:45$28730,000 VNDTickets
9hTBusSleeping105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnCentral Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha13:00$29750,000 VNDTickets
9hTBusLuxury Sleeping105 Ton Duc Thang, Hoi AnCentral Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha13:00$37980,000 VNDTickets
8hTBusVIP Sleeping137 Tran Nhan TongCentral Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha13:00$461,220,000 VNDTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Phong Nha
TrainVia Da Nang · 54 departuresDuration7h 10m+Pricefrom$28740,000 VND

Hoi An to Phong Nha by Train

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.

Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang by Minivan

45m - 2h$2.60 (68,000 VND)

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 $2.60 (68,000 VND) 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 $17 (440,000 VND).

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: Cheap local buses run from Hoi An to Da Nang every 20 to 30 minutes, from about 05:30 to 18:00, and take 70 to 90 minutes.

1hHoi An Food TourShuttleHighlands CoffeeDa Nang16:3019:3020:30$368,000 VNDTickets
1hHoi An Food TourTouristHighlands CoffeeRom Cafe16:3019:3020:30$5118,000 VNDTickets
1hHoi An Food TourShuttleHoi AnDa Nang21:15$7172,000 VNDTickets
1hBarri Ann TravelTouristHoi An Express officeDa Nang International Airport (DAD06:0007:0009:0010:0012:0013:00+5$7186,000 VNDTickets
1hViet Nam Travel BusVIP445 D. Hai Ba Trung133 Bui Trang Chuoc17:0019:00$7186,000 VNDTickets
Show all 13 companies
1h30mBarri Ann TravelTouristHoi An Express officeDa Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture06:0007:0009:0010:0012:0013:00+5$7186,000 VNDTickets
1h15mApril AdventureShuttleHoi An 487 Hai Ba Trung streetDa Nang Cham Museum05:5506:0006:0506:5507:0007:05+19$7190,000 VNDTickets
1h15mApril AdventureShuttleHoi An 487 Hai Ba Trung streetMy Khe Beach at Ebisu Sushi Restaurant05:5506:0006:0506:5507:0007:05+19$7190,000 VNDTickets
1h15mApril AdventureShuttleHoi An 487 Hai Ba Trung streetDa Nang International Airport05:5506:0006:0506:5507:0007:05+19$7190,000 VNDTickets
45miHome TransferTouristLa Siesta Hoi An Resort & SpaDa Nang International Airport (DAD06:0007:0009:0010:0012:0013:00+5$7194,000 VNDTickets
45miHome TransferTouristLa Siesta Hoi An Resort & SpaA La Carte Danang Beach07:0009:0012:0016:0020:00$8200,000 VNDTickets
2hHoi An Food TourTouristHoi An Food TourBa Na Hills - Parking Lot08:00$13330,000 VNDTickets
1hApril AdventureShuttleHoi An 487 Hai Ba Trung streetDa Nang Airport05:3006:0006:3007:0007:3008:00+19$13345,000 VNDTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 2: Da Nang to Dong Hoi by Train

5h 25m - 6h 25m$9.30 (244,000 VND)

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 $9.30 (244,000 VND) for a soft seat. More expensive sleeper berths are also available if you’re hoping to get some sleep.

5h54mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangDong Hoi00:56$9244,000 VNDTickets
5h54mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangDong Hoi00:5610:30$9244,000 VNDTickets
5h40mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangDong Hoi12:57$11285,000 VNDTickets
5h23mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangDong Hoi13:55$12310,000 VNDTickets
5h57mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangDong Hoi15:43$12320,000 VNDTickets
Show all 25 companies
6h23mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi10:30$14370,000 VNDTickets
6h23mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi10:30$14370,000 VNDTickets
5h54mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi00:56$15385,000 VNDTickets
5h54mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi00:56$15385,000 VNDTickets
5h40mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi12:57$16410,000 VNDTickets
5h40mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi12:57$16410,000 VNDTickets
5h23mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi13:55$16425,000 VNDTickets
5h23mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi13:55$16425,000 VNDTickets
5h57mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi15:43$17435,000 VNDTickets
5h57mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi15:43$17440,000 VNDTickets
6h23mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi10:30$17440,000 VNDTickets
6h23mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi10:30$17440,000 VNDTickets
5h54mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi00:56$17445,000 VNDTickets
5h54mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi00:56$17445,000 VNDTickets
5h23mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi13:55$19490,000 VNDTickets
5h23mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi13:55$19490,000 VNDTickets
5h57mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi15:43$20520,000 VNDTickets
5h57mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangDong Hoi15:43$20520,000 VNDTickets
5h41mViolette Express TrainShared Cabin for 4Da NangDong Hoi12:57$36950,000 VNDTickets
5h30mViolette Express TrainShared Cabin for 4Da NangDong Hoi13:51$37960,000 VNDTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Step 3: Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Taxi/Bus

1-1.5h$15 (400,000 VND)

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 $15 (400,000 VND).

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 $1.90 (50,000 VND).

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

Booking Tip

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Dong Hoi
Private Transfer3 departuresDuration6h 30m+Pricefrom$1554,050,000 VND

Hoi An to Phong Nha by Private Transfer

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

Rates start from $155 (4,050,000 VND) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $77 (2,020,000 VND) per person.

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

Hoi An
Hue Happy Travel
Standard Car 2 PAX
$155 (4,050,000 VND)
$77 (2,020,000 VND) per person
Hue Happy Travel
Standard Car 2 PAX
$155 (4,050,000 VND)
$77 (2,020,000 VND) per person
Hue Happy Travel
SUV Car 4 PAX
$170 (4,550,000 VND)
$43 (1,140,000 VND) per person
Hue Happy Travel
SUV Car 4 PAX
$170 (4,550,000 VND)
$43 (1,140,000 VND) per person
Vietnam Locals
Standard Car 3 PAX
$235 (6,200,000 VND)
$78 (2,060,000 VND) per person
Vietnam Locals
Standard Minivan 8 PAX
$320 (8,400,000 VND)
$40 (1,040,000 VND) per person
Phong Nha

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Phong Nha

Here are our favourite places to stay in Phong Nha for every budget.

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.

Check availability
Budget

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.

Check availability
Mid-Range

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.

Check availability

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 Hoi An to Phong Nha, roughly 289 kilometres (180 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $12 (325,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 6h 30m.

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 Hoi An to Phong Nha?

The distance from Hoi An to Phong Nha is 289 kilometres (180 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Hoi An to Phong Nha?

The fastest way to get from Hoi An to Phong Nha is by private transport and takes 6h 30m - 6h 40m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Phong Nha?

The cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Phong Nha is by bus with ticket costs starting from 325,000 VND.

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

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.

Maarten
MaartenReviewer

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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