Content
How to get from Hue to Phong Nha
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 4,5 hours | 150.000 VND (€6) | Check bus tickets |
| Train | 4,5 hours | 215.000 VND (€8) | Check train tickets |
Option 1
Bus from Hue to Phong Nha (recommended)
4,5 hours, 150.000 VND (€6)
We recommend taking a bus from Hue to Phong Nha. The advantage of the bus is that it leaves from Hue center and brings you directly to Phong Nha. Even better, there is a bus that makes a stop at the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Ben Hai River. Visiting the Vinh Moc tunnels is a very interesting experience what we definitely recommend.
Option 2
Train + Bus from Hue to Phong Nha
4,5 hours, 215.000 VND (€8)
When you take the train, you first have to go to Hue railway station and take a local bus or taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.
Option 1: Bus
Route: Hue Phong Nha
Duration: 4,5 hours
Costs: 150.000 VND (€6)
There are several direct buses from Hue to Phong Nha. And even better, there is the DMZ bus stops at the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Ben Hai River.
There is also a public bus leaving from Hue to Phong Nha one time a day at 11:30, but we do not recommend this option. Bus drivers charge tourists 150.000 VND (€6), which is the same price for less comfort compared to the private bus. We recommend to travel with DMZ bus company and book the one including a stop at the DMZ.
If you do not want to stop at the DMZ, we recommend booking your ticket online with Hanh Cafe.
See the best options below
| Bus | Departure/Arrival | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Sinh Tourist bus | 06:30-11:30 | 5h | 260.000 VND (€10) |
| DMZ (with stop) | 14:00-21:00 | 7h | 500.000 VND (€19) |
| DMZ (without stop) | 14:00-18:30 | 4h 30m | 150.000 VND (€6) |
| Hung Thanh | 17:00-21:00 | 4h | 150.000 VND (€6) |
| Queen Bus Cafe | 17:00-21:30 | 4h 30m | 150.000 VND (€6) |
Overview of bus companies
The Sinh tourist bus
The Sinh tourist bus departs from “37 Nguyen Thai Hoc” at 6:30 and arrives at 11:30 in Phong Nha. This is a great option if you wish to visit the Phong Nha Cave in the afternoon. Ask your hotel or local agent in Hue to book your tickets.
Hanh Cafe/Hung Thanh bus
The Hanh Cafe bus operates in partnership with Hung Thanh bus. The bus departs from “49 Chu Van An, Hue” at 16:30 and arrives at 21:30 in Phong Nha.
Queen Bus Cafe
The bus departs from Queen Cafe Bus Office in Hue and arrives at 21:30 at the main street in Phong Nha.
DMZ bus with stop at DMZ
The DMZ bus including a stop at the DMZ, leaves at 14:00 from the DMZ bar and arrives around 21:00 in Phong Nha. The cost of 500.000 VND (€19) include the entrance fees and a local guide. This is a great opportunity to explore to DMZ, but unfortunately not always available
DMZ bus without stop at DMZ
Same departure time at 14:00 from DMZ bar, but arrives a few hours earlier at 18:30 in Phong Nha.
Option 2: Train + Bus
Route: Hue Dong Hoi Phong Nha
Duration: 4,5 hours
Costs: 215.000 VND (€8)
When you want to travel by train to Phong Nha you have to book a train from Hue to Dong Hoi (not Dong Ha!).
Dong Hoi train station is 40km south of Phong Nha and takes about 1,5 hour by bus or taxi to Phong Nha.
Train: Hue Dong Hoi
Duration: 3 hours
Costs: 155.000 VND (€6)
We recommend taking train SE10, leaving at 13:05 in Hue and arriving at 16:04 in Dong Hoi. With this train, you can still take one of the two last public buses leaving at 16:00 or 17:00 to Phong Nha.
| Train | Departure/Arrival | Duration | Soft Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE6 | 05:00-08:27 | 3h 27m | 161.000 VND (€6) |
| SE10 | 13:05-16:04 | 2h 59m | 155.000 VND (€6) |
| SE4 | 15:31-18:28 | 2h 57m | 158.000 VND (€6) |
| SE2 | 16:26-19:20 | 2h 54m | 153.000 VND (€6) |
Bus: Dong Hoi Phong Nha
Duration: 1-1,5 hours
Costs: 60.000 VND (€2)
You can walk (15min) or take a taxi from the railway station in Dong Hoi. A taxi costs just 25.000 VND (€0,90) and won’t take more than 5min.
From this bus station can catch the local bus to Phong Nha for 35.000 VND (€1,30). This bus ride to Phong Nha takes about 1,5 hour. A more expensive but faster alternative is to take a taxi to Phong Nha.
See From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for more details.
My 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 €19,- 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 €22.
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2 comments
Hi Maarten, where could I find more info about the DMZ bus with stop at DMZ? Thanks!
Hi Anne! You can book a bus ticket without a stop at the DMZ bar in Hue for 150.000 VND, however they have not (yet) confirmed to me if they also sell the tickets including a stop. Alternatively, you could contact [email protected] to reserve your ticket via email. When I have more information I will update this post! Good luck!