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How to get from Hue to Phong Nha?
The easiest way to travel the 210km journey from Hue to Phong Nha is by bus. This bus journey takes 4 hours and costs $6.50. Another option is to travel via train (4.5 hours), which costs $7.50.
2 ways to get from Hue to Phong Nha
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.
When you take the train, you will still have to travel to and from the railway stations. You first have to go to Hue railway station from Hue center and you also have to take a local bus or taxi from Dong Hoi railway station to Phong Nha.
Itinerary from Hue to Phong Nha
Hue to Phong Nha by Bus
There are several direct buses from Hue to Phong Nha. And even better, there is the DMZ bus, which stops at the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Ben Hai River.
There is also a public bus leaving from Hue to Phong Nha once a day at 11:30, but we do not recommend this option. Bus drivers charge tourists 155,000 VND ($6.50), which is almost 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 Hung Thanh.
Bus Schedules from Hue to Phong Nha
Overview of bus companies
The Sinh Tourist
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
The Hanh Cafe bus operates in partnership with Hung Thanh bus. The bus departs from 12 Duong Van An, Hue at 16:30 and arrives at 20:30 in Phong Nha.
Queen Bus Cafe
The bus departs at 17:00 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 ($21) includes the entrance fees and a local guide. This is a great opportunity to explore the DMZ, but unfortunately, it is 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.
Hue to Phong Nha by Train
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 hours by bus or taxi to Phong Nha.
Step 1: Hue to Dong Hoi by Train
We recommend taking train SE10, leaving at 13:00 in Hue and arriving at 16:00 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 Schedules From Hue to Dong Hoi
Step 2: Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Bus
You can walk (15min) or take a taxi from the railway station to the bus station in Dong Hoi. A taxi costs just 25,000 VND ($1.05) and won’t take more than 5min.
From the bus station, you can catch the local bus to Phong Nha for 35,000 VND ($1.45). This bus ride takes about 1.5 hours. A more expensive but faster alternative is to take a taxi straight to Phong Nha.
See From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for more details.
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.
