How to get from Hue 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 210 kilometers (130 miles) from Hue to Phong Nha. You can choose between the bus, private transfer and train. The journey takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 206,000 VND ($7.90).

Queen Cafe and Grouptour offer direct buses from Hue to Phong Nha. Ticket prices start from 206,000 VND ($7.90) for the 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours journey.

There also used to be a DMZ Bus Tour that made a stop at the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Ben Hai River. The last time we checked (September 2024), this tour was temporarily suspended.

Travelling by train involves an extra bus or taxi transfer because there is no train station in Phong Nha. You can only take the train up to Dong Hoi Railway Station, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha.

You can choose from a number of trains when travelling from Hue to Dong Hoi.

Ticket prices start from 154,000 VND ($5.90) for a soft seat, which should be comfortable enough for the journey that takes 2h 55m - 3h 15m. More expensive sleeper bunks are also available if you’re looking to catch up on some snooze.

Trains depart from Hue Train Station, just across Perfume River and 2 km away from the Imperial City. You are to get off at Dong Hoi Railway Station, 40 km southeast of Phong Nha.

From Dong Hoi Railway Station, you can take a 1.5-hour bus or a 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha. Rates start from 50,000 VND ($1.90) and 400,000 VND ($15.40), respectively.

Buses from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha are available only from 05:30 to 17:00. This means that you can only catch the bus if you take the early morning train (SE8). All other trains will arrive in Dong Hoi outside the operating hours of the bus.

You can find the nearest bus stop some 1.5 km away across Dong Hoi’s Central Bus Station. That’s about 15 minutes away on foot or 5 minutes away by taxi, which costs around 40,000 VND ($1.50).

If you’re taking any of the trains leaving in the afternoon, then you have no choice but to get a taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. You can find them just outside the train station. Prepare to haggle because some drivers will try to charge you at least 500,000 VND ($19.20) or more!

See our guide for Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for more details.

Looking for a private ride? You can also get a taxi from Hue to Phong Nha. Rates start from 2,628,000 VND ($100) for a 2-seater car.

Book your private transfer through BookAway so you can expect a spacious car with a professional driver.

Book a Private Transfer with BookAway

Private Transfer options from Hue to Phong Nha