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How to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
When travelling the 400 km distance from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh, you have 3 options: an 8-hour bus, a 9-hour indirect train, and an 8-hour private transfer. Rates range between 425,000 VND ($18) and 6,540,000 VND ($275).
The bus is the only direct public transport from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh. It is also the cheapest option at 425,000 VND ($18). Just because it’s direct doesn’t mean it’s convenient, though. Queen Cafe, the main bus operator for this route, doesn’t really get the best reviews.
There is no direct train from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh. When taking the train, you will take one from Dong Hoi, which you can find 40 km southeast of Phong Nha. Although indirect, trains are generally more comfortable and safer than buses in Vietnam.
If you have the budget for it, you can also get a door-to-door private transfer. Prices start from 6,540,000 VND ($275) for a 3-seater car.
Itinerary from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by Bus
Queen Cafe operates one nightly bus from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh. A bus ticket costs 425,000 VND ($18) for the 8-hour journey.
While the bus is a direct option, we can’t guarantee that it is comfortable.
Queen Cafe Bus doesn’t really get a lot of good reviews. There have been incidents of overbooked buses, rude staff, and aggressive driving. These aren’t always the case. But if you’re taking the bus, we recommend arriving early at the bus station.
Own experience: I travelled this route with Queen Bus and had a very comfortable ride. However, the last two passengers who entered the bus had to sleep in the walkway, even though they booked their tickets from their accommodation. Travelling by bus in Vietnam is not as safe as in Western countries. Taking the train is safer, but for this route, it comes with an extra transfer.
Departure and arrival station
Queen Cafe departs from Central Backpackers Hostel in Phong Nha city centre. It arrives at Ninh Binh Central Hotel in the centre of Ninh Binh.
If your hotel is in Tam Coc, you can get there by taxi for around 120,000 VND ($5).
Bus schedules from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
With limited bus trips from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh, we recommend booking your ride online at least a few days before via BookAway.
TIP: Let your accommodation know when you expect to arrive and which bus company you booked with. When luck is on your side, you can check in early and enjoy your room straight away!
Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by Train
There is no train station in Phong Nha, but there is one in the nearby city of Dong Hoi, 40 km away. From here, there are about four trains a day leaving for Ninh Binh.
Step 1: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi by Bus
You can choose from 2 ways to get from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Railway Station: a bus for 50,000 VND ($2.10) or a taxi with rates from 400,000 VND ($16.50).
Buses are available from 05:30 to 17:00. They depart from the main street in Phong Nha and stop across Dong Hoi’s Central Bus Station. From here, you can get to the train station via a 5-minute taxi for around 40,000 VND ($1.60).
See our route guide on how to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for more details.
Step 2: Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh by Train
There are four trains operating daily from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh.
Only one of those trains operates during the day. That’s 9 hours of train ride, though, and it will take up your entire day.
We recommend travelling at night so that you don’t lose a lot of daytime on the journey. But note that even with the night train, you will arrive very early in the morning in Ninh Binh. Advise your accommodation beforehand so that you can still check in as soon as you arrive.
Train schedules from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh (Sleeper berth)
You will find Ninh Binh Railway Station in the centre of Ninh Binh. From here, many accommodations are already within walking distance. But we recommend staying in Tam Coc, a laidback village along Tam Coc River.
See our guide to Ninh Binh for more on why we prefer to stay in Tam Coc.
Optional: Ninh Binh to Tam Coc by Taxi
From Ninh Binh Railway Station, you can get to Tam Coc via a 15-minute motorbike taxi or regular taxi.
Take the motorbike taxi only if you’re not carrying bulky luggage. A ride to Tam Coc costs 25,000 VND ($1) to 50,000 VND ($2.10).
Alternatively, you can take a regular taxi for 120,000 VND ($5).
Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by Private Transfer
Looking for a way to travel in private from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh? It’s quite pricey, but it’s possible.
Rates for a 3-seater car start from 6,540,000 VND ($275). You can also get a minivan that can fit up to 8 passengers. Fares start from 8,274,000 VND ($350).
Book your private transfer via BookAway to get a nice car that come with a trusted driver.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Our favourite places to stay in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
Tam Coc Family Hotel
Want to know what it feels like to stay with a Vietnamese family? Tam Coc Family Hotel really does make you feel at home with the family.
The friendly owners will tell you all of the best spots to visit in Ninh Binh, and start your day right with a delicious home-cooked breakfast. It's a great example of why you don't have to spend a lot for a great guesthouse.Another plus: It's a 1-minute walk from the Tam Coc river and drop-off point of the bus.
Tam Coc Bungalow
Do you prefer to stay at the riverside of Tam Coc? Tam Coc Bungalow has spacious bamboo bungalows right next to the Tam Coc river. Bungalows start from $32 and dorm rooms from $6.
What we really liked about this place is their open-air restuarant. From the terrace you can watch the locals paddling back to Tam Coc town during sunset and in the evening you can play a game of pool at the open restaurant area.
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About the author(s)
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.
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.
