How to Travel to Phong Nha from Hanoi
All buses are becoming increasingly popular with most companies now stopping directly in Phong Nha (rather than 45 km away in Dong Hoi). If you are heading down from Hanoi you will arrive at around 6:00 AM giving you enough time for breakfast before the start of your trekking adventure. Most buses also depart around 9:00 PM giving you enough time after your tour to relax and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants before taking off. Buses connect Phong Nha with Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.
HANOI TO/FROM PHONG NHA
It is relatively easy to reach Phong Nha from Hanoi and vice versa with a number of transport options including train, bus and of course by flight. Most bus companies will now stop directly in Phong Nha, and taking a bus is therefore becoming a popular choice amongst travellers as it saves on the additional transfer required from Dong Hoi (closest train station and airport to Phong Nha).
HUE TO/FROM PHONG NHA
Hue is located just a few hours drive from the jungle and caving capital of Vietnam. It is a relatively convenient route with trains and buses of offer from a number of companies, as well as it being a short drive by private transfer if you preferred.
DA NANG (HOI AN) TO/FROM PHONG NHA
Da Nang is the biggest city in central Vietnam with beautiful beaches, mountains and a 45 mins drive from the UNESCO world-heritage town of Hoi An. It is a 7 hour train/bus journey between Da Nang and Phong Nha.
HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHONG NHA
Ho Chi Minh City, also still known by its former name of Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam. It is a focal point for those looking to see highlights such as the Mekong Delta, and it’s also a hub for international travel.
The only practical way to journey between Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Phong Nha is to take a flight with Vietnam Airlines (or from February, Jetstar Pacific Airlines) to Dong Hoi City (located 45 mins drive from Phong Nha). The tickets cost between $80 and $120 each way and please note the flights are not daily.
The bus and train journeys are both just too long to be viable options for those wanting to get quickly between the two cities. Alternatively, for those on a budget but who have a little bit more time, it’s common to find that the cheapest flights are often available between HCMC and Da Nang or Hue (versus direct to Dong Hoi). From Da Nang or Hue, one can find a train to get to Dong Hoi, or even a bus to Phong Nha directly.
