Hoi An to Phong Nha

Why visit Phong Nha from Hoi An?

It is worth making the road from Hoi An to Phong Nha because both give highly contrasting experiences in nature. Hoi An boasts an ancient town, existing up to this time, filled with tailor shops, lantern-lit streets, and historical architecture, while Phong Nha offers UNESCO-listed caves, lush landscapes, and eco-tourism.

It's also symbolic of an evolution: from the cultural allure of the old town to an outdoorsy adventure in Phong Nha. This would be a fitting travel sequel, deepening the levels of experiences in which tourists immerse themselves in Vietnam.

In case you are looking to travel in the other direction (Phong Nha to Hoi An), then we have got an updated tour guide for you as of July 2025 :)

Distance from Hoi An to Phong Nha

Hoi An to Phong Nha is about 340 km-210 miles. Not too long, but the travel time is usually extremely long because of the infrastructure in the area and geological aspects. It will take from 6 to 12 hours depending on what you consider suitable means of transport.

Travel Options: How to Get from Hoi An to Phong Nha

When planning your trip from Hoi An to Phong Nha, a variety of transport options exist, catering to various budgets and time schedules. Some of the options are explained below, together with pros and cons, cost, and some tips for travelers.

1. Hoi An to Phong Nha bus

The journey from Hoi An to Phong Nha will probably be one of the easiest and most affordable trips by bus.

Sleeper Buses

Most people who travel take night buses because they are more common to take for long-distance travel options within Vietnam. A night bus includes reclining seats where you can rest during the ride; hence, it's a pretty comfortable option.

Travel Time: 8-10 hours
Price Range: VND 300,000 – VND 500,000 ($12 - $20)
Pros: not expensive, relatively comfortable, a line.
Cons: Painfully long in duration, over-crowded during peak time, rarely stops either for food or even rest.

Booking Tips

They usually leave in late afternoon to early evening and then arrive in Phong Nha very early the next morning. It's always good to book your ticket in advance, especially in high season. You are able to book tickets from your hotel, local travel agencies, and online platforms like 12Go Asia.

2. Hoi An to Phong Nha by Train

Although it does not have any train stations, you may take a passing train from Hoi An to Da Nang heading to Dong Hoi. The latter is the nearest city to Phong Nha.

Da Nang - Dong Hoi Train

First of all, you will travel to Da Nang, which is about 30 km from Hoi An. Arrive at Da Nang by bus or taxi, several trains depart from Da Nang to Dong Hoi; then you will take a short distance trip by bus or taxi to Phong Nha.

Journey Time: 7-9 hours depending upon the train plus 1-hour transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.
Price: VND 350,000 – VND 700,000 ($15 - $30), sleeper berth.
Pros: Scenic route, less uncomfortable than buses, space to stretch your legs.
Cons: Multiple transfers; travel time is also greater than that of buses.

Reservation Tips

Trains in Vietnam can be booked online or at the station. It's recommended to book a sleeper cabin since it will be an overnight journey. When one arrives at Dong Hoi, there are always taxis and local buses available which will take one through to Phong Nha. We highly recommend using the Vexere app for booking train tickets in Vietnam.

3. Private Car or Taxi from Hoi An to Phong Nha

For travelers who want comfort and flexibility, a private car or taxi would indeed be a very good choice.

Travel Time: 7-8 hrs
Price: VND 3,500,000 – VND 5,000,000 ($150-$220), depending on the season and the class of car.
Advantages: flexible schedule, privacy, and stopping at any scenic spot en-route.
Cons: expensive, long drive.

Booking Tips

Most hotels and travel agencies in Hoi An can make a booking for you for a private transfer. This is quite ideal for small groups or families, as this is very convenient and you will enjoy countryside sceneries along the way.

4. Flight from Da Nang to Dong Hoi

Flying is the fastest way to travel between Hoi An and Phong Nha and vice versa, though it is not the most convenient, because there are no direct flights.

Da Nang to Dong Hoi Flight

There is a domestic flight available from Da Nang International Airport to Dong Hoi Airport, and from Dong Hoi, it takes about an hour to reach Phong Nha.

Journey Time: 1-hour flight, plus 1-hour transfer to Phong Nha.
Price: From VND 1,000,000 – VND 1,500,000 ($40 - $60).
Pros: fastest way, comfortable.
Disadvantages: Less flights, but also much longer journeys to and from terminals.

Reservation Tips

It is not as frequent to fly between Da Nang and Dong Hoi, so flights should be booked in advance during high seasons of travel, for sure. Although some airlines-consider Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways-provide services, they are not daily.

Key Stops between Hoi An and Phong Nha

Going to Phong Nha from Hoi An allows a person to have stops along the way to places that may be interesting to see. Irrespective of traveling by private car or using the bus, there might be need for stops at the following places:

• Hue was the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, steeped in history; it's a real hotbed for exploring ancient tombs, temples, and the Perfume River.

• Hai Van Pass: This mountain pass simply offers stunning views of the coastline and countryside.

• Dong Hoi provides easy access to Phong Nha and is a small coastal city with local markets and beaches to wander around.

Best Time to Travel from Hoi An to Phong Nha

The best time to visit Phong Nha is during the high season between February and August, during which you will experience a dry climate, and you'll be able to do more activities like cave exploration, trekking, and riverboat trips. The rainy season falls between September and January, which sometimes causes floods in the Phong Nha region, and thus makes the visitation of caves difficult.

Since Hoi An has a similar climatic condition, you can fix the visit so that you will reach both destinations in good weather.

Things to carry along for the trip

On a trip from Hoi An to Phong Nha, the following is some of what one should pack:

• Comfortable clothes for long rides by bus or train.

• Snacks and water, especially if you’re taking the bus or train.

• Traveling Neck pillow and blanket for overnight journeys.

• Rain gear and waterproof shoes, provided one is travelling in the rainy season.

• Powering the electric device with a power bank.

FAQs

1. How long is it from Hoi An to Phong Nha?

Depending on the nature of transportation, it might take anything from 7 to 10 hours. Usually, buses take less time and make direct journeys to their destinations.

2. Do you make pre-bookings for transportation?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to book your transportation in advance, especially during high tourist seasons. Online platforms or your hotel can help with bookings.

3. Can one fly from Hoi An to Phong Nha?

Not really: you would have to fly from Da Nang to Dong Hoi, then take a car or bus to Phong Nha.

4. Which transportation option from Hoi An to Phong Nha will be on the cheaper side?

It will be cheaper to take the night bus, ticket prices starting from $12.

5. Which one would be more scenic?

Most scenic would be the train ride from Da Nang to Dong Hoi because the route would pass through the picturesque coasts and mountain sides.

6. How to get to Phong Nha from Dong Hoi?

You can take a local bus or taxi from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, which takes about 1 hour.