Hue to Phong Nha - A Vietnam Travel Guide

Other popular destinations along central Vietnam include Hue and Phong Nha, two very different destinations that are a must-see within the country. Hue was the former imperial capital and steeped in history, while the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is about 210 km away from it, housing some of the most stunning cave systems in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here's a look at how to make the journey between Hue and Phong Nha, what's on offer in terms of travelling options, and answers to common questions (updated as of 2025).

Getting to Phong Nha from Hue: Options

By Bus

Other quite popular ways of reaching the area are by buses, which most of the time are inexpensive and their journeys comparatively comfortable. They serve for both public and private services, both of them having direct journeys to Phong Nha. Journey time is about 4-5 hours. Needless to say, private operators will be far nicer, and offer AC, reclining seats and sometimes Wi-Fi. Recommended operators are The Sinh Tourist and Queen Cafe. Prices are in the region of 200,000 VND ($8) per ticket.

By Train then Bus Transfer

Although there's no direct-serving train to Phong Nha, tourists can get there from Hue by taking a 3.5 to 4-hour ride to Dong Hoi. From Dong Hoi, 50 km is left to go to Phong Nha-that means 45 minutes to an hour by a local bus or a taxi. Prices vary from 100,000 to 250,000 VND for train tickets, and the bus ticket price from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is about 35,000 VND, approximately $1.50.

By Private Car or Taxi

Car or taxi hiring services would be more suitable for those who prefer flexibility and comfort, probably while traveling in groups or with big pieces of luggage. Travel time: approximately 4 hours. Prices vary greatly depending on the type of vehicle and service provider, but in general, it comes within a range of 2,500,000 - 3,000,000 VND ($100-$120).

By Motorcycle

For the adventurous, one could rent a motorbike, though this is really a choice only for experienced riders as roads are substandard and the distance is long. An exciting way to see the Vietnamese countryside, just make sure to leave extra time to travel so that you can stop. Motorbikes generally rent for 100,000 to 200,000 VND ($4 - $8) per day.

Note: Read our linked tour guide if you are currently in Phong Nha and actually planning to travel to Hue city.

Outstanding Landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

It boasts the most extensive cave systems in the world, breathtaking sceneries over dense jungles, and several kinds of sports taken up in the great outdoors, including:

• The Phong Nha Cave is the most accessible of all the caves and family-friendly; to enter, one must take a scenic boat ride up the Son River.

• Paradise Cave: this was termed as one of the longest dry caves in Asia. Filled with amazing stalactites and stalagmites, it is something that one shouldn't miss if going to the park.

• Dark Cave: A little more daring customers will go zip lining, kayaking, and even take mud baths in this cave. If you are short on time and only have enough time to visit one cave in Phong nha, then we would highly recommend Dark Cave since here you will have the most adventure in the shortest amount of time and money!

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Phong Nha is from April to August, during the dry and hot period of the year. The months starting from October up to December should be avoided because heavy rainfalls shut off some caves and make trails slippery.

FAQs for Travel to Phong Nha

• Is flying to Phong Nha possible?
  There is no airport in Phong Nha. The nearest airport from Phong Nha town is the Dong Hoi Airport, Quang Binh, which is about 45 km from Phong Nha. Some tourists get either a bus from there or a private transfer/taxi to Phong Nha.

• Does Phong Nha have a railway station?
  No, it does not have its namesake railway station. It is in Dong Hoi. From Dong Hoi, further local buses and taxis for Phong Nha leave.

• Is Phong Nha worth visiting?
  Of course! It ranks among the most beautiful natural places in Vietnam, with a big cave system, breathtakingly beautiful sceneries, and many adventure activities combined into one that any nature enthusiast, photographer, and explorer would look for.

• Is Phong Nha expensive?
  Quite similar, Phong Nha is not very expensive to visit in comparison with a lot of other touristy areas. Entrance fees for caves are from $5-15 per person; prices start from budget hostels and go up to mid-range hotels, hence all classes can afford it.

• How to Get from Hue to Phong Nha National Park
  You will have several options for transportation: directly by bus from Hue to Phong Nha, by a combined train arriving in Dong Hoi and then a bus or a taxi. If you feel energetic, take a drive in a comfortable private car or, if you are more adventurous, take a motorbike rental.

Day Trip Itinerary from Hue to Phong Nha

If planning for a day's trip, here is a tour itinerary for one to make the most of his visit:

• 7:00 AM: Depart from Hue, either by bus or private car.

• 11:00 AM: Arrive in Phong Nha and start the visit by taking the boat trip to visit Phong Nha Cave.

• 1:00 PM: Explore Paradise Cave with a sense of awe.

• 3:00 PM: Free to go to Dark Cave for adventure activities. Don’t forget to take a mud bath in dark cave!

• 5:00 PM: Drive back from Phong Nha to Hue.

Accommodation Recommended in Phong Nha

• Central Backpackers Hostel Phong Nha: Allows guests the affordability and popularity among backpackers.

• Phong Nha Farmstay: It has a rustic appeal, with great views over the surrounding countryside.

• Phong Nha Lake House Resort: Fits the mid-range category, with comforting amenities offering lake views.

Essential Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance; at peak times for travel, sometimes all bus and train tickets are sold out. You can always use apps like VEXERE to book bus and train tickets in Vietnam easily.

• Bring cash along as it's a small town and not every place takes cards. There are ATMs almost everywhere in the town center but do note that most of them can charge international withdrawal fees anywhere from 30K VND to 50K VND.

• Dress to Visit Caves: Comfortable walking shoes should be worn, a light jacket is a good idea inside of caves because they are cool. If you are going to the dark cave, you have to bring swimwear.