Flight (via Saigon)
Fastest (7–9 h), most efficient
Bus + train (via Nha Trang)
Cheaper, more comfortable than bus
Sleeper bus (via Da Nang)
Lowest price, very long journey
Private car/taxi
Most costly, long distance
Quick answer: Traveling from Da Lat to Dong Hoi typically involves a flight with a connection (often via Ho Chi Minh City), or combining land transport such as bus + train. There’s no direct flight, so you’ll need to transfer. The land route is cheaper but much slower. It is also possible to travel by private taxi/car with a driver.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~900 km by road/rail through central Vietnam
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight route ~7–9 hours total (incl. layover) | Bus + train via Nha Trang ~20–25 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight route $100–$200 | Land combination $23–$70 | Bus via Da Nang $22–$35
- ✈️ Best for speed: Flight + connection via Ho Chi Minh City
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Bus to Nha Trang + overnight train toward Dong Hoi
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper bus via Da Nang with a transfer
Last updated in March 2026
From Da Lat to Dong Hoi you can travel by plane, bus, train or private car.
The distance from Da Lat to Dong Hoi is about 900 km. The fastest option is a flight with a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City, as there are no direct flights. Travel time is about 7–9 hours and flights usually cost $100–200/pp.
A cheaper alternative is a bus to Nha Trang followed by a sleeper train to Dong Hoi. This route takes about 20–25 hours and costs around $23–70/pp. Long-distance sleeper buses via Da Nang are also available for budget travelers.
Dong Hoi is the capital of Quang Binh Province and the main gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, famous for its caves and natural landscapes. The city also has its own airport about 6 km from the center.
Before visiting the area, it is worth checking the local climate in this guide: Weather in Dong Hoi.
| Transfer Mode – Da Lat to Dong Hoi | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (via Saigon) | 7-9 hours | $100-200 per person |
| Bus + Train (via Nha Trang) | 20-25 hours | $23-70 per person |
| Bus (via Da Nang) | 19-22 hours | $22-35 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car (via Da Nang) | 17-19 hours | $400-800 per car |
How do I get from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
1. FLIGHTS from Da Lat to Dong Hoi (via Saigon)
👉 Flights via Ho Chi Minh City are the fastest and most comfortable way from Da Lat to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel long distances quickly
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–8 hours total (including transfer)
- ✔️ Price: $90–220 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft + airport facilities)
- ✅ Best option: Flight with VietJet Air or Vietnam Airlines to Ho Chi Minh City + connecting flight to Dong Hoi
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and allow at least 2 hours for transfer between flights.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Da Lat to Dong Hoi is by plane via Ho Chi Minh City, as there are no direct flights. Total travel time is about 7–9 hours.
First, take a direct flight from Da Lat (Lien Khuong Airport) to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport). Flights take about 1 hour and are operated by VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Hanh Air Systems. Ticket prices range from $40–100/pp.
The second step is a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi. The flight takes about 1.5 hours and costs around $50–120/pp. Dong Hoi Airport is located only a short distance from the city center.
This is the best option if you want to save time and reach Dong Hoi comfortably. Flights can be booked online in advance.
2. BUS + TRAIN from Da Lat to Dong Hoi (via Nha Trang)
👉 Bus + train via Nha Trang is the best land option from Da Lat to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to explore central Vietnam on the way
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–24 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $30–80 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (bus/minivan + train with sleeper berths)
- ✅ Best option: Bus or minivan to Nha Trang + Vietnam Railways sleeper train to Dong Hoi
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper berth for the train and book tickets online in advance for both segments.
A good land transport option from Da Lat to Dong Hoi is a combination of bus and train via Nha Trang. This route takes about 20–25 hours and is ideal for travelers who want to avoid flying and see more of central Vietnam.
The first step is a bus or minivan from Da Lat to Nha Trang. The journey takes about 3–4 hours and tickets cost around $7–15/pp.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Nha Trang ➜
From Nha Trang, continue by Vietnam Railways train to Dong Hoi. The train journey takes about 16–18 hours and sleeper berths are recommended for this long route.
Trains depart from Nha Trang Railway Station and arrive at Dong Hoi Railway Station in the city center. Train tickets can be booked online and e-tickets are accepted on smartphones.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Dong Hoi ➜
3. BUS from Da Lat to Dong Hoi (via Da Nang)
👉 Sleeper bus via Da Nang is the cheapest long-distance option from Da Lat to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who don’t mind long travel times
- ✔️ Duration: ~19–22 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $30–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to moderate (long journey on sleeper buses)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper bus from Da Lat to Da Nang + connecting sleeper bus to Dong Hoi
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance, expect delays and consider splitting the trip with a stop in Da Nang.
You can also travel from Da Lat to Dong Hoi by sleeper bus with a transfer in Da Nang. This is the cheapest option, but also one of the longest, with a total travel time of about 19–22 hours.
The first step is a sleeper bus from Da Lat to Da Nang. The journey takes about 13–15 hours and tickets cost around $16–36/pp. Several companies operate this route, including VietNam Travel Bus, Futabus, Techbus VN and Duc Duong.
From Da Nang to Dong Hoi, you can continue by another sleeper bus. This route takes about 4.5–5.5 hours and tickets cost approximately $12–22/pp.
Bus tickets can be booked online in advance. However, if comfort is important, the bus + train combination via Nha Trang is usually a better option.
4. TAXI / CAR from Da Lat to Dong Hoi (via Da Nang)
👉 Private taxi/car via Da Nang is the most flexible but most expensive way from Da Lat to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking privacy and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Duration: ~17–19 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $400–800 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Mui Ne Private Car, Vietnam Locals or Hue Happy Travel (via Da Nang)
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost in a group and consider breaking the journey with a stop in Da Nang for rest.
The most expensive way to travel from Da Lat to Dong Hoi is by private car with a driver via Da Nang. This option is usually arranged in 2 steps: from Da Lat to Da Nang and then from Da Nang to Dong Hoi.
Companies such as Mui Ne Private Car, Vietnam Locals, Hue Happy Travel and Mango Travel offer modern cars, SUVs and larger minivans. Minivans are a good choice for families or groups traveling together.
The journey takes about 17–19 hours in total and costs approximately $400–800/car, depending on the vehicle type. Prices are higher, but you benefit from door-to-door service and flexible departure times.
Private cars can be booked online in advance. This option is best suited for travelers looking for maximum comfort and flexibility.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Da Lat to Dong Hoi:
How to book tickets or flights from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
Book flights, buses, trains and private cars online via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
What is the travel time from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
Flights via Ho Chi Minh City take about 7-9 hours. Bus and train combinations take about 20-25 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
Expect to pay about $100-200/pp for flights, $23-70/pp for bus + train and $400-800/car for a private transfer.
Is there a direct flight from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
No, there are no direct flights. The fastest route is via Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the best way to get from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
A flight via Ho Chi Minh City is the fastest and most comfortable option.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
The cheapest option is usually a sleeper bus via Da Nang, although the journey is very long.
Can you travel by train from Da Lat to Dong Hoi?
Yes, but first travel by bus to Nha Trang and then continue by train to Dong Hoi.
Why visit Dong Hoi?
Dong Hoi is the main gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and its famous caves.
Where can you travel from Dong Hoi?
You can continue north to Hanoi or explore Phong Nha and other destinations in central Vietnam.
Where to stay in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha?
Choose from hotels, guesthouses and homestays. See Dong Hoi hotels and Phong Nha homestays.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Da Lat to Dong Hoi
Traveling from Da Lat to Dong Hoi covers around 900 km and usually requires a flight, train or bus combination.
- Choose Flights for Speed: Flights via Ho Chi Minh City are the fastest and most convenient option.
- Travel by Train for Comfort: A bus to Nha Trang followed by a sleeper train to Dong Hoi is a popular overland route.
- Plan Connections Carefully: Most routes require at least one transfer, so allow extra time between departures.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper train berths can sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Pack for Long Travel: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a travel pillow for added comfort.
- Plan Your Arrival: Taxis and local transport are available from Dong Hoi Airport, train station and bus terminals.
Tip: Flight, train and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.