Sleeper bus
Direct, cheapest, widely available
Train (via Hanoi)
More space, smoother ride, 1 transfer
Flight (via Hanoi)
Quickest overall, but expensive
Bus + train combo
Multiple transfers, not necessary
Quick answer: Traveling from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi is best done by bus or train via Hanoi, or by combining a bus/van with a flight from Hanoi. The bus and train options are budget-friendly but take much longer, while the flight combo offers a much faster route.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~550 km by land (via Ninh Binh) or ~620 km via Hanoi.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan 11–13 hours | Train 14–16 hours | Bus + Flight ~7–9 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Minivan US$16–25 | Train US$20–130 | Bus + Flight US$60–100.
- 🚍 Best for budget: Tourist bus/minivan via Hanoi
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Train via Hanoi with sleeper option
- ✈️ Best for speed: Bus/van to Hanoi + direct flight to Dong Hoi
Last updated in March 2026
From Hai Phong to Dong Hoi you can travel by bus, train or bus + flight.
All routes go via Hanoi, as there are no direct connections. The total distance is about 550–620 km depending on the route.
Bus: The most direct overland option via Hanoi takes about 11–13 hours and costs $16–25 per person.
Bus + flight: Travel to Hanoi, then fly from Noi Bai Airport to Dong Hoi. Total travel time is about 7–9 hours and costs $60–100 per person.
Train via Hanoi: Hai Phong to Hanoi takes about 2.5 hours, then Hanoi to Dong Hoi around 10–11 hours by sleeper train. No direct trains from Hai Phong.
Dong Hoi is the gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, known for caves, rivers and jungle scenery.
| Transfer Mode – Hai Phong to Dong Hoi | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan (via Hanoi) | 11-13 hours | $16-25 per person |
| Train (via Hanoi) | 14-16 hours | $20-130 per person |
| Bus + Plane (via Hanoi) | 7-9 hours | $60-100 per person |
How do I get from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi?
1. TRAIN from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi (via Hanoi)
👉 Train via Hanoi is the best low-cost option from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and train travel enthusiasts
- ✔️ Duration: ~14–18 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $20–75 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (seat + sleeper train options)
- ✅ Best option: Train from Hai Phong to Hanoi + sleeper train (Vietnam Railways or tourist train) to Dong Hoi
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper berth for the longer route and book tickets online in advance.
A popular low-cost option from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi is travel by Vietnam Railways via Hanoi. There is no direct train, so the journey is split into two parts and takes about 14–18 hours in total.
The first step is the train from Hai Phong to Hanoi, which takes about 2–2.5 hours. These trains are cheap and comfortable, with tickets costing around $3–7 per person.
The second step is the long-distance train from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, which takes about 10–11 hours. You can choose standard seats, sleeper berths, or more comfortable tourist trains like Violette Train or Lotus Train.
Train tickets range from $17–40 for regular trains and $60–75 for tourist sleeper trains. All trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Dong Hoi Railway Station.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Dong Hoi ➜
Train travel is a budget-friendly option for flexible travelers who prefer a slower but scenic journey through Vietnam.
2. BUS from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi (via Hanoi)
👉 Bus via Hanoi is the cheapest way from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: low-cost travelers and backpackers
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–13 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $15–35 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to moderate (bus/minivan + sleeper bus)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan or bus to Hanoi + sleeper bus from Hanoi to Dong Hoi
- 💡 Tip: Book both tickets online in advance and check departure points carefully.
Another cheap option from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi is travel by bus or minivan via Hanoi. The total journey takes about 11–13 hours and requires two separate connections.
The first step is a bus or minivan from Hai Phong to Hanoi, which takes around 1.5–2 hours. Operators include Hoang Long, Hai Au, AGO Hoang Phuong and Ket Doan, offering both standard buses and more comfortable minivans.
The second step is a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, operated by companies such as Khanh Hong, Tan Kim Chi, Hoang Long and Hung Thanh. Travel time is about 8–10 hours and tickets cost roughly $12–25 per person.
Since this route requires two separate bookings, you need to buy tickets for both legs. The bus option is the cheapest but less comfortable compared to train or flight.
3. BUS + FLIGHT from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi (via Hanoi)
👉 Bus + flight via Hanoi is the fastest and most comfortable way from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel efficiently
- ✔️ Duration: ~7–9 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $60–120 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (minivan/bus + short direct flight)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan to Noi Bai Airport + direct flight with Vietnam Airlines to Dong Hoi
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and allow enough time for transfer to the airport due to limited flight schedule.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi is by bus + flight via Hanoi. The total journey takes about 7–9 hours, depending on transfer and flight waiting time.
The first step is a bus or minivan from Hai Phong to Hanoi or directly to Noi Bai Airport. Some companies, such as AGO Hoang Phuong, also offer direct airport transfers by minivan.
BOOK DIRECT FLIGHT to Dong Hoi ➜
The second step is a direct flight from Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to Dong Hoi, operated mainly by Vietnam Airlines. The flight takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and tickets usually cost $50–100 per person.
This option saves several hours compared to bus or train travel, but flights are limited with only a few departures per day. Booking in advance is recommended.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi:
How to book tickets from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi?
How long does it take to travel from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi?
Bus travel takes about 11–13 hours, trains via Hanoi about 14–16 hours, and bus + flight around 7–9 hours.
What is the travel distance from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi?
The distance is approximately 550 km via Ninh Binh or about 620 km via Hanoi.
How much does it cost to travel from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi?
Bus tickets cost about $18–25, train tickets $20–130, and bus + flight transfers around $60–100 per person.
What is the best way to get from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi?
The fastest option is a transfer to Hanoi followed by a direct flight to Dong Hoi. For overland travel, the train is usually the most comfortable choice.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually a bus transfer via Hanoi, with fares starting at around $18 per person.
Are there tourist sleeper trains on this route?
There are no tourist trains from Hai Phong, but you can use tourist sleeper trains from Hanoi to Dong Hoi.
Can you fly directly from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi?
No, there are no direct flights. You need to travel to Hanoi and take a flight from Noi Bai Airport.
Where can you travel from Dong Hoi?
From Dong Hoi you can visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park or travel to Hue by train or bus.
Where to stay in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha?
You can stay in cheap hotels in Dong Hoi or choose one of the best homestays in Phong Nha.
Which beaches are worth visiting in central Vietnam?
Popular beach destinations include Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Hue and Cam Ranh. See: The Best Beaches in Central Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hai Phong to Dong Hoi
Traveling from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi covers about 550–620 km and requires a transfer in Hanoi. You can travel by bus, train or bus + flight.
- Choose Flights for Speed: Travel via Hanoi and continue by direct flight to Dong Hoi. Total travel time is about 7–9 hours.
- Use Sleeper Trains: Train travel via Hanoi takes about 14–16 hours. Sleeper berths are the most comfortable choice.
- Travel by Bus: Buses via Hanoi take around 11–13 hours and are usually the cheapest option.
- Allow Time for Transfers: All routes require a stop in Hanoi, so plan connections carefully.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper berths can sell out during holidays and weekends.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks and a charger for the long journey.
- Visit Phong Nha: Dong Hoi is the gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Tip: Bus, train and flight tickets from Hai Phong to Dong Hoi can be searched and booked online in advance.