Flight
Fastest and most practical way with direct flights and easy airport access
Train
Comfortable long-distance journey with sleeper cabins and reliable schedule
Bus (via central Vietnam)
Flexible budget option with stopovers but requires long multi-step travel
Motorbike
Extremely long and demanding journey not suitable for most travelers
Quick answer: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi offers several options. The fastest is a direct flight, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a train journey, which takes about 23–27 hours, or a sleeper bus via Da Nang, which takes around 30 hours. Each mode offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and budgets.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: Approximately 1,250 km by land; 750 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight 1.5 hours | Train 23–27 hours | Sleeper bus 30 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight $50–$110 | Train $28–$45 | Sleeper bus $32–$65
- ✈️ Best for speed: Direct flight
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Train with sleeper berth
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper bus via Da Nang
Last updated in March 2026
From Saigon to Dong Hoi you can travel by train, bus or direct flight.
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi is about 1,250 km by land and around 750 km by air. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 1.5 hours and costing around $50–110 per person.
You can also travel by Vietnam Railways train. The journey takes about 23–27 hours and train tickets cost around $29–45 per person. Sleeper buses are available as well, but trains are usually more comfortable for this long route.
After arriving in Dong Hoi, you can continue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. From Phong Nha, you can also travel to Ninh Binh or Hanoi.
Tickets for flights, trains and buses can be searched and booked online in advance.
| Transfer Mode – Saigon to Dong Hoi | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (direct flight) | 1.5 hours | $50-110 per person |
| Train | 23-27 hours | $28-45 per person (seats, sleeper berth) |
| Sleeper Bus (via Da Nang) | 30 hours | $32-65 per person |
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi?
1. TRAIN from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi
👉 Train is a cheap and scenic way from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who enjoy long train journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~23–27 hours
- ✔️ Price: $28–45 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (seats or sleeper berths in cabins)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper berth in a 4-berth cabin for better comfort
- 💡 Tip: Book online early and choose a sleeper for this long trip.
Traveling by Vietnam Railways train from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi is a popular low-cost option. The journey takes about 23–27 hours, so a sleeper berth is recommended for better comfort.
Trains depart from Saigon Railway Station and arrive at Dong Hoi Railway Station in the city center. You can check station locations on the Vietnam railway map. Train tickets cost about $28–45 per person.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Dong Hoi ➜
Dong Hoi is the main gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Tickets can be searched and booked online in advance, and regular trains accept mobile e-tickets.
The train transfer is a good option for travelers who want to explore more destinations along Vietnam’s railway route.
| Train | Departs in Ho Chi Minh | Arrival in Dong Hoi |
|---|---|---|
| Train SE8 (seats, sleeper) | 06:00 | 05:00 |
| Train SE2 (seats, sleeper) | 20:35 | 19:03 |
| Train SE4 (seats, sleeper) | 19:25 | 18:13 |
| Train SE6 (seats, sleeper) | 08:40 | 08:10 |
| Train SE12 (seats, sleeper) | 20:55 | 22:25 |
| Train SE10 (seats, sleeper) | 13:20 | 16:10 |
2. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi
👉 Flight is the fastest and most convenient way from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5 hours (flight only)
- ✔️ Price: $50–110 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flights with major airlines)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight with VietJet Air or Vietnam Airlines
- 💡 Tip: Book early for best prices and check baggage conditions.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi is by direct flight. Flights take only about 1.5 hours and are operated by VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Hanh Air Systems.
Flights depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport and arrive at Dong Hoi Airport. You can also check the airport map of Vietnam before your trip.
BOOK DIRECT FLIGHT to Dong Hoi ➜
Flight prices range from about $50–110 per person. Although flights cost more than trains, they save a significant amount of time and are the best choice for travelers heading directly to Dong Hoi or Phong Nha.
Flights can be searched and booked online in advance. It is recommended to book early, especially during holidays and the high travel season.
| Airline | Departs in Ho Chi Minh | Arrival in Dong Hoi |
|---|---|---|
| VietJet Air | 07:25 | 09:00 |
| VietJet Air | 14:40 | 16:15 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 07:40 | 09:15 |
| Hanh Air Systems | 07:25 | 09:00 |
| Hanh Air Systems | 14:40 | 16:15 |
3. BUS from Ho Chi Minh to Dong Hoi (via Da Nang)
👉 Sleeper bus via Da Nang is a low-cost but very long way from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those planning stops along the route
- ✔️ Duration: ~24–30 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $32–67 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (long-distance sleeper buses)
- ✅ Best option: Break the trip in Da Nang with reputable bus companies
- 💡 Tip: Consider splitting the journey to rest and reduce travel fatigue.
A budget alternative from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi is a sleeper bus journey. However, this route is very long and usually requires a transfer, most commonly in Da Nang.
The first step is a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Travel time is about 19–24 hours and tickets cost around $20–45 per person. Most operators use sleeper buses on this route.
The second step is a bus from Da Nang to Dong Hoi. This journey takes about 4.5–5.5 hours and tickets cost around $12–22 per person.
Bus tickets for both routes can be searched and booked online in advance. Departure and arrival points vary by company, and delays are not uncommon.
The bus transfer is best suited for budget travelers planning to make additional stops along Vietnam’s central coast.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi
How to book tickets and flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi?
How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi?
Direct flights take about 1.5 hours, trains about 23–27 hours and buses via Da Nang around 30 hours.
What is the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi?
The distance is about 1,250 km by land and around 750 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi?
Flights cost about $50–110, trains $28–45 and buses about $32–65 per person.
What is the best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option. It saves a full day of travel compared to trains or buses.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually a Vietnam Railways train or a low-cost flight booked in advance.
Can you fly directly to Phong Nha?
No. The nearest airport to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is in Dong Hoi, about 45 km away.
Is there a railway station in Phong Nha?
No, Phong Nha has no railway station. The closest station is Dong Hoi Railway Station.
Where can you stop on the way to Dong Hoi?
A popular stop is Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s top beach destinations and an important transport hub.
Where is the best place to stay – Dong Hoi or Phong Nha?
Most travelers stay in Phong Nha for easy access to the caves and national park, while Dong Hoi offers more hotels and city facilities.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi covers over 1,200 km. You can travel by direct flight, train or sleeper bus.
- Choose Flights for Speed: Direct flights take only about 1.5 hours and are the fastest option.
- Book Sleeper Berths: Train journeys take 23–27 hours, so a sleeper berth is highly recommended.
- Expect Long Bus Travel: Sleeper buses are usually the cheapest option but can take around 30 hours.
- Book Early: Flights and train berths can sell out quickly during holidays and peak season.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a travel pillow for long journeys.
- Plan Your Arrival: Dong Hoi is the main gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, about 45 km away.
- Arrive Early: Reach airports, train stations or bus departure points at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
Tip: Flight, train and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.