Sleeper bus
Direct, cheapest, most popular for this route
Train + bus (via Dong Hoi)
More comfortable, scenic, but requires transfer
Private car
Door-to-door, flexible, ideal for small groups
Flight
No direct option, requires multiple transfers
Quick answer: From Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park you can travel by sleeper tourist bus, train + bus via Dong Hoi or private car. The travel distance is about 340 km and the journey takes around 6.5–9 hours depending on the transport option. Sleeper buses are the cheapest and most popular choice for most travelers.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~340 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: 6.5–9 hours
- 💰 Price range: $10–$23 (bus), $11–$17 (train + bus), $150–$440 (private car)
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper bus (e.g., Techbus VN, Duc Duong, Queen Café, An Phu Hoi An Travel…)
- 🚆 Train + bus option: Train to Dong Hoi (~5–6 hours) + bus/taxi to Phong Nha (~1.5 hours)
- 🚗 Fastest option: Private car (~6–7 hours)
Last updated in March 2026
How to Get from Hoi An to Phong Nha
From Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park you can travel by sleeper bus, train + bus via Dong Hoi or private taxi. The travel distance is about 340 km.
The most popular option is a sleeper tourist bus with travel time of about 6.5–9 hours. Bus tickets from Hoi An to Phong Nha cost about $10–23/pp depending on the bus type.
Another option is to travel by Vietnam Railways train from Da Nang to Dong Hoi and then continue by local bus or taxi to Phong Nha. This option takes longer but offers a comfortable train journey.
From Phong Nha you can continue to Ninh Binh or Hanoi in northern Vietnam.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is famous for caves, jungle landscapes and adventure tourism. The area is also home to Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world.
Before visiting, it is recommended to check the local weather conditions: Weather in Phong Nha.
| Transfer Mode – Hoi An to Phong Nha | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Sleeper Bus | 6.5-9 hours | $10 – $23 per person |
| Train + Local Bus via Dong Hoi City | 8-10 hours | $11 – $17 per person |
| Private taxi/car | 6-7 hours | $150 – $440 per car |
How do I get from Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang?
1. BUS from Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang
👉 Cheapest and popular option with a sleeper bus from Hoi An to Phong Nha.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and overnight journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~6.5–9 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–23 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern sleeper buses, varies by company)
- ✅ Best option: Modern sleeper bus with companies like Techbus VN or Grouptour
- 💡 Tip: Check drop-off points near your accommodation and arrive early for departure.
The cheapest and most popular way to travel from Hoi An or Da Nang to Phong Nha-Ke Bang is by sleeper tourist bus. These buses are mainly used by solo and low-cost travelers.
Several companies operate on this route, including Techbus VN, Grouptour, Queen Café, Duc Duong, Camel Transport or Cocovip Limousine. Most buses also stop in Da Nang.
Buses depart from different places in Hoi An and usually arrive directly at hostels or homestays in Phong Nha.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Phong Nha ➜
The bus journey from Hoi An to Phong Nha takes about 6.5–9 hours. Travel times may vary because buses often make additional stops on the route.
Bus tickets cost about $10–23/pp and can be easily booked online in advance. Many companies also accept mobile e-tickets.
It is recommended to arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
| Bus Company | Departs in Hoi An | Arrival in Phong Nha | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoang Minh | 23:00 | 06:30 | From $19.00 |
| Hoang Minh | 07:30 | 15:00 | From $19.00 |
| Hoang Minh | 09:30 | 17:00 | From $19.00 |
| Hoang Minh | 10:30 | 18:00 | From $19.00 |
| Hoang Minh | 12:00 | 19:30 | From $19.00 |
| Hoang Minh | 16:30 | 00:00 | From $19.00 |
| Hoang Minh | 17:30 | 01:00 | From $19.00 |
| Duc Duong | 07:00 | 13:30 | From $17.00 |
| Duc Duong | 12:30 | 20:30 | From $21.00 |
| Duc Duong | 14:15 | 20:45 | From $17.00 |
| Techbus VN | 07:10 | 13:55 | From $19.00 |
| Techbus VN | 13:40 | 20:25 | From $19.00 |
| Grouptour | 12:30 | 22:10 | From $18.00 |
| Grouptour | 13:20 | 21:20 | From $23.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 07:00 | 14:30 | From $19.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 12:00 | 19:30 | From $19.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 14:00 | 22:10 | From $19.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 16:00 | 23:30 | From $19.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 17:00 | 00:30 | From $23.00 |
| VietNam Travel Bus | 19:30 | 03:00 | From $23.00 |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 09:00 | 15:00 | From $21.00 |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 10:00 | 16:00 | From $21.00 |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 12:30 | 18:30 | From $21.00 |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 14:00 | 20:00 | From $21.00 |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 16:15 | 22:15 | From $21.00 |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 18:00 | 00:00 | From $21.00 |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 22:00 | 04:00 | From $21.00 |
| Full Moon Party Tour | 12:50 | 20:50 | From $16.00 |
| To Vietnam Travel | 13:00 | 21:00 | From $12.00 |
| Queen Cafe | 13:00 | 21:00 | From $11.00 |
| Duy Khanh | 13:00 | 21:00 | From $17.00 |
| Cocovip | 13:30 | 21:30 | From $22.00 |
| HK Buslines | 14:00 | 20:30 | From $19.00 |
| HK Buslines | 15:00 | 21:30 | From $19.00 |
| HK Buslines | 16:00 | 22:30 | From $19.00 |
| HK Buslines | 19:30 | 02:30 | From $19.00 |
| HK Buslines | 20:30 | 03:00 | From $19.00 |
2. TRAIN + BUS from Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang
👉 Flexible option of getting to Phong Nha with bus and train transfers via Da Nang and Dong Hoi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who prefer trains and scenic routes
- ✔️ Duration: ~8–10 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $12–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (bus + train seat or sleeper)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Da Nang + train to Dong Hoi + local bus to Phong Nha
- 💡 Tip: Choose right-side train seats for coastal views and easier transfers.
There is no direct railway to Phong Nha, but you can take a train to Dong Hoi city and from there take a local bus to Phong Nha. So you can travel by bus + train via Da Nang city and Dong Hoi, this option has 3 steps in total, the 1st step is a bus trip to Da Nang, the 2nd step is a train trip from Da Nang to Dong Hoi and the 3rd step is a local bus trip from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
From Hoi An to Da Nang, it is about 25 km to the city center, and there are many private companies that offer minivans, minibuses or classic buses between these cities, the offer is very wide. Bus travel from Hoi An to Da Nang takes approximately 1 hour and tickets range from $5-17/pp, depending on the type of bus or minibus you use.
Some buses or private minivans also go directly to the train station in Da Nang, which is an advantage, then you can just travel by train to Dong Hoi. You can also use private transfers such as taxi or Grab. You can book bus tickets or private cars from Hoi An to Da Nang easily online.
BOOK TICKETS / CAR to Da Nang ➜
The second step is to travel by regular Vietnam Railways train, or by tourist sleeper train Violette Train or Livitrans Express, these tourist trains are part of regular trains. Regular trains to Dong Hoi will offer you comfortable seats or sleeping beds, seats are the cheapest option, sleeping tourist trains are the most expensive.
If you want to see the beautiful coastline in this area, it is advisable to have a seat or berths on the right side of the train, you will also go through the beautiful and popular Hai Van Pass. Train travel time from Da Nang to Dong Hoi is approximately 5-6.5 hours and train tickets range from $7-15/pp (soft seat or berth), tourist sleeper trains cost approximately $40-50/pp.
These tourist trains offer better comfort and modern renovated trains with above-standard service and dining. Da Nang train station is a short distance from the city center and Dong Hoi train station is in the city center and local buses to Phong Nha also depart from there. You can find and buy train tickets from Da Nang to Dong Hoi online, regular trains also accept mobile phone tickets as e-tickets.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Dong Hoi ➜
The third step is to travel by local bus from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. This smaller public bus departs from Bến xe Nam Lý bus stop, which is a short distance from Dong Hoi train station. The journey by bus from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha takes approximately 1.5 hours, the bus also makes other stops before arriving in Phong Nha, tickets can be purchased directly on the spot when boarding the bus.
| Train | Departs in Da Nang | Arrival in Dong Hoi | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE2 (seat, sleeper) | 13:33 | 19:03 | From $10.00 |
| Train SE4 (seat, sleeper) | 12:38 | 18:13 | From $10.00 |
| Train SE8 (seat, sleeper) | 23:20 | 05:00 | From $11.00 |
| Train SE12 (seat, sleeper) | 16:05 | 22:25 | From $10.00 |
| Train SE6 (seat, sleeper) | 01:59 | 08:10 | From $10.00 |
| Train SE10 (seat, sleeper) | 09:06 | 16:10 | From $10.00 |
| Train SE20 (seat, sleeper) | 18:00 | 23:58 | From $18.00 |
| Train SE24 (seat, sleeper) | 10:13 | 17:39 | From $12.00 |
| Violette Train SE2 (sleeper) | 13:33 | 19:03 | From $45.00 |
| Violette Train SE4 (sleeper) | 12:38 | 18:13 | From $45.00 |
| Livitrans Express SE4 (sleeper) | 12:38 | 18:13 | From $45-78 |
3. TAXI / CAR from Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang
👉 Most comfortable but expensive option with a private car from Hoi An to Phong Nha.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and direct transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–7 hours
- ✔️ Price: $150–440 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer with companies like Cocovip Limousine or Hue Happy Travel
- 💡 Tip: Ideal for groups—split the cost and choose flexible pickup/drop-off points.
You can also travel from Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by private car, taxi / minivan, i.e. taxi with driver. The private companies like Cocovip Limousine, Vietnam Locals, Hue Happy Travel, Mango Travel, T Travel, will offer you various modern cars or modern minivans for up to 8 people from Hoi An to Phong Nha, which has perfect comfort with reclining seats. This option is suitable for those who want to travel to Phong Nha National Park in a group of travelers, so they can book the entire vehicle and then calculate the fare for single passengers.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Phong Nha ➜
It is the most expensive transport option, traveling by this private car or minivan from Hoi An to Phong Nha costs around $150-440/pp and the travel time is approximately 6-7 hours. The advantage is that you can choose your departure point in Hoi An and your arrival point in Phong Nha-Ke Bang. You can book this private car/taxi with a driver to Phong Nha from Hoi An easily online, always read carefully the current instructions and conditions for this type of transfer.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Locals | 06:30 | From $230.00 / Standard 3pax |
| Vietnam Locals | 06:30 | From $310.00 / Minivan 8pax |
| Hue Happy Travel | 06:40 | From $150.00 / Comfort 2pax |
| Hue Happy Travel | 06:40 | From $170.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Hue Happy Travel | 06:40 | From $210.00 / Van 10pax |
| Cocovip | 06:30 | From $430.00 / Van 10pax |
| Mango Travel | 06:00 | From $150.00 / Comfort 2pax |
| Mango Travel | 06:00 | From $160.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Mango Travel | 06:00 | From $210.00 / Van 10pax |
| T Travel | 06:00 | From $180.00 / Economy 2pax |
| T Travel | 06:00 | From $200.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| T Travel | 06:00 | From $210.00 / SUV 5pax |
| T Travel | 06:00 | From $280.00 / Van 10pax |
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Hoi An to Phong Nha:
How to book tickets from Hoi An to Phong Nha?
How long does the trip to Phong Nha take?
Travel by sleeper bus takes about 6.5–9 hours. Train + bus via Dong Hoi takes about 8–10 hours.
How much does transport to Phong Nha cost?
Bus tickets cost about $11–24/pp. Train + bus transfers cost about $11–17/pp.
What is the distance from Hoi An to Phong Nha?
The travel distance from Hoi An to Phong Nha-Ke Bang is about 340 km.
Is there a luxury train from Da Nang to Dong Hoi?
Yes, tourist sleeper trains like Livitrans Express operate on this route.
Is there a direct train to Phong Nha?
No, the nearest railway station is in Dong Hoi, about 45 km from Phong Nha.
Can you travel by plane to Phong Nha?
No direct flights are available. The nearest airport is Dong Hoi Airport.
What is the fastest way to reach Phong Nha?
The fastest and most practical option is a direct sleeper tourist bus.
Where can you travel from Phong Nha?
From Phong Nha you can continue to Hanoi, Cat Ba Island or Ninh Binh.
🧭 Popular travel routes in northern, central or southern Vietnam:
If you’re planning your next trip in Vietnam, here are other popular routes:
Practical Travel Tips for Hoi An to Phong Nha
Traveling from Hoi An to Phong Nha is a popular route from central Vietnam’s coast to the famous cave region inland.
- Leave Early: Morning departures help avoid heat and late arrivals.
- Pack Light Clothes: Weather can be hot and humid during the trip.
- Bring Snacks & Water: Some routes have limited refreshment stops.
- Use Sleeper Buses: They are the cheapest and most popular option.
- Keep Devices Charged: Bring a power bank for long journeys.
- Prepare for Rural Roads: Some inland sections can be bumpy and winding.
- Book Early: Bus and train tickets are better booked online in advance.
Tip: Bus and train tickets from Hoi An to Phong Nha can be searched and booked online before departure.