How to travel from Hoi An to Phong Nha

Phong Nha is a tourist destination that offers natural wonders, nestled among ancient limestone blocks and filled with caves. Journey through underground rivers, admire stalactites dating back 400 million years, and explore vast caves with distinct climate zones. If you are considering a route from Hoi An to Phong Nha, SAMTOUR will help you learn the best ways to get from Hoi An to Phong Nha.

1. An overview of the route from Hoi An to Phong Nha

The journey from Hoi An to Phong Nha is a rich experience thanks to Vietnam’s diverse landscape. Famous for its natural beauty, Phong Nha Cave in Quang Binh attracts the attention of tourists everywhere. Stretching about 343 km, the distance may seem difficult at first but rest assured, there are many vehicles ready to meet your travel needs.
Expect an average travel time of around 6 – 8 hours, although this can vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Distance from Hoi An to Phong Nha
Distance from Hoi An to Phong Nha

2. Are there flights from Hoi An to Phong Nha?

There are no direct flights between these destinations, the journey takes place mainly by road, providing the opportunity to soak up the ever-changing scenery along the way. With a road trip, you can go from Hoi An to Phong Nha by bus, car, train or motorbike. 

3. How to travel from Hoi An to Phong Nha?

3.1. Hoi An to Phong Nha by Bus

Traveling from Hoi An to Phong Nha by bus is a practical option for travelers who want to balance cost-effectiveness with longer journey times. Choosing a sleeper bus will ensure you have a comfortable trip, especially considering the travel time of about 8 hours. Depending on your chosen bus provider, departure points in Hoi An may vary, providing flexibility in your travel arrangements.
When you join this scenic route through Vietnam, you will have many opportunities to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s stunning landscapes before reaching your destination in Phong Nha Town.
Expect to budget around $18 to $21 per person for this cruise, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their travel costs.
Tourists travel by sleeper bus
Tourists travel by sleeper bus

3.2. Hoi An to Phong Nha by Private Car

Traveling by private car remains a popular choice for travelers, offering the assurance of privacy and the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to your preferences. And the journey from Hoi An to Phong Nha is no exception. With private car transfers, you’ll enjoy the convenience of being picked up directly from your hotel and dropped off at your desired destination.
What’s more, you’ll have the chance to admire Vietnam’s stunning scenery, including breathtaking views from the top of Hai Van Pass,  Lap An Lagoon, and the picturesque Lang Co beach.
To make your journey more comfortable, prices start from around 152 USD for a 4-seater car suitable for up to 3 passengers or 165 USD for a 7-seater car suitable for 4 passengers. This ensures a relaxing and enjoyable travel experience.
Additionally, if you want to explore the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels, you can request to stop along the way for a small fee of 12 USD per vehicle. This allows for a comprehensive and personalized exploration of the area’s attractions.
  • How to book a Private Car from Hoi An to Phong Nha?

If you are planning to book a Private car from Hoi An to Phong Nha, SAMTOUR can provide this service for you.

Sightseeing stop on Hai Van pass
Sightseeing stop on Hai Van pass

3.3. Hoi An to Phong Nha by Train

There is no direct train from Hoi An to Phong Nha, so this journey has a quite complicated route.
First, you have to go from Hoi An to Da Nang station located at 791 Hai Phong Street, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City with a travel time of about 40 minutes. You can choose between a bus, taxi or any other means of land transport for this journey, the cost depends on the mode you choose.
The train is crossing the Hai Van Pass
The train is crossing the Hai Van Pass
From here, you will begin your journey by train from Da Nang to Dong Hoi (a city in Quang Binh), a journey that will bring you beautiful scenery while passing through the mountains of Hai Van and Lang Co Bay. The cost for this journey will be about 13 – 22 USD, depending on the type of cabin you choose.
We can suggest cabin features such as air-conditioned soft seat cabins, 4-bed cabins, 6-bed air-conditioned cabins, etc. You can search for a trip with the keyword “Da Nang Train to Dong Hoi”, you can The train may not be found if searching with the keyword “Phong Nha”.
Finally, when the train stops at Dong Hoi station, you will have to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha about 40km, the cost depends on the means of transport you choose.

3.4. Hoi An to Phong Nha by Motorbike

Starting a trip by motorbike has a special appeal for adventurers and long-distance travel enthusiasts. Prioritizing your health on such trips is important, especially when traveling over diverse terrain. To ensure your health and get the most out of your experience, I recommend allocating at least 2 days and 1 night in Phong Nha if your plans include returning to Hoi An.
Here are two options for doing this motorbike tour:

Option 1: Choosing to rent a motorbike and ride it yourself offers a thrilling adventure, but it’s essential to stay alert on the road and consult a map frequently. Motorbike rental prices vary by vehicle type, starting from as low as 4 USD per day and can be higher for larger models.

To ensure you can rent a motorbike, you can conveniently go to motorbike rental locations in Hoi An ancient town or ask at the hotel where you stay. However, you should consider your travel plans carefully, as returning the car to the rental provider can be difficult if you do not intend to return to Hoi An.
Tourists rent motorbikes to drive themselves
Tourists rent motorbikes to drive themselves (Soucre: Internet)

Option 2: Opting for a motorbike tour with an experienced driver will be a convenient alternative to ensure you save energy to explore the wonders of Phong Nha. Priced at approximately $175 per person, this package may include additional services to enhance your experience. For more details on this offer, consider doing a search using the keywords “Hoi An to Phong Nha by motorbike”.

Tourist motorbike with driver
Tourist motorbike with driver

4. Conclusion

In short, traveling from Hoi An to Phong Nha offers many transportation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you choose a bus, private car, train, or motorbike, each method has its advantages and experiences.
Traveling by bus is a convenient and affordable option, while private car transfers offer flexibility and comfort, allowing you to customize your itinerary. Train trips offer stunning scenery, although they may involve a more complicated route. Or a motorbike trip that promises adventure and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Ultimately, no matter which mode of transportation you choose, the journey from Hoi An to Phong Nha offers an unforgettable experience and a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Related Posts