From Da Nang to Phong Nha
Phong Nha is home to some of the most magnificent cave systems in the world, including Son Doong, the largest cave in the world.
The area is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including national parks, rivers, and mountains, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Phong Nha also offers a chance to experience the rural, authentic side of Vietnam, with friendly locals and delicious local cuisine.
The most common options for traveling from Da Nang to Phong Nha are by train, bus, or private car. The train is a comfortable option with scenic views, but it’s not the fastest way to get there. Buses and private cars are faster, but the quality of the ride may vary.
Bus
Private car
Train
How to get From Da Nang to Phong Nha
Your options for traveling From Da Nang to Phong Nha
Train
There are no direct trains from Da Nang to Phong Nha, so travelers would need to transfer at Dong Hoi station to reach Phong Nha. The train journey from Da Nang to Dong Hoi takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the type of train. Once in Dong Hoi, travelers can take a taxi or local bus to Phong Nha, which is approximately a 45-minute drive away.
The train journey from Da Nang to Dong Hoi is a popular route for tourists, as it offers scenic views of the coastline and countryside. The train is comfortable and generally punctual, with a range of seating options available, including hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper berths.
Once in Phong Nha, travelers can explore the stunning Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the largest and most beautiful cave systems in the world, including Son Doong Cave, the largest known cave passage in the world. Travelers can take guided tours of the caves, go trekking or caving, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Affordable option.
- Scenic route through the Vietnamese countryside.
- Opportunity to meet and interact with locals.
- Limited train schedule and availability.
- Journey time can be longer than other modes of transport.
- No direct train from Da Nang to Phong Nha, require transfer in Dong Hoi.
Bus
To get from Da Nang to Phong Nha by bus, you can take a bus from Da Nang to Dong Hoi, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Phong Nha. There are several bus companies operating this route, and the journey takes approximately 6-8 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
- Affordable.
- Flexible schedule.
- Opportunity to see the countryside and local life.
- Longer travel time.
- Potential for discomfort during the journey.
- Sometimes unreliable schedules.
Private car
A private car from Da Nang to Phong Nha offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel. The journey takes around 5-6 hours and passes through beautiful scenery, including the Hai Van Pass and the green hills of Quang Binh province. With a private car, you have the flexibility to stop at any point along the way to take photos or explore the surrounding areas. The car is air-conditioned and the driver can speak English or Vietnamese, making it easy to communicate with them. Overall, traveling by private car from Da Nang to Phong Nha is a great option for those who value comfort and convenience.
- Flexibility to stop at attractions along the way.
- More comfortable than public transportation.
- Faster than taking the train or bus.
- More expensive than taking public transportation.
- Driving conditions can be challenging in some areas.
- Need to have a valid driver's license and be comfortable driving in Vietnam.
