From Phong Nha to Da Nang
Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history and culture, making it an excellent destination for travelers looking to experience a mix of modern and traditional Vietnamese life.
It’s home to several stunning beaches, including My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach, as well as historical attractions like the Marble Mountains and the ancient city of Hoi An.
Da Nang also boasts a fantastic food scene, with plenty of local specialties to try, as well as international cuisine options.
There are four main options for traveling from Phong Nha to Da Nang:
- by bus.
- by train.
- by private car.
- by motorbike.
The bus and train are more affordable options, while the private car or motorbike offer more flexibility and the ability to stop at attractions along the way.
The train offers scenic views of the countryside, while the private car or motorbike allows travelers to explore the Hai Van Pass and Marble Mountains.
Bus
Private car
Bus
How to get From Phong Nha to Da Nang
Your options for traveling From Phong Nha to Da Nang
Bus
To get from Phong Nha to Da Nang by bus, you can take a local bus from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi, and then take a bus from Dong Hoi to Da Nang.
The local bus from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi takes about 2 hours and costs around 70,000 VND (3 USD), while the bus from Dong Hoi to Da Nang takes about 5-6 hours and costs around 150,000-200,000 VND (6-9 USD).
There are also several private bus companies that offer direct buses from Phong Nha to Da Nang, which takes about 5-6 hours and costs around 250,000-350,000 VND (11-16 USD).
- Affordable.
- Less stressful than driving yourself.
- Opportunity to meet and interact with locals.
- Limited schedule and route options.
- Can be crowded and uncomfortable.
- May take longer than other modes of transportation.
Train
To travel from Phong Nha to Da Nang by train, you need to take a bus or taxi to Dong Hoi train station, then take a train to Da Nang. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours depending on the train and can cost between 150,000 to 400,000 VND depending on the seat type and train quality. It is advisable to book the train tickets in advance to secure a seat, especially during peak travel seasons.
- More comfortable and spacious than buses.
- Enjoy scenic views of the countryside.
- Can choose from different classes, ranging from budget to luxury.
- Limited schedules and routes.
- Slower than buses or private cars.
- Not as flexible in terms of itinerary.
Private car
To get from Phong Nha to Da Nang by private car, you can either rent a car or hire a private driver. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, and you can expect to pay around 2-4 million VND depending on the type of car and the company you use.
To hire a private car, you can contact local travel agencies or search for reputable companies online. Some popular companies include VM Car, Phong Nha Private Cars, and Hura Cars. It's best to compare prices and read reviews before booking to ensure a safe and reliable journey.
- Flexibility to stop at any scenic spots or attractions on the way.
- Comfortable and convenient mode of transportation with air conditioning and personal space.
- Potentially faster travel time compared to bus or train.
- More expensive than bus or train options.
- Requires a valid driver's license and experience driving in Vietnam.
- Potential for traffic and road conditions can affect travel time.
Driving motorbike
There are two main routes to travel from Phong Nha to Da Nang by motorbike: the Ho Chi Minh Road and the coastal route along Highway 1.
To take the Ho Chi Minh Road, head south from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh, then continue eastward until you reach Da Nang. This route is more scenic and less traveled, but it can be challenging with winding roads and steep climbs.
To take the coastal route along Highway 1, head north from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi, then continue southward along the coast until you reach Da Nang. This route is more popular and has more amenities along the way, but it can be more congested and less scenic in some areas.
Both routes offer beautiful views and unique experiences, so it depends on your preference and skill level which one to choose. It is important to note that traveling by motorbike requires a good level of riding experience and caution.
- The freedom and flexibility to stop at any time and explore the surrounding areas.
- It can be a thrilling and adventurous experience.
- The scenic route offers beautiful views of the coastline and mountains.
- It can be dangerous if you are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the road conditions.
- Weather conditions can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season.
- It can be physically exhausting and uncomfortable, especially during long journeys.
