How to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
Why visit Phong Nha?
Phong Nha is a haven for adventure seekers. Its location in central Vietnam requires more time and effort to reach, probably why fewer travellers make their way to this town. That means you can enjoy a mostly unspoiled bit of paradise when you visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its enormous cave system — which includes the world’s largest cave (Hang Son Doong) and the longest dry cave in Asia (Paradise Cave). Outdoor lovers will also enjoy the lush hiking trails, karst mountains, and amazing wildlife in Phong Nha.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha?
There are 3 ways to travel the 400 kilometre (249 miles) distance from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. You can choose between the bus, private transfer and train. The journey takes 6 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 348,000 VND ($13.30).
Where to stay in Phong Nha?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phong Nha at the bottom of this page.
Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by Bus
There are eight main bus companies operating from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. These are Green Trips, Queen Cafe Bus, The Long Travel, Full Moon Party, Camel Travel, Grouptour, Duc Duong Bus and TBus.
Ticket prices start from 348,000 VND ($13.30). Depending on which company you travel with, the bus journey from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha takes around 6 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes.
Own experience: I travelled this route with Queen Bus and had a very comfortable ride. However, the last two passengers who entered the bus had to sleep in the walkway, even though they booked their tickets from their accommodation. Travelling by bus in Vietnam is not as safe as in Western countries. Taking the train is safer, but for this route, it comes with more hassle.
Departure & Arrival station
The Queen Cafe bus departs from Ninh Binh Central Hotel in the city centre. Grouptour departs from Tam Coc Central Hostel.
Both bus companies arrive at the Central Backpackers Hostel along the main street in Phong Nha.
Bus Schedule from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
TIP: Let your accommodation know when you expect to arrive and which bus company you booked with. When luck is on your side, you can check in early and enjoy your room straight away!
Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by Train
Do you want to travel by train from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha? You can only take the train to Dong Hoi (not Dong Ha!), which you can find 40 km southeast of Phong Nha.
From Dong Hoi Railway Station, you can take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha.
Step 1: Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi by Train
There are several trains operating daily from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi. But because this train journey takes roughly 7h 45m - 9h 40m, it’s best to catch an overnight train (you can see their schedules below).
With an overnight train, you won’t lose a day of travelling. You can also save a night on accommodation.
We recommend getting a bunk in a 4-berth cabin so you’ll have enough space as well as a comfortable bed to get a good night’s sleep.
Alternatively, you can get a cheaper yet less spacious bunk in a 6-berth cabin. Soft seats are also available, but we think they’ll be uncomfortable for this long journey. In that case, you might be better off taking a sleeper bus.
Train rates start from 369,000 VND ($14.10).
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don’t charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
Step 2: Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by Bus/Taxi
There are 2 ways you can get from Dong Hoi Railway Station to Phong Nha: by bus for 50,000 VND ($1.90) or by taxi with fares from 400,000 VND ($15.30).
See our guide on how to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for the bus schedule and more details.
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don’t charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by Private Transfer
If you have the budget for it, it’s also possible to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by private transfer. The journey takes 8 hours so this option doesn’t come cheap.
Rates start from 9,734,000 VND ($370) for a 3-seater car. Bigger vehicles are also available for larger groups.
We recommend booking your ride via BookAway so that you can expect a spacious car with a professional driver.
Private Transfer options from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
Best places to stay in Phong Nha
Thao Nguyen Homestay - Budget Friendly
Thanks to the great hospitality of the family, Thao Nguyen Homestay will feel like your home. After a day of trekking, you can take a dive in the pool or sit back and relax with a Netflix movie.
The homestay is located right in front of the bus stop in the centre of Phong Nha. The rooms are bright and spacious, with some of them offering spectacular views of the mountains.
- Mountain views
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bright and spacious rooms
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $16 per night.
Phong Nha Dawn House - Budget Friendly
You’ll probably find it slightly hard to believe that rooms also start at $16 at Phong Nha Dawn House. This place has an almost perfect rating for a reason.
Tu Tu and her family make you feel right at home in their beautiful homestay where you can enjoy a refreshing swimming pool, delicious restaurant and comfortable rooms.
- Great value for money
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Delicious restaurant
- Free breakfast
Private rooms start from $16 per night.
Karst Villas Phong Nha - Mid Range
Floating in an infinity pool overlooking endless rice fields, can you think of anything better? How about if on top of that, there are mountains in the background and you’re staying with a beautiful Vietnamese family?
Karst Villas offer all of that plus modern room and unique bathrooms. A very memorable stay!
- Infinity pool
- Incredible views
- Amazing family
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $38 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
What is the distance from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha?
The distance from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha is 400 kilometre (249 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha?
The fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha is by bus and takes 6 hours 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha?
The cheapest way to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha is by bus with ticket costs starting from 348,000 VND ($13.30).
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
