Following a vacation to Ninh Binh in Vietnam, you shouldn't miss the chance to go sightseeing in Phong Nha. The region is well known for its caves and its breathtaking natural environment, both of which provide excellent opportunities for exploration and unwinding.  What are the transportation options from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha in Vietnam? This article is a comprehensive reference to getting to Phong Nha by bus, or train. 

Distance from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

The distance from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha is around 399 kilometers, and the route passes through a number of provinces and cities along the way, including Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Ha Tinh, and Dong Hoi. Given the length of time that will be spent traveling, it is recommended that you select a mode of transportation that is both convenient and accommodating to your needs. It would take anywhere between seven and eight hours to get there if you drove a car there.

Traveling by bus will take even longer because the drivers are required to go at a slower pace and make stops at predetermined locations along the route. If you are the type of person who enjoys looking out of both sides of the window when traveling, you might want to consider using the train.

Take a boat to see the panoramic view of Phong Nha Ke Bang cave

In addition, flying from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha is the most expedient way to travel, but it is also the most expensive. In addition, you have the option of driving a private car/motorbike, but only if you have previous experience riding a motorcycle for a significant distance or if you come with a large group of friends. 

Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by bus

You can take a bus to Phong Nha from where you are staying in Ninh Binh at this time. The availability of numerous bus lines throughout the day, each with departures every hour, makes this mode of transportation an exceptionally convenient option. Because of this, you do not need to be concerned about being late for your bus. Typically, buses traveling from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha are sleeper buses. These buses have two storeys, each of which has sleepers, and can accommodate between 40 and 46 passengers. As a result, you don't need to worry about being exhausted after the journey because you can simply lie down and sleep the whole time.

In most cases, the bus will leave the Tam Coc region and travel for eight hours before arriving at its final destination, which is the Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park. In addition, there are several bus companies in Ninh Binh that offer busses that will come pick you up exactly at your location. When you are not in close proximity to Tam Coc, this will be a very useful amenity for you; thus, look into it with the operator and book those buses.

The price of a ticket for the bus will be approximately $15 for each individual. On the other hand, the price is nothing more than an estimation. In practice, it will change depending on the type of bus you take, and bus companies are allowed to charge more on holidays and other special events. When you opt to use to move from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha, one thing to keep in mind is that you need to arrive at the departure place between 30 and 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. 
 

Ninh Binh to Phong Nha flight 

Flying is a good option for vacationers who don't want to spend too much time on the road because it takes just one hour to get to their destination when they fly. If you go about things in this manner, getting to Hanoi from Ninh Binh will be necessary due to the fact that the province does not have its own airport. You should budget approximately 1.5 hours for this excursion. You may reach Dong Hoi airport by taking an aircraft from the international airport in Noi Bai.

The cost of a flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi that is nonstop is approximately $48. If you choose to fly from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, you should keep this information in mind because there are instances when the ticket may be purchased for as little as $4.3 if it is purchased during the golden hour. You will be offered beverages while you are in the air, despite the fact that the flight will only last between one and two hours.

In addition to that, if you fly with operators who meet high standards, there may be some refreshments. After landing at the Dong Hoi airport, you have the option of taking a taxi to Phong Nha or boarding a bus to go there. You should plan on spending approximately an additional hour traveling. If you decide to fly, the trip will only take you between three and four hours, which is incredibly quick and convenient, and the cost will only be somewhat higher.

Transfer from Dong Hoi airport to Phong Nha by bus

​​​​​Ninh Binh to Phong Nha by train

If you are traveling from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha, the train is a good mode of transportation to take because it is not only quick but also entertaining, safe, and convenient. The journey from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi can typically be accomplished via one of two distinct types of trains. Vietnam Railway is in charge of the other. The SE1/2, SE3/4, SE5/6, and SE7/8 are the options available to you when selecting trains to take on the Vietnam Railways.

There are four different levels of seating available on these trains, and they are as follows: hard-seated, soft-seated, sleeper for one to four people, and sleeper for one to six passengers. As a result, you are free to select the alternative that best suits you. The cost is $10.2, $14.8, $22.3, and $24.3 dollars per individual, respectively. Private companies operate a separate variety of train that travels from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi.

This type of train is one of the similar trains that Vietnam Railway operates, but it provides a more comfortable ride due to high-standard equipment, particularly soft and heated sleepers. Only two levels of privately run accommodations are available: sleeping rooms that can accommodate one to two travelers and sleeper rooms that can accommodate one to four people. In addition to that, complimentary beverages and snacks are provided. A private train will start at $65.4 per person, because to the higher level of professionalism provided by the business.

A group of friends are inside Phong Nha Ke Bang cave

In most cases, you will be collected from the Ninh Binh train station at number 1, alley 41, Hoang Hoa Tham street, in the Nam Binh district. When traveling by train, just as when traveling by bus, you will need to arrive at the station around 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time so that the necessary processes can be completed. After arriving at the Dong Hoi station, you have the option of taking a taxi or a bus to Phong Nha, which will take an additional hour. 

You can choose a private car from Dong Hoi Station to Phong Nha.You have complete autonomy and independence while on the road. There will not be a throng, there will not be any unnecessary stops, and you will not have to change your seat in order for the person riding next to you to exit the vehicle. You and your highly skilled, professional driver will travel alone in complete luxury. 

So, renting a privae car from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is the best option for your travel needs since it is a door-to-door service with a basic English-speaking driver. 

Contact us to rent a car at a good price through +84.934.189.301|Whatsapp

The journey from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha may appear to be an exhaustingly long one, but if you arrange your route carefully, you may make up for the time lost. If you put some effort into preparation, you should be able to make the most of your time spent in the city.

>>> Read more: HOW TO TRAVEL FROM HANOI TO PHONG NHA KE BANG NATIONAL PARK