How to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

The Ninh Binh to Phong Nha route is about 399km and runs through many provinces and cities such as Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Ha Tinh, and Dong Hoi. As the trip will last for such a long time, choosing a vehicle that is comfortable and convenient is suggested. If you drive a car, it would take between 7 and 8 hours to get there.

Travelling by bus will be even longer as the buses have to drive more slowly and stop at numeral spots along the way. Going by train is also an option for someone that likes to admire the sceneries from both sides of the window.

Besides, the fastest way is flying from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha at a pretty high cost. Above are our suggested vehicles that you can take into consideration and choose the suitable one. In addition, you can take some unusual choices like riding a motorbike but just on the condition that you have experiences of riding it through a long route or come with a group of friends. 

Among several ways to get to Phong Nha from Ninh Binh, bus, train, and flight are the best for you. 

1. Ninh Binh to Phong Nha bus 

From your place in Ninh Binh, you can go to Phong Nha by bus. This vehicle is quite convenient as there are many bus routes during the day, each departs every 1 hour. This means that you don’t have to worry about missing your bus. Normally, Ninh Binh to Phong Nha buses is sleeper buses, which feature two floors with sleepers and can contain about 40 to 46 passengers. Therefore, you can lie and sleep throughout the trip without any worry about getting tired afterwards.

Usually, the bus will depart from the Tam Coc area and get to the final stop at Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park in 8 hours. Besides, some bus operators have buses that pick you up right at your place in Ninh Binh. This will be very convenient when you are not close to Tam Coc, so check it out with the operator to book those buses.

A bus ticket will cost you about $15 per person. However, the price is just an appropriation. In reality, it will vary due to your kind of bus and on special occasions, bus operators can raise the price. One thing to take note of when you choose to use to transfer from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha is that you have to get to the departure spot 30 to 60 minutes earlier. 

2. Ninh Binh to Phong Nha train

On Ninh Binh to Phong Nha route, you can choose the train as a way of transportation as it is quite safe, fast, and interesting. Usually, there are two kinds of trains that can offer you the Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi route. One is run by Vietnam Railway. When choosing Vietnam railway trains, you can be served by the SE1/2, SE3/4, SE5/6, and SE7/8.

On these trains, there are four levels which include hard-seated, soft-seated, sleeper for 1 to 4 passengers, and sleeper for 1 to 6 passengers. Therefore, you can freely choose the one that you like. Prices are respectively $10.2, $14.8, $22.3, and $24.3 per person. Another kind of Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi train is run by private operators.

This type is one the same train as Vietnam Railway’s but more comfortable due to high-standard facilities, especially soft warm sleepers. There ate just two levels of privately run, including sleeper room for 1 to 2 passengers and sleeper room for 1 to 4 passengers. Besides, free drinks and snacks are offered. As the service is more professional, a private train will cost you from $65.4 per person.

Usually, you will be picked up from Ninh Binh station at no.1, alley 41, Hoang Hoa Tham st., Nam Binh dist. Like going by bus, when going by train, you will have to get to the station about 30 minutes before the due time so as for procedures to be done. On arriving at Dong Hoi station, you can grab a taxi or get on a bus to travel to Phong Nha in 1 hour more. 

3. Ninh Binh to Phong Nha flight 

For those who don’t have much time for travelling during their vacation, you can choose to fly as it will take you only 1 hour. On choosing this way, you will have to travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi as the province doesn’t have its own airport. This trip will take you about 1 hour and a half. From Noi Bai international airport get a flight to Dong Hoi airport.

By many operators such as Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air. Therefore, you can choose the one that fits fit the bill. A direct flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi will take you about $48. Sometimes, if you book the ticket in the golden hour, you can just pay $4.3 for it, so on choosing to fly from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, you should take note of this. During the flight, as it only lasts for 1 to 2 hours, you will be served drinks.

Besides, there can be some snacks if you fly with high-standard operators. On arriving at Dong Hoi airport, you can grab a taxi or get o a bus to get to Phong Nha. The trip will take you about 1 hour more. If you choose to fly it will take you only 3 to 4 hours, which is really fast and convenient and the price is just a little more than travelling by private train. 

In general, if you are budget travellers and seeking the most money-saving way to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha, you can choose to travel by bus or public train. If not, then private train and flight will offer you the most professional service. Alternatively, you can choose others transportations. Private cars, taxis are always available. However, you will have to pay more but spend the same duration as going by bus. Motorbikes are cheap but only for those who can ride for a long time and prefer adventures. 

In fact, from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha, many vehicles are available for you to choose from. Each type has its features and advantages that can or cannot satisfy your demand. Below are our suggested ways and vehicles that you should take into consideration to have the best trip during your vacation. 

• Get to the departure spot 30 to 60 minutes before the due time to have all the procedures ready and avoid undesired situations like forgetting things in the hotel, etc. 
• To avoid being scammed on booking transfer tickets, you can directly contact the operators or travel agents so that they can help you.
• Check the weather forecast carefully before booking is suggested and make sure that you have a B plan as your transportation can be delayed or even canceled anytime in bad weather conditions.
• Book a Vietnam tour in advance you don't need to worry about the transfer because all are included.

Above is our recommendation for travelling from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha. If you have any questions or are seeking more detailed information, please contact us through our website. We are also offer booking services and some Ninh Binh tours or Phong Nha Tours that you can interest in. 

Duc Anh Tran 

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