How to travel from Phong Nha to Hoi An: A complete guide for international tourists
Phong Nha and Hoi An are both prominent destinations in Vietnam, where international tourists can experience pristine natural landscapes and rich historical culture. If you are exploring the mysterious beauty of Phong Nha and want to continue your journey to Hoi An – a vibrant old town with ancient architecture and unique culture, please update the information below immediately. In this guide, we will provide you with detailed ways to travel from Phong Nha to Hoi An, helping you choose the most suitable method according to your time needs, budget and desired experience.Β
Introduction to the tourist route from Phong Nha to Hoi An
The route from Phong Nha to Hoi An is one of the most exciting and attractive tourist routes in Central Vietnam, connecting two famous world heritages. This is a journey that takes visitors from the majestic beauty of nature to the ancient and elegant features of culture, a trip that is not only wrapped in beautiful scenery but also opens up memorable historical stories and heritages.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang, the starting point of the journey, is a unique nature reserve with a massive cave system and pristine landscape recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage. Located in the mountainous region of Quang Binh, Phong Nha – Ke Bang is not only famous for its majestic caves such as Son Doong – the largest cave in the world, but also contains lush primeval forests and poetic underground rivers. This is a paradise for those who love adventure and nature exploration, where each landscape bears the beauty of the Central region.
The journey ends in Hoi An, a small city located on the banks of the Thu Bon River, famous for its ancient beauty and cultural exchange. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, Hoi An impresses with its lantern-lined streets, traditional architecture, and ancient houses dating back to the 15th century. Not only a cultural heritage, Hoi An also preserves the historical imprints of the busiest trading port in the past, which was once a stopover for merchants from all over the world. Today, Hoi An has become a cultural icon, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of traditional craft villages, unique culinary culture, and unique traditional festivals. The highlight of the journey from Phong Nha to Hoi An is the opportunity to explore the harmonious combination of natural beauty and diverse culture. This route takes visitors through Hai Van Pass – one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam – where mountains and forests blend with the ocean to create an unforgettable, majestic landscape. From above, you can admire the vast East Sea, with misty mist covering the mountain peaks, creating a beautiful natural picture. Hai Van Pass is also the natural boundary between the Central and Southern regions, opening up many cultural and geographical differences along the journey.
This tourist route is not only a journey of discovery but also a unique cultural experience. Starting from the Phong Nha mountains with its pristine landscape, where the lives of local people are closely tied to nature, to the ancient town of Hoi An where culture, history and tradition are still preserved intact. This is a unique combination, bringing a feeling of change little by little, from nature to architecture, from rustic simplicity to antiquity.
This journey is truly an ideal choice for those who want to fully explore the landscape and culture of Vietnam, a complete experience amidst majestic nature.
Read more: Visiting Phuoc Lam Pagoda in Hoi An, 200 years oldΒ
How far is Phong Nha from Hoi An?
Phong Nha and Hoi An, two prominent tourist destinations of Central Vietnam, are about 343 km apart. This distance is not simply a geographical number but also a journey spanning beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural heritage. Although it is a long road, this distance is an opportunity for visitors to admire the diverse beauty of Central Vietnam.
With the route from Phong Nha to Hoi An, visitors will have the opportunity to pass by famous landmarks and majestic natural scenery. From the lush forests and amazing underground rivers of Phong Nha – Ke Bang to the long beaches and famous Hai Van Pass along the way, this journey offers a wonderful blend of nature. and culture.Β
Travel time between Phong Nha and Hoi An depends on the vehicle you choose, ranging from 6 to 8 hours. If you choose a sleeper bus or drive yourself through national highways, you can save time traveling. For those who enjoy long-distance scenic experiences and want to enjoy every moment along the way, the train is a great choice. The journey by train is longer, in which the passage through Hai Van Pass is one of the most memorable moments when visitors can admire the seascape from a height and admire the breathtaking beauty of the mountains.
The 343 km road from Phong Nha to Hoi An is not only a journey connecting two World Heritage Sites but also a journey of discovery and experience. No matter which means of transportation you choose, each type of transportation brings a unique perspective and feeling about the natural beauty and culture of Vietnam.
Instructions on how to get from Phong Nha to Hoi An
Hoi An is an attractive destination in Central Vietnam, and if you are in Phong Nha, there are many means of transportation to choose from, depending on time, cost and personal preference. Below are detailed instructions for each mode of travel from Phong Nha to Hoi An, helping you experience the most complete and convenient journey.
Travel by train
Travel itinerary:
- Travel from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Station: You can catch a bus or taxi from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Station, about 45 km from Phong Nha. This journey takes about 1 hour. Note that you need to arrange a reasonable departure time to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the train departs to check in and prepare to board the train.
- Take the train from Dong Hoi to Da Nang: At Dong Hoi Station, you can choose one of four daily trains to reach Da Nang. Travel time is about 6-7 hours. The train will take you through many beautiful roads, especially the Hai Van pass, where you can admire the beautiful landscape of mountains and sea. You can choose soft seats, hard seats or beds to suit your needs. Soft seats and beds are more comfortable for long trips.
- Getting to Hoi An from Da Nang: When you arrive at Da Nang station, you can choose to travel to Hoi An by passenger car, taxi or public bus. The journey from Da Nang to Hoi An is about 30 km, and the travel time takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Time and cost:
- Total time: About 9.5 hours for the entire journey.
- Cost: Total cost from $40 to $60, including bus or taxi costs from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi, train tickets and transportation from Da Nang to Hoi An. Train ticket prices may vary depending on seat class.
Outstanding experience:
- The train journey from Dong Hoi to Da Nang takes you through the most beautiful lands in the Central region. In particular, the section passing Hai Van Pass is considered the most beautiful railway in Vietnam with vast mountain and forest scenery, long coastline and fresh air. This is a great opportunity to take in the sights and enjoy a slow, relaxing journey.
Trip frequency:
- There are four trains from Dong Hoi station to Da Nang every day, allowing you flexibility in choosing a departure time that suits your schedule.
Travel by plane
Travel itinerary:
- Travel from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Airport: You can travel by taxi from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Airport in about 45 minutes, costing about 400,000 VND. To save time, you should book a car in advance to ensure quick and convenient travel.
- Fly from Dong Hoi to Da Nang: From Dong Hoi Airport, you can choose a short flight of about 1 hour to Da Nang Airport. There are many domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways operating this route, making it easy for you to find a suitable flight.
- Travel from Da Nang to Hoi An: After arriving at Da Nang Airport, you can choose to take a taxi, bus or airport shuttle to travel to Hoi An, a distance of about 30 km. Taxis are the fastest option, however, a bus or shuttle would be a more economical choice.
Time and cost:
- Total time: About 4β5 hours, including travel time from Phong Nha to the airport, waiting time and flight time.
- Cost: Flight costs range from $20 to $60 depending on time of booking and airline. In addition, there are transportation costs from Phong Nha to the airport and from Da Nang airport to Hoi An.
Select airline:
- Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways all operate flights from Dong Hoi to Da Nang, with many different time frames during the day, so you can easily arrange your itinerary.
Travel by sleeper bus
This is an economical and suitable way to travel for travelers who want to rest throughout the journey. Sleeper buses are a convenient and comfortable choice, helping you relax during a long trip without spending much money.
Time and cost:
- Travel time: About 8 hours, usually departing in the evening from Phong Nha and arriving in Hoi An the next morning.
- Cost: About $15 to $20 depending on the car brand and included services. You should contact the bus company in advance to ensure availability and arrange a reasonable time.
Travel by self-driving car
Detailed instructions:
- From Phong Nha, you drive along Ho Chi Minh Road and then enter National Highway 1A to continue your journey. On the way, you will pass through beautiful roads of the Central region with countryside landscapes, mountains and beaches.
- When approaching Hoi An, you turn onto DT607 street to go into the old town area. This route allows you to freely explore attractions along the way, from Cua Dai beach, Hai Van pass to peaceful villages.
Time and cost:
- Travel time: About 6 hours if you go continuously, but you can stop to explore beautiful places along the way.
- Cost: Fuel costs and tolls vary depending on the type of car you rent and fuel consumption. This is a suitable choice for travelers who want to be proactive in their time and flexible in their journey.
Safety note:
- Make sure your car is in good condition, check the brakes, lights and tires before setting off. The pass has many sharp turns, especially when passing Hai Van Pass, so you need to be careful and keep a safe speed, especially when traveling at night or in bad weather conditions.
Things to note when moving from Phong Nha to Hoi An
The journey from Phong Nha to Hoi An offers many beautiful scenic experiences and the opportunity to explore Central Vietnam, especially if you choose to go through Hai Van Pass. For a smooth and comfortable trip, below are some useful notes that you should refer to.
Choose a reasonable travel time
Choosing the right travel time will give you the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery along the way. If you travel by train from Dong Hoi to Da Nang, consider choosing the train in the morning or late afternoon. This is the ideal light time to see the landscape of Hai Van Pass – where mountains and sea blend together, creating a beautiful natural picture. Early mornings often have clear blue skies and cool air, while late afternoons give you a relaxing feeling and you can watch the sunset from the train window.
Prepare light luggage
Traveling from Phong Nha to Hoi An often involves many means of transportation such as bus, train, plane, or bus, so preparing light luggage will help you move more easily and comfortably. You should only bring necessary items to avoid being cumbersome and wasting time when changing vehicles. A lightweight luggage not only makes you more comfortable but also ensures safety, especially if you have to get on and off the train or bus many times. If possible, prepare a light backpack with necessary personal belongings, avoid bringing large suitcases unless absolutely necessary.
Book tickets early for trains and planes
Phong Nha and Hoi An are both popular tourist destinations, especially during peak season, so to ensure you have a seat on the train and flight, you should book early, at least a few days before departure. This will not only give you peace of mind but also help you choose a seat or flight time that fits your schedule. Booking early will also help you avoid “sold out” situations during holidays, Tet or peak tourist season. In particular, train tickets from Dong Hoi to Da Nang and plane tickets from Dong Hoi to Da Nang often sell out quickly during peak days, so you should plan and book in advance to avoid having to change your schedule.
Check weather information
Central Vietnam has a rainy and stormy season that lasts from September to December, so checking the weather before going is extremely necessary. Weather can greatly affect your journey, especially for vehicles such as trains and buses passing through Hai Van Pass. Heavy rain or storms can obstruct visibility and make travel difficult, especially on dangerous mountain passes. If the weather is not favorable, you can consider adjusting your route, choosing another means of transport or even rescheduling your departure date. Updating weather information will help you be proactive in your journey and ensure trip safety.
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