Visitors can easily reach Phong Nha via Dong Hoi, a city served by both an airport and a railway station with connections to other parts of Vietnam. Dong Hoi Airport is about 6 km north of the city centre, while Phong Nha is approximately 45 km away, making it convenient to continue the journey by car or shuttle service.
The journey from the airport to Phong Nha usually takes around 45 – 90 minutes, depending on the type of transport, traffic conditions and departure point. Travellers can choose from public buses, taxis, Xanh SM or motorbike rentals, depending on their budget, schedule and travel needs.
In this guide, we cover the most common transport options from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha, including estimated travel times, reference prices and how to get there with each option.
Taxi – fast and convenient
A taxi is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel directly from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha. You can take a taxi at the airport or book one in advance, then travel directly to your accommodation without changing vehicles.
The journey from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha is approximately 45 – 50 km and usually takes around 45 – 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your destination. A typical taxi fare is around VND 450,000 – 700,000 per trip. Actual fares may vary depending on the taxi company, vehicle type, time of travel and any additional charges.
Some commonly used taxi companies in Dong Hoi include:
| Taxi Company | Phone | Reference Fare |
| Mai Linh | 0232 385 8585 | VND 400,000 – 500,000 |
| Sun Taxi | 0232 353 5353 | VND 400,000 – 500,000 |
| Dong Hoi Taxi | 0232 384 1841 | VND 350,000 – 450,000 |
| Xuyen Viet | 0232 384 8484 | VND 350,000 – 450,000 |
Besides traditional taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Xanh SM may also be an option if a driver is available to pick up passengers at the airport. The estimated fare is around VND 350,000 – 450,000 (USD 14 – 18), although prices shown on the app can vary depending on the time and demand. It is best to check the fare before booking.
A taxi is a practical choice if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling in a small group, or arrive in Phong Nha after the buses have stopped running. If you want to know the total cost in advance, ask for a fixed fare when booking and confirm whether the price includes airport fees or any other additional charges.
Motorbike rental with airport pickup
If you want more flexibility with your schedule and the chance to enjoy the scenery along the way, renting a motorbike for the journey from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha can be a suitable option for confident riders travelling with light luggage. The route is approximately 45 – 50 km and takes around 1.5 hours, depending on your speed and stops along the way.
Motorbike rentals in Dong Hoi typically cost around VND 120,000 – 200,000 per day, depending on the type of bike. You can contact rental shops in advance to ask about delivery or pickup at Dong Hoi Airport, as not all rental companies offer airport delivery services.
Travelling by motorbike gives you the freedom to stop along the way to enjoy views of the rivers, mountains and countryside, or visit local eateries. However, the route may include trucks and some poorly lit sections, so it is best to avoid riding after dark or during heavy rain.
Some motorbike rental shops in Dong Hoi
- Tung Motorbike: 44 Hoang Dieu, Dong Hoi. Hotline: 0978 211 325. The shop offers a range of motorbikes and provides delivery in some areas of Dong Hoi.
- Quang Binh Motorbike Rental: 7 Phan Boi Chau, Dong Hoi. Phone: 0963 029 195.
- Chi Thu: 42 Nguyen Du, Dong Hoi. Phone: 0915 960 481.
- QB Travel: 189B Truong Phap, Dong Hoi. Phone: 0911 079 136.
Before picking up your motorbike
- Bring your passport/ID and a valid driving licence.
- Confirm the rental price, deposit and return conditions before picking up the bike.
- Check the brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors and horn.
- Take photos of the bike’s condition before setting off to avoid disputes when returning it.
- Check that the bike has enough fuel and ask about the cost of repairs or assistance in case of a breakdown during the rental period.
If you are not used to riding a motorbike on longer routes or are travelling with a lot of luggage, taking a taxi or bus may be more convenient.
Blue Diamond Retreat airport transfer service
If you are staying at Blue Diamond Retreat, you can arrange a private transfer from Dong Hoi Airport to the retreat, making your arrival in Phong Nha more convenient. The retreat is located in the buffer zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, approximately 50 – 55 km from Dong Hoi Airport, with a journey time of around 1 – 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Blue Diamond Retreat is set on approximately 5 hectares of land surrounded by trees and the Blue River. The retreat offers bungalows, ecohouses, a natural lake, and activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), swimming and cycling. As part of its net-zero approach, the retreat uses solar energy, collects rainwater and incorporates natural cooling solutions to reduce its environmental impact.
With its spacious setting and range of outdoor activities, Blue Diamond Retreat is suitable for families with children, couples and groups of friends looking to combine a relaxing stay with exploring the nature of Phong Nha.
Airport transfer service
Blue Diamond Retreat offers transfers on request between Dong Hoi Airport, Dong Hoi Railway Station and the retreat. When booking a transfer, you should provide your arrival date, number of passengers, pickup location and flight details, including your flight number and arrival time. The transfer cost depends on the vehicle type, number of passengers and pickup/drop-off locations.
To book a transfer or request a quotation, contact Blue Diamond Retreat directly via 028 999 55168 or its official contact channels. It is recommended to arrange your transfer in advance and reconfirm the pickup time before your journey.
In addition to airport transfers, Blue Diamond Retreat can also help arrange transportation from Dong Hoi Railway Station or other locations in the area, allowing you to travel directly to the retreat without having to find transport after arriving in Dong Hoi.
Bus – a budget-friendly option
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, bus B4 is an option. From the airport, you can walk to the nearby main road to catch the bus at the B4 stop. The bus is cheaper than a taxi or private transfer, but the journey may take longer because it stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the way.
B4 bus information:
- Route: B4, connecting Dong Hoi and Phong Nha
- Frequency: Approximately every 60 minutes, from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Fare: Approximately VND 35,000 – 50,000 per person
- Travel time: Approximately 60 – 90 minutes
- Departure point in Dong Hoi: From the terminal, walk out to the main road, turn right, and continue for approximately 100 metres until you see the sign for the B4 bus stop to Phong Nha.
B4 bus route
The B4 bus travels through the main roads in Dong Hoi before following National Highway 1A towards Hoan Lao. It then continues along the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road before reaching Phong Nha.
Route: Quang Phu → Truong Phap → Nguyen Du → Nhat Le 1 Bridge → Bao Ninh → Tran Hung Dao → To Huu → Huu Nghi → National Highway 1A → Hoan Lao → Eastern Ho Chi Minh Road → Phong Nha.
The return journey from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi follows a similar route.
From Dong Hoi Airport to Dong Hoi Bus Station
Dong Hoi Airport is approximately 6 km from Dong Hoi Bus Station. You can take a taxi from the airport to the bus station, which costs around VND 100,000. From there, take the B4 bus to Phong Nha.
Bus schedules and fares may change, so it is recommended to check the latest information before your journey.
Note: If you arrive at the airport after the last B4 service or are travelling with a lot of luggage, a direct taxi or private transfer will be more convenient.
Quick comparison of transport options from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha
Each transport option offers a different balance of cost and flexibility. Use the table below to find the option that best suits your schedule and travel needs.
| Transport | Travel Time | Reference Cost | Pickup / Route | Best For |
| Taxi | 45 – 60 minutes | VND 450,000 – 700,000/trip | Direct pickup at the airport | Small groups, lots of luggage, travellers in a hurry |
| GrabCar | 45 – 60 minutes | VND 350,000 – 450,000/trip | Book through the app, subject to driver availability | Travellers who want to see the fare before booking |
| Motorbike | Around 1 – 1.5 hours | VND 120,000 – 200,000/day + fuel | Rent and collect the bike in Dong Hoi or at the airport if available | Confident riders travelling with light luggage |
| B4 Bus | 60 – 90 minutes* | VND 35,000 – 50,000/person | Taxi from the airport → Dong Hoi Bus Station → B4 → Phong Nha Town | Budget-conscious travellers |
| Blue Diamond Retreat Transfer | Around 1 – 1.5 hours | Contact for a quotation | Airport pickup → Blue Diamond Retreat | Guests staying at Blue Diamond, families and groups |
*Does not include the time needed to travel from Dong Hoi Airport to Dong Hoi Bus Station or the waiting time for the bus.
Note: Travel times and costs are for reference only and may vary depending on the time of travel, traffic conditions, number of passengers and your specific destination in Phong Nha. For taxis, Grab and private transfers, it is recommended to confirm the fare before booking.
Conclusion
There are several ways to travel from Dong Hoi Airport to Phong Nha, including taxis, Grab, motorbikes and the B4 bus. Each option differs in cost, travel time and convenience, depending on your schedule, group size and amount of luggage.
If you are staying at Blue Diamond Retreat, you can arrange the retreat’s transfer service to travel directly from the airport to your accommodation without changing vehicles. Booking your transfer in advance can also give you greater control over your arrival time, especially when you are travelling with your family or a group of friends.
