[UPDATED GUIDE] Ninh Binh To Phong Nha | Gecko Routes

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.

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 370,000 VND ($14.10).

Ninh BinhSecond Class SeatDong Hoi 08:26 8h 11m 16:37 Vietnam Railways370,000 VND ($14.10)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SeatDong Hoi 17:46 8h 34m 02:20 Vietnam Railways447,000 VND ($17)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SeatDong Hoi 23:10 7h 43m 06:53 Vietnam Railways449,000 VND ($17.10)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SeatDong Hoi 21:34 7h 55m 05:29 Vietnam Railways455,000 VND ($17.30)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SleeperDong Hoi 08:26 8h 11m 16:37 Vietnam Railways612,000 VND ($23.50)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SleeperDong Hoi 08:26 8h 11m 16:37 Vietnam Railways612,000 VND ($23.50)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 08:26 8h 11m 16:37 Vietnam Railways712,000 VND ($27)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 08:26 8h 11m 16:37 Vietnam Railways712,000 VND ($27)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SleeperDong Hoi 23:10 7h 43m 06:53 Vietnam Railways725,000 VND ($27.50)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SleeperDong Hoi 23:36 9h 38m 09:14 Vietnam Railways730,000 VND ($28)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SleeperDong Hoi 17:46 8h 34m 02:20 Vietnam Railways757,000 VND ($29)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhSecond Class SleeperDong Hoi 17:46 8h 34m 02:20 Vietnam Railways759,000 VND ($29)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 23:36 9h 38m 09:14 Vietnam Railways841,000 VND ($32)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 23:36 9h 38m 09:14 Vietnam Railways841,000 VND ($32)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 23:10 7h 43m 06:53 Vietnam Railways846,000 VND ($32)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 23:10 7h 43m 06:53 Vietnam Railways849,000 VND ($32.50)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 21:34 7h 55m 05:29 Vietnam Railways875,000 VND ($33.50)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 21:34 7h 55m 05:29 Vietnam Railways877,000 VND ($33.50)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 17:46 8h 34m 02:20 Vietnam Railways888,000 VND ($34)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhFirst Class SleeperDong Hoi 17:46 8h 34m 02:20 Vietnam Railways891,000 VND ($34)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhCabin 2 XDong Hoi 23:10 7h 43m 06:53 Vietnam Railways1,603,000 VND ($61)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhShared Cabin For 4Dong Hoi 21:34 8h 4m 05:38 Violette Express Train1,852,000 VND ($71)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhShared Cabin For 4Dong Hoi 23:10 8h 25m 07:35 Violette Express Train1,852,000 VND ($71)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhShared Cabin For 4Dong Hoi 21:45 8h 10m 05:55 Laman Express1,878,000 VND ($72)Get Your Tickets Ninh BinhPremium ClassDong Hoi 21:45 8h 10m 05:55 Laman Express3,862,000 VND ($145)Get Your Tickets Show 20 more operator(s)

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.

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 ($15.20).

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.