Distance 403 km (251.9 miles) | |
Price range US$ 24-US$ 141 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 5m-11h 55m | |
Earliest Departure 17:15 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 8h
Cheapest bus: US$ 24
By the time you finish your stay in Dong Hoi, you've probably gotten your fill of natural beauty.
Whether in the warm waters of the South China Sea or the cool caverns of the Phong Nha Ke Bang cave system, the mind-blowing landscape of Vietnam is on full display.
But after all that nature, it's time for some excitement and a night on the town. Vietnam's urban scene is at its best in the buzzing capital city of Hanoi.
From its roots in Vietnamese culture to its cosmopolitan vibe, Hanoi is a city that is proof of the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people. Plus, it's a really great place to party.
Motorbikes will zip around you like a swarm of ants as you sample delicious street food.
You can explore the city's history by day and then sip cocktails from a sophisticated rooftop bar by night — without even leaving the neighborhood. And no matter where you go, the city's ever-present energy will surround you as much as the humidity.
Hanoi is quite simply abuzz both night and day.
Here are some of the top things to see and do to help build your dream itinerary:
Explore the Old Quarter on foot. Nothing matches Hanoi's Old Quarter in terms of charm, vibe and energy. Wandering through this compact neighborhood will recharge your batteries and bring you face-to-face with countless shops, cafes and markets just ripe for exploring.
Pad your photo album at Hoan Kiem Lake. Containing the city's most memorable icons, Hoan Kiem Lake is the perfect spot for taking pictures and boosting your social media content. Home to the Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple (accessible only by crossing the strikingly red Huc Bridge), you can fill your photo album with classical Vietnamese architecture even while in the heart of the city.
Enjoy the high life on West Lake. Well-heeled travelers should immediately head for West Lake — the swankiest part of Hanoi. Here, you'll find the fanciest hotels, top-rated restaurants and exclusive neighborhoods. Even if you're a budget traveler, you can still take in several charming pagodas and temples that dot the lake's 17 miles of shoreline.
Once night falls, splurge on a cocktail at one of the stunning rooftop bars for unmatched views of the imposing skyline. It'll be well worth the price.
Go old school (literally) at the Temple of Literature. As modern as Hanoi can be, there are still historic gems waiting to be explored, like the Temple of Literature — a place of learning that dates back more than a thousand years. Wandering its scenic courtyards and pavilions will teach you a thing or two about Vietnam's rich history.
There's no getting around it. At a distance of about 503 kilometers (313 miles), getting from Dong Hoi to Hanoi will take some time. In practical terms, this means either an overnight bus or train ride or, if you're willing to spend just a little bit more, a one-hour flight.
If you opt for land travel, you shouldn't expect to see much, as the journey is often made overnight. Taking a flight will give you a bird's eye view of the blue waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and the deep greens of Vietnam's Central Highlands.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, expect to have your pace — and pulse — start racing, beginning with the simple act of navigating the busy streets to your hotel. From there, get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine and markets of Vietnam's poshest city.
Your options come down to either a short flight or a ride on a bus or train. Below are some details to help you choose what's best for you.
Considering all the time (and comfort) you'll save, a flight from Dong Hoi to Hanoi is convenient and a good value. So long as you're not booking last minute, it will only cost you around $48. Not to mention the hours you shave off your travel time.
Flights depart from Dong Hoi Airport (IATA code: VDH) and will get you to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in just over an hour. This will help you maximize your time in the city without the fatigue of an overnight journey.
The bus is, as usual, the least expensive way of traveling from Dong Hoi to Hanoi.
There are quite a few options, and for just a few dollars, you can upgrade your experience significantly.
A regular sleeping bus will offer air conditioning, WiFi, reclining seats and even blankets (a must for the often frigid AC setting).
From there, you can upgrade to a VIP Sleeper bus or VIP Cabin bus with wider, comfier seats that recline more fully and even feature personal TV screens. The features depend largely on the individual operator; be sure to look at the details.
With journey times anywhere from 8-10 hours, choosing to travel overnight saves you one night's accommodation.
The driver stops along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs and use the facilities.
Buses depart from select locations in Dong Hoi and arrive at several locations in Hanoi. It all depends on the operator, so find the drop-off point closest to your hotel before booking.
In most cases, you are allowed one large suitcase per passenger (up to 20 kg/44 lbs).
Traveling by train is slow travel at its best. Sure, it takes longer to reach your destination, but many will attest it will be a far more pleasant experience.
Train rides are available at varying levels of comfort. The cheapest would be a second-class seat (starting at $17), but you have to spend the night sitting upright.
From there, you can upgrade to a shared sleeper cabin all the way up to a private luxury cabin that will cost more than an economy flight.
Trains are air-conditioned with restrooms on board, and even the most basic ticket will include charging stations and a blanket and pillow. Higher-end tickets will also include WiFi along with snacks and drinks.
Travel times vary according to departure, ranging from 10.5 to 12 hours. Most tickets will allow each passenger to bring one large suitcase (20 kg/44 lbs) and a handbag per person.
Trains leave from Dong Hoi Train Station, which is closer to the center of town than the airport. They arrive at the Hanoi Train Station, conveniently located near the city center.
February through April have some of the best touring weather, with clear skies and warm — not boiling hot — temperatures.
September to November temps are similar, except that nights get a little chillier later in the year.
May to September is monsoon season, which means high heat, humidity, and lots of rainfall. Winter, too, is very humid, but temps get downright chilly.
The biggest nearby attraction outside of Hanoi is Halong Bay.
This surreal landscape of limestone karsts and secluded coves is a sight not to be missed.
And if you're looking for those famous rice paddies and waterfalls Vietnam is known for, consider heading further north to Sapa.
Based on 584 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Dong Hoi to Hanoi
luc l.
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Su K.
Fitting a whole New York City block and a weather system that creates its own clouds, Hang Son Doong is truly a spectacular underground world.
Although you may be starting your holiday on your own, you`ll likely end up spending your entire holiday with others.
5 brilliant ways to turn your mobile into the best travel buddy ever… especially if you`re traveling alone and start to feel a bit lonely.
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