Distance 152 km (95.0 miles) | |
Price range US$10-US$156 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h 59m-4h | |
Earliest Departure 17:00 | |
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: 3h
Cheapest bus: US$10
While tourists flock to Hue to break up their trip between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Dong Hoi is giving them a reason to stick around the center of the country. Located just 166km (~100 miles) north of Hue, Dong Hoi is still a hidden gem and not overrun by backpackers...yet. It is the departure point to take you to the Phong Nha Caves, which is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. As Dong Hoi is a charming seaside town, the journey itself is beautiful. You have the opportunity to see the rice terraces as you pass through the countryside and the white, sandy beaches as you approach Dong Hoi.
You’ll want to come to Dong Hoi to take in all of its natural beauty. After experiencing the caves, there are 12km of gorgeous beaches to relax on. The city of Dong Hoi itself is also just as charming as its neighbors. There are markets to sample delicious Vietnamese food and plenty of coffee shops to keep you energized throughout your stay.
The trip from Hue to Dong Hoi takes about 3 hours, no matter how you choose to travel. There is a flight from Hue to Dong Hoi, but because you have to connect in Hanoi, it will take twice as long. Because of this, you should focus on the four main options to get you to Dong Hoi: sleeper bus, train, minivan or private car. Which do we recommend? That really comes down to your comfort level, budget, and sense of adventure.
Taking a Bus
The sleeper bus can be a great, economical way to get around Vietnam. The buses are pretty comfortable, especially for longer journeys because you have the option to fully recline. You may not think that you need this on a three hour trip, but it is much nicer than being crammed in an over packed bus. The downside? These buses don’t have bathrooms, but the driver will make a stop or two on extended journeys. The upside? These buses are equipped with AC, they usually have WiFi and food options on board, and as a bonus some seats even have a massage feature. Note that these are first come, first served, so arrive early if you want one of those chairs! The bus is also a great option because the drop off points in both Hue and Dong Hoi are centrally located and easy to get to other tourist spots and accommodation, making it easy to enjoy the rest of your trip.
Taking a Train
Taking a train in Vietnam is another good option. There have been several new trains that have launched in the past few years, equipped with bathrooms, comfortable seats, charging points, AC and occasionally, WiFi. Most trains provide water and snacks for your journey and have a few departure options between Hue and Dong Hoi per day. Make sure to check the timetable to ensure the times will work with your schedule.
Taking a Minivan
A minivan essentially like hiring a private car, but with more space. These vehicles typically have space for up to 8 people, and you pay by the car, not by person. This would be a great option if you are traveling with a larger group of friends/family, or if you want a bit more space to spread out or have more privacy so you do not have to share a car with strangers.
Taking a Private Car
Until as recently as 2014, foreigners were not permitted to drive in Vietnam. Even now, you have to have a valid International drivers license to rent a car, so most car rental companies provide a chauffeur with their rental cars to make it easier for tourists to get from A to B. When driving from Hue to Dong Hoi, taking a private car may be the luxury option you are after. This is a great option if you like the freedom of making your own schedule or would like to stop to admire the views more often that the bus would. This is obviously the more pricey option, but very affordable, especially if you are splitting the cost with a few friends. Most cars can take two or three passengers, depending on how much luggage you have. Considering how beautiful the coast is near Dong Hoi you may want to think about this option if it’s within your budget.
Based on 503 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Hue to Dong Hoi
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