About the ride from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
If you're on a mission to see the most scenic destinations on Earth, Ninh Binh is an essential stop. Nestled in the Vietnamese countryside, this location has a stunning riverine landscape and lush green views. It's called Ha Long Bay on Land for a reason!
But don't leave Vietnam without visiting another spectacular sight — the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Here, you can marvel at ancient rock formations, discover underground caves, and admire the immense biodiversity. Plus, it's a Unesco World Heritage Site, so don't skip it!
The distance from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is approximately 400 km (248 miles). This takes anywhere from seven to nine hours, depending on your transport option. It can be traveled by bus, train, car, or minivan. We'll explain each in more detail below.
Grab your hiking boots, camera, and sight-seeing gear. But don't rush out the door. Stay with us and learn how to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park without a hitch.
What to see in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
It's always a great idea to see national parks. But what makes the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park worth your time? Here are the incredible highlights to see and do:
Paradise Cave is a 31 km/19-mile cave with giant stalagmites and stalactites. It’s the longest cave in the park. Prepare to feel very small!
Phong Nha Cave is the first cave discovered in the region and is an equally awe-inspiring site. Unlike Paradise Cave, you visit this spot by boat.
Dark Cave is one for the thrill seekers. Rather than the chilled Phong Nha Cave boat ride, visitors can zipline and trek into this cavern.
Calling all hikers! Go on a trekking tour. Pack your hiking boots and book a tour with an expert guide to see the best trails and sights in the park.
Get off the land and into a kayak. Phong Nha is filled with rivers, and you don't have to stay on land to appreciate them. Kayaking tours are an excellent option if you prefer active excursions.
How to get from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Your main options from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park are buses, trains, cars, and minivans. Here's what sets each apart:
By bus
Buses to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park are the cheapest option — tickets start at $13.Unsurprisingly, this also makes them the most popular option. But don't fret! There are plenty of departures daily, meaning you won't have to book months in advance.
Some tickets cost as much as $40. Higher prices come with more amenities.
Most buses on this route offer individual seats, A/C, and large luggage storage (usually up to 20 kg/44 lbs). A few provide onboard WCs, reclining seats, WiFi, water, and TVs. However, note that these aren't guaranteed and are subject to availability.
Buses take between seven to nine hours to arrive. The time variation is due to stops on the way and different departure and arrival points.
Departure and arrival spots vary by operator. Read the details to make sure you choose the location closest to your accommodation.
Pro tip: Bring water and snacks for the ride. While some buses may make stops, there is never a guarantee. Stay hydrated!
By train
Trains to Phong Nha are another affordable way to travel. Second-class seats start at $18 but go up to at least $69 per person for a whole cabin.
The main types of train tickets include:
Second class seats — $18
Second class sleeper — $29
First class sleeper — $35
Entire shared cabin — $69
All tickets include A/C, WC access, charger sockets, blankets, and up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of passenger luggage. Sleeper tickets provide beds, and whole cabin tickets include a private train cabin.
Train journeys take, on average, eight hours. You'll leave from Ninh Binh and arrive in Dong Hoi, a town east of the national park.
Pro tip: If you opt for a daytime journey, you can save money and book seats rather than a sleeper cabin unless you prefer to lie down anyway.
By car
Cars are a more expensive way to get to Phong Nha, but they guarantee a private journey and allow hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
Car prices start at $372, and can carry up to three passengers. This can work out to $124 per person if you split the cost.
Amenities with cars include water, A/C, toilet stops on request, and up to two 20 kg (44 lbs) bags and two 7 kg (15 lbs) handbags. Baby car seats can be added to bookings for $5.
Journeys with cars take eight hours. Perfect if you want to sit back and relax without the chaos of other passengers! Plus, you get to choose your ideal time of departure.
By minivan
Minivans to Phong Nha are another private transfer option. These are better suited to large groups, as they have capacity for up to eight passengers.
The price of a minivan is around $492. This can work out at around $61.50 per person if you travel with eight people.
Minivan rides take eight hours to arrive and can be booked for any time of the day.
With a minivan hire, you'll get picked up and dropped off at your hotel, A/C, water, toilet stops on request, and 20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage per person.
More details about the trip from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
The ride from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park takes you 400 km (248 miles) south through Vietnam's countryside. You'll pass the coast at times, so keep an eye out for stunning views!
While the views are great, this is also a popular route for night travel (due to the length). Save yourself the cost of a hotel for a night by booking an evening departure.
The journey to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is safe for all travelers. This is a well-known tourist route; thousands of people travel it every month.
The best time to travel from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Head there from March to August for sunny and dry weather with temperatures between 27°C and 33°C (80°C and 91°F).
From September to January, the Phong Nha area experiences heavy rain (approximately 400 mm/15 inches per month). The temperature remains warm during this period. However, December and January are cooler, with an average temperature of 22°C/71°F.
How many days do you need in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?
You can see some of the highlights at Phong Nha in one day. However, it's best to spend three to four days here to experience nature and culture at your own pace and not worry about catching a bus after trekking all day.
Where to visit after Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?
After a few days exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, why not keep the adventure going with a trip to Hue?
Located even further south in Vietnam, Hue is a dynamic city with incredible palaces, temples, and historical sites. Phong Nha to Hue takes four to five hours via bus.
