Dong Hoi to Hanoi

About the ride from Dong Hoi to Hanoi

After spending some time in the laid back, riverside Dong Hoi, it’s time for you to experience something a bit different. Get ready for one of the most vibrant cities in Vietnam, because it’s time for Hanoi!

When traveling the 503 kilometer (313 mile) distance between Dong Hoi and Hanoi, you have three options to choose from:

• Traveling on a 10-hour sleeper bus
• Hopping on an overnight train that takes 11 hours to arrive in Hanoi
• Flying from Dong Hoi to Hanoi in less than 2 hours

The best time to visit Hanoi is during spring or fall. From February to April, days are sunny and warm, with minimal rainfall. Weather conditions from late September through November are quite similar to spring conditions, but it can get a bit colder, especially during the evenings and nights.

The summer months, from May to September, are the monsoon season in Hanoi, with high temperatures, lots of humidity, and rainfall. During the winter, Hanoi can get very humid and cold, and warm clothing is a must if you visit between December and February.

 

What to see when traveling from Dong Hoi to Hanoi

If you’re traveling on an overnight bus or a train, there won’t be much to see outside your window, besides the dark. However, this is the perfect time to relax and have some rest before you arrive in lively Hanoi.

Those who are traveling on a plane might be able to get a sneak peek at the blue colors of the South China Sea. The plane journey is very short, and you’ll arrive in Hanoi in no time!

As soon as you arrive in Hanoi, you’ll learn that this is a very vibrant and diverse city. If you’re looking for narrow streets packed with street food joints, shops, and traders, head straight to the Hanoi Old Quarter where you’ll find all this and much more. Around the Old Quarter, you’ll also find some of the city’s most significant landmarks, such as The Perfume Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Temple of Literature.

The city is home to many museums and interesting cultural sights you can explore for days. The Hanoi Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Water Puppet Theatre are some of the popular spots to check out around town.

If you’re looking to go on a shopping spree in Hanoi, make sure to visit Dong Xuan Market. Here, you’ll find everything from fashion, to souvenirs, to exotic spices and tasty food. 

It might take some time for you to get used to Hanoi’s hustle and bustle. If you’re in need of some nature, peace, and quiet, there are many national parks that are located just a few hours away from the city.

 

How to get from Dong Hoi to Hanoi

Taking a bus

The ride between Dong Hoi is long, but if you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus between these two places might be the choice for you. The bus only departs in the evening, meaning you’ll also save some money on accommodation. All buses have A/C, reclining seats, and toilets on board, and they’ll make frequent stops for a chance to grab a meal and stretch your legs.

 

Taking a train

Hopping on a train between Dong Hoi and Hanoi will give you a sneak peek into Vietnamese train culture. The trains travel only during the night, and you’ll have a chance to catch up with your sleep during the journey. Cabins are equipped with A/C, WiFi, blankets, and charger sockets. The trains don’t make stops on their way, but there are many clean bathrooms on board.

 

Taking a flight

If long bus and train journeys aren’t really your cup of tea, you can hop on a plane that will take you from Dong Hoi to Hanoi in just 1 hour. The tickets are affordable, and their starting price is usually somewhere around $35. Planes are equipped with toilets and A/C.