Getting from Hanoi to Dong Hoi

About the ride from Hanoi to Dong Hoi

After some time spent in the vibrant Hanoi, you’ll probably be looking for a calmer place to stay. Dong Hoi is a laid back, seaside town, and it’s a perfect place to go when you’re looking for a calmer atmosphere.

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

• Traveling on an affordable 10-hour sleeper bus, and saving money on accommodation
• 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 Dong Hoi is between mid-November and late March. At this time of the year, the weather is nice, there’s almost no rainfall, and humidity levels are at their lowest. Dong Hoi is still somewhat off the tourist radar, and you won’t come across crowds even during the highest season.

 

What to see when traveling from Hanoi to Dong Hoi

Travelers who choose overnight bus or train rides won’t be able to see much outside their windows. This is the perfect time for you to have some sleep and rest so that you’ll have plenty of energy once you arrive in Dong Hoi.

If you’re flying from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, and you managed to grab a window seat, you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view over the South China Sea. However, the plane ride is very short, and before you know it, you’ll be landing.

You’ll probably be hungry after your journey, so you can head straight to Dong Hoi markets for some yummy street food and a local coffee. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, you can go on to explore all this town has to offer. Just across the river, you’ll find an amazing 12 km stretch of white powdery sand beach, where you can relax.

When the sun goes down, it’s time to let your inner music superstar come out! If there’s something the Vietnamese love to do, it’s karaoke. Don’t be afraid to go local, and visit the Karaoke Thai Binh for some fun.

One hour away from Dong Hoi, you’ll find the magnificent Phong Nha Caves, where you’ll find the biggest cave in the world! The caves are the most popular sight in this part of Vietnam, so keep in mind that they might get a bit crowded during the high season.

 

How to get from Hanoi to Dong Hoi

Taking a bus

The overnight bus ride between Hanoi and Dong Hoi is the perfect choice for travelers on a budget. The ride might be long, but you can easily catch up on your sleep and save money on accommodation. Currently, there are no daylight departures available.

All buses on this route are equipped with A/C, reclining seats, and toilets on board. The bus driver will make several stops during your journey and you can stretch your legs or grab a bite.

 

Taking a train

If you want to have a sneak peek into Vietnamese train culture, hopping on a train between Hanoi and Dong Hoi is the perfect choice for you. The trains only travel during the night, so you won’t really have a chance to enjoy the lush green views. However, you’ll have the opportunity to catch up on your sleep and rest.

Train cabins are comfortable and 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 you’re looking to avoid a long bus or a train journey, there is some good news for you. You can fly between Hanoi and Dong Hoi, and the flight only takes 1 hour to arrive. The tickets are affordable, and their starting price is usually somewhere around $35. Planes are equipped with toilets and A/C.