Hue to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park tickets

About the ride from Hue to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Travelers eager to explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park have a few options when leaving Hue, including a bus, minivan, or car.

Located 210 kilometers (130.4 miles) from Hue, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a spectacular natural gem that has earned a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once hidden away from the world, the area has developed into a flourishing tourist site since the world's largest cave, Son Doong, was opened to the public in 2013.

What is Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park like?

The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 123,000 hectares of land and birds and borders the Hin Namno Nature Reserve in neighboring Laos.

The park contains an extraordinary network of vast caves, dense tropical forests, and underground rivers. It also has the world's largest cave, Son Doong, and other highlights like Paradise Cave, Dark Cave, and the Tu Lan cave system. 

The sweeping vistas feel right out of a movie set because they are! It was the filming location for Kong: Skull Island. 

The oldest karst mountains in Asia and the verdant scenery stretching into the horizon are breathtaking.

What to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is packed with picturesque delights to discover. Most of the sites in the area revolve around the park, and there is a good reason for that: it's stunning! 

Book a day trip to immerse yourself in the park's awe-inspiring natural beauty. 

You can choose between walking through the caves, like Son Doong, or combining this exploration with ziplining adventures, a mud bath, and rafting. Most excursions end with a trip to the blue lagoons for a relaxing swim.

How do I get from Hue to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?

Travelers looking to reach Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park from Hue have a few options: bus, minivan, or car.

By bus 

Air-conditioned buses are the most popular method of transportation in Vietnam and the easiest way to travel between cities. Plus, they are an affordable way of moving around the country.

It will take approximately four hours, and tickets start at $8, with a slightly higher premium for VIP or first-class buses.

When opting for the more affordable sleeping bus, your seats will recline to a 45-degree angle, offering plenty of room to stretch out and relax. 

Seats are in three rows of bunk-bed-style seats. 

Pro tip: Book a lower bunk seat for a more comfortable experience. If you’re on the top bunk, you’ll feel each bend in the road more intensely. 

Possible sleeping bus amenities include:

Reclining seats

Small storage space for shoes

Rest stops

A luggage allowance of one large bag and one piece of hand luggage

Sometimes, a WC on board

WiFi, subject to availability

Water is sometimes provided

A blanket and a pillow if it's a long trip 

A curtain on the window

Some tickets include a meal at one of the rest stops, so ask your driver to confirm.

If you opt for a VIP bus, you'll enjoy a more luxurious experience. The coaches typically have more legroom to stretch out and will come with a privacy curtain.

Services usually depart from the operator's office, dropping passengers off at the counterpart in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Sometimes, operators will collect people by car at the office and then drive them to the departure station. 

Arrive approximately 30 minutes early to avoid mishaps and find the correct departure station.

By private minivan 

Hiring a minivan with the operator Vietnam Locals is the best way to travel between Hue and Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in a medium to large group.

You'll need to hire the entire vehicle, which can take up to eight passengers but only costs approximately $190 — a bargain once you split the costs. It will take around four hours to complete the journey.

The advantages of a private transfer include choosing your ideal departure time, which is perfect if you're traveling with a strict itinerary or want more control over your schedule. Additionally, you get dropped off right at your accommodation.

Minivan amenities include:

Air conditioning 

Water provided

Rest stops upon request

A luggage allowance of one 20 kg/44 lb bag and one piece of hand luggage

A baby car seat is available for a small additional charge. 

By car

Another excellent option for people traveling in small groups between Hue and Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is to book a private car transfer.

Costs start at $100 per car and take approximately four hours. Each vehicle can take two to four passengers, depending on your chosen operator.

This pricey but luxurious choice will make the journey seamless, allowing you to depart at any time from your chosen location.

Car amenities include:

Air conditioning 

WiFi, subject to availability

English speaking staff 

Rest stops upon request

Water provided

A luggage allowance of one 20 kg/44 lb bag and one 7 kg/15 lb piece of hand luggage

The best things about the ride from Hue to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Your journey from Hue to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a speedy one, mostly driving along single-lane roads along the coastline.

The journey is not particularly spectacular, but you'll still see impressive views out the windows thanks to Vietnam's luscious countryside.

As you edge closer to the sprawling charm of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the views get increasingly spectacular. You'll see karsts lining the horizon, and the scenery is a vibrant green as far as the eye can see. It will enrapture you with its otherworldly beauty.

When is the best time to visit Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?

The best time to visit Phong Nha is during the dry season, when you can make the most of the spectacular caves. While the rest of Vietnam enjoys a dry season between November and April, Phong Nha's season starts in April and ends around August. 

Many of the caves at Phong Nha are inaccessible between October and December due to heavy flooding. Arrange your visit at any other time of the year to avoid being disappointed.

How many days should I spend in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?

Spend two to three days in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to avoid rushing through the region's unbelievable natural beauty.

Where should I go after Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?

Continue your journey northward by stopping at Ninh Binh, nicknamed "Ha Long Bay On Land." The area is home to awe-inspiring natural beauty that you'll remember forever.

Alternatively, head straight to Vietnam's second-biggest city, Hanoi. There you can experience the unmatched frenetic atmosphere, sample sumptuous street food, and learn about the country's fascinating history at one of the city's numerous museums.