Quang Binh is a province in central Vietnam, best known for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong Cave, and its peaceful countryside. It’s not as crowded as places like Hoi An or Sapa, which makes it a great destination if you want to get off the tourist trail. But getting there can be a bit confusing, especially if it’s your first time in Vietnam.

Most people get to Quang Binh by flying to Dong Hoi, traveling by train, or taking an overnight bus. Some also arrive by motorbike or private car from nearby cities like Hue or Da Nang. This guide on How to Get to Quang Binh breaks down each option so you can decide what works best for your trip.

Getting to Quang Binh by Air

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Quang Binh, especially if you're short on time. Quang Binh has a small airport called Dong Hoi Airport (VDH). It's about 6 km from Dong Hoi City and around 45 km from Phong Nha. While the airport is not big, it handles daily domestic flights from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Flights from Hanoi to Quang Binh

You can fly from Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) to Dong Hoi in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Three airlines operate this route: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Most flights are in the morning or early afternoon, so if you’re planning a same-day connection, it’s possible.

Prices usually range from 700,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND ($30–60 USD), depending on how early you book and which airline you choose. We suggest booking at least two weeks in advance, especially during Vietnamese holidays or summer when locals travel more. In our experience, Vietjet often offers the cheapest tickets, but flights may get delayed. If you prefer better service and more punctuality, go with Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways.

Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Binh

From Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport), flights to Dong Hoi take around 1 hour and 40 minutes. The same airlines serve this route. There are fewer daily flights compared to Hanoi, but you’ll usually find at least one or two each day.

Ticket prices are a bit higher—around 1,000,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND ($40–80 USD), depending on the time of year and how early you book. Again, Vietjet tends to have cheaper tickets but more delays. If you're flying with checked luggage or need more flexibility, we recommend paying a bit extra for Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways.

Flights from Other Cities

You can also find flights to Dong Hoi from other cities in Vietnam. If you're in central Vietnam (Hue or Da Nang), flying doesn't make much sense—you'll save time and money by taking a train or private car.

Currently, there are no international flights to Quang Binh. If you’re flying in from abroad, you’ll need to transit through either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Getting to Quang Binh by Train

Taking the train to Quang Binh is a great option if you want to avoid flying or experience Vietnam at a slower pace. Trains are comfortable and fairly reliable, and you’ll see beautiful countryside along the way. The main railway station is Dong Hoi Station, which sits on the North–South Reunification Line. It’s about 3 km from the city center and around 40 km from Phong Nha.

Train from Hanoi to Quang Binh

The Hanoi to Dong Hoi route is one of the most popular train journeys for travelers heading to Quang Binh. The trip takes around 9 to 11 hours, depending on which train you take. There are both day and overnight trains, and you can choose from several seat classes:

Hard seat: cheap, but not comfortable for long journeys

Soft seat (air-conditioned): okay for day travel

Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin): best choice for overnight trips

Hard sleeper (6-berth cabin): more crowded but cheaper

We recommend the soft sleeper, especially if you're traveling at night. It’s more private and gives you a decent night’s sleep. You’ll find sleeper trains like SE3, SE19 and SE1 suitable for tourists. 

Prices range from 300,000 VND to 800,000 VND ($12–32 USD), depending on the class and train. You can book tickets online on websites like dsvn.vn or use apps like 12Go or Baolau.

Train from Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Binh

If you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City, the train takes around 20 to 24 hours. This is a long ride, so unless you have a flexible schedule or enjoy long-distance train travel, flying is the better choice.

Still, the train can be interesting if you stop at cities like Nha Trang, Da Nang, or Hue along the way. For example, you can break the journey up: Saigon → Da Nang → Dong Hoi.

You’ll find 5 trains throughout the day; the earliest is SE8 at 6 AM, and the last is SE2 at 9:55 PM.

Prices range from 600,000 VND to 1,300,000 VND ($23–50 USD), depending on the class and train.

Trains from Other Cities

• Hue to Dong Hoi: around 3.5 hours

• Da Nang to Dong Hoi: about 6 hours

• Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi: 7–9 hours

These shorter trips are comfortable and scenic. If you’re already traveling through central Vietnam, the train is a solid choice.

Note: We like the train because it gives you time to relax and enjoy the views. If you travel overnight from Hanoi, you can save a night’s accommodation and wake up close to Phong Nha. But it’s slower than flying, and delays sometimes happen. Book early if you travel during holidays or weekends, and avoid hard seats unless your budget is really tight.

Getting to Quang Binh by Bus

Taking a bus to Quang Binh is usually the cheapest option. Many budget travelers use sleeper buses to get in and out of the province. You can find both long-haul and shorter routes depending on where you start. Most buses stop in Dong Hoi City, and some go directly to Phong Nha.

Bus from Hanoi to Quang Binh

This route is popular and easy to book. The ride takes about 9 to 10 hours. Most buses are overnight sleepers, leaving Hanoi in the evening and arriving in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha early the next morning.

Prices range from 250,000 to 400,000 VND ($10–16 USD). Some reliable companies include:

• Queen Cafe

• Thuan Hung

• King Express Bus

Bus from Da Nang or Hue to Quang Binh

This is a good option for short-distance travel. The road is mostly in good condition.

• Da Nang to Dong Hoi: about 6 hours

• Hue to Dong Hoi: about 4 hours

You can take buses from companies like

• Queen Cafe

• Camel Transport

• HK Lines

Fares range from 200,000 to 300,000 VND ($6–12 USD). These buses are usually comfortable enough for a half-day trip.

Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Binh

This is not a trip we recommend. The journey is long—over 24 hours—and not very comfortable. Unless you’re traveling on a tight budget and have a lot of time, flying makes more sense.

That said, companies like Hoang Long or Tân Aba still run this route. If you do take the bus, be prepared with snacks, water, and entertainment.

Fares range from 800,000 to 1,300,000 VND ($30–50 USD).

What to Know Before You Take the Bus

• Some buses are clean and punctual; others are not. We suggest checking reviews before booking.

• Always bring warm clothes on overnight buses. The air conditioning can get very cold.

• Use reputable platforms like 12Go or Baolau to book and see honest feedback from other travelers.

• Don’t expect luxury, even on the more expensive buses.

Getting to Quang Binh by Motorbike or Car

If you enjoy road trips, traveling to Quang Binh by motorbike or car can be a great way to explore the countryside. You’ll have the freedom to stop when you want, take photos, and visit places that most tourists miss. It’s not the fastest way, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting.

Riding a Motorbike to Quang Binh

Many travelers ride along the Ho Chi Minh Highway, which runs through the mountains and offers beautiful views. It’s much quieter than Highway 1 and safer for motorbikes. You’ll pass local villages, forests, and farms. If you’re coming from Phong Nha, Hue, Da Nang, or even further south, this route is a favorite among backpackers.

From Hue to Phong Nha, the ride takes about 4 to 5 hours. From Da Nang, it’s about 7 to 8 hours, depending on the route and how often you stop. The road condition is decent, but you’ll need to pay attention, especially in the rainy season when roads can get slippery.

If you’re not an experienced rider, think twice. The roads are narrow in some parts, and trucks use them too. Always wear a proper helmet and check your motorbike before the trip.

Most travelers rent bikes from Hue or Hoi An and do a one-way trip, with companies like MotorVina or Flamingo Travel offering bike pickup and drop-off services. Daily rental usually costs 440,000–570,000 VND ($17–22 USD), not including bike transfer fees.

Driving a Car or Hiring a Private Car

Driving yourself is rare for foreigners unless you already live in Vietnam and have the right license. But hiring a private car with a driver is common and easy to arrange, especially from nearby cities.

A  private car from Hue to Phong Nha costs around $90–140 USD depending on the car type and number of people. The ride takes about 4 hours and passes through scenic areas, including parts of the former DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).

From Da Nang, it’s longer, about 6 to 7 hours, and can cost more. You can stop at Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, and Vinh Moc Tunnels on the way if you plan the trip well.

We think this is a good option if you're traveling with others and want more comfort or flexibility. It also works well for families or couples.

How to Get to Phong Nha from Dong Hoi

Phong Nha is the main reason most people travel to Quang Binh. The national park, caves, and countryside attract thousands of visitors every year. But to get there, you’ll likely land or arrive in Dong Hoi, so you need to figure out the best way to reach Phong Nha, which is about 45–50 km away.

By Taxi or Private Car

The easiest and fastest way is to book a taxi or private car. The drive takes about 60 minutes. Prices range from 500,000 to 600,000 VND ($20–25 USD). Most hotels in Phong Nha offer airport or train station pickups if you book in advance.

If your flight or train arrives late at night, pre-booking is a smart idea. There are no ride-hailing apps like Grab in this area, so don’t count on finding a last-minute ride at midnight.

If you want more space or you're traveling in a group, go for a 7-seater. Some companies even offer English-speaking drivers, which is helpful if you want to stop for photos or learn about the area.

By Local Bus

There is a local bus from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, but it’s not the most convenient. Bus B4 runs a few times a day. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and the ride can be crowded. You’ll also need to walk a bit or catch a taxi from the bus stop in Phong Nha to your hotel. There’s one every 90 minutes.

The bus costs about 40,000 VND ($1.50 USD), so it’s cheap, but only worth it if you’re traveling really light and don’t mind the slow pace. Ask your hotel for the latest schedule since times change often.

By Shuttle Service

Some hotels and tour companies in Phong Nha offer shared shuttle vans from Dong Hoi train station or airport. This is a good middle-ground option. It’s cheaper than a private car and more comfortable than the public bus. Prices are usually around 150,000 to 200,000 VND ($6–8 USD) per person.

We recommend this option if you're traveling alone and don’t want to pay for a full taxi.

Quang Binh Travel Tips

Check the Season: Quang Binh has a wet season from September to November. Floods and heavy rain can affect flights, trains, and roads, especially if you plan to explore caves or do any outdoor trekking. The best time to visit is from March to early September, when the weather is dry and warm.

Book in Advance During Peak Season: From May to August, many Vietnamese families travel during the summer holidays. Trains and buses get crowded, and good flights fill up quickly. If you’re traveling during these months, book your tickets early, especially if you want a sleeper train cabin or a seat on a popular bus line.

Arrive in Dong Hoi, But Stay in Phong Nha: Dong Hoi is the transport hub, but it doesn’t have much to see. If you're visiting for nature and caves, base yourself in Phong Nha Village, about 45 minutes inland. It’s where most guesthouses, tour agencies, and outdoor activities are located. You can always visit the beach in Dong Hoi as a half-day trip from there.

Choose Based on Your Budget and Comfort Level

Flying is the fastest and most convenient, especially from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Train is good if you want a slower, scenic trip or if you’re traveling overnight.

Bus is cheap and works for budget travelers or backpackers.

Motorbike or private car gives you flexibility and more freedom if you’re already in central Vietnam.

If you’re short on time, take a flight. If you want to enjoy the journey, go by train. If you’re on a tight budget, a sleeper bus from Hanoi or Hue is fine.

Don’t Count on Grab or Uber: Grab doesn’t really work in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha. Always arrange a taxi or shuttle in advance, especially for late arrivals. Most hotels are used to this and can help you sort it out.

Conclusion

Getting to Quang Binh isn’t hard, but you’ll need to plan a bit more than for places like Hanoi or Hoi An. The easiest way is to fly into Dong Hoi Airport and then transfer to Phong Nha, especially if you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. The train is a good second option, and it lets you experience more of Vietnam's landscape. The bus is affordable but not always comfortable.

No matter how you get there, Quang Binh is worth the trip. You’ll find some of Vietnam’s best caves, friendliest locals, and peaceful scenery. It’s a destination that feels different from the rest of the country—and that’s exactly why so many people fall in love with it.