From Da Nang to Dong Hoi: Routes & Tips via Danang Tours

How Far is It from Da Nang to Dong Hoi?

From Da Nang to Dong Hoi is about 265-281 kilometers (165 – 175 miles), depending on the route. The majority of travelers arrive via National Route 1A or the Ho Chi Minh Highway, both affording picturesque vistas of Central Vietnam.

Estimated travel times vary by transport:

• Train: 5-6.5 hours
• Bus or coach: 4.5-6 hours
• Private car: around 5 hours
• Flight: No direct flight, only from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (4-6 hours with a stopover)

All Travel Options from Da Nang to Dong Hoi

By Train – Best for Scenic Riders

Schedule & Travel Time

There are in total 6 daily trains between Da Nang Railway Station and Dong Hoi Station operated by Vietnam Railways on the Reunification Express line. Below is an updated schedule:

Seat Types & Ticket Prices

You can enjoy fresh sheets, pillows, and blankets in soft berth compartments along the way.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Best for: Scenic views, coastal cliffs, rice paddies, villages
• Saner and roomier than buses.
• Good for overnight, some fall in bedding is expected.

Cons:

• Slightly longer travel time
• Simple food or bring your own (snack trolley)
• No direct shuttle to Dong Hoi Airport

Train SE6 (Source: greentrains)

By Bus or Coach – Budget-Friendly & Flexible

If you value flexibility and a cheap ride, get the bus from Da Nang to Dong Hoi. It’s cheap, easy, and there are plenty of sleeper and VIP limo buses to choose from. 

Bus Types

• Sleeper Bus: Reclining beds, perfect for overnight or long-hour trips
• VIP Limousine Bus: Fewer passengers, better seats, more personalized service
• The vast majority of buses have A/C, wifi, USB charging, and blankets.

Travel Time

• Duration of the average flight: 4 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours 30 minutes
• Journey times are approximate and based on the time taken at rest stops, traffic, and the route taken.

Ticket Prices

• Sleeper bus: from 170,000 VND (~$7)
• VIP Limousine: 300,000 – 450,000 VND ($12-$18)
• Book as early as possible to avoid peak weekends or holidays with high prices

 Reputable Bus Companies

Buses generally leave from the Da Nang Bus Station, and some companies can pick up / drop off at your hotel. Inquire at your hotel or book online.

Local Tips

• You might want to bring a light jacket; buses are often chilly.
• Carry valuables close and identify baggage.
• Don’t book travel at the very last minute on a weekend or during the Tet vacation.
• Some companies have combo packages with Phong Nha or Dong Hoi Airport drops opportunities.

Bus Cuc Mung (Source: nhaxedainam)

By Private Car – Best for Comfort + Scenic Stops

Recommended Routes

Here are those two beautiful, high-speed routes:

• QL1A (National Highway 1A) – quickest and shortest way.
• Ho Chi Minh Road – or quieter, greener, and photo worthy!
• Estimated total travel time: 5.5 to 6 hours (depending on your stops)

Optional Scenic Stops

Make your way from Da Nang to Dong Hoi on a mini road trip! Here are some top stops:

• Hai Van Pass – panoramic view across the ocean from 500 meters above the sea level, haunted with stories of Vietnam’s past
• Lang Co Beach – quiet bay & fresh seafood restaurants
• Hue Imperial City – Vietnam. It was the former royal capital of Vietnam. If you are fascinated by history and intrigued by the former emperors.
• DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) – historical connector of North and South
• Vinh Moc Tunnels – underground village of the war period (If desired: plus 10 USD)

Private Car Pricing Table

Optional surcharges:

• Hue City tour: +$15
• Vinh Moc Tunnels: +$10

Trusted Providers

Klook Vietnam

• Website: https://www.klook.com/vi
• A planet Earth travel platform that facilitates booking cars online easily. Klook shows prices, photos of the car, condition, and trip information really clearly. It’s perfect for international travelers who value convenience and quick confirmation.

Today Travel – Da Nang

• Address: 141 3/2 Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
• Phone: 090 3591 777
• Website: http://danangtodaytravel.com
• Local company with a good reputation offering car rental with a driver, by the day or by the route. Typical prices for popular journeys such as Da Nang to Ba Na Hills or Da Nang to Hoi An are 500,000 VND. Flexible timing, perfect for families and small groups.

Vu Khoa Car Rental

• Address: Lot 14-B3.2, Le Huu Khanh St., Khue My, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
• Phone: 0906 150 001 or 0905 449 544
• Website: https://thuexedanang.com.vn
• Popular both for self-drive and chauffeur services. Provides a complete range of vehicles from 4 to 45 seats. Return to Ba Na Hills from: Up from 700,000 VND. Ideafit Ideal for: Travelers who want more control, or those whose stay demands multi-day car hire.

Dinh Auto – Da Nang

• Address: Lot 30-31, 2/9 Street, Hai Chau, Da Nang
• Phone: 0931 525 258 or 0919 190 975
• Website: http://ototulaidanang.com
• Specializes in cars for self-driving, from budget models to fancy cars. Pricing for daily hire begins at 600,000 VND. Perfect for travellers who are comfortable driving and would like to have flexibility in travelling from Da Nang to Dong Hoi and nearby areas.

Dinh Auto – Da Nang (Source: oto)

Best Travel Option for You (By Traveler Type)

Backpackers & Solo Travelers

The best fit for adrenaline junkies and dong-slammers alike? The train - or the sleeper bus!

• Train from Da Nang to Dong Hoi: Cheap, Scenic and Vietnamese #soloadventure mode on. Settle into a plump seat or berth, sip tea from the snack trolley, and let the world go past!
• Sleeper buses: Leave all day and are a cheap option that allows you to lie down with the AC on and a blanket. Companies such as Hanh Luyen and TP Booking can be trusted.

Families with Kids

When you’re traveling with kids, convenience and comfort are crucial, and that’s where private cars or shared minivans come in handy.

• Private car from Da Nang to Dong Hoi: Travel whenever you want, stop wherever you want (hello, Lang Co Beach or Hai Van Pass!), and commute in air-conditioned tranquility. Good for families with baby seats or heavy luggage, too.
• Minivans: Perfect compromise vehicle for families of 4-8 (with a great budget). Cozy trip, public or private (they’re not heavy-duty, but they beat braving the airport), and they’re a snap to reserve ahead of time.

Luxury Travelers

Want to take your travel experience from Da Nang to Dong Hoi to another level? Reserve a private sedan with sightseeing stops! 

• Your English-speaking chauffeur
• Customize your itinerary: visit the Hue Imperial Citadel, stop at the seaside for seafood, or gaze upon the DMZ.
• Quiet, smooth ride featuring perks like Wi-Fi, bottled water, and cooling towels

 Eco-Conscious Explorers

The Overlook Traveling sustainably? The train is your greenest, eco-friendly option to travel from Da Nang to Dong Hoi.

• The lowest CO2 output of any other alternative
• A scenic route that is part of the experience
• Support the local transportation with minimal environmental effects

Conclusion

No matter if you opt for the train, the bus, a private car, or a minivan, making the journey from Da Nang to Dong Hoi is more than a transfer – it’s part of the adventure! Choose whatever works best for your comfort, budget, or style, and don’t forget to book early for holidays. Ready to plan your return? Discover the most convenient ways to transport to Danang for a hassle-free trip in Vietnam!