Dong Hoi

Written by Lorraine Aust, Minh Nguyen
15/08/2025
Tam Toa Church
Thái Nhi at vi.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons

Dong Hoi serves as a serene coastal city and a primary gateway to the natural wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It offers pristine beaches, historical sites reflecting its wartime past, and opportunities to experience local life and cuisine.

For those seeking to connect with other travelers, the central area around the Nhat Le River waterfront provides a relaxed atmosphere with various cafes and local eateries. Specific hostels like Buffalo Pub and Hostel are noted for their social environments, featuring attached bars and common areas, appealing to backpackers. The Dong Hoi Night Market also offers a lively setting for interaction and exploring local offerings.

Top 4 Things to do in Dong Hoi

Activities in Dong Hoi range from exploring vast cave systems and relaxing on pristine beaches to delving into historical war remnants and experiencing local markets.

1. Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Caves

Venturing into Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover some of the world's most spectacular cave systems. Paradise Cave mesmerizes visitors with its colossal chambers and intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations, resembling an 'underground palace'. Dark Cave provides an adventurous experience, inviting visitors to zipline across a river, swim into the cave entrance, and navigate through dark passages to experience a mud bath. Phong Nha Cave is unique, primarily explored by boat along its underground river, showcasing impressive rock formations. It is recommended to choose a full-day tour that often combines two of these popular caves to maximize the experience.

Cost: Entrance fees vary per cave. Paradise Cave costs 250,000 VND per adult, with an optional electric car ride for 25,000 VND (round trip per person) or 100,000 VND for a 4-seat buggy (round trip). Phong Nha Cave requires a boat fee of 550,000 VND per boat (up to 12 people), plus an individual entry fee of 150,000 VND per adult. Dark Cave's full-service combo ticket (including zipline, kayaking, and mud bath) is 450,000 VND per adult. Tour packages combining two caves typically range from $55-$89 USD (approximately 1,375,000 - 2,225,000 VND) and often include transport, guide, and lunch.

Transport: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is approximately 45-70 km northwest of Dong Hoi. The most convenient way to visit is by booking a tour, which usually includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from Dong Hoi. Alternatively, a taxi ride costs about 600,000-800,000 VND one-way. Renting a motorbike for around 100,000-150,000 VND per day is another option, but international tourists are generally not recommended to drive motorbikes in Vietnam without proper licensing and experience. Local buses (Route B4) are available from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang for about 35,000 VND per person.

2. Relax at Nhat Le Beach and Explore Quang Phu Sand Dunes

Nhat Le Beach offers a serene escape with its long stretch of white sand and clear blue waters, ideal for swimming and unwinding. You can take leisurely strolls, witness breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, and engage in various water sports like jet-skiing or paragliding. Just a short distance away, the Quang Phu Sand Dunes provide a contrasting landscape of undulating golden sands, perfect for sand sliding or simply enjoying the unique desert-like views. These natural attractions offer a blend of relaxation and soft adventure near the city.

Cost: Nhat Le Beach has no entrance fee. Water sports like jet skiing typically cost 250,000–400,000 VND per hour for a single rider. Paragliding prices are not explicitly stated but are usually part of a tour. Quang Phu Sand Dunes are generally free to access, but renting a sandboard may cost a small fee (around 10,000-20,000 VND, based on typical local attraction rentals). ATV or jeep tours for the dunes might be available for an additional cost.

Transport: Nhat Le Beach is conveniently located just 1 km from Dong Hoi city center, accessible by walking, taxi, or local electric car. The Quang Phu Sand Dunes are approximately 8 km north of the city center. A taxi ride would be affordable, or one could rent a bicycle or motorbike to reach them.

3. Discover Dong Hoi's Historical Sites

Dong Hoi's history is deeply etched in its resilient landmarks. Tam Toa Church, a haunting ruin from the Vietnam War, stands as a poignant symbol of endurance with only its facade and bell tower remaining. The Dong Hoi Citadel, a 17th-century fortress, though mostly in ruins, offers glimpses into the city's strategic past, allowing visitors to walk through remnants of its walls and gates. Quang Binh Gate, a well-preserved ancient gate from the Nguyen Dynasty, acts as a portal to the city's feudal history. Exploring these sites provides a profound insight into Vietnam's complex past and the city's steadfast spirit.

Cost: Most historical sites like Tam Toa Church and Dong Hoi Citadel ruins are generally accessible without an entrance fee, allowing free exploration. Some sources mention a fee for specific gates of the Citadel, but many recent reviews imply open access to the main ruins. Quang Binh Gate is also freely accessible.

Transport: Tam Toa Church is near the Nhat Le River. Dong Hoi Citadel and Quang Binh Gate are also centrally located. All these sites are within walking distance or a short taxi ride from most hotels in Dong Hoi city center.

4. Experience Dong Hoi Night Market and Local Cuisine

The Dong Hoi Night Market, situated by the Nhat Le River, transforms into a lively hub as evening falls, offering a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in local life and sample authentic Quang Binh specialties. The market is a sensory delight, bustling with vendors selling fresh seafood, traditional cakes like 'banh loc' and 'banh khoai', and various local dishes. It is a perfect spot for an evening stroll, to enjoy a casual meal, or to shop for unique souvenirs. Beyond the market, the city's cafes and seafood restaurants along the waterfront provide a relaxed setting to enjoy the evening breeze and fresh catches.

Cost: Prices for food and goods at the night market are generally very affordable, typical of local Vietnamese markets. A meal could cost anywhere from 50,000 VND to 150,000 VND, depending on choices.

Transport: The Dong Hoi Night Market is centrally located on Me Suot Street, near the Mother Suot monument and Nhat Le Bridge, making it easily accessible on foot from many accommodations in the city center. Taxis are also readily available.

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