Getting There and Away

Tam Toa Church
Thái Nhi at vi.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons

Dong Hoi is served by Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), situated approximately 6 km north of the city center, acting as a convenient air gateway. The city also has a central railway station, Dong Hoi Railway Station, which is a significant hub on Vietnam's North-South railway line.

By Air:

Flying into Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) is the quickest way to arrive, especially from major Vietnamese cities.

  • From Hanoi (HAN): Direct flights typically take about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Indicative costs range from approximately $48 to $70. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air operate these routes.
  • From Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Direct flights usually take around 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Indicative costs range from about $50 to $110.
  • From Dong Hoi Airport to the city center, a taxi ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around 120,000 VND (about $5 USD). Buses are also available with fares between 8,000-35,000 VND.

By Train:

Traveling by train offers a comfortable journey along the scenic North-South railway. Dong Hoi Railway Station is well-connected.

  • From Hanoi: The train journey typically spans 10 to 12 hours. Indicative costs can range from about $13 to $140, depending on the class, with sleeper berths recommended for comfort.
  • From Ho Chi Minh City: This is a significantly longer journey, taking approximately 23-27 hours. Indicative costs for soft seats or sleeper berths range from around $29 to $45.

By Bus:

Buses are a more budget-friendly option, often operating overnight sleeper services.

  • From Hanoi: A bus journey to Dong Hoi typically takes 8 to 9 hours. Indicative costs are around $11 to $22.
  • From Ho Chi Minh City: Bus travel is long, approximately 30 hours, often involving a route via Da Nang. Indicative costs range from about $32 to $65.