The drive from Phong Nha to Da Nang is about 306 km. Without long stops it takes roughly 5 to 5.5 hours. A private car collects you at your hotel or homestay in Phong Nha and takes you to your hotel in Da Nang, or to Da Nang Airport if you are flying out. Prices start at $140 per car and stay the same if you add sightseeing stops along the way.
This is the longest of the usual transfers out of Phong Nha, and it passes through three provinces: Quang Tri with its DMZ sites, Hue, and the coast around Lang Co and the Hai Van Pass. Below you will find the prices, the route, the best stops, sample plans for the day, and answers to the questions travelers ask us most.
Mui Ne Private Car is operated by Minh Khoi Tourism Co., Ltd., with more than 8 years in private transfers. You can check our reviews on GetYourGuide, 12Go and Google Maps.
| Distance | About 306 km |
| Driving time | 5–5.5 hours direct; 8–10 hours with stops |
| Pick-up | Any hotel, homestay or address in the Phong Nha area |
| Drop-off | Any hotel or address in Da Nang, or Da Nang International Airport |
| Price | From $140 per car, one way |
| Waiting | First 60 minutes of stops free |
| Payment | 50% deposit, balance paid to the driver at drop-off |
All prices are for the whole car, one way, Phong Nha to Da Nang. They include the driver, fuel, road tolls and parking. Whether there are two of you or five in the SUV, the price is the same.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Luggage | Price (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|
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1–3 | 2–3 bags | $140 |
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1–4 | 4–5 bags | $146 |
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1–5 | 5–6 bags | $150 |
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1–12 | 8–10 bags | $175 |
Choosing a car: on a drive of more than five hours, space matters. Count the big suitcases, not just the people. Three adults with three large cases will be much more comfortable in the medium SUV. If you are unsure, send us your luggage count and we will suggest the right car.
The car leaves Phong Nha for Dong Hoi, then follows Highway 1 and sections of the North–South Expressway south through Quang Tri province to Hue. After Hue the road runs past the Lap An Lagoon and Lang Co, then crosses the Hai Van mountain range into Da Nang.
| Section | Distance (approx.) | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Phong Nha → Dong Hoi | 45 km | 50–60 min |
| Dong Hoi → Hue | 170 km | 2.5–3 h |
| Hue → Da Nang (via Hai Van Tunnel) | 95 km | 1.5–2 h |
Between Lang Co and Da Nang you can either go through the Hai Van Tunnel (about 6 km, fast) or drive over the Hai Van Pass. The pass is about 20 km of winding road with views over the sea and Lang Co Bay. It adds roughly 30–45 minutes including a stop at the top. If the weather is clear, most travelers think it is worth it. In the rainy months the top is often in cloud, and then the tunnel is the better choice. Tell the driver on the day – it does not change the price.
The rest of the road is flat and easy. If you get car sick, the tunnel route is the more comfortable option.
You can make this a straight transfer, or turn it into a full day of sightseeing. These are the stops that fit naturally into the route, listed in the order you reach them:
| Stop | Where | Time to allow | Entry (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hien Luong Bridge & Ben Hai River | Highway 1, Quang Binh – Quang Tri border | 20–30 min | About 50,000 VND |
| Vinh Moc Tunnels | Vinh Linh coast, short detour | 45–60 min | About 50,000 VND |
| La Vang Holy Land | Off Highway 1, south of Quang Tri town | 20–30 min | Free |
| Hue – Imperial City or Khai Dinh Tomb | Hue city / south of Hue | 1.5–2.5 h | About 200,000 VND each |
| Lap An Lagoon | Next to Highway 1 at Lang Co | 10–20 min | Free |
| Lang Co Beach | Lang Co town | 15–30 min | Free |
| Hai Van Pass (top) | Between Lang Co and Da Nang | 15–30 min | Free |
Ticket prices are approximate, can change, and are paid at the site.
From 1954 to 1975 the Ben Hai River was the border between North and South Vietnam, and this bridge was the crossing point. It has been rebuilt as it once was, with a monument, flag tower and a small museum on the bank. It sits right on the road, so it is a quick and easy stop.
A three-level tunnel village dug by local people during the bombing of the late 1960s. Families lived, cooked and even gave birth underground. You walk through part of it along a lit route that comes out on the beach. The passages are low and narrow, so wear shoes with grip and skip it if you dislike tight spaces. If you can only make one stop in the DMZ, make it this one.
A major Catholic pilgrimage site. Local tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared here in 1798 to villagers hiding in the forest. You will see a large modern basilica, the war-damaged tower of the old church and quiet gardens. Dress modestly.
The old imperial capital is halfway down the route. In the time a transfer allows, you can visit one place properly: either the Imperial City (Dai Noi) in the centre, or one of the royal tombs such as Khai Dinh. Each takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. If you want to see Hue properly, we suggest breaking the trip and spending at least one night there – we can arrange two separate transfers.
A wide, calm lagoon right beside the highway at Lang Co, with mountains behind it. It is at its best in the morning or late afternoon light. A short photo stop – the car can pull over on the lagoon road.
A long sandy beach on the narrow strip between the lagoon and the sea. Good for a coffee or a fresh seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants.
The pass between Hue and Da Nang provinces, with an old fort gate at the top and views down to Da Nang Bay on one side and Lang Co on the other. Expect vendors and a few small cafés at the summit. Only possible if you choose the pass instead of the tunnel.
Here are three ways people usually do this trip. Times are approximate and assume a normal traffic day.
| Plan | Leave Phong Nha | Arrive in Da Nang | What you see |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | 8:00 AM | around 1:30 PM | Coffee and lunch breaks only; Hai Van Tunnel |
| DMZ + Hai Van Pass | 7:00 AM | around 4:00–5:00 PM | Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnels, lunch, Lang Co, Hai Van Pass |
| Hue + coast | 7:00 AM | around 5:00–6:00 PM | Imperial City or a royal tomb, Lap An Lagoon, Hai Van Pass |
Trying to fit the DMZ sites, the Imperial City and the Hai Van Pass into one day is too much – you would spend most of it rushing. Pick one theme, or split the trip with a night in Hue.
For any plan with stops, leave before 8:00 AM. Most sites close in the late afternoon, and the Hai Van Pass is at its best in daylight. For a direct transfer you can leave later; just keep in mind that you will arrive in Da Nang in the evening rush hour if you set off after midday.
It is possible for a direct transfer only. Tell us the tour name and we will check the real finish time with the tour company. Leaving at 2 PM means arriving in Da Nang around 7:30 PM.
The first 60 minutes of stops are free – enough for lunch and one or two photo stops. Longer stops are charged at 100,000 VND (about $4) per hour. If your plan includes the Imperial City or Vinh Moc, tell us when you book so we can plan the day and give you the total price in advance.
| Option | Total time | Cost per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private car | 5–5.5 h direct | about $35–47* | Hotel to hotel, choose your time, stops possible |
| Tourist bus / sleeper bus | 6–7 h | $9–14 | Limited departures; you are dropped at a bus office |
| Train via Dong Hoi | 7–8 h door to door | $12–18 | Taxi to Dong Hoi station first; scenic coastal line over the Hai Van Pass |
| Motorbike | 6–7 h of riding | varies | Only for experienced riders; long day with luggage |
* Sedan price shared by 3–4 people. Bus and train prices are rough figures and change often.
The bus is fine if you travel light, alone or as a couple, and your arrival time does not matter.
The car is worth it if you are three or more, have big luggage or children, want to stop at Vinh Moc, Hue or the Hai Van Pass, or have a flight to catch from Da Nang.
| When you cancel | What you pay |
|---|---|
| 24 hours or more before pick-up | Nothing – full refund of the deposit |
| Less than 24 hours before pick-up | 50% of the price |
| No-show without notice | Full price |
If your plans change, tell us as early as you can. When we are able to move the booking to another date, we do that instead of charging a fee.
About 306 km by road. Without long stops the drive takes 5 to 5.5 hours.
From $140 for a sedan (1–3 people). A 7-seat SUV is $150 and a 16-seat minivan $175. Prices are per car, one way.
Yes. You can visit the Imperial City or one royal tomb; allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The first hour of waiting is free and after that it is 100,000 VND per hour.
Yes, at no extra charge. It adds about 30–45 minutes with a stop at the top. In bad weather the tunnel is the better choice.
For history, Vinh Moc Tunnels. For scenery, the Hai Van Pass and Lap An Lagoon. If you only want one long stop, choose either the DMZ or Hue – not both.
Yes. Tell us your flight time when you book and we will plan the departure so you arrive with enough time to check in.
Hoi An is about 30 km further south. It is possible, but the price is different – ask us for a quote.
Before 8:00 AM if you want stops. For a direct trip any time works, but leaving after midday means arriving in the Da Nang rush hour.
Yes, for a direct transfer. We check the finish time with the tour company and the driver will be ready at your hotel.
Per car. The number of people inside does not change it, up to the seat limit.
He can tell you the basics, but he is not a licensed guide. For detailed history at Hue or the DMZ, hire a local guide on site.
Yes, child seats and booster seats are free on request. Let us know the child’s age when booking.
A 50% deposit when booking, and the rest to the driver at the end of the trip – cash (VND or USD), PayPal, bank transfer or card.
No. If you were happy with the trip a tip is welcome, but it is never expected.
Message us with your date and plans. We usually answer within 30 minutes between 7 AM and 8 PM, Vietnam time.
Mui Ne Private Car is part of Minh Khoi Tourism Co., Ltd. We have been running private transfers in central and southern Vietnam for more than 8 years. We only do cars and drivers – airport runs, city-to-city transfers and border trips.