Hoa Lư in 1 Day for Friends - Overnight train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi
In Collaboration with Sovaba Travel. Updated on February 5, 2026.
Overnight rail from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi followed by a full-day Phong Nha-Ke Bang adventure: boat cruise inside Phong Nha Cave, riverside lunch, then zipline, mud-bath and kayaking at Dark Cave. Designed for friends who want active, social, photographable experiences with easy logistics.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Sovaba Travel, inspired by the tour From Ninh Binh: Phong Nha Cave and Dark Cave Day Trip. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Overnight train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi
- Scenic dragon-boat cruise and Phong Nha Cave tour
- Riverside lunch in Phong Nha village
- Dark Cave: long zipline, natural mud bath and kayaking on the Chay River
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight rail from Ninh Binh followed by a full day exploring Phong Nha Cave and adventurous activities at Dark Cave. Plan for active experiences and bring quick-dry clothes.
Depart Ninh Binh Railway Station — Overnight train to Dong Hoi
Board the overnight train at Ninh Binh Railway Station. Settle into your seat or sleeper berth and rest during the night — the train will arrive in Dong Hoi in the early morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a lower/side-by-side berth if you're in a group — easier to chat and store bags.
- Pack a small overnight bag (swimwear, quick-dry shirt) to keep with you — checked luggage can be hard to access on the train.
- Charge phones and take a portable battery; train sockets are inconsistent. Keep valuables in a slim daypack under your berth.
Arrival & Meet vehicle at Dong Hoi Railway Station
Arrive at Dong Hoi where the Sovaba Travel vehicle and guide will meet you at the station and handle luggage before the morning transfer to Phong Nha.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your train carriage/seat number with the guide quickly so luggage handover is smooth.
- Keep a small snack and water in your daypack for the transfer — breakfast options at the station are limited early morning.
- If you're a group, consolidate bags and put a brightly colored ribbon on them to make loading/unloading faster.
Drive Dong Hoi → Phong Nha Village (Ho Chi Minh Trail scenic transfer)
Scenic drive from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Enjoy countryside views and short photo stops en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side of the vehicle for the best limestone-ridge photos in the morning light.
- Ask the guide for a short local coffee stop if the group wants — Vietnamese iced coffee wakes everyone up.
- Bring sunglasses and a light windbreaker; mornings in March are pleasant but some sections can be breezy.
Phong Nha Cave — Dragon-boat cruise and cave exploration
Board a traditional dragon boat for a scenic 25–30 minute river cruise to the cave entrance, then explore the illuminated inner grottoes, stalactites and underground pools with your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Position yourselves toward the front of the boat for unobstructed photos — the guide will usually seat the group for best views.
- Bring a lightweight jacket; caves can feel cool and damp even in spring. Waterproof your camera or phone with a zip-lock bag.
- Respect the lighting and no-flash rules inside the cave; try wide-angle shots from the entrance for dramatic panorama group photos.
Lunch at Phong Nha Farmstay — riverside Vietnamese specialties
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the national park area featuring local dishes (included). Time to refuel and share photos from the morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for family-style dishes to share — it’s cheaper and perfect for groups who want to try several local specialties.
- If someone has dietary restrictions, mention them early — most places here are small but flexible with substitutions.
- Keep cash handy (VND) for any extra drinks or tips — some rural restaurants are card-free.
Dark Cave (Hang Toi) — Zipline, mud bath, cave trek & kayaking on the Chay River
Full afternoon of adrenaline and fun: conquer the long zipline over the Chay River, explore the dark cave with headlamps, enjoy the mineral mud-bath, then kayak and try a short additional zipline — great for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a spare change of clothes and a dry bag; the mud bath is full immersion and phones are best left in lockers or waterproof cases.
- Split into small teams for the zipline and kayaks so waiting times are shorter and everyone gets more runs — ask staff about group discounts.
- Wear water shoes or sandals with straps; flip-flops are risky during kayaking. Carry a lightweight towel and a zip-lock for wet items.
Return transfer — Phong Nha → Dong Hoi
Group returns to Dong Hoi by comfortable vehicle. Time to freshen up on the way back and share highlights from the day.
Tips from local experts:
- If your group wants souvenir shopping in Dong Hoi, ask the driver for a recommended stop en route — local handicrafts are available.
- Use the transfer time to dry off and change into clean clothes kept in a dry bag to stay comfortable on the ride back.
- Confirm drop-off point with your guide early (hotel, station or Sovaba office) to avoid last-minute confusion for groups splitting up.
Arrival & Tour end — Dong Hoi
Arrive in Dong Hoi; tour concludes. Guests can continue exploring Dong Hoi city, head to their hotel, or transfer to the airport or railway station.
Tips from local experts:
- For groups wanting dinner, try local seafood restaurants along the riverfront — great for celebrating the day's adventure.
- If you need onward train/flight help, ask Sovaba Travel staff to assist with tickets or taxi contacts — they often help groups book transfers.
- Keep contact details for your guide handy in case friends want recommendations for bars, night markets, or a group massage after the day’s activities.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Restaurant, Experience, Neighborhood |