How to Get to Chay River – Dark Cave from Dong Hoi: A Detailed Guide

Chay River – Dark Cave is a famous eco-tourism site in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, located within the UNESCO-recognized Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park complex. This place attracts visitors with the tranquil, emerald-green Chay River and the mysterious Dark Cave, perfect for exploration activities like ziplining, kayaking, and natural mud bathing. From Dong Hoi city center, it takes about 1 – 1.5 hours to cover the 50km distance to Chay River – Dark Cave by motorbike, private car, or join-in tour. This is an easy route with beautiful scenery, highly suitable for a day trip combining visits to Phong Nha and Mooc Spring. 

From Dong Hoi city, there are various transport options to reach Chay River – Dark Cave, depending on your preferences, budget, and group size.

Self-drive Car Rental 

Detailed route:

• From Dong Hoi city center, head northwest on National Highway 1A for about 15-20km. 
• Then, turn left onto Provincial Road 569 (or follow signposts to Phong Nha – Ke Bang).
• Continue along this provincial road until reaching the Phong Nha area.
• From Phong Nha center, follow the signs to Chay River – Dark Cave, usually about 5-10km. 
• The total estimated travel distance is about 55-75km, taking approximately 1.5 - 2 hours depending on driving speed and traffic conditions.

Estimated cost:

• 4-seater car rental price: Around 500,000 - 800,000 VND/day (depending on car type and rental time).
• 7-seater car rental price: Around 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/day (depending on car type and rental time).
• Fuel: Estimated around 150,000 - 250,000 VND for the round trip (depending on car type and fuel consumption).
• Tolls: There may be a few small toll booths on National Highway 1A.

Motorbike 

Detailed route:

• Similar to self-driving a car, head northwest along National Highway 1A, then turn onto Provincial Road 569 toward Phong Nha.
• From Phong Nha center, continue following the signs to Chay River – Dark Cave.
• However, when traveling by motorbike, you can flexibly choose smaller roads and explore peaceful countryside villages along the way.

Estimated cost:

• Motorbike rental price (depending on type): Around 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day.
• Fuel: Estimated around 50,000 - 100,000 VND for the round trip.

Public Bus 

Detailed route:

• Catch the Dong Hoi - Phong Nha bus route at Dong Hoi bus station.
• Ticket price is around 30,000 - 50,000 VND/person/one-way.
• Travel time is about 1 - 1.5 hours.
• From Phong Nha center, you can hire a motorbike taxi (around 50,000 - 80,000 VND/one-way), taxi (around 100,000 - 150,000 VND/one-way), or tourist car to reach Chay River – Dark Cave.

Estimated cost:

• Total cost (round trip): Around 160,000 - 360,000 VND/person (depending on the last-leg transportation choice).

Whether you choose self-driving for independence, riding a motorbike for the scenic journey, or taking a bus to save costs, the trip from Dong Hoi to Chay River – Dark Cave promises exciting experiences, allowing you to discover the unique beauty of Quang Binh in your own way.

Guided Tour 

Popular tour types:

• 1-Day Chay River – Dark Cave Tour: Usually includes round-trip transfer from Dong Hoi, entrance tickets, lunch, and a tour guide.

Estimated cost:

1-day tour price: Around 1,400,000 VND/person (1-day tour)

With detailed information about each mode of transport, you can easily choose the most suitable way to explore the beauty of Chay River from Dong Hoi. 

To reach the magnificent beauty of Chay River from Dong Hoi City, the most popular and convenient route heads northwest, combining national highways and provincial roads. Below are the detailed route and estimated travel times for each vehicle type. 

 Detailed Route

Departing from Dong Hoi City center: Starting from the city center area, head north toward National Highway 1A (in the direction of Hanoi).

Traveling on National Highway 1A: Continue along National Highway 1A for about 15 - 20 km. This road section is fairly straight and easy to drive. Pay attention to traffic signs and maintain a safe speed.

Turn onto Provincial Road 569 (or follow signs to Phong Nha - Ke Bang): After driving on National Highway 1A, you will see signs directing a left turn onto Provincial Road 569. This is the main road leading to the Phong Nha - Ke Bang area. Watch the signs carefully so you don't lose your way.

Continue along Provincial Road 569: Follow Provincial Road 569 for about 35 - 50 km. This road has some winding and hilly sections, but the scenery on both sides is lovely, featuring lush green rice fields and majestic limestone mountains.

Arriving in the Phong Nha area: Upon reaching Phong Nha town center, you will see many directional signs to various attractions. Look for the sign indicating Chay River - Dark Cave.

Traveling from Phong Nha center to Chay River - Dark Cave: From central Phong Nha, continue for about 5 - 10 km following the signs. The road to Chay River - Dark Cave is quite easy and well-signposted.

Estimated Travel Time

• Self-drive Car/Taxi/Private Shuttle: Total estimated travel time is about 1.5 hours, depending on driving speed and traffic conditions.
• Motorbike: Travel time may be slightly longer, around 1.5 hours, due to a slower riding pace and potential sight-seeing stops along the way.
• Public Bus (to Phong Nha): Bus travel time to central Phong Nha takes around 1 - 1.5 hours. Afterward, you will need an extra 15 - 30 minutes by motorbike taxi or cab to reach Chay River - Dark Cave.

With this detailed route and estimated travel time, we hope you will be fully prepared for your journey to explore the beauty of Chay River from Dong Hoi. 

Whether you prefer free-spirited exploration, prioritize comfort, or want to save money, getting from Dong Hoi to Chay River offers options for everyone. Consider your preferences, budget, and group size carefully to make the best decision. If you want to enjoy total comfort without worrying about the itinerary, you can check out the Chay River - Dark Cave tour by Sovaba Travel. You will experience a trip filled with exciting surprises. Travelers wishing to book a tour can contact hotline 0934.733.223 for detailed consultation.