Best Hostels in Phong Nha: Where to Stay in Vietnam's Cave Country
Tucked away in central Vietnam's Quảng Bình Province lies Phong Nha, a small rural town that has rapidly transformed from an obscure backwater into one of Southeast Asia's most exciting adventure destinations.
Approximately 500km south of Hanoi, Phong Nha is typically reached via a 10-hour overnight bus journey, or train ride to nearby Dong Hoi followed by a short taxi transfer. The town serves as a perfect midway stopover for travellers making their way between northern Vietnam's highlights and central destinations like Hoi An or Da Nang.
Despite its growing popularity on the backpacker circuit, Phong Nha has managed to retain its laid-back rural charm, with accommodation options scattered among rice fields and alongside the picturesque Son River.
For budget-conscious travellers, Phong Nha offers an impressive range of hostels and homestays that combine affordability with genuine Vietnamese hospitality. In this guide, I'll share my firsthand experiences, along with everything I learned from friends and other travellers along the way, to bring you genuine reviews and recommendations to help you find the perfect hostel.
Contents
- Which Areas to Stay in Phong Nha
- Best Hostels in Phong Nha
- Frequently Asked Questions About Phong Nha
- Conclusion
Which Areas to Stay in Phong Nha
One of the first challenges when planning a visit to Phong Nha is figuring out exactly where to base yourself. Unlike most tourist destinations, Phong Nha doesn't have an obvious town centre or main tourist district. Instead, accommodation is spread out along the main road and scattered throughout the surrounding countryside, making it difficult to determine the most convenient location just by looking at a map.
My friend (from the Ha Giang Loop) and I accidentally booked a homestay that turned out to be a fair distance from what passes for the main area. While our homestay was lovely (and an absolute bargain at just 80kVND (3β¬) per night), we quickly realised we'd need transportation to access restaurants and tour departure points.
We ended up renting a scooter, which worked out perfectly for exploring the surrounding attractions like the Duck Stop and getting to the boat launch point for Phong Nha Cave.
The stretch of road where Central Backpackers Hostel is located functions as the main strip in Phong Nha. This area has the highest concentration of restaurants, tour operators, and convenience stores. We often found ourselves wishing we'd booked accommodation there instead, especially when our night bus from Tam Coc arrived at 4am and dropped us off right outside Central Backpackers! It would have been ideal to simply walk inside and collapse into bed rather than having to find our way to our more remote homestay in the pre-dawn darkness.
If you don't plan to rent a motorbike or bicycle during your stay, I'd strongly recommend choosing a hostel in this central area for convenience. However, if you're comfortable with having your own transport, some of the more outlying options offer beautiful settings and a more peaceful atmosphere.
π»π³ Recommended Reading: A Travel Guide to Phong Nha
Best Hostels in Phong Nha
Based on my own experience and recommendations from fellow travellers I met along the way, here are the top hostels to consider for your stay in Phong Nha:
Central Backpackers Hostel
This is where I wished we'd stayed. Located right in the heart of what could be considered Phong Nha's main strip, Central Backpackers has established itself as something of a traveller's hub in the area. We popped in briefly during our day in town and the lively, social atmosphere was immediately obvious. I'm also pretty sure it's the biggest hostel in town.
Central Backpackers features comfortable dorm rooms with air conditioning, secure lockers, and clean shared bathrooms. Their large common area includes a pool table and bar where travellers gather to exchange stories and plan their adventures.
With dorm beds starting around 160kVND (6β¬) per night including breakfast, it offers excellent value for money. Perhaps most importantly for those arriving on overnight buses, as mentioned earlier, most night busses from major cities drop passengers directly at their doorstep β a huge advantage when arriving in the wee hours of the morning!
π Book Central Backpackers Hostel here
Hugo Homestay
This is where we actually stayed during our visit to Phong Nha. Located about 2km from the main road, Hugo Homestay offers a quieter, more authentic experience than some of the busier hostels. The family-run establishment features a mix of dorm beds and private rooms set in a peaceful garden.
The standout feature here is definitely the swimming pool β a welcome relief after a day of trekking or caving in Phong Nha's often humid climate (I imagine - it was too cold to use when I was there). The owners were incredibly friendly and helped us arrange motorbike rental and onward travel to Hoi An.
At just 80kVND (3β¬) per night for a dorm bed, it was also one of the cheapest places I stayed in Vietnam. The only downside is the location β if you don't have your own transport, you'll find yourself a bit isolated from restaurants and tour departure points.
Hahaland Hostel
Several friends I met along my Vietnam journey stayed at Hahaland and had great things to say about it. Located close to the town's main area, this hostel stands out for its modern facilities and unique social atmosphere.
Hahaland offers pod-style dorm beds with privacy curtains, individual reading lights, and power outlets β perfect for those who want the social aspects of a hostel with a bit more personal space. They're known for organising family-style dinners where guests can enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine together, creating a wonderful opportunity to make new friends.
Their tour desk also offers competitive rates for cave explorations and adventure activities, and the helpful staff receive consistently positive reviews. Beds at Hahaland start from around 190kVND (7β¬) per night, including a simple breakfast.
π Book Hahaland Hostel here
Bee's Backpackers Hostel & Bar
This small but lively hostel has built a reputation for its friendly staff and social atmosphere. Located within walking distance of the town's main restaurants and shops, Bee's features a popular bar area where travellers gather in the evenings to share stories of their day's adventures.
The hostel offers both dorm beds and private rooms, all clean and comfortable if basic. What really sets Bee's apart is the personal touch β the staff go out of their way to help arrange activities and transportation, often joining guests for family-style dinners in the evening.
Bee's also offers free bicycle rental, which is perfect for exploring the immediate area without committing to a motorbike. Dorm beds here cost around 170kVND (6.30β¬) per night, including a basic breakfast of toast, eggs, and coffee.
π Book Bee's Backpackers Hostel here
Phong Nha Jasmine Hostel & Rooftop Bar
For those who appreciate a good view with their morning coffee or evening beer, Jasmine Hostel's rooftop bar and restaurant offers beautiful vistas over the surrounding countryside. Located close to the town's main strip, this hostel features modern dorms with air conditioning and hot showers β luxuries that can be particularly appreciated after a muddy day exploring caves!
The rooftop bar creates a natural social space where guests can mingle in the evenings, and the hostel organises regular BBQ nights during high season. They also offer competitive rates on cave tours and transportation to attractions throughout the national park.
Jasmine Hostel is particularly well-regarded for its cleanliness and comfortable beds β something not to be underestimated when you're planning days of physical adventure. Dorm beds here start at around 180kVND (6.70β¬) per night, including a more substantial breakfast than some of the cheaper options.
π»π³ Recommended Reading: Where to Stay in Phong Nha
Frequently Asked Questions About Phong Nha
What is the closest city to Phong Nha?
The closest major city to Phong Nha is Dong Hoi, which is about 45-60 minutes away by car or taxi. Dong Hoi has a small airport and a train station, making it the main transport hub for visitors heading to Phong Nha. However, most travellers find little reason to stay in Dong Hoi itself, preferring to continue directly to Phong Nha to be closer to the national park and caves.
Where is it best to stay in Phong Nha?
For first-time visitors, especially those without their own transport, staying along the main road near Central Backpackers Hostel provides the most convenience. This area offers easy access to restaurants, tour operators, and basic services. However, if you don't mind renting a motorbike or bicycle, some of the homestays and hostels set in the countryside offer more peaceful settings with beautiful views of the karst landscape.
Is Phong Nha expensive?
By Western standards, Phong Nha is quite affordable, with dorm beds available from as little as 80kVND (3β¬) per night and decent meals starting around 50kVND (1.85β¬). However, the cave tours and activities that bring people to Phong Nha can add up quickly. Basic tours to Phong Nha Cave or Paradise Cave cost around 400kVND-600kVND (15-22β¬), while more advanced experiences like the Dark Cave adventure or overnight treks can run significantly higher. Overall, Phong Nha is moderately priced by Vietnamese standards but offers excellent value considering the world-class natural attractions.
How many days should I spend in Phong Nha?
Most visitors should plan for 2-3 days in Phong Nha to experience the main attractions without rushing. This gives you enough time to visit 2-3 of the major caves, enjoy the Duck Stop, and perhaps take a countryside bicycle tour. Adventure enthusiasts might want to allocate 4-5 days to include multi-day treks or more extensive cave exploration. I personally only spent one day in Phong Nha due to unexpectedly cold weather, and while I managed to see Phong Nha Cave and visit the Duck Stop, I definitely felt I was missing out on much of what the area has to offer.
Conclusion
Phong Nha offers a remarkable range of hostel options for budget travellers, from social hubs in the heart of town to tranquil retreats in the surrounding countryside. Your ideal choice will depend largely on your travel style and priorities.
If convenience and socialising are top of your list, Central Backpackers Hostel stands out as the obvious choice, with its central location, comprehensive services, and vibrant atmosphere. For those seeking more comfort and amenities, Hahaland or Jasmine Hostel offer slightly more upscale experiences with thoughtful touches like privacy curtains or rooftop views.
Travellers who prefer a quieter setting and don't mind being a bit removed from the action might appreciate the peaceful garden and swimming pool at Hugo Homestay, though having your own transport becomes essential with these more remote options.
Whichever hostel you choose, Phong Nha's spectacular natural beauty and world-class cave systems make it a standout destination on any Vietnam itinerary. The town's small size and friendly atmosphere create opportunities to connect with both locals and fellow travellers, sharing adventures that truly feel off the beaten path despite the area's growing popularity.