Traveling from Da Nang to Phu Quoc: Everything you need to know

Planning a trip from the marble mountains of Da Nang to the sparkling beaches of Phu Quoc? You’re moving from one coastal gem to another, but the journey across Vietnam requires picking the right strategy. In this guide, we’ve rounded up all the essential details on costs and timing so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the island breeze from Da Nang to Phu Quoc.

Da Nang to Phu Quoc distance and travel time

When planning your trip, the first thing to know is that Da Nang and Phu Quoc sit in completely different parts of the country. Da Nang is the heart of Central Vietnam, while Phu Quoc is an island at the very southern tip. Because of this, the Da Nang and Phu Quoc distance is quite significant. If you are wondering how far is Da Nang to Phu Quoc, the answer depends entirely on your mode of transport.

Distance by air

If you are flying, the straight-line Da Nang to Phu Quoc distance is about 700 kilometers. This is the most direct path possible. Since you don’t have to deal with winding roads or traffic, the travel time is very short. A direct flight usually gets you there in just 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Distance by land and sea

If you choose to travel by bus or train, the Da Nang and Phu Quoc distance jumps to over 1,100 kilometers. You have to travel all the way down the coast of Vietnam, pass through Ho Chi Minh City and continue to the ferry ports in the Mekong Delta (like Rach Gia or Ha Tien).

Because you need to combine a bus or train with a ferry boat, the total travel time can easily take 24 to 30 hours. It is a long journey that only makes sense if you want to see many different cities along the way.

Travel time summary:

• Flying: Total of about 3 to 4 hours (including getting to the airport and check-in).
• Bus/Train + Ferry: Around 1.5 to 2 days of total travel.

For most visitors, flying is the top choice to avoid spending two full days of their holiday just sitting on a bus or train.

Da Nang to Phu Quoc flights

Most travelers choose to fly because it is fast and affordable. Several airlines like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways serve this route, so you have plenty of choices.

Direct flights from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

A direct flight is the dream setup – you get on in Da Nang and hop off in Phu Quoc.

• The experience: It’s a smooth, non-stop journey. You don’t have to worry about switching planes or waiting in extra airports.
• Availability: These flights are common during the busy season (November to April). However, they can sell out fast, so it’s smart to book early if you see a direct route available.

Connecting flights via Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi

If the direct flights are full or don’t match your timing, you can take a connecting flight. You will usually stop at Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) or Noi Bai (Hanoi).

• Why choose this: There are many more flights available throughout the day. If you want to leave at a specific time, a connecting flight gives you more flexibility.
• Layovers: Most stops are quite short. Just make sure you have about 1.5 to 2 hours between flights so you don’t have to run to your next gate.

Flight duration and frequency

Here is a quick look at how much time you’ll spend in the air:

• Direct flight: Takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Connecting flight: Takes about 4 to 6 hours total, depending on your wait time at the transit airport.

Frequency: Direct flights usually fly once or twice a day. Connecting flights are available every hour, from early morning until late at night.

Pro tip: To get the cheapest seats, try to avoid booking on Friday or Sunday, as these are the most expensive days to fly!

Traveling from Da Nang to Phu Quoc without flying

Not everyone wants to fly. Maybe you are afraid of heights. Maybe you are on a super tight budget. Or maybe you just love the slow, romantic feeling of a long train ride.

Whatever your reason, getting from Da Nang to Phu Quoc without flying is possible. But let me be honest with you – it is long. Very long.

You will cross more than 1,100 kilometers. You will pass through cities like Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Ho Chi Minh City. Then, you will head into the Mekong Delta to catch a ferry.

So, how do you do it step by step? Here are the two main ways. I will walk you through each one from the moment you leave your hotel in Da Nang to the moment you step into your hotel in Phu Quoc.

• Option 1: Sleeper bus + ferry (the budget way)

This is the most common non-flying option. It is cheap, but it is also long and bumpy. Here is exactly what your journey will look like.

Step 1 – From your hotel in Da Nang to the bus station

You need to get to the bus pickup point. Most sleeper buses do not pick you up at your hotel. You have to go to their office or a designated spot on the main road. Take a taxi or Grab. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on where you are staying.

Step 2 – Sleeper bus from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

This is the longest leg. You board the bus in Da Nang. You find your reclining seat. Then you sit back and watch the coast slowly change. The bus drives through Quang Ngai, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, and Phan Rang. You will pass by rice fields, mountains, and fishing villages.

The ride takes about 18 to 20 hours. Yes, almost a full day. The bus will stop a few times for food and bathroom breaks. You will sleep on the bus. Many people bring a neck pillow and snacks.

Step 3 – Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer

The bus drops you at a bus station on the edge of Ho Chi Minh City. Now you need to get to the Western Bus Station (Bến xe Miền Tây). This is where all the buses to the Mekong Delta depart. Take a taxi or a local bus. This transfer takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Step 4 – Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia or Ha Tien

From the Western Bus Station, you catch another sleeper bus or a minivan. This one takes you to the ferry port. You have two choices:

• Rach Gia: About 6 hours. The ferry to Phu Quoc takes 2.5 hours.
• Ha Tien: About 7 to 8 hours. The ferry to Phu Quoc takes only 1.5 hours.

Most travelers choose Ha Tien because the ferry is shorter. But the bus ride is a bit longer. Pick what works for you.

Step 5 – Ferry from the port to Phu Quoc island

Now you are at the pier. You buy your ferry ticket or show the one you booked online. The high-speed ferry is the only option. Do not take a slow cargo boat – it takes forever.

The ferry ride is loud, windy, and can be bumpy. If you get seasick, take medicine one hour before boarding. When you arrive at Phu Quoc port, you are officially on the island.

Step 6 – From Phu Quoc port to your hotel

The port is not in the center of Phu Quoc. You need a taxi or a Grab to get to your hotel. The main tourist areas like Duong Dong or Long Beach are about 15 to 25 minutes away by car.

Total door-to-door time (from Da Nang hotel to Phu Quoc hotel):

Yes. That is more than a full day. You leave in the morning of day one and arrive in the afternoon of day two.

• Option 2: Train + ferry (the more comfortable way)

If you prefer more space and a real bed, take the train.

Step 1 – From your hotel in Da Nang to the train station

Take a taxi or Grab to Da Nang train station (Ga Đà Nẵng). This takes about 10 to 20 minutes from most hotels in the city center or beach area.

Step 2 – Train from Da Nang to Saigon Station (Ho Chi Minh City)

You book a soft sleeper berth on the Reunification Express. The cabin has 4 beds. You get a clean mattress, pillow, and blanket. There is air conditioning and a small light for reading.

The train ride takes about 17 to 19 hours. You will fall asleep to the sound of the tracks and wake up somewhere near the coast. It is much more relaxing than a bus. You can walk to the dining car. You can use a real bathroom. You can sit by the window and watch the sunrise over the rice fields.

Step 3 – Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer

The train stops at Saigon Station (also called Ga Sài Gòn). From there, you take a taxi to the Western Bus Station (Bến xe Miền Tây). This takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Step 4 – Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia or Ha Tien

Same as the bus option. You take a sleeper bus or minivan to the ferry port. Choose Rach Gia (6 hours) or Ha Tien (7 to 8 hours). Ha Tien has a shorter ferry ride, so many prefer it.

Step 5 – Ferry from the port to Phu Quoc island

Same as above. High-speed ferry. Roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Bring motion sickness pills just in case.

Step 6 – From Phu Quoc port to your hotel

Same as above. Taxi or Grab. About 15 to 25 minutes to the main tourist areas.

Total door-to-door time (from Da Nang hotel to Phu Quoc hotel):

Slightly faster than the bus, but not by much. The main difference is comfort, not time.

Here is the honest truth. Most tourists should just fly. You save a whole day. You arrive in Phu Quoc fresh, not exhausted. But if you are a slow traveler with weeks to spare, or if you want to see the countryside up close, then the overland route is an adventure. You will see rice fields, fishing villages, and cities that most fly-over travelers never see. It is not comfortable, but it is real. 

Before you go, remember a few things: book your ferry ticket in advance because the boats to Phu Quoc can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Bring motion sickness pills for the ferry – the sea can get choppy. Pack snacks and water because the bus and train do provide food, but it is not great. Download movies or bring a book because you will have a lot of time to kill. Wear comfortable clothes because you will be sitting or lying down for a very long time. So, flying or not flying? The choice is yours. Just know what you are signing up for. 

Da Nang to Phu Quoc travel cost

Budget is a major factor for most travelers. Since the trip from Da Nang to Phu Quoc covers a long distance.

Flight ticket prices

Flying is surprisingly affordable if you book in advance. For many, this is the most economical way to travel from Da Nang to Phu Quoc because it saves you from buying extra meals on a long road trip.

• Standard prices: One-way tickets usually cost between 1,500,000 VND and 3,000,000 VND ($58 – $115).
• Peak season: Prices can climb above 3,500,000 VND ($135) during holidays or for last minute bookings.
• Pro tip: Keep an eye on budget airlines like VietJet for sales. Sometimes you can grab a seat for just 600,000 VND ($25) plus luggage fees.

Cost of land and ferry options

Going by bus or train might look cheap, but the costs add up quickly because you have to pay for several different tickets to get from Da Nang to Phu Quoc.

• Sleeper bus: You’ll pay 400,000 – 600,000 VND for the long haul south, then another 150,000 VND for a local shuttle to the port.
• Train: A comfortable bed on the train to Ho Chi Minh City costs about 900,000 – 1,200,000 VND.
• High-speed ferry: The final boat ride to the island is around 250,000 – 340,000 VND.

Total: Expect to spend between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000 VND for the entire overland journey.

Budget vs comfort comparison

In many cases, the land route actually costs the same as a flight.

• The flight: You spend about $50 and arrive in 1.5 hours. It is the most logical choice for anyone on a standard vacation.
• The land route: You might save a few dollars on the ticket, but you spend over 30 hours traveling. When you add the cost of food and drinks for two days, it often becomes more expensive than flying.

The verdict: Flying is the best value for your money for the Da Nang to Phu Quoc island route. It is fast, efficient and leaves you with much more energy to enjoy your holiday.

Best way to travel from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

For almost every traveler, flying is the superior choice. It bridges the 1,000km gap between Central Vietnam and the southern island in a fraction of the time it takes by land.

Fastest option: Direct fight

This is the only way to get there in under 2 hours.

• Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes in the air.
• Airlines: VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines are the main carriers.
• Total cost: Around 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND total.

The catch: Direct flights are limited, so you should check schedules at least a month before your trip.

Cheapest option: Bus and ferry

If flight prices are too high during peak season, going by land is your alternative.

• The route: Take a sleeper bus to Ho Chi Minh City, then another bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien port, and finally a ferry to the island.
• Total cost: Around 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 VND total.

The reality: You save money but lose about 30 hours of your vacation on the road.

Most convenient option: Connecting flight

Since direct flights aren’t available every hour, most people fly through Ho Chi Minh City.

• Why it works: You have dozens of time slots to choose from. Even with a short layover, you still arrive in about 4 to 6 hours.
• Benefit: It is much less exhausting than sitting on a bus for two days.

Travel tips for going from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

Preparation is key to avoiding high costs and travel fatigue. Since you are moving from one coastal city to another.

Best time to book flights

Timing is everything when it comes to airfare.

• The “Golden window”: Aim to book your tickets 4 to 6 weeks in advance. This is usually when airlines offer the most competitive rates.
• Fly on weekdays: Flights on Tuesday and Wednesday are often significantly cheaper than weekend flights.

• Avoid peak holidays: Prices skyrocket during Tet (Lunar New Year), April 30th (Reunification Day) and the summer months (June to August). If you must travel during these times, book at least 3 months early.

Tips to save money

You don’t need a huge budget to enjoy this trip if you follow these simple rules:

• Hunt for “Golden hour” deals: Local airlines like VietJet Air frequently run promotions between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. You can sometimes find tickets for nearly $0 (before taxes and fees).
• Pack light: If you can fit everything into a 7kg carry on, you can save a lot on checked baggage fees, which add up quickly on budget airlines.
• Skip the airport taxi: Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or check if your hotel in Phu Quoc offers a free airport shuttle. Many resorts include this service for free.
• Book combo tickets: For attractions in Phu Quoc (like VinWonders or the cable car), look for combo deals online rather than buying individual tickets at the gate.

Important things to prepare

Make sure you have these essentials ready before you head to the airport:

• Documents: You need your original Passport (for foreigners) or Citizen ID (for locals). Keep a digital copy on your phone just in case.
• Weather essentials: Phu Quoc is sunnier and hotter than Da Nang. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses to protect yourself from the tropical UV rays.
• Personal meds: While there are pharmacies on the island, it’s smart to bring basic medicine for motion sickness (for the ferry or island tours) and any specific prescriptions you need.

• Cash & cards: While most big resorts and restaurants in Phu Quoc accept cards, many local seafood stalls and night market vendors are cash only. Bring enough Vietnamese Dong for your daily spending.

Pro tip: Install Google Maps and download the offline map for Phu Quoc. 

Phu Quoc is waiting for you with its turquoise waters and world-class seafood. Moving from Da Nang to Phu Quoc is a big leap across Vietnam, but with the right plan, it is a smooth and enjoyable transition. 

Skip the planning stress and focus on making memories. Reach out to Lily’s Travel today to secure your transport or to find the perfect tour package. We are ready to help you turn your dream trip from Da Nang to Phu Quoc into a reality!