Vietnam Sleeper Bus Guide: Insider Tips for Comfort & Safety!
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I've done my share of Vietnam sleeper buses over the years, the good and the bad! But the thing is, the these buses are the cheapest, most enjoyable, and most hassle-free form of travel within the country.
Are you a backpacker on a budget or just want to find an alternative to flying or the train? This guide is here to help you master Vietnam's bus system like a pro.
Why travel by sleeper bus in Vietnam?
These buses are literally the most rad and hassle free modes of transportation within Vietnam. Unlike trains that are governed by fixed schedules, these sleeper buses operate multiple times daily and take you directly to great locations such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They have multiple stops for the destination city so you can choose one closest to your Hotel.
Cool Benefits:
Budget-Friendly: Tickets cost between $8 and $40 USD, much less than taking the flight or the train.
Save on accommodations: With the night buses, you don't need to reserve accommodation for the evening.
Direct Routes: Unlike trains, which require additional transfers, buses go straight to tourist hotspots.
Flexible Booking: Book online, through travel agencies, or directly at bus stations.
Buses run daily so you've got plenty of possibilities for when it's best to travel by car.
Sleeper buses are not the most glamorous option by far, but they are just about the most convenient thing for backpacker budgets for exploring Vietnam at an affordable cost.
What's it like taking the sleeper bus?
Seating and sleeping arrangements
Vietnamese overnight buses are far from the comfortable reclining seats that they offer on European and North American buses. Instead of that, they have bunk-like seats that recline nearly horizontal. Three rows of beds stacked up with tiers above and below are something that you most likely find.
Standard sleeper buses contain three compact rows and are generally crowded and uncomfortable.
VIP Sleeper Buses: Two wider rows, offering more space and privacy.
Luxury sleeper coaches feature these fabulous lie-flat beds, great entertainment systems, and excellent service (more about that momentarily!).
What's Included
Most buses include the essentials such as:
Blankets & Pillows: Often provided, but can be thin or unwashed—bring your own for comfort!
Charging Ports: Buses are sometimes equipped with USB outlets but are generally untrustworthy.
WiFi: Advertised but usually unreliable.
Air Conditioning: They always blast it, so grab a hood or scarf!
Pros and Cons of Taking an overnight bus
Benefits:
Affordable: Sleeper buses are the most economical form of travel for lengthy distances within Vietnam.
Convenient Routes: Buses go directly to top travel destinations, eliminating the need for transfers.
You save the day since overnight travel does not cost the day of travel plus you don’t pay extra for a hotel for sleeping!
Flexible Bookings: Book at the last minute or well in advance.
Downsides:
Limited Comfort: Even on VIP buses, the seats aren't fully flat, and taller travelers might feel cramped. If you are taller than 6 feet you are in a world of pain!
Reckless Driving: Some drivers speed or drive aggressively, making the ride bumpy.
Limited Personal Space: The buses are sometimes totally jammed up, so you may find yourself standing beside someone completely asleep.
Buses typically need to stop so people can board and alight, making the journey more lengthy.
If you're okay with sacrificing a bit of comfort for the best offer, a sleeper bus is well worth the consideration!
Keeping Safe and Taking Care of Your Wellbeing
Buses over here are generally safe and all that, but just be careful of the random mad driving, the occasional theft, and choosing the wrong company of the bus.
How to Choose a Safe Bus Company
Look for companies with good Google reviews and avoid those with frequent complaints. Check for companies who have at the very least 100 reviews.
You can reserve with some good operators such as The Sinh Tourist, Sapa Express, Futa Bus Lines, or Queen Cafe VIP Open Bus.
Be wary of extremely low-cost or unregulated buses 'cause they most likely aren't safe.
Tips for Staying Safe on a Sleeper Bus
Keep Your Things Close by: Always keep your passport, phone, and wallet within easy reach or under your head with you in a compact bag.
Buckle Up: Some buses provide seat belts—use them if available!
Skip the last row when you reserve: The back of the bus gets rather rough and loud, making it difficult to sleep.
If you follow these precautions, your trip will be safer and more comfortable.
How to Book a sleeper bus in Vietnam
If you want to grab a good seat, it's wise to reserve your bus ticket early particularly if it happens to be travel season like the Tet festival!
Booking Online
Best for advance planning: You can advance book your tickets using websites such as 12Go, Baolau, and the direct bus company websites. I personally love the Vexere app which I consider the best app to book bus tickets in Vietnam since besides buses we can use it for train bookings too and they give an option to book now and pay later to the driver!
Filter for VIP Buses: Online platforms often let you choose VIP buses for a more comfortable ride.
You'll get the reservation note in English, much more convenient for foreign travellers.
Getting Tickets by Hand
Best for spontaneities: Available at the bus terminals, travel agencies, and most of the hostels.
Pros: No online service fees, and you may get discounts when negotiating.
Cons: If the VIP seats are occupied, you could be left stranded on the normal bus.
Top Sleeper Bus Operators of Vietnam
Vietnam Sleeper Bus
Here are the most reliable sleeper bus companies based on reviews and personal experience:
Futa Bus Lines - The most trusted and loved by all.
The Sinh Tourist - Mostly good reviews for buses on the main routes.
Sapa Express - Best choice for Hanoi to Sapa, with better service.
Queen Cafe VIP Open Bus - More spacious and comfortable than standard options.
Avoid unknown companies with frequent complaints about reckless driving and poor service.
Luxury sleeper coaches of Vietnam.
If money's no object, splurge for the luxurious sleeper buses that feature:
Super flat beds with comfortable mattresses.
Screens for films and songs.
Snacks and refreshments onboard.
Privacy curtains and cleaner toilets.
Some fancy options are Limousine Sleeper Buses and Inter Bus Lines.
Sleeper Bus Toilets: The Facts
Do all sleeper buses contain bathroom facilities?
Some do but they're small and are taken care of poorly.
Most buses stop for the bathroom about every two hours.
Tip - Use rest stops instead of onboard toilets when possible since from my experience they were not the cleanest on board the bus!
Cost breakdown for Vietnam Sleeper Bus trip
Here's the quick rundown of the cost for you:
Short Routes 5–7 hours: $8–$15 USD .
Medium Routes (8–12 hours): $15–$25 USD
Long trips (> 12 hours): $40–$65 USD
Luxury Sleeper Buses: $30–$50 USD for extra comfort
Keep an ear for supplementary fees:
Last-minute bookings may cost more.
Some companies charge more cash for the larger bags.
VIP and luxury buses may be a bit pricey, but they're absolutely worth it for long journeys.
Must-Haves for a Relaxed Trip
A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what to bring for a smooth trip:
Earplugs & Eye Mask: Blocks out honking, music, and overhead lights.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, as some buses don't provide water.
Snacks: Meal stops can be unpredictable, so pack something reliable.
Power Bank: Charging ports may not work, so bring a backup.
Warm Clothing: Buses blow out the A/C, don't they? It gets really cold there!
Slip-on shoes: easy peasy to slip off while horizontal.
Most popular Vietnam sleeper bus routes
Hanoi to Sapa: 5-6 hours, faster and more flexible than the train.
Hanoi to Ha Giang is 6-7 hours, and that's the best for exploring the Ha Giang Loop.
Hanoi to Hue: 12-14 hours, overnight travel saves sightseeing time.
Da Nang to Nha Trang: 9-10 hours, with modern bus options available.
Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne: 5-6 hours, a quick and scenic route.
Pro Tip: Some buses arrive at odd hours, like 3 AM—check arrival times before booking. If you are staying in a homestay, some of them offer personal pickup from the bus stop free of cost. But do check in advance when booking your stay.
Tips to keep Your Trip Relaxed
Best seat selections:
Middle bunks are ideal which avoids the bumpy back and noisy front.
The upper bunks are somewhat private but are rather inconvenient to get up to.
Figuring Out Rest Stops and Meal Breaks:
Rest stops happen every 2-3 hours so bring small change for food or snacks.
Always carry tissues as rest stop bathrooms may lack toilet paper.
Managing Motion Sickness:
Sit in the middle for the smoothest ride.
Bring motion sickness tablets if you're prone to nausea.
Options Besides Sleeper Buses
Overnight Trains: More comfortable, quieter, and smoother than buses, but pricier.
Budget Flights: Faster but can cost slightly more, especially with baggage fees.
Day buses are good for short distances but are likely not that comfortable.
Motorbike trips are ideal for adventure-seekers, particularly on great roads such as the Hai Van Pass.
Real-Life Experience: My Vietnam Bus Adventure
I've done heaps of Vietnamese sleeper buses throughout Vietnam. Of all of these, the journey from Hanoi to Ha Giang just lingered with me.
I booked a VIP sleeper bus, expecting comfort, but ended up squeezed between a snoring traveler and a backpacker who decided to take off their shoes (bad idea). The driver honked every few minutes, making it tough to sleep. But despite the discomfort, I loved watching the Vietnamese countryside roll past during the early evening. When I finally arrived, I was exhausted but ready to start my Ha Giang Loop tour after catching a couple hours of nap in a homestay in Ha Giang!
Are sleeper buses worth it in Vietnam?
Yes, if you're on a budget! They're cheap, direct, and save on accommodation.
No, if you prioritize comfort. Overnight trains or flights are better if you need proper sleep. Also if you are taller than 6 feet, you might not be able to stretch your legs completely as most sleeper buses I traveled in max out at around 180 cm which is close to 6 feet. You can still sleep but will have to sleep sideways or bend your legs a bit.
Top Tips for first time travelers:
Book VIP or Luxury if possible as it makes a big difference.
Prepare for delays as Vietnamese roads can be unpredictable.
FAQs
Q. Are sleeper buses safe in Vietnam?
For sure! Just keep with the good companies and ensure your equipment is tight.
Q. Do I need to purchase my ticket in advance?
During peak season, yes. Otherwise, you can book a day or two before.
Q. Which bus company is the best?
Futa Bus Lines, The Sinh Tourist, and Sapa Express are the most highly-recommended options.
Q. Do sleeper buses contain bathroom facilities?
Some do, but they're usually small and dirty. Use rest stops instead!
Q. What's the best substitute for a sleeper bus?
Overnight trains are more comfortable but pricier. Flights are faster but cost more.
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