Night Bus in Vietnam: A Guide for Your Next Trip in 2023
Experience and advice for your first night bus tripAre you thinking about taking a night bus in Vietnam in 2023? I can tell you from experience (January 2023 to be precise) that night buses can be a great way to save on accommodation and travel long distances while you sleep.
However, it’s important to be prepared for what to expect before embarking on your journey. In this blog, we’ll give you a rundown of what to expect on a night bus in Vietnam and some top tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Follow these tips and you might find the Night sleeper bus is one of your favourite activities, as opposed to a chore!
Check out my vlog. It shows how my night bus journey from Hoo Chi Minh City to Da Lat went. This is where I got most of my tips from!
What to expect on Vietnam sleeper bus
Space
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Your night bus experience is largely going to depend on your size. I am a 6ft 4 man while my partner is a petite 5ft something at best. This meant we had very different rides.
Space can be a squeeze on night buses in Vietnam regardless though. The buses are designed to maximize the number of seats, so legroom can be limited. The addition of a reclining seat can help, but if you’re storing your luggage here, don’t expect it to go back too far. My size 11’s wouldn’t fit in the foot well, but I think most would be ok.
Cleanliness
Again, this is only our experience with the companies we’ve used (listed below). The buses were super clean from the aisle to the bed. You’re asked to take off and bag your shoes when boarding which keeps everything spotless. The leather-trimmed finish adds a premium feel to this budget transport, so it’s really not too bad for one night.
A few things to prepare yourself for!
The driver will also use the horn a lot, but don’t be alarmed – this is normal in Vietnam and it’s for your safety. If you’ve been here any more then a few hours you’ll already be well aware of ths. The driver will also be sharp on the breaks, but this is necessary to navigate the busy roads of the cities and the winding mountain passes. They’ll get your there on time or early so you shouldn’t really moan.
On that note, the driver might seem a little grumpy but remember that he or she is driving long distances every day, so give them a break. These aren’t the easiest roads to navigate. You should be thanking them.
Are there toilets on the Vietnam Night Buses?
If you’re opting for the more budget-friendly option then the most likely answer is no, but there are plenty of breaks. Bear in mind though that toilet stops can be a little uncertain. The buses do make regular stops, but they may not be at official rest areas or bathrooms. Just be aware that if the bus stops, it’s probably for a toilet break and make sure the driver counts you off.
Some bus services will offer you sliders to wear on these breaks, but not all. I’d advise taking your shoes with you else t can be a squeeze returning to grab them.
Top tips for surviving on the Vietnam Night Bus
Here is my full list of top tips to make your night bus experience in Vietnam as smooth, comfortable and even as fun as possible:
- The bus station can be a crazy place but don’t panic. Staff at the bus station will be happy to help you find the right bus. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Be sure to take your shoes off as you get on the bus. They’ll give you bags to store them in.
- Noise-cancelling headphones will help block out the sounds of the road and make it easier to sleep. Even if you’re not sleeping, they’ll provide a nicer soundtrack to the journey.
- Many buses now have USB ports available, so be sure to pack a cable to charge your devices.
- If possible, bring a small backpack or bag for your hand luggage. This can squeeze behind your seat and hold snack, a hoody, drinks and valuables.
- The buses have good air conditioning. Be prepared for it to be a bit too powerful. I found it was either warm or artic breeze (not complaining, I love it cold).
- Night buses in Vietnam can be an incredible value for money, you can save on accommodation and make the most of your time to travel whilst seeing the country from a whole new angle. I
- Most buses have room to get on with work, watch a movie or lay back and chill while taking in scenic drives.
- I’d recommend getting a daytime sleeper bus from Da Lat to Nha Trang. The route is really stunning, with waterfalls, mountains and jungles. You even go up in the clouds.
- Remember, it’s only for one night! Our experiences with night buses in Vietnam has been overwhelmingly positive, and we recommend giving it a try at least once.
Who should you ride your night bus with?
Two different companies we highly recommend are Thanh Buoi and Phuong Trang. Both can be booked through 12Go.Asia and were under £10 a ticket for a sleeper. 12Go.Asia is one of the most popular transport ticket booking websites in Asia and well worth keeping in your bookmarks. We at least checked it for all our transport need.
You’re ready to catch a Vietnam Night Bus!
Overall, night buses in Vietnam are a unique experience and can be a great way to save time and money while travelling. I’d go as far as to say they can be an fun experience and part of your adventure.
With a little bit of preparation, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable journey. A lot of horror stories you read online are outdated now. The buses are cleaner and better equipped, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. See beautiful Vietnam from a different perspective!
P.S. The planned rest stops are beautiful too (nothing on Chieveley’s mind).