Taking A Vietnam Sleeper Bus: BEST Tips For Travelers 2025

Find out all about taking a Vietnam sleeper bus, whether it is worth it, how to book, tips to survive, and what to expect!

If you plan to travel around Vietnam, I presume you have considered taking a bus. However, what I found unusual here was their style.

Now, I know you are probably thinking, “Well, how crazy can a bus even get?” I assure you, it’s pretty damn crazy.

Typically, the bus interior features two seats on each side and a single long row in the back. However, many sleeper buses in Vietnam are quite different from this.

Expect fully reclining, nearly lay-flat beds that look quite comfortable. You will be provided with fleecy blankets, well-cushioned seats, and sometimes a toilet on board, but just because it sounds good doesn’t necessarily mean it is.

How You Can Book A Sleeper Bus In Vietnam

It is super easy to book a sleeper bus, whether you wish to do it online or in person at a travel agency, or through your accommodation.

Personally, I recommend booking it online via Baolau or 12.Go Asia. This way you can read reviews to see what other travelers have said about particular companies.

Then you can book your ticket through their website, and they will email you a copy. It’s super easy!

Sleeper Buses From Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh

Typical Costs Of A Sleeper Bus Ticket

Depending on the company you choose to book with, the price you pay will vary.

It is certainly one of the cheaper modes of transport around the country. You can find 8-hour-long journeys for as little as $12.00. Obviously, some will be better than others, but you can expect to pay for quality.

For example, The Sinh Tourist is a popular company and caters to tourists rather than locals.

Their lay-flat seats were even comfortable, being slightly longer for tall foreigners. However, you do pay a premium to book with them.

Just be aware that they only have a set route within Vietnam that doesn’t cover all destinations, such as Hanoi to Sapa.

Best Seats To Book On A Vietnam Bus

So, honestly, one of the craziest parts of the sleeper buses here is the seats.

It’s a unique design that some travelers have fallen in love with, and others have not. However, being aware of where you should sit/lay will make a massive difference.

Typically, there are three rows of seats on these buses in Vietnam, and each bunk has two beds: a lower and an upper bed.

On average, you can expect around 36 or so passengers on board for a full journey.

Each bed has an enclosed area where your feet lie, as well as a handrail to assist with getting in and out.

Generally, the favorite bunks are the bottom ones in the center row.

Though let’s get into the differences:

Central Row: Here, you will benefit from being in the center of gravity, so less movement around some of those crazy corners. Also, you won’t have air conditioning blasting out onto you. Obviously, the one downside is that you miss out on the window views.

Bottom Bunk: The main benefit of booking a bottom bunk is that you will get much more privacy. The people walking around the bus are at eye level of the top bunks. It also makes you less of a target for theft.

Top Bunk: This is around shoulder-level height on the bus, so you are a fair distance off the ground, but the views out the windows are the best. Thankfully, there is a step ladder up the side to help you get on. Just be aware that you will feel the corners more up top.

A couple of other things to consider are not booking near the bathroom if there is one on board and not above the engine.

Size Requirements

Generally, people from Southeast Asia are known for having a relatively small stature, but in all honesty, the Vietnamese people are next level. As a result, the sleeper bus seats are quite tight.

This became apparent as I, a Western person who enjoys McDonald’s, tried to get comfortable in one.

I am a fairly tall person, 5″10″ or 180cm, and when I try to use the regular bus seats, my legs are bent at the most uncomfortable angle.

This, of course, involves the fantastic digging into the plastic trays that any tall person knows about.

Oh, and don’t even think about changing the seat into an upright position.

This pushes you forward and, therefore, your legs further into an already limited space. It’s nearly impossible to fit your legs in with your seat upright.

As someone who likes to write on buses and be awake, this quickly became a problem, as I was stuck staring up with my phone held above my head.

If you are less than 5″7, then you could likely comfortably sit in a sleeper bus.

However, if you are taller than this, I would seriously consider other options. That is, unless you are on a super strict budget where the money comes before physical health.

Bathroom Stops

Your overnight bus will usually stop at least once during the journey. However, on longer drives, there may be two or three stops, spaced about 2.5 to 3 hours apart.

The break may be 10 minutes to use the bathroom or 30 minutes to grab some food. Just make sure you know which bus is yours and what time you are due back.

Be aware that the toilet situations in Vietnam are likely a lot different than what you are used to, and you can’t choose where you stop, so you just have to take what is given.

Locations with such bathrooms are typically large service buildings with a canteen area. Here, you can buy hot food and snacks to keep you fueled.

If you are not so lucky, you may find the toilets are a lot more local style, which can be quite a shock if you are not expecting it.

As a side note, remember to bring your toilet paper with you, as often the bathrooms do not have any.

Constant Stopping On The Bus

Not all buses do this, but some will spend the journey picking up and dropping off locals on the side of the road.

This means a lot of starting and stopping, braking, and accelerating. Ultimately, preventing you from getting any sleep.

Now, this honestly wasn’t something I expected when I jumped on the bus. But by the third stop in a few kilometers, it was apparent this was the norm.

Also, don’t think that just because the bus is full doesn’t mean it is actually full. The locals here don’t mind lying down in the middle of the aisles. Get ready for one cramped journey.

Obviously, this doesn’t happen in all bus companies, but it does with many cheaper ones as they try to maximize profits.

I booked a journey through the hostel where I was staying in Hanoi. Being a popular hostel, I presumed I would be booking a tourist bus, but this wasn’t the case.

Bugs On Sleeper Buses

Honestly, the bugs were so unexpected, though this is what swore me off the sleeper buses.

We had booked a bus from Sapa to Hanoi through our accommodation. They then booked it through the agency Camel Travel, and wow, was it the worst transportation service I have ever used!

The bugs on this bus were everywhere, crawling on all the passengers. To say it was the longest six hours of my life would be an understatement.

There are so many companies you can book with. Honestly, if I were to do this again, I would book online so I can read reviews

Driving Skills

Now, I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified by the driving skills of the Vietnamese bus drivers, but it truly is something.

I mean, the driving in Southeast Asia is incredibly skillful. Watching these drivers navigate these huge buses around tight corners and through traffic is quite a sight.

Who knows how they learn to drive or who gives them licenses, but they all drive in a crazy manner. There is no ‘correct’ side of the road to drive on, as long as there are no oncoming obstacles, it’s a free-for-all.

The honking, swerving, sudden accelerating, and quick braking are all persistent throughout the entire journey.

Unfortunately, the track record of the sleeper bus drivers in Vietnam is not great. There is a ridiculous number of deaths and crashes every year.

Note that the majority of these accidents occur at night. So, best to travel in daylight hours if you choose to book one.

Do’s And Don’ts Of The Typical Vietnam Sleeper Bus

Yes, there are rules you should follow when booking. This will ensure you respect the culture and have an good journey.

Vietnam Sleeper Bus Do’s

• Dress comfortably when traveling. You don’t want to get into the bottom sleeper bunk wearing tight skinny jeans.
• The bus’s air conditioning can be super cold, though this is pretty normal when traveling all around Southeast Asia, not just Vietnam. Bring along that one hoodie or jacket you packed because, trust me, you will need it.
• Talking about clothing, bring thick socks with you since you will need to take your shoes off on boarding and put them into a plastic bag.
• Take all your essentials and valuable items on board in a day pack. Be aware that there isn’t much storage for this bag, so you will want it to sit on top of the foot compartment for easy access.
• Pack yourself plenty of snacks, earplugs, water, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
• Make sure you have some entertainment and devices are fully charged. If you have a power bank, bring that along as well.

Vietnam Sleeper Bus Don’ts

• Not to sound like your mother, but don’t leave valuables lying around. Petty theft is a common occurrence, and if you are unaware or sleeping, you quickly become the perfect victim.
• Research your journey and how long it will take. The bus will stop for the bathroom and snacks every couple of hours. However, you will want enough food and water on board the bus to keep you going.
• The name sleeper bus doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take it at night. Plenty of sleeper buses operate during the daytime, which is also much safer. Bonus: Daytime trips are generally a bit cheaper as well!
• Traveling by bus isn’t necessarily the cheapest way to travel around Vietnam. I recommend checking out flight prices, as there can be some super cheap deals, especially if you book far enough in advance.
• Don’t give in to pushy taxi drivers when you arrive at your next destination. Research in advance how much a taxi should cost, and even walk slightly away from the bus station, where you are more likely to get a cheaper rate.
• Lastly, don’t take a sleeper bus if you have a tight schedule.

Wrap Up: Should I Book A Sleeper Bus In Vietnam?

Honestly, I wouldn’t rush out to book a sleeper bus since the trip can seriously be a hit or miss.

Instead take your time and read reviews from other travelers on Baolau or 12.Go Asia so you can find the best bus for you.