HOW TO BOOK VIETNAM SLEEPER
BUSES AND WHAT TO EXPECT

WHAT ARE VIETNAM SLEEPER BUSES LIKE?

We travelled on five Vietnam sleeper buses on our most recent month-long trip through northern Vietnam. On previous visits, we have also taken sleeper buses in central and southern Vietnam. Here are some of our experiences. 

So, to start with, we never got the insane, pimped out buses that you see on the internet with private compartments and televisions. Although we know they definitely exist, do not bet on getting one! Many routes do not offer that type of bus (they seem more common in central Vietnam) and they are often over-exaggerated in photos (this is very common).

INSIDE A VIETNAM SLEEPER BUS

Shoes | as you get on the bus, you’ll be handed a plastic bag which you are expected to put your shoes in which you then keep with you at your seat. I was once asked to remove my socks too. 

Storage | there is the standard storage space for large luggage in compartments in the underneath area of the bus. Never put delicate items or expensive electronics in there though because your bags will likely shift about during your journey. We never had any concerns about the safety of our bags, which is contrary to our concerns in places like Mexico and Costa Rica. Onboard, there is not much space for baggage; a small backpack or handbag is all you can really fit on your ‘bunk’ with you. Some buses have an additional rack for smaller luggage near the front, but not all.

Space | if we are being honest, the buses can feel a little claustrophobic when full, especially if you are taller. They’re really not that bad, but I could imagine some people feeling a bit trapped, especially at night in the dark. I felt a little like this on the top layer, furthest back seat.

Power | none of the buses had charging ports/plugs or video screens.

Bathrooms | on about 25 percent of our buses there was a bathroom, but I would not choose to use it unless you are desperate.

Hygiene | we found all the buses were clean enough (the little trays at the foot end were never very clean though). There were no overall hygiene concerns.

Clientele | in terms of passengers, the buses we caught across all our Vietnam trips were ones with more Vietnamese people than foreign tourists. On average, it would be us and maybe two others who did not speak the language.

SEATS ON VIETNAM SLEEPER BUSES

A standard Vietnamese sleeper bus has seats spanning three rows, with a lower and upper level, or ‘bunk’. Each seat reclines almost to a lie-flat position and your feet are wedged under the head of the seat in front. This is not as uncomfortable as it sounds and honestly, if I got this seat on a plane, I’d be ecstatic!

Do not rely on there being appropriate lighting. One bus we named ‘disco-party bus’ because all night the driver would just change up the pink, red, blue, green and yellow strip lights on a whim. Technically each bunk has an individual light too (although we saw some middle seats without them).

The two strips/rows of outside seats (on the left and right sides) have aircon vents. Once I had a nice man come around show me it. Another time I was given a seat with a broken one so I couldn’t turn it down – was freezing the entire journey.

The seats themselves are wide enough for an average person to sleep on but if you’re tall, you’ll struggle with the length. 

Each seat was equipped with a blanket, plus a pillow that stays attached to the seat – they appeared to be clean (we trusted them anyway). The upper seats have a guard that stops you rolling out of your seat and falling down too. The floor was also cushioned, because sometimes people sleep in the aisles (which is mad because they’re really narrow).