There are three main means of transport in Vietnam: plane, train and bus. While planes are the fastest way, they tend to be more expensive, plus you won’t be able to enjoy the country’s fantastic scenery at 35,000 feet. Trains cover almost the entire country and allow you to see amazing coastal scenery at fairly low speeds, but they are more suitable for moving between large cities than for reaching the countryside. Finally you can choose the bus. Traveling by bus in Vietnam is a very popular way to get around as it is very cheap and ideal for reaching more remote areas as there are routes all over the country. Knowing the best way to travel by bus in Vietnam can be a bit confusing, but this guide will help you choose the most convenient way.
Is it safe to travel by bus in Vietnam?
Many Asian countries have a bad reputation for road conditions and reckless drivers, and Vietnam is no exception. But don’t let that change your Vietnam bus travel plans. Road conditions have improved a lot in recent years, and if you’re following the main routes, your journey will be quite smooth. In more rural areas, the roads are a bit more worn.
On the other hand, there is the issue of drivers. Traveling by bus between different cities in Vietnam can be quite a hectic experience as buses, cars and a huge number of motorcycles compete for the track on the asphalt. On inter-province buses, which are long-distance buses, you can expect calmer drivers. These routes are operated by private companies and usually use main roads except when entering stations and drop offs and stop in the city. Even on these highways, the average speed is not very high. You can expect to drive at 50-60 km/h, which means that each journey will take quite a long time.
Where to buy tickets to travel by bus in Vietnam
Where you buy tickets for bus travel in Vietnam will depend on the type of bus you are taking. We’ll tell you about the different options available.
Local buses in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City Local Bus © StreetVJ / Shutterstock.com
If you want to get around the city or travel a short distance between two cities, you will use the local buses. These buses are usually crowded and not very comfortable even if you get a seat. They are usually used by locals rather than tourists. They take as many passengers as possible on the route, regardless of whether there are free seats. It is very likely that you will have to walk, and since you are a foreigner, it is also likely that the driver will charge you a higher price than usual. Local bus tickets in Vietnam can be purchased as you board the bus, so it’s an easy option and even if they overcharge you, it’s still cheap. But, as we mentioned, the conditions are not very comfortable and it can get very hot, so we do not recommend using these buses very often, unless you cannot find another alternative.
Interprovincial buses in Vietnam
Interregional buses vary. These are larger and more comfortable modern coaches that are never overcrowded as only one ticket per seat is sold. Some call them luxury buses because they have more space and reclining seats and even beds (see sleeper bus information below). These buses are non-smoking and usually have air-conditioning as well as other possible services such as Wi-Fi, televisions, bathrooms and stewardess services.
These buses depart from major city terminals and serve routes to other major cities and popular tourist destinations across the country. They are faster than local buses because they don’t stop as often to pick up passengers, although they usually stop at some towns along the way and at other places for breaks.
There are several reliable private companies operating various routes in Vietnam, such as Hoang Long, The Sing Tourist and Mai Linh Express. You can buy tickets for these and other companies at the bus station or at the company’s headquarters, although if it’s easier for you, we recommend using an online booking service like 12Go. Not only will you be able to compare different companies on their website, but you can also find out if there is another way to do this route. 12Go also offers reviews from customers who have previously booked through their website, so you can see first hand what the buses are like.
While it’s not always necessary to book tickets in advance, we recommend doing so whenever possible. By purchasing through 12Go, you can plan your trip in advance to keep everything organized. In high season, such as Tet, late January or early February, advance booking is essential as thousands of locals take long trips to enjoy their holiday.
Sleeper buses in Vietnam
A good alternative to sleeper trains are sleeper buses that connect Vietnam’s major cities and offer a convenient long-distance travel option. If you are going on a longer trip, we recommend buying a sleeper bus ticket rather than a luxury bus ticket as you will have more space, it will be more comfortable and you will be able to get some sleep.
Sleeper buses differ from luxury buses in that they have lower and upper rows of “beds” similar to bunk beds. Usually there are three rows of beds separated by two narrow corridors. Although they are not completely flat beds, they recline at a constant angle so you can stretch your legs well unless you are very tall. Passengers who have used the service say they are more comfortable than conventional buses, especially for tall people, as they have the ability to stretch more, which cannot be done on a luxury bus.
Traveling by sleeper bus in Vietnam is quite cheap. Prices similar to a second class seat on the train, only on the bus you get a bed for the same money. The level of comfort is not as high as on the train, but you can save a lot of money if you take the bus as you will also save an overnight stay by traveling overnight.
Sleeper bus in Vietnam © duangphorn wiriya / Shutterstock.com
Tickets for the sleeper buses, as with the luxury buses, can be purchased online via 12Go, where you can also see photos of the inside of the bus to give you an idea of what you can find. Tickets can also be purchased directly from the route companies and bus terminals.
Open bus in Vietnam
Another option for long-distance bus travel in Vietnam is the Open Tour Bus. Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s not an open-top bus like those used to explore cities. It is also not a conventional tourist bus, because you will not hear comments about the places you pass. It is known as an open bus because the ticket you buy is open, meaning you can get on and off the bus at multiple points along the route.
These are very popular options with backpackers as they are relatively comfortable air-conditioned buses and are reasonably priced. In addition, they offer more flexibility when stopping in multiple cities along the way. While it may be worth it, be careful when booking tickets as the more times you get on and off the bus, the more expensive the ticket will be. Of course, you can get off at any city and decide how much time you want to spend there, from a few hours to a few weeks. It is advisable to book your next open ticket trip one day in advance to secure your seat.
The interior of an open bus
If you make a lot of stops, Open Bus may not be the cheapest option, but as we said, it offers a lot of flexibility and gives you the option to change plans along the way.
Since they are slightly different from local and inter-provincial buses, there are not as many options for purchasing tickets. The main route runs from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. We recommend buying tickets in these two cities or visiting the websites of companies or their headquarters. A tourist from Sinh It’s a good choice for travel.
In terms of speed, the bus in Vietnam will not be faster than the train, but you will definitely pay less for the ticket. Sleeper buses can be a convenient alternative to sleeper trains, while Open Bus offers great flexibility for travelers who don’t have a fixed itinerary.