Comments on: How to Survive Overnight Buses in Vietnam

By: Charlie Marchant

Charlie Marchant — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 12:30:10 +0000

In reply to jjnnnnnn. Sleeping next to a stranger is not ideal, but I think there are more kind people than there are creepy ones. If you can get the aisle side as well, I think that would be more comfortable in that situation. Good luck with your bus journey tomorrow. Well I gave 5 tips of how to survive the night bus, and also worth remembering that I did survive 3 of them ;)

By: jjnnnnnn

jjnnnnnn — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 08:34:39 +0000

The thing that bothers me is sleeping next to a stranger. Especially as a solo female. Last thing you need is some creepy guy trying to touch you. I have my first 12 hour bus journey tomorrow and it does not help ease my nerves that people are posting about death. This was meant to be how to survive a night bus, not make people fear for their lives. Now, i need drugs after this. I would have flown but SE asia has horrible turbulence.

By: John

John — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 11:31:32 +0000

Great post,

Some buses are terrible, though other buses aren’t. Comfort very much depends on the company you’re traveling with. Though standards in Vietnam are much poorer if you compare them to Thailand for example! Agreed!

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 20:41:43 +0000

Dear Charlie, such a beautiful Blog !! I will follow you from now :) Best wishes , Michael

By: Charlie on Travel

Charlie on Travel — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 08:24:07 +0000

In reply to Loren. If you're already been on 3 sleepers so far, then I doubt you'll find them that bad! You must be a more resilient traveller than most ;)

By: Loren

Loren — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:01:12 +0000

Not sure weather this is “sooky” or not, are they really thaaaat bad ? we are coming from China and doing vietnam and have been on 3 sleepers

By: William

William — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 00:58:37 +0000

I am in Hanoi I have just been travelling the north, Sapa, Back Ha, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac. The bus to Sapa now takes just 5 hours due to the new highway. I went on the Sapa Express a very comfortable journey, 17.5 dollars but we’ll worth it. The rest of the trip I did on local buses, not so comfortable but only up to 5 hours on any one journey. One of the best trips I have done.

By: Survival of death busses

Survival of death busses — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 06:38:20 +0000

Yeah! I totally agree! I just came back from backpacking in Vietnam and almost died twice during same journey in bus from Da Lat to Saigon! We almost crashed twice! Like the bus driver totally lost control once and we were sliding in the wrong lane and there were a truck coming towards us!

They drive like maniacs in here and in narrow mountain roads they bypass other busses in corners and just honk and wish there is no one else coming.

So. I recommend train. And if you take bus go back and use seatbelt in case shit happens.

By: Hannah

Hannah — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 05:16:00 +0000

Last time i was in Vietnam, traveling from Da Lat to HCMC in 2013, we came across a horrific night bus crash, some 15 people were seriously hurt and several died. It is a cheaper way to do things, but i would recommend taking a train, as that is a must see sight, and experience.

By: Charlie on Travel

Charlie on Travel — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:53:27 +0000

In reply to Suzanne Jones. Oh I see! The day buses (mini-buses) were much better than the overnight ones, so I think you'd be fine on the bus! :)