Vietnam's two sleeper bus options for tourists

Sleeper buses have become a popular mode of transport in Vietnam.

Ngoc Quan, a tour guide in HCMC, says Vietnamese tourists prefer them since they are convenient, faster than trains and reasonably priced.

Foreign tourists are also turning to them though some have faced challenges due to a lack of information.

There are various categories of tourist buses ranging from those with standard seats to different kinds of beds.

The following is a concise overview of sleeper buses based on insights provided by tour guides.

Typically plying on trips or more than 100 kilometers, they come in two types: economy class and cabin class.

Economy class sleeper buses

Economy class sleeper buses are a bit cramped and do not have private space. Photo courtesy of BestPrice Travel

Economy class buses come with 44, 34 or 32 beds organized into three rows and two levels.

Designed for travelers under 180 centimeters tall, they offer basic amenities such as a cushion and a blanket for each bed, and drinking water. Some buses have additional features like USB charging ports.

Passengers boarding economy class buses are required to stow their footwear in plastic bags provided to them. Larger luggage such as suitcases is stored in the bus's trunk, while lighter personal belongings can be kept in the passenger area.

Economy class tickets range from VND250,000 to VND300,000 (US$10-12). For instance, a trip from HCMC to Da Lat, a distance of over 600 kilometers, which takes around eight hours, costs an average of VND280,000.

To secure preferred seats and departure times, tourists are advised to book tickets two or three days in advance.

Reservations can be made through the bus operator's hotline, phone apps, online travel services, and e-wallets.

Daytime buses are generally slower due to frequent stops.

Cabin class sleeper buses

Sleeper buses with cabins consist of 22 of them, 11 on each side and also on two levels. Each cabin can accommodate two adults with a maximum height of around 170 centimeters.

A cabin of a cabin class sleeper bus in Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Huy

Offering greater comfort than economy class, these buses typically have TV screens, charging ports, and mattresses with massage functions. Some even have a toilet.

Advanced booking is required and tickets range from VND550,000-750,000 per cabin.

They also offer the added convenience of pick-up and drop-off services.

There are other less popular transport options in Vietnam.

Other transportation options include minibuses or coaches, which are fine for trips of under 100 kilometers. Economy class has 16-, 29- and 45-seat configurations, and tickets cost less than VND100,000.

While they are frequent, these buses often stop to pick up passengers along the way before reaching the highway, meaning the travel time could vary by 15-20 minutes.

In the premium segment, there are premium minibuses called "limousines" with 9, 11, 17, 19, or 22-28 seats.

They offer superior amenities compared to standard passenger cars, including plush cushioned seats, charging outlets, drinking water, wet towels, and TVs on the back of each seat.

Typically, passengers have to book tickets in advance. They rarely stop to pick up passengers during the trip. Tickets range from VND100,000 to VND200,000, making these limousines an ideal choice for customers seeking comfort and spacious seating.