Rant: I thought those overnight bus rides in Vietnam were a scam to save $15

Took a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Da Nang for $22 instead of a $37 day trip. I was sure it would be awful, but the bunk was flat and I got a solid 7 hours sleep. Woke up in a new city ready to go and saved a night's hotel cost too. Anyone else find these long haul buses better than expected in Southeast Asia?

3 comments

3 Comments

keith2641mo ago

The real trick is booking the top bunk near the front, you get way less sway and motion sickness. I learned that after a few trips where I felt like I was on a boat in rough seas. That flat bed design is a total lifesaver for anyone over six feet tall too.

spencerperez1mo ago

Seriously, I was the same way! Always avoided them thinking they'd be cramped and miserable. Took one from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on a whim and was shocked, the seats fully reclined into a bed and they gave us blankets. Actually slept way better than on some flights.

lilycraig1mo ago

Totally get where you're coming from, @spencerperez! I had that exact same fear about overnight buses being super uncomfortable. My friend finally talked me into trying one on a trip through Vietnam, and it was a total game changer. Having a proper flat seat made such a huge difference for actually resting. Now I look for those routes on purpose instead of dreading them.