Maarten
An extensive review of Vietnamese bus companies
Buses in Vietnam are not always as straightforward as you would expect. There are over 25 private bus companies operating on popular tourist routes, and they all vary in service and customers reviews.
To start with, some travellers explain about rude and unfriendly drivers. Also is it important to keep in mind that buses are not as safe as trains or planes.
So why travel by bus?
On the other hand, a bus can be the easiest and quickest way to reach your next destination. They often pick you up and drop you off in the center of town, and they only make a few stops along the way.
Night buses
Thanks to the comfortable reclining seats on most buses, you can also get good rest during the trip. This makes the night bus a convenient travel option when it’s available. You hop on the bus in the evening and wake up the next morning at your next destination.
A Review of 22 Vietnamese Bus Companies
If you decide to travel by bus, you can use the overview below to get a feel for the bus company you’d like to use.
This comprehensive overview is created after extensive research on TripAdvisor, booking websites, travel forums, contact with local accommodations and personal experiences.
If you first want to know more about bus travel in Vietnam, I recommend to first read our Vietnam Transportation Guide.
Note that the listings are on alphabetic order, and not ordered on the satisfactory level!
Do you share or have a different experience with a bus company in Cambodia? Let us know in a comment below!
1. Camel Travel
TripAdvisor rating: 1/5 (315 reviews)
Camel Travel runs buses to some of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. However, the company is not very popular among foreign tourists.
Major concerns include very rude drivers and staff, bad driving and poor customer service.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, electrical outlet, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Toilet on board Offer transport service for many top destinations | Incidents of theft Staff can be rude Overcrowded bus Some drivers drive too fast |
Destinations: Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue
2. Cat Ba Discovery
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5 (16 reviews)
Operating between the Cat Ba – Ninh Binh and Cat Ba – Sapa routes, this bus company is known for providing passengers with a good service.
They are generally organized and have polite drivers.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They provide pick-up service in Cat Ba town and in SaPa Polite drivers Clean and modern bus Organized | A few cases of discrimination against foreigners |
Destinations: Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, SaPa
3. Cat Ba Express
TripAdvisor rating: 5/5 (252 reviews)
This transport company is popular among travellers in North-Vietnam.
Cat Ba Express provides quality service and offer good travel packages and guides for the Cat Ba – Sapa route. They are also very helpful when it comes to the ferry transfers.
Extra services: water, tissues
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They provide pick-up service in Old Quarter, Hanoi and in Cat Ba Combined bus + ferry ride at a reasonable price Offer good tour packages Organized Buses mostly on time | Minimal instances of overcrowded bus |
Destinations: Hanoi, Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, SaPa
4. DMZ Tours
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 (no bus reviews)
DMZ Tours are well known for their tour package on the history of Vietnam. The owner has a reputation among foreign travellers as being friendly and accommodating.
Another great thing is that they operate buses that stop at the DMZ when travelling from Hue to Phong Nha.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has a good reputation Clean buses Offers popular tour packages | Often mistaken for another agency |
Destinations: Hanoi, Phong Nha, Da Nang, Hoi An, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh
5. Good Morning Cat Ba
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5 (133 reviews)
Good Morning Cat Ba provides great transport services to 5 of the major destinations in Vietnam. They also have popular tour packages.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, cold towel, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Friendly staff Funny drivers Clean buses Offers combined bus + ferry ride Offers popular Cat Ba tour packages | Cases of overcrowded bus Sometimes unorganized |
Destinations: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, SaPa
6. Good Morning Sapa
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 (233 reviews)
This bus company mainly runs buses for Hanoi – Sapa. They are highly regarded for their local guides, and their package tours are well-reviewed by travellers.
Buses are clean and provide good extra services, but bus drivers can be rude and hard to communicate with. Also, they tend to drive fast, even on hills.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, electrical outlet, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Departure/arrival in center Clean and luxury bus Minimal stops Toilet on board Mostly on time Offers popular package tours | Staff can be rude Some drivers drive too fast |
Destinations: Hanoi, SaPa
7. Hanh Cafe
TripAdvisor rating: 3.9/5 (45 reviews)
Hanh Café is one of the more well-known bus companies in Vietnam, and they generally offer a good service.
However, one common complaint is that they often leave much later than the expected time.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimal stops Seats are comfortable | Late bus departures Staff can be rude Some incidents of overcrowded bus No toilet on-board |
Destinations: Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Hoi An
8. Hoang Long
Vexere rating: 3.8/5 (228 reviews)
This company often receives more negative than positive feedback. The company is hard to contact and are known for their delays.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has a good reputation Clean buses Offers popular tour packages | Often mistaken for another agency |
Destinations: Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Bin Duong, Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Can Tho, Da Nang, Daklak, Dong Nai, Gia Lai, Hanoi, Ha Tinh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh, Hue, Hung Yen, Konturn, Lan Son, Long An, Mong Cai, Nam Dinh, Nha Trang, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phy Ly, Phu Yen, Dong Hoi, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Thai Binh, Thi Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Tien Giang, Tien Yen, Vinh, Vinh Long, Vung Tau
9. Hung Long
TripAdvisor rating: 4.3/5 (24 reviews)
Hung Long only operates along a few routes from Hanoi. Their buses offer comfortable seats and sufficient leg room.
The only main concern is that passengers regularly complain about bugs in the bus.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| On-time buses Friendly staff Comfortable bus ride | Incidents of having insects and bugs in the bus |
Destinations: Hanoi, Dong Hoi, Phong Nha
10. Hung Thanh
Vexere rating: 3.6/5 (39 reviews)
This company is not well-known among transport services. A common complaint is that the bus make many stops on the way to pick-up and drop-off goods.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fare rates are cheap | Staff can be rude Overcrowded bus Wi-fi doesn't work |
Destinations: Ha Giang, Hanoi, Bo Trach, Hue
11. Inter Bus Line
TripAdvisor rating: 2.5/5 (37 reviews)
Inter Bus Line is known for providing transport service for Hanoi-Sapa and Hanoi-CatBa. They also offer packaged tours.
Their buses are generally clean but may not be very spacious. Drivers tend to drive fast and there are a lot of concerns about rude or uncaring staffs.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, electrical outlet, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Departure/arrival in center Clean bus Minimal stops Offers tour packages | Slow wi-fi Staff can be rude No Toilet |
Destinations: Hanoi, SaPa
12. Kumho Samco
Vexere rating: 2.9/5 (72 reviews)
This bus company is known for the Ho Chi Minh – Phu Quoc route. Fares are affordable, but passengers have raised concerns about the company’s poor customer service.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Buses are mostly on time | Staff can be rude Some drivers drive too fast Some buses are old |
Destinations: An Giang, Buon Ma Thuot, Binh Minh, Binh Dinh, Bac Lieu, Bao Loc, Ben Tre, Cam Ranh, Cao Lanh, Chau Doc, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Hue, Hanoi, Ha Tien, Hau Giang, Hong Ngu, Kien Giang, Long Xuyen, Lam Dong, Mui Ne, Nam Dinh, Nha Trang, Ninh Hoa, Nam Can, Phan Thiet, Phu Yen, Quy Nhon, Quang Ngai, Rach Gia, Sa Dec, Soc Trang, Ho Chi Minh, Thot Not, Tra Vinh, Tuy Hoa, Vinh, Long, Vinh Thuan, Vung Tau, Vi Thanh, Da Lat, Da Nang, Da Ngai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dong Thap
13. Lien Hung
Vexere rating: 2.9/5 (149 reviews)
There are not many routes for this company. Lien Hung’s negative reviews outnumber the positive.
Many travellers aren’t satisfied with their level of service.
Extra services:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimal stops | Incidents of buses breaking down Sometimes bus is overcrowded Late departures |
Destinations: Nha Trang, Tuy Hoa, Ho Chi Minh, Phan Thiet, Quang Nhui, Hue, Pleiku, Kien Giang, Ha Tien, Cu Chi, Hong Ngu, Ca Mau, Tra Vinh, Buon Me Thuot, Tay Ninh, Da Nang, Phan Rang, Soc Trang, Van Ninh
14. Phuc Thuan Thao
Vexere rating: 4.1/5 (88 reviews)
Phuc Thuan Thao’s only common complaint is that the staff/crew can be rude. Otherwise, expect a good comfortable ride.
Extra services:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Buses are generally on time Clean buses | Staff can be rude |
Destinations: Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, Ho Chi Minh
15. Phuong Trang (Futa Bus)
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5 (257 reviews)
Phuong Trang (also known as Futa Bus) is widely recognized in Vietnam. They offer routes through Central Vietnam and destinations along the Mekong Delta. Their orange-colored buses are highly distinctive.
Unfortunately, like many other transport companies in Vietnam, they also get negative feedback about rude staff and fast drivers.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bus in good condition Trips are generally on time | Staff can be rude Less leg room in the bus Multiple incidents of women being harassment |
Destinations: An Giang, Buon Ma Thuot, Binh Minh, Binh Dinh, Bac Lieu, Bao Loc, Ben Tre, Cam Ranh, Cao Lanh, Chau Doc, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Hue, Hanoi, Ha Tien, Hau Giang, Hong Ngu, Kien Giang, Long Xuyen, Lam Dong, Mui Ne, Nam Dinh, Nha Trang, Ninh Hoa, Nam Can, Phan Thiet, Phu Yen, Quy Nhon, Quang Ngai, Rach Gia, Sa Dec, Soc Trang, Ho Chi Minh, Thot Not, Tra Vinh, Tuy Hoa, Vinh, Long, Vinh Thuan, Vung Tau, Vi Thanh, Da Lat, Da Nang, Da Ngai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dong Thap
16. Quang Anh
TripAdvisor rating: none (11 reviews)
Quang Anh provides direct transport along the Ninh Binh – Sapa route. This company is not as well-known as the other bus companies.
Some travellers have had concerns about their rude drivers and staff.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They provide pick-up service in Ninh Binh and SaPa | Staff can be rude Sometimes they charge higher than actual ticket price |
Destinations: Lai Chau, Ninh Binh, SaPa
17. Queen Cafe VIP Bus
TripAdvisor rating: 1.5/5 (355 reviews)
Their name is ironic, as passengers aren’t generally treated as VIPs. This bus company needs to improve their overall customer service.
There have been more than a few scams as well as discrimination against Caucasian-looking passengers. However, it’s still one of the larger bus companies and often you don’t have many other companies to choose from.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket, cold towel
[table “QueenCafeVIPBus” not found /]Destinations: Da Nang, Hanoi, SaPa, Phong Nha, Hoi An, Hue
18. SaoViet
Vexere rating: 4/5 (81 reviews)
SaoViet’s main routes are along the northern part of Vietnam. Their fares are affordable, and they operate clean buses in good condition. However, their staff’s demeanor toward customers could improve.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fare rates are cheap Clean buses | Staff can be rude Some buses arrive very late |
Destinations: Hanoi, Yen Bai, SaPa
19. Sapa Grouptour
TripAdvisor rating: 1/5 (11 reviews)
SaPa Grouptour does not operate on a lot of routes. With this company there are some concerns of how fast drivers drive, having to pay more than the agreed price and waiting for the bus to arrive hours later than expected.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fare rates are cheap | Some drives drive too fast Late bus arrivals Overcrowded bus They sometimes charge higher than the actual ticket price |
Destinations: Ha Giang, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hue, Ninh Binh, Dien Bien, SaPa, Quang Ninh
20. Sinh Tourist Bus
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5 (311 reviews)
Sinh Tourist Bus operates mostly within the central and southern regions of Vietnam. Their service is generally satisfactory.
There are a few concerns regarding their affiliations. Sometimes local agencies try to scam tourists, so better to book their tickets online.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They offer pick-up service in designated locations Comfortable seats Minimal stops Offers packaged tours | Some incidents of scams Staff can be rude No toilet on-board |
Destinations: Hanoi, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Can Tho, Rach Gia, Soc Trang, Vung Tau, Buon Me Thuot, Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang, Phong Nha, Halong, SaPa, Mou Chan, Moc Chan, Cat Ba, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Soc Trong, Ha Tien, Chau Doc
21. Son Tung
Vexere rating: 2.7/5 (3 reviews)
Son Tung is not very well-known as it only operates on a few routes. The buses are in a fairly good condition, but drivers tend to drive fast.
Extra services:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Buses are in good conditions | Makes multiple stops Some drivers drive too fast |
Destinations: Quy Nhon, Da Nang
22. Tan Nhat Travel
TripAdvisor rating: 3/5 (253 reviews)
Tan Nhat (TNT) routes goes mainly through Central Vietnam. The bus company also provides quality tour packages and a generally comfortable ride.
However, there can be issues with communicating the itineraries to passengers.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes stopovers at tourist destinations Helpful staff Offers tour packages | Sometimes passengers are not informed of changes in the itinerary |
Destinations: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha