Understanding bus companies in Vietnam
Buses are a popular way to travel between tourist destinations in Vietnam. However, the quality of the bus companies isn’t always up to travellers’ expectations. With over 25 private bus companies operating on popular routes, they all vary in service and comfort standards.
There are a couple of companies that receive a lot of criticism, but as they are often the cheapest choice, travellers keep booking with them. Among the major complaints are rude drivers and unprofessional staff. Many times, 5-hour journeys end up being 7 hours or more because the buses make too many stops.
On the other hand, there are bus companies in Vietnam that offer clean and spacious buses as well as depart and arrive on time. These are rare gems, to be honest.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that buses in Vietnam are neither as safe nor as comfortable as trains or planes.
So, why travel by bus?
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 centre of town (some even offer free hotel pick-up and drop-off). And they travel directly from point A to point B — unlike trains, where you often have to make a transfer.
Night buses in Vietnam
Thanks to the comfortable reclining seats and sleeper bunks on most buses, you can also get a 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 relatively refreshed the next morning at your new destination.
Of course, this only happens when you pick a good bus company.
Which bus companies in Vietnam are the best?
We’ve written an in-depth review of 22 bus companies below. It’s a thing of beauty, really.
But if you need the answers here and now, we get it. Here’s what you need to know in a nutshell before you book that bus ticket.
If you’re travelling in North Vietnam, you’ve got choices. There are several highly-rated bus companies that operate throughout the north: Cat Ba Discovery, Cat Ba Express, Good Morning Cat Ba, Hung Long, Interbus Lines and Sapa Express. They aren’t without flaws (think Wi-Fi not working or no toilet on board) but they generally have a good track record of getting travellers where they need to get and on time. Which, when it comes to bus companies in Vietnam, is a win. Trust us.
Heading to Central and South Vietnam? For some reason, there aren’t as many great bus companies in the south as there are in the North. Try booking your trip with Phuc Thuan Thao (comfortable, clean and on time) or Kumho Samco (affordable, clean and comfortable, but the driving can be a bit mad). If you’re going from Hue to Phong Nha, DMZ Tours is a great choice to get there and back.
And in case you’re wondering, the lowest-rated bus companies in Vietnam are Camel Travel and Queen Cafe VIP Bus. Steer clear if you want a comfortable ride.
An in-depth review of 22 Vietnamese bus companies
If you decide to travel by bus, you can use the overview below to get a feel of the bus company you’re planning to travel with.
We created this comprehensive overview after extensive research on TripAdvisor, booking websites, travel forums, contact with local accommodations and personal experiences.
If you want to know more about travelling in Vietnam, I recommend first reading our Vietnam Transportation Guide.
Note that the list below is ordered alphabetically, not according to satisfaction level!
Do you share or have a different experience with a bus company in Vietnam? Let us know in the comment below.
1. An Phu Travel
TripAdvisor rating: 2/5 (77 reviews)
An Phu Travel provides bus transport in central and southern Vietnam. They generally pick up passengers from the hotel and arrive at the city centre. They also offer clean and spacious buses.
However, many passengers have complained about An Phu Travel’s poor customer service. Drivers also sometimes drive too fast, making passengers feel unsafe.
Extra services: Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable buses Hotel pick-up Arrival in the city centre | Staff can be rude Some drivers drive too fast |
Destinations: Dalat, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hue, Mui Ne, Nha Trang
2. Camel Travel
TripAdvisor rating: 1.5/5 (437 reviews)
Camel Travel operates buses in some of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. However, foreign tourists aren’t big fans of this company.
Major concerns include rude drivers and staff, bad driving, late departures and overall poor customer service. There have also been several complaints of drivers smoking and talking on the phone non-stop so if you really must take Camel Travel, stay away from the front seats.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi (not always reliable), electrical outlet, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Toilet on board Runs to many top destinations | Incidents of theft Staff can be rude Overcrowded buses Some drivers drive too fast |
Destinations: Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Phong Nha
3. Cat Ba Discovery
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 (291 reviews)
Operating on the Cat Ba-Ninh Binh and Cat Ba-Sapa routes, Cat Ba Discovery is known for providing passengers with good service.
Travellers have nothing but praise for their polite drivers, accommodating staff and comfortable buses.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hotel pick-up in Cat Ba and SaPa Polite drivers Clean and modern buses Organised | Few incidents of discrimination against foreigners |
Destinations: Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, SaPa
4. Cat Ba Express
TripAdvisor rating: 5/5 (1,189 reviews)
This transport company is popular among travellers in North Vietnam.
Cat Ba Express provides quality service and offers good travel packages and guides for the Cat Ba-Sapa and Cat Ba-Hanoi routes. They are also helpful when it comes to ferry transfers.
Extra services: water, tissues
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hotel pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and in Cat Ba Combined bus + ferry rides at reasonable prices Offers good tour packages Organised Buses mostly on time | Few instances of overcrowded buses |
Destinations: Hanoi, Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, SaPa
5. DMZ Tours
Facebook rating: 4.7/5 (25 reviews)
The DMZ Bus is a popular way to travel from Hue to Phong Nha. This allows tourists to make a side trip to the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Ben Hai River Museum — and gives them a glimpse into Vietnam’s history.
There are a few companies offering the DMZ Bus Tour, but some have temporarily suspended operations in light of COVID-19. We recommend booking your DMZ Bus with Sy’s Homestay in Phong Nha. The owner has a reputation among foreign travellers as being friendly and accommodating.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good reputation Clean buses Organised tours | Often mistaken for another agency |
Destinations: Hue, Phong Nha
6. Good Morning Cat Ba
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5 (824 reviews)
Good Morning Cat Ba provides great transport services to five major destinations in Vietnam. They also offer popular tour packages.
Some positive reviews include friendly staff, prompt drivers and nice buses. However, a few passengers have mentioned that the seats are too small.
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 | Buses can be overcrowded Sometimes unorganised |
Destinations: Cat Ba, Ha Giang, Hanoi, Hai Phong, SaPa
7. Good Morning Sapa
*Temporarily closed* (October 2022)
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 (294 reviews)
Good Morning Sapa mainly operates buses from Hanoi to Sapa and vice versa. They get good reviews for their local guides and package tours.
Their buses are clean and they provide good extra services. However, bus drivers can be rude and hard to communicate with. They also tend to drive fast, even on hills and winding roads.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, charging outlet, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Departure/arrival in centre Clean and luxury buses Minimal stops Toilet on board Mostly on time Offers popular package tours | Staff can be rude Some drivers drive too fast |
Destinations: Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, SaPa
8. Hanh Cafe
12go.Asia rating: 3.8/5 (428 reviews)
Hanh Café is one of the more well-known bus companies in Vietnam. They offer comfortable buses and are often regarded as good value for money.
However, there have been complaints about their rude office staff. They also often leave much later than the expected time.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Minimal stops Comfortable seats | Delayed bus departures Staff can be rude Some drivers smoke inside the bus Some instances of overcrowded buses No toilet on board |
Destinations: Da Lat, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hue, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet
9. Hoang Long
12go.Asia rating: 3.2/5 (382 reviews)
Hoang Long gets more negative than positive feedback. Its buses are often delayed and many passengers have complained that it does not live up to its advertisements — like free food and toilet onboard.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Professional staff and drivers | Old and dirty buses Often mistaken for another agency Delayed departures Sometimes buses arrive outside the city centre Does not live up to advertisements |
Destinations: Cat Ba, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hue
10. Hung Long
Vexere rating: 4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Hung Long operates a few routes from Hanoi and it’s mostly used by locals. Its buses offer comfortable seats and good legroom.
The only concern is that some passengers have complained about bugs in the bus.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| On-time buses Friendly staff Comfortable bus ride | Incidents of insects and bugs in the bus |
Destinations: Dong Hoi, Ha Tinh, Hanoi, Phong Nha
11. Hung Thanh
Google Maps rating: 2.7/5 (107 reviews)
Hung Thanh operates between popular tourist destinations in northern Vietnam. When it comes to availability, you can generally count on Hung Thanh to offer several trips every day.
This company gets a lot of bad reviews, however. These include delayed departures, overloading, rude staff, and dirty buses. While they normally offer cheap fares, we think that you’ll be better off spending your money with another bus operator.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fares are cheap | Staff can be rude Overcrowded buses Wi-Fi doesn’t work |
Destinations: Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha
12. Interbus Lines
Google Maps rating: 4.6/5 (907 reviews)
Interbus Lines is a highly-rated company providing transport services between Hanoi and Sapa. They also offer packaged tours.
Passengers praise its new buses, spacious beds, professional staff, and competitive fares.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, electrical outlet, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Departure/arrival in the centre Clean buses Minimal stops Offers tour packages | Slow Wi-Fi No toilet on board |
Destinations: Hanoi, SaPa
13. Kumho Samco
12go.Asia rating: 4/5 (537 reviews)
This company is known for providing bus services in southern Vietnam, mainly from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh and back. Their buses are clean and comfortable — well worth their affordable fares.
Some foreign passengers have raised concerns about the company’s poor customer service. In their defence, this sometimes stems from the staff’s lack of command of English.
Also, there have been complaints of Kumho Samcho staff charging a service fee for passengers requiring a visa to cross the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. We recommend preparing your e-visa beforehand and knowing the rules so that you won’t fall victim to this scam.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Buses are mostly on time Comfortable bunks | Staff can be rude Some drivers drive too fast Some buses are old |
Destinations: Da Lat, Ha Tien, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Rach Gia
14. Lien Hung
Vexere rating: 3.8/5 (1,791 reviews)
Lien Hung’s negative reviews outnumber the positive ones. The one thing passengers have consistently complimented is the spacious legroom in their buses.
But other than that, this company has mostly received complaints. These include rude staff, fast and uncomfortable driving, wrong bus bookings and overall bad service.
Extra services: water, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good legroom | Inaccurate bus arrival points Delayed departures Buses stop too often Unprofessional staff & drivers |
Destinations: Da Nang, Ha Tien, Ho Chi Minh, Hue, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Quy Nhon
15. Phuc Thuan Thao
Vexere rating: 4.6/5 (407 reviews)
The only common complaint against Phuc Thuan Thao is that their staff/crew can be rude. Otherwise, expect a comfortable ride in clean buses.
Extra services: wi-fi, charging sockets
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| On-time departure/arrival Clean buses Comfortable driving | Staff can be rude |
Destinations: Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Tuy Hoa, Ho Chi Minh
16. Phuong Trang (Futa Bus)
TripAdvisor rating: 3/5 (547 reviews)
Phuong Trang (also known as Futa Bus) is widely recognized in Vietnam. Their orange-coloured buses are highly distinctive and are available throughout central Vietnam and destinations along the Mekong Delta.
While Futa Bus is praised for its comfortable buses, its staff and drivers can fall short. This bus company has received complaints of poor customer service, particularly when dealing with foreign passengers.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Buses in good condition Trips are generally on time | Poor customer service Multiple incidents of discrimination against foreign tourists |
Destinations: Da Lat, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hue, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Rach Gia
17. Quang Anh
Facebook rating: 3.3/5 (63 reviews)
Quang Anh provides limousine bus services between Ninh Binh, Hanoi and Sapa. With limited trips, this company is not as well-known to tourists as other bus companies in Vietnam.
It’s popular among locals, however, for its luxurious and comfortable vehicles. Unfortunately, they provide poor customer service and sometimes try to charge foreigners higher ticket prices.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable limo buses | Staff can be rude Incidents of charging higher to foreign passengers |
Destinations: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, SaPa
18. Queen Cafe VIP Bus
TripAdvisor rating: 1.5/5 (97 reviews)
Queen Cafe VIP Bus is an ironic name — because passengers are rarely ever treated as VIPs. In reality, this Vietnamese bus company needs to improve its overall customer service.
There have been more than a few incidents of scamming as well as discrimination against Caucasian-looking passengers. However, Queen Cafe is still one of the larger bus operators and often you don’t have many other companies to choose from.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket, cold towel
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap fares | Staff can be rude Incidents of aggressive driving Incidents of scamming |
Destinations: DaLat, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Hue, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, SaPa
19. Sao Viet
Vexere rating: 4.3/5 (743 reviews)
Sao Viet is a popular bus company in Vietnam servicing the route between Hanoi and Sapa, offering over a dozen trips daily.
Their buses range from cheap sleeper buses to luxurious VIP cabins — generally clean and comfortable, despite the cheap fares. However, their staff’s demeanour toward customers could be improved.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap fares Clean buses | Staff can be rude Buses tend to depart late |
Destinations: Hanoi, Yen Bai, SaPa
20. Sapa Express
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 (294 reviews)
Sapa Express is a trusted company for buses operating between Hanoi and Sapa as well as Hanoi and Halong Bay. Customers praise its good customer service and spacious buses.
An advantage of taking Sapa Express is that they allow passengers to stay and sleep on the bus upon arrival in Sapa in the early morning until the accommodations open up for the day. Not all bus companies in Vietnam allow this.
It’s worth noting though that they do not provide seat numbers, which is why passengers often rush into the bus to get a good seat or bed.
Extra services: water, snacks, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean and comfortable buses Friendly staff On-time buses | No seat number Unreliable Wi-Fi |
Destinations: Halong Bay, Hanoi, SaPa
21. SaPa Grouptour
12go.Asia rating: 3.6/5 (1,294 reviews)
Grouptour operates between popular tourist destinations in northern Vietnam, mainly on the Hanoi-SaPa route.
This company offers generally comfortable buses. However, there have been more than a few complaints about drivers driving too fast, delayed departures and miscommunication that ended up with customers not being picked up from their hotels.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap fares | Fast driving Late bus departures Some buses can be overcrowded |
Destinations: Cat Ba, Da Nang, Ha Giang, Hanoi, SaPa
22. The Sinh Tourist
Google Maps rating: 3.9/5 (678 reviews)
The Sinh Tourist operates mostly within the central and southern regions of Vietnam. Their service is generally satisfactory and their buses are known to depart and arrive on time, if not earlier.
There have been a few concerns regarding their affiliations, though, like local agencies trying to scam tourists. When booking with The Sinh Tourist, we recommend doing so online instead of via tour agencies.
Extra services: water, Wi-Fi, blanket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap fares On-time departure and arrival Pick-up service in designated locations Offers packaged tours | Some incidents of scamming Staff can be rude No toilet on-board Some buses are infested with insects |
Destinations: Dalat, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hue, Mui Ne, Nha Trang
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
