What is the experience travelling by bus in Vietnam?

Buses in Vietnam offer an affordable and practical way to travel across the country and reach all the destinations, some of which are disconnected from the railway network or far from any airport. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind when travelling by bus to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Driving habits in Vietnam are different than other countries

Traffic in Vietnam can feel really chaotic if you are used to Western road rules.

Expect lots of honking, fast overtaking, sudden braking and little discipline on the road as many traffic rules are actually not enforced. Despite the hectic and confusing driving conditions, most drivers know what they are doing so it is recommended that you avoid talking to them while the vehicle is in motion to prevent distractions or accidents. If you need to talk to the driver, wait until the vehicle has stopped and use a translator app if the driver cannot understand English.

Besides the constant honking, buses and minivans are generally noisy. Drivers often blast music and other passengers sitting next to you may talk loudly over the phone or watch videos without headphones.

Recommendation: To guarantee a relaxing ride, avoid sitting at the front of the vehicle if you don't want to feel the stress with every road interaction. Instead, choose a middle or back seat and keep your eyes out of the road for a calmer experience. Additionally, bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out the noise and enjoy a smooth journey.

Bus departure and pick-up locations

Most buses in Vietnam actually do not depart from bus stations or bus terminals. Instead, buses usually depart from the representative offices of the bus companies in the city center or from a designated landmark where the bus stops briefly to pick up passengers.

Since many locations are simply meeting points rather than actual bus stations, it is essential to follow the instructions included in your electronic ticket and arrive early at the address of departure, locate the bus and board on time. If you are late, the bus will not wait for you.

Meanwhile, consider that buses may need to adjust the departure time depending on traffic conditions. This is especially common when departing from the city center at rush hour. If you cannot find the bus parked on time at the point of departure, don't panic. Contact the bus company's hotline listed on your electronic ticket for support, confirm if the bus is running late and wait for the bus to arrive.

Many minivan and limousine van services provide free pick-up in the city. However, keep in mind that passengers will need to be ready for pick up before the scheduled departure time and the van will stop at multiple locations along the way. This can be really frustrating as one feels like the van goes in circles around the city picking up other passengers before departure and may result in car sickness and travel times longer than expected. For this reason, it is preferable that you arrange your departure directly from the bus terminal or the representative office of the bus company and wait there until the actual departure time.

Recommendation: If something goes wrong, you can always contact Baolau team by email. We have a representative company in Vietnam and a dedicated customer support team on the ground, so we will be able to assist you quickly and coordinate a response directly with the bus operator.