Sleeper buses in Vietnam: what the ride is like, luggage, seatbelts and tickets
Sleeper buses are the usual way to travel between Vietnamese cities overnight. With FUTA, luggage is capped at 20 kg, you check in 30 minutes early and leave your shoes at the door. Unbelted passengers can be fined VND 350,000–400,000.
A sleeper bus (xe giường nằm in Vietnamese) is an intercity coach with reclining berths on two levels instead of seats. They run between Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Da Nang and Hoi An, mostly overnight. With FUTA (Phương Trang), one of the biggest operators, the rules are simple: arrive 30 minutes before departure, keep luggage under 20 kg and take your shoes off — slippers, water and a wet towel are provided, and most coaches have a blanket and Wi-Fi.
| Route | Time on the road | More |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City — Nha Trang | 6.5–9.5 hours | Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang |
| Nha Trang — Da Nang / Hoi An | about 10–14 hours, overnight | Nha Trang to Da Nang |
| Nha Trang — Da Lat | about 3.5–4 hours | Getting to Da Lat |
What is a sleeper bus like inside?
A sleeper bus has two levels of berths along the cabin, backrest raised and legs stretched out. You take your shoes off at the door and put them in a bag — FUTA hands out free slippers, a bottle of water and a wet towel, coaches have a blanket and Wi-Fi, and the 34-berth limousine buses also have a screen. You can pick your berth when you buy the ticket on the operator's website or app.
How much luggage can you take on a sleeper bus?
FUTA allows up to 20 kg per passenger and no bulky items. Anything over 20 kg is charged separately as cargo. Big suitcases go in the hold underneath; keep a small bag with you with your passport, money, phone, charger and a warm layer — the air conditioning runs cold at night.
What is not allowed on a sleeper bus?
On FUTA sleeper buses you can't smoke, drink alcohol, eat strong-smelling food, bring animals or carry anything flammable. Eat before you board: overnight buses usually stop at petrol stations and roadside cafés. Don't leave rubbish on your berth — that's in the operator's rules too.
Do you have to wear a seatbelt on a sleeper bus?
Yes. Under Government Decree 168/2024, a passenger not wearing a seatbelt where one is fitted can be fined VND 350,000–400,000, and the driver VND 800,000–1,000,000 for carrying unbelted passengers. Commercial coaches must have a belt at every seat. The UK Foreign Office (GOV.UK) warns that bus crashes are more likely at night, when drivers get tired — so buckle up.
How do you keep your things safe overnight?
GOV.UK specifically warns of petty theft on overnight buses and trains while passengers sleep. Keep your passport, money and phone on you — in a money belt or under your pillow, not in the suitcase below. Take a photo of your luggage tag or receipt: that's what you show to collect the bag on arrival.
How do you buy a sleeper bus ticket?
FUTA sells tickets at its ticket offices, on futabus.vn and in the FUTA app; you can also reserve by calling 1900 6067 and pay by QR code. Online you pay by Visa or Mastercard or with MoMo, ZaloPay, ShopeePay or VNPay. The price already includes VAT and passenger insurance, with no extra fees except for excess luggage. Around public holidays, especially Tết, prices change and tickets sell out early — book ahead.
Can you cancel a sleeper bus ticket?
With FUTA you can change or cancel a ticket no later than 24 hours before departure, through the 1900 6067 hotline or a ticket office. A 10–30% fee is deducted, and a ticket can be changed only once. If you're running late for the bus, call the hotline straight away.
How do you get to the bus from your hotel?
FUTA runs a free shuttle from its city offices within about 8–10 km — book it on 1900 6918 before buying the ticket. You can also board along the route if you call 1900 6067 at least 2 hours before departure; pick-ups are only at convenient points on the route. In Nha Trang some buses leave from the Northern Bus Station. For getting around town, see buses in Nha Trang.
Do children need a ticket?
With FUTA, a child under 6, under 1.3 m tall and under 30 kg rides free sharing an adult's berth — one child per adult. If the child doesn't meet any one of these conditions, they need a full ticket. The operator asks pregnant women to travel only if they feel well.
Sleeper bus or train?
The train rides more smoothly, you can stand up and walk around, and there are toilets and a dining car — see trains in Vietnam. Sleeper buses run more often, are often cheaper and go to places without a railway station, such as Da Lat and Hoi An. If sleep matters most, take the train; for flexibility and a direct route, the bus. For cover on the road, see travel insurance for Vietnam.
FAQ
How long is the sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang? 6.5–9.5 hours.
How much luggage can I take on a sleeper bus? With FUTA, up to 20 kg; anything over is charged as cargo.
Do I take my shoes off on a sleeper bus? Yes, at the door; slippers are provided.
Do I have to wear a seatbelt on a sleeper bus? Yes — passengers without one can be fined VND 350,000–400,000 (Decree 168/2024).
How early should I arrive for a sleeper bus? With FUTA, 30 minutes before; 60 minutes on public holidays and Tết.
Can I cancel a sleeper bus ticket? With FUTA, up to 24 hours before departure, minus a 10–30% fee.