Travelling Vietnam from north to south sounds complicated on paper, long distances, overnight journeys, different transport options, but in reality, it’s one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to get around.

If this is your first long backpacking trip, Vietnam is actually a brilliant place to start. Getting around is simple, affordable, and very geared towards travellers — especially if you know what apps to use and what to expect on the ground. I cover all of that (plus a downloadable itinerary spreadsheet) in my Newbie Backpacker Guide.

I travelled Vietnam north to south entirely overland, following the classic backpacker route through the country – you can see my exact Vietnam route and itinerary here.

If you’re wondering how to book transport in Vietnam, whether to use sites like 12Go Asia, or if sleeper buses are actually worth it, this guide will walk you through exactly how it works, what I’d do again, and what to avoid.

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The Short Answer: Booking Transport in Vietnam Is Surprisingly Easy

If you’re following the classic Banana Pancake Trail, Vietnam is incredibly well set up for travellers.

You’ll find:

• Travel agent shops on almost every backpacker street
• Daily buses connecting all major destinations
• VIP sleeper buses that are genuinely comfortable
• No need to book everything in advance

We booked all of our transport locally, usually just a day or two before travelling — and it worked seamlessly.

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Why I Didn’t Use 12Go Asia (And What I Used Instead)

12Go Asia is often recommended for booking transport in Vietnam, but personally, I chose not to rely on it — and I’m glad I didn’t.

Here’s why:

• You’re never quite sure what bus company you’ll actually get
• Seat quality and sleeper layouts can vary massively
• Prices are often higher than booking locally
• You lose the chance to ask questions or switch options easily

Instead, we walked into local travel agent shops in each destination. These are legit, established businesses that work directly with the bus companies.

Pro tip

Before going into a travel agent, I’d quickly check 12Go Asia just to understand the going rate, then use that as a reference point when booking in person.

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Expect to Haggle (Politely)

Haggling is normal when booking transport in Vietnam — especially in tourist areas.

That doesn’t mean aggressive bargaining. It’s more:

• Knowing the rough price
• Asking calmly if that’s their best rate
• Comparing one or two nearby shops if needed

Often, the price difference isn’t huge, but you’ll usually shave a little off — or get a better bus for the same price.

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VIP Sleeper Buses in Vietnam: Are They Actually Good?

Yes. Genuinely — Vietnam has some of the best sleeper buses I’ve used anywhere.

We booked VIP sleeper buses for most long-distance journeys, and they were far better than expected.

What VIP sleeper buses usually include:

• Individual pod-style beds (not just flat seats)
• Air-conditioning
• Curtains or privacy screens
• Charging ports
• Blankets and pillows

They’re ideal for overnight journeys and mean you:

• Save on accommodation
• Wake up in a new destination
• Don’t lose a full day to travel

If you’re nervous about overnight buses, Vietnam is a great place to try them for the first time.

@emilyvictoriatravels

An absolute bargain for the luxury made the 6 hours from Hanoi to Sapa pretty enjoyable! We booked this through a tour shop in Hanoi if you want the whatsapp of the lady we booked through send me a dm🫶🏼 #sleeperbus #vietnam #backpacking #southeastasia #emilyvictoriatravels

♬ original sound – emily | digital nomad

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Where to Book Transport in Vietnam

You don’t need to hunt far. If you’re in places like:

• Hanoi
• Ha Giang
• Ninh Binh
• Hoi An
• Da Nang
• Nha Trang
• Da Lat
• Ho Chi Minh City

…you’ll see travel agent shops everywhere, especially near hostels and backpacker areas.

Most staff speak enough English to explain:

• Departure times
• Journey length
• Pick-up locations
• Drop-off points

Many buses will even pick you up directly from your hostel.

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Can You Travel Vietnam Without Flying?

Absolutely — and I’d actually recommend it.

We travelled north to south entirely by bus, and it felt like part of the adventure rather than a hassle.

Travelling overland lets you:

• See the country gradually change
• Stop at places you hadn’t planned
• Travel more sustainably
• Stick to a flexible itinerary

Vietnam is long, but it’s incredibly well connected.

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Is It Better to Book Transport in Advance?

In most cases: no.

Unless you’re travelling during:

• Tet (Vietnamese New Year)
• Major public holidays

…you can comfortably book transport 1–2 days before travel.

This gives you:

• Flexibility if plans change
• Better control over bus quality
• Less stress if you’re unsure how long you want to stay somewhere

Vietnam rewards travellers who don’t over-plan.

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Don’t Overthink Transport in Vietnam

Vietnam might look intimidating on a map, but once you’re there, transport is the least stressful part of travelling the country.

If you remember one thing, let it be this:

• Book locally
• Use 12Go Asia as a price reference, not a rule
• Choose VIP sleeper buses where possible
• Stay flexible

Vietnam is built for travellers — and getting around is part of what makes the journey so special.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning — especially if this is your first backpacking trip — having one place where everything is laid out makes a huge difference. I put together a newbie backpacker guide with all the practical stuff I wish I’d known before my first trip, including apps, budgeting tips, and a ready-to-use itinerary spreadsheet.

Enjoy your Travels!

Em x

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