How to Plan a Trip
Is the Vietnam Open Bus Ticket Really Worth it?
December 24, 2018
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Southeast Asia, the land of extra long bus trips. If you’re planning to travel by bus in Vietnam, you’re probably wondering if the Vietnam open bus ticket is really worth it. For travelers and backpackers spending a few weeks in Vietnam, 14 hour overnight buses become commonplace, 6 hour day buses a quick trip. I took my very first overnight bus in Vietnam in 2015, a 15 hour journey from Hanoi to Hue.
Should You Purchase the Vietnam Open Bus Ticket?
When I first arrived in Hanoi, my first stop of a 3 week journey in Vietnam, I was told by a handful of people that I should buy an open bus ticket immediately in order to save a ton of money. However, I very quickly regretted purchasing this Vietnam open bus ticket. Since I ended up stopping at all seven destinations offered on my route, I did end up saving a couple of dollars. However, this ticket seriously limited my flexibility, a lack of convenience that wasn’t worth the slim savings.
What You Need to Know About the Vietnam Open Bus Ticket:
Cost:
The open bus ticket approximately $50-60. This prices varies a bit based on number of stops included in your ticket and the company that you’re purchasing from.
Stops:
Most tickets offer the options of between 4 and 7 stops. The common stops include:
- Hanoi
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Nha Trang
- Dalat
- Mui Ne
- Ho Chi Minh
What is the Vietnam open bus ticket?
A bus ticket that allows you to essentially hop on and off in cities. The ticket is typically valid for 30 days. For the open bus ticket it is important that you reserve your seat at least 24 hours in advance, however it should be done 48 hours in advance to be safe since each company usually has only one bus each day. When it comes to traveling Southeast Asia spontaneity is often a key component of a backpacker’s trip. Having to decide to leave a place two days in advance was not always easy for me. I found that my fellow ticketless travelers had no problem booking buses at the last minute, since unlike me, they were not limited to just one company.
In my opinion the Vietnam open bus ticket is not a great option for individuals looking for more flexibility and spontaneity. However, if your schedule is rather set in stone, then it is a great way to save a bit of cash.
If you’re visiting Vietnam, here are some other articles that you should check out:
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