Ninh Binh to Sapa VIP Sleeper Bus: A Helpful Review
Thinking about making the trek all the way from the captivating landscapes of Ninh Binh up to the breathtaking vistas of Sapa? If you are, too it’s almost certainly something that would involve a pretty lengthy overnight bus ride, and selecting the right option for this extended trip is really key. Let’s talk about what you can expect when choosing the VIP sleeper bus option, giving you some useful details that might be handy for your travel plans.
What to Expect from the VIP Sleeper Bus
What, then, does a VIP sleeper bus look like in Vietnam? It’s more or less like a cozy, elongated tube on wheels. Instead of traditional seats, you’ll usually find several rows of reclining beds, frequently arranged in two tiers. As a matter of fact these beds are usually just individual cubicles, giving you just a little bit of personal space while you zip across the country. Most of the VIP buses provide things such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi (though that could be a little patchy depending on the area), plus blankets and pillows. Keep in mind, though, the degree of ‘VIP-ness’ can sometimes be very different from one company to the next, so just doing your homework beforehand is really helpful.
Comfort and Amenities
Comfort is, like, kind of important when you’re looking at such a stretched out journey. That said the beds are often made to fit an average sized individual, so those a bit taller may just feel a bit cramped. It’s nearly always a clever plan to peek at bus reviews relating to the bed dimensions prior to booking, just in case you need a bit more space. As I was saying, amenities could be a mixed bag. Air conditioning is generally a safe bet, even if it might sometimes be cranked up way too high! Wi-Fi’s something that many buses will offer, yet it’s pretty normal for it to only really work when close to bigger towns. The condition of the blankets and pillows varies, too it’s almost certainly wise to bring a travel pillow along with a light blanket or shawl if you like things being very clean and familiar.
The Route: Ninh Binh to Sapa
The journey itself commonly takes approximately eight to twelve hours, taking you up into the mountainous areas. So, the path could be a little winding and bumpy as you begin to ascend into Sapa. I mean, scenic as it often is, it may possibly impact the overall quality of your sleep. Anyway bathroom breaks tend to be scheduled maybe once every three to four hours at roadside service spots. A good plan could be to pack just a little snack food as well as some bottled water, just to make sure you don’t find yourself getting uncomfortably hungry or thirsty between breaks.
Booking Your Ticket
A good idea might be to book your bus tickets ahead of time. If that’s something that you want to do, sites such as VeXeRe, or Baolau really might be handy. It’s pretty normal that you could book either online or through your accommodation. That, in fact, can be a pretty handy move. Make it a point that you check various companies, look over reviews, and compare costs to find a choice which fits with your budget as well as preferences. Is that even possible? A number of businesses get good marks consistently regarding cleanliness, comfort, along with dependability.
Tips for a Smoother Ride
To potentially enjoy the experience to the max, there’s just a couple of helpful pointers worth keeping in mind. As I was saying, wearing comfy, loose clothes can surely help when attempting to sleep lying down. That, in fact, can be a pretty great help. Packing earphones is very useful; doing this will likely make it much easier for you to doze off without having your rest interrupted by chatty passengers and noisy movies played loud on the bus. Is that right? As well, bringing a travel pillow and possibly a soft blanket isn’t a bad plan, giving you just a little added level of comfort and cleanliness. Last but not least, bear in mind that Vietnamese sleeper buses require you to remove your shoes prior to stepping on board, for this reason wearing socks may likely prove helpful.
Potential Downsides
Despite the “VIP” tag, it’s just a little bit unrealistic to expect total luxury. Like your, space could be limited, and the ride will not, obviously, be as smooth as say, on a train or plane. And the on board bathrooms can sometimes be a little unpleasant to use. Clearly some tourists found that being asked to leave your footwear at the entrance, can lead to scenarios of misplaced shoes upon arrival. As a matter of fact, just taking a plastic bag with you might be an excellent thought, meaning you are able to keep your footwear close to you.
Is the VIP Sleeper Bus Worth It?
Therefore, is this a suitable route between Ninh Binh and Sapa? Assuming you’re keen to spend less to save a bit and don’t mind a bit of an adventure, definitely. The VIP sleeper bus allows an effective method for getting between destinations. That said with appropriate preparation and realistic expectations, you are able to make your trip pretty enjoyable and have cash left over for all of that superb street eats in Sapa!