Bus Travel
Daily and nightly buses run between Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh (some with a stop in Mui Ne). The 10-hour trip costs around 400,000d. Several buses head north to Hanoi, with stops in Hoi An and Hue, or inland to Dalat by connecting in Phan Rang. The trip between Nha Trang and Hoi An takes about 10 hours and costs around 3,000,000d. Sleeper buses have bunk beds. Bus tickets are sold at most tour offices and hotels throughout the country. The northern station in Nha Trang services towns in the Central Highlands, including Buon Ma Thuot and Quang Ngai. From the southern station, buses depart for major centers throughout Vietnam, including south to Ho Chi Minh City, north to Hanoi, and west to the Central Highlands. Buses also run regularly between Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City, taking seven to nine hours during the daytime and a much speedier (and scarier) six hours by overnight bus. If you opt for an overnight bus, double-check it has sleeper beds rather than seats. A luxury coach between Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City costs around 200,000d.
Bus Contacts
Mai Linh Express. Based out of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danang, Ca Mau, and Buon Ma Thuot, The Mai Linh Express bus service makes daily stops at most major destinations in the highlands and south-central coast, including Phan Thiet (Mui Ne), Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, Kon Tum, Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon. Whether the bus has a bunk or not, it is reasonably comfortable. Overnight sleeping buses, as with any bus company, can be a bumpy affair as drivers take advantage of the quieter roads. Day travel, while slightly more time consuming, is recommended. 188 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Tan Lap, Buon Ma Thuot, Dac Lak. 1900/969–681; mailinhexpress.vn.
North Nha Trang bus station. Located about 5 miles from downtown, this station services towns in the Central Highlands, including Buon Ma Thuot and Pleiku. If you book tickets in advance through your hotel or an agent, they will usually transfer you to the station as part of the service. 1 St. 2/4, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. 258/3838–788.
Phuong Trang bus company. This bus company is one of the most popular in South Vietnam. Also known commonly as FUTA, they serve all major destinations from the Mekong Delta in the deep south all the way up to Hue in Central Vietnam, as well as Nam Dinh, near the stunning Ninh Binh, and Hanoi in the north. Tickets are very reasonably priced. Around 200,000d will take you to Da Lat from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne. 274–276 De Tham, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City. 28/3835–1869 ; www.futabus.vn.
South Nha Trang Bus Station. Similarly styled to the North Nha Trang Bus Station, this basic and functional station is a departure point for major centers throughout Vietnam, including points south to Ho Chi Minh City, north to Hanoi, and west to the Central Highlands. If you have prebooked tickets at your hotel or an agent, the cost will usually include transfer to this station. 20 Ba Thang Muoi St. Nha Trang, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
Thanh Buoi bus company. Thanh Buoi buses run between Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh city, leaving every hour. Their buses are clean and comfortable, most coming with a small sleeping bunk. Tickets can be easily arranged over the phone, online or at your hotel. 266–268 Le Hong Phong St., District 5, HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City. 028/6290–8313; www.thanhbuoibus.com.vn.
