We don't EVER want to get a sleeper bus in Vietnam after this... ("VIP" sleeper bus: Hanoi to Sapa)

Summary

In this video, Grant and Jordan embark on an adventure from Hanoi to Sapa on a sleeper bus, which turns out to be a less than ideal experience. Despite being labeled 'VIP', the bus is far from clean and comfortable, with issues like lack of space to lay flat, cleanliness concerns, and non-functioning amenities. They arrive in Sapa exhausted and disoriented, only to be greeted by aggressive touts. Despite the ordeal, they find solace in the breathtaking views from their budget hotel, Cat Cat Sunrise, looking forward to exploring Sapa after some much-needed rest.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The video follows Grant from Shot in the Dark Travel as he embarks on an adventure in Southeast Asia, specifically from Hanoi to Sapa.
• 🚌 The travelers decide to take a sleeper bus for the first time, which turns out to be a less than ideal experience.
• 🕒 They board the bus late at night around 10:50 PM, expecting to arrive at their destination by 4 AM.
• 💸 The cost for the one-way VIP bus ticket from Hanoi to Sapa is 305,000 dong per person.
• 🛌 The sleeper bus experience is described as uncomfortable, with issues like lack of cleanliness, no plugs for charging, and non-functioning entertainment systems.
• 🔥 Grant mentions the bus being very hot due to non-functional air conditioning, making it difficult to sleep.
• 📍 Upon arrival at 6 AM, they face confusion with the driver about being dropped off at their hotel.
• 🏨 They stay at Cat Cat Sunrise, a budget hotel in Sapa, for the first two nights of their four-night stay.
• 💰 The room at Cat Cat Sunrise costs 315,000 dong per night, which is considered cheap for the area.
• 🌄 Despite the uncomfortable journey, they are rewarded with stunning views of the mountains right from their hotel window.
• 🧼 Grant expresses concern about the cleanliness of the bus blankets, which seem to be reused without washing between passengers.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the experience of the travelers, Grant and Jordan, on a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam.

Why did the couple decide to take a sleeper bus?

They decided to take a sleeper bus to travel from Hanoi to Sapa, which is a common mode of transportation in Southeast Asia.

What was Grant's initial expectation of the sleeper bus experience?

Grant expected to be able to sleep well on the sleeper bus, as he prides himself on being able to sleep anywhere.

What were some of the issues they faced during the journey?

They faced issues such as the bus not being clean, the air conditioning not working properly, and the TV not functioning.

How much did the VIP sleeper bus ticket cost per person?

The one-way VIP sleeper bus ticket from Hanoi to Sapa cost 305,000 dong per person.

What time did they arrive at their destination and how did they feel?

They arrived at around 6 am, feeling tired and uncomfortable due to the sleepless night on the bus.

What was the issue with the hotel pickup?

The driver was supposed to drop them off at their hotel, but there was confusion and he initially did not answer his phone.

What was their impression of Sapa upon arrival?

They were greeted by aggressive touts trying to sell tours and were not in the mood to interact due to their exhaustion.

Where did they stay in Sapa and how much did it cost?

They stayed at Cat Cat Sunrise, which was a cheaper option, costing 315,000 dong per night.

What was the view like from their hotel room?

The view from their hotel room was amazing, featuring massive mountains that looked incredible.

What was their observation about the cleanliness of the bus blankets?

They noticed that the blankets were not cleaned between uses, as they were just folded up and placed back for the next passengers.