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

Shot in the Dark Travel

29 Mar 202311:28

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

🚌 First Sleeper Bus Experience in Vietnam

Grant and Jordan embark on their first journey on a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa, Southeast Asia. They discuss their initial impressions of the bus, which is not as clean as expected with visible grime and a toenail. Despite this, Grant is optimistic about his ability to sleep anywhere. They mention the VIP features like Wi-Fi, which turns out to be non-functional, and the overall discomfort of the journey. They also discuss the language barrier with the driver and the lack of a bathroom on board. The cost for the VIP bus is 305,000 dong per person, and they arrive at their destination feeling tired and in need of a shower.

05:01

🌤️ Exhausted Arrival in Sapa

Upon arrival in Sapa, Jordan and Grant are exhausted from their long journey. They faced issues with the air conditioning not working properly, making the bus ride uncomfortable and sleep difficult. They also encountered problems with the driver who was supposed to pick them up but was not responding to their messages. They were approached by local women offering tours and services as soon as they got off the bus, which they were not in the mood for due to their early arrival and lack of sleep. Despite the challenges, they managed to get a free transfer to their hotel, which was a relief after their long day of travel.

10:06

🏨 Checking into Cat Cat Sunrise Hotel

After a long and tiring journey, the couple finally checks into the Cat Cat Sunrise Hotel in Sapa. They chose this hotel for its affordability and the stunning views it offers. They discuss their strategy of staying in a cheaper hotel for two nights and then moving to a nicer one to balance their budget. The hotel, while basic, provides them with the much-needed rest and a view of the mountains that they are excited about. They plan to take a shower and a nap before exploring Sapa.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sleeper Bus

A sleeper bus is a type of coach designed for long-distance travel with sleeping facilities. In the script, the travelers experience a sleeper bus journey from Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam. The video discusses the discomforts and challenges they faced, such as the inability to fully recline and the lack of cleanliness, which are common issues with sleeper buses.

💡Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and serves as the starting point of the sleeper bus journey described in the video. It is a city rich in history and culture, and often a gateway for travelers exploring Southeast Asia, as indicated by the travelers' previous experiences in the city.

💡Sapa

Sapa is a town in the northwest of Vietnam, known for its stunning mountainous scenery and as a destination for trekking and cultural experiences. It is the final destination of the sleeper bus journey in the video, and the travelers express excitement about exploring it despite their travel fatigue.

💡VIP

In the context of the video, 'VIP' refers to the supposed upgraded service on the sleeper bus, which is supposed to offer additional comforts such as Wi-Fi and possibly better cleanliness. However, the travelers find the 'VIP' service lacking, with issues like non-functioning TVs and unclean conditions, illustrating the gap between expectation and reality.

💡Cultural Experience

The script mentions the expectation of a cultural experience in Sapa, with traditional clothing and music. This is a key aspect of travel for many, seeking to immerse themselves in local customs and practices. The video captures the anticipation and the slight culture shock upon arrival.

💡Language Barrier

The language barrier is a recurring theme in travel videos, particularly in non-English speaking countries. In the script, the travelers use Google Translate to communicate with the bus driver, highlighting the challenges and creative solutions used to overcome communication difficulties.

💡Accommodation

Accommodation is a central part of travel planning. The video discusses the travelers' choice of staying at 'Cat Cat Sunrise,' a budget hotel in Sapa, to save money. This decision reflects the trade-offs travelers make between cost and comfort, and the importance of accommodation in shaping travel experiences.

💡Tourist Trap

The term 'tourist trap' is not explicitly used in the script, but the context of being approached by locals offering tours and services immediately upon arrival suggests it. This is a common experience for travelers and can be both a positive (for local economy) and negative (for traveler experience) aspect of tourism.

💡Travel Fatigue

Travel fatigue is the physical and mental exhaustion that comes from extensive travel. The script describes the travelers' 24-hour journey that includes a tour, flight, and a long bus ride, culminating in their desire for rest upon arrival in Sapa, underscoring the impact of travel fatigue on the travel experience.

💡Budget Travel

Budget travel is a style of traveling that focuses on minimizing costs. The video script illustrates this through the travelers' choice of a budget hotel and their discussion of money conservation, which is a common consideration for many travelers aiming to extend their travel time or experience more within limited funds.

💡Hygiene

Hygiene is a key concern in travel, especially when using shared facilities like sleeper buses. The script mentions the travelers' observations of unclean conditions on the bus, such as visible grime and a toenail, which raises questions about the hygiene standards and the health implications for travelers.

Highlights

Grant and Jordan embark on an adventure in Southeast Asia.

They experience a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa.

Grant's first time on a sleeper coach.

The coach is described as not very clean with visible grime and a toenail.

No power outlets available for electronic devices.

The journey is expected to take about six hours.

They anticipate arriving at 4am with nowhere to go until 6am.

Grant is skeptical about the 'VIP' status of the bus.

Comedy ensues with a language barrier and Google Translate.

The cost for a one-way VIP bus ticket is 305,000 dong per person.

They arrive as planned but are very tired.

The air conditioning was not working, making the bus incredibly hot.

They face issues with the driver not being able to pick them up.

Locals in traditional clothing try to sell them tours immediately upon arrival.

Despite the language barrier, they manage to get a free transfer to their hotel.

They stay at Cat Cat Sunrise, a budget hotel chosen for its views.

The hotel offers stunning views of the mountains.

They plan to shower, nap, and then explore Sapa.

The video concludes with a call to like and subscribe for more content.