Are you preparing a trip to Vietnam? Even before packing your bags, consider downloading a few apps that will save you valuable time once you're there.

Getting around a big city, ordering a taxi, translating a street menu, booking accommodation or staying connected: today, a few apps are enough to make your stay simpler, more comfortable and more peaceful.

Whether you're visiting Vietnam for the first time or already know the country, here's our selection of essential apps to install before you leave.

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Transport

Grab

Often dubbed the 'Uber of Southeast Asia', Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Vietnam.

• Key features: book cars and motorbike taxis (GrabBike), order food for delivery, pay in cash or with an international bank card

• Why install it: transparent fares displayed in advance, no language barrier, and instant connection with a driver in major tourist hubs like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang.
  At Typic Travel, Grab is the app we most often recommend to our travelers. It allows you to easily reach a hotel from the airport or get back after an evening in the lively districts of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
  
  

  

Xanh SM

Vietnam's first 100% electric taxi service has quickly become a traveler favorite.

• Key features: modern and silent electric cars and motorbikes, professional drivers
• Why install it: fixed fares with no surge pricing in case of rain, impeccable vehicles, and a more ecological way to get around the city

Be

A serious local competitor to Grab, Be offers rides within the city as well as long-distance intercity trips, often with advantageous promo codes.

 

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Navigation and getting around

Google Maps

Your default ally for finding your way around Vietnam's bustling streets.

• Key features: step-by-step walking directions, reviews of restaurants and cafes, real-time public transport information
• Tip: download offline maps of key areas (like Hanoi's Old Quarter or Hoi An's Old Town) in advance, in case of unstable Wi-Fi

BusMap

If you plan to use public transport in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, BusMap offers real-time bus schedules, routes, and arrival times that are often more detailed than Google Maps.

 

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Communication and connection

Zalo & WhatsApp

WhatsApp and Messenger are common among foreign travelers, but Zalo is Vietnam's national messaging app.

• Why download Zalo: almost all local guides, homestay hosts, drivers, and hotel receptions use it. Having it installed makes it easier to share your live location, photos, or booking confirmations on the spot.

 

Google Translate

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but Google Translate is invaluable in street food stalls, local markets, or small rural towns.

• Key features: camera translation to read menus instantly, voice conversation mode, offline Vietnamese dictionary

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Food and dining

GrabFood / ShopeeFood

Craving a late-night pho or a bubble tea delivered directly to your hotel? These two delivery platforms offer a wide selection of local restaurants and fast delivery in all major cities.

 

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Some tips before you go

Before flying to Vietnam, take a few minutes to prepare your smartphone. Download the apps you'll need, create your accounts, and check that everything works correctly. Once there, you'll save valuable time.

Also, remember to save offline maps for your first stops and download Vietnamese in Google Translate. While major cities benefit from excellent network coverage, some rural or mountainous areas may offer more limited connectivity.

Finally, always keep your accommodation address in Vietnamese, a copy of your bookings, and some cash. Even though digital payments are rapidly developing, traditional markets, small restaurants, and some local establishments still only accept cash.

 

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