One of the questions many travelers ask before coming to Vietnam is: "Which apps should I download?" And for good reason: having the right apps can make a huge difference once you arrive. From getting around and booking transport to ordering food, translating menus, and finding places to stay, a few useful apps can save you time and make everyday travel much easier.
So here’s a list of 10 must-have apps for traveling in Vietnam.
Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert)
Updated on Jun 23, 2026
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Trang Nguyen has lived in Vietnam for nearly three decades and spent much of her life exploring Asia. She has joined numerous field trips, stayed with ethnic communities in the northern mountains, and gained deep insights into local cultures and landscapes. Her writing reflects an honest passion for authentic travel and meaningful connections. If you have any questions about her journeys, feel free to reach out and leave a comment!
1. Google Maps - Your Most Important App, Full Stop
Google Maps works extremely well in Vietnam, arguably better here than in many other Southeast Asian countries. The street-level data is solid, walking directions are reliable, and it's genuinely useful for navigating Hanoi's Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City's maze of alleyways.
Always search for places in English first, then try Vietnamese if you get no results. Saved offline maps are a lifesaver in remote areas - download them before you head to places like Ha Giang or Phong Nha where data signals drop out.
One mistake I see constantly: travelers trusting the "drive" routing for motorcycles. The roads here don't always follow car logic.
2. Grab: The App That Runs Vietnam
If you could only install one app, it would be this one. Grab is the dominant ride-hailing, like Uber and food delivery platform across all of Southeast Asia, and in Vietnam it's everywhere.
You can book:
GrabBike - motorbike taxis, cheap and fast for city navigation
GrabCar - standard car rides, cleaner and more comfortable
GrabFood - food delivery, with huge variety especially in major cities.
Many tourists even choose Grab uniform jackets as souvenirs to buy home
3. Google Translate - Point Your Camera, Read Vietnamese
Vietnamese is tonal and uses a Latin-based script, which means you can technically sound out words but have no idea what they mean. Google Translate's camera function is genuinely useful for menus, signs, and anything written on paper.
The offline Vietnamese language pack is worth downloading. It won't always be perfect but it gets you through 80% of situations.
Most Vietnamese people in tourist areas have enough functional English for basics, but in rural areas or markets, the camera and text functions earn their keep.
4. Agoda, Booking.com, or Airbnb - Book Accommodation Before You Arrive
All three work well in Vietnam, but each has its strengths.
Agoda often has better coverage of smaller guesthouses and locally run properties
Booking.com is known for its flexible cancellation policies and familiar interface for many international travelers
Airbnb is a good option if you're looking for apartments, homestays, longer stays, or more unique local experiences.
Note: Sending a direct message through the app is often worth trying, especially for last-minute stays.
This is just one section from our Vietnam Travel Guide PDF. You can get the full guide here to discover Vietnam more easily:
5. VeXeRe - For Buses and Sleeper Coaches
VeXeRe (formerly Vé Xe Rẻ - "cheap bus tickets") is Vietnam's main platform for booking intercity bus and sleeper coach tickets online.
It covers most major routes: Hanoi to Sapa, HCMC to Da Lat, Da Nang to Hoi An, and dozens more. You can compare operators, check departure times, read passenger reviews, and pay by card.
Note: If Vexere doesn’t offer the route you need, 12Go is a good alternative, although it tends to be more expensive.
6. GreenSM - The Metered Taxi You Can Actually Trust
GreenSM is a relatively new player and it's rapidly become my go-to recommendation for travelers who want a metered taxi without the stress of potential overcharging.
All their cars are electric VinFast EVs, all drivers are uniformed and professional, and pricing is transparent.
It's not as widely available as Grab yet in smaller cities, but in major urban areas, it's excellent.
7. ShopeeFood or GrabFood - Eating In Without the Hassle
If you're staying in an apartment, a longer-stay guesthouse, or just want to eat in one evening, food delivery in Vietnamese cities is exceptional.
GrabFood is built directly into the Grab app, which makes it convenient. ShopeeFood often has better discounts and covers more local restaurants in some areas.
Worth knowing: delivery fees are very low by international standards, and most orders arrive in 20–35 minutes in major cities.
9. Trip.com or Google Flights - For Domestic Flights
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways run most routes. You can book directly on their apps, but Trip.com often bundles competitive prices across carriers in one search. Google Flights is useful for flexible date comparison.
One practical tip: VietJet in particular has a strict carry-on policy that surprises people. Check baggage allowances before you book.
10. Klook - Tours, Tickets, and Activities (Optional but Useful)
Klook is the dominant platform for booking day tours, attraction tickets, and experiences across Southeast Asia. For Vietnam, it's most useful for:
Skip-the-line tickets (Hue Imperial Citadel, War Remnants Museum)
If you're only doing a short trip or prefer spontaneity, skip it. If you're planning ahead or visiting during peak season, it earns its place on this list.'
Final Word
You don't need every app on this list to have a great trip. But the top five: Google Maps, Grab, Google Translate, Agoda or Booking, and VeXeRe will solve 90% of the logistical problems travelers encounter in Vietnam.
Install them before you board. Set up your payment method on Grab while you're still on Wi-Fi. Download the offline language pack for Google Translate. These small steps make the difference between a smooth arrival and a frustrating first hour.
Vietnam is an easy country to travel to once you know how it works. These apps help you understand how it works, faster.
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