Traveling in Vietnam is now easier than ever thanks to a wide range of smart digital tools. From booking rides and navigating busy streets to translating conversations and making cashless payments, the right apps for Vietnam travel can completely transform your trip. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, these essential apps will help you travel confidently, save time, and enjoy every moment of your Vietnam adventure.
Apps for Vietnam Travel: Must-Have Apps for Your Trip
Traveling in Vietnam offers a mix of cultural charm, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant city life. Whether you’re wandering through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, exploring the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or riding a motorbike along the Ha Giang Loop, having the right apps for Vietnam travel will make everything easier and more enjoyable.
These apps help you navigate complex traffic, communicate with locals, book transportation, find food, pay securely, and discover the best experiences across the country. Below is a complete guide curated by Bestour to ensure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.
Why You Need Apps for Vietnam Travel
Vietnam is modern, fast-paced, and heavily digitalized. Locals rely on mobile apps for nearly everything—transportation, food delivery, payments, and communication—and travelers can benefit greatly by doing the same. These tools are among the most practical apps for Vietnam travel, helping visitors adapt quickly and navigate daily situations with ease. Here are the main reasons why having these apps is essential:
Easier Navigation in Busy Cities
Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are known for their dynamic traffic and countless small alleys. Navigation apps provide real-time directions, highlight traffic congestion, and offer the fastest routes for walking, motorbiking, or driving.
Avoid Overcharging and Travel Scams
Using ride-hailing apps helps you avoid common tourist traps and ensures transparent pricing. You always know the fare before confirming the ride, giving you peace of mind.
Smooth Communication with Locals
While many Vietnamese speak basic English, communication in rural areas can still be challenging. Translation apps help you order food, ask for directions, and interact comfortably.
Fast, Secure, and Convenient Payments
Mobile payments are incredibly popular in Vietnam. Many cafes, restaurants, and shops accept QR code payments, meaning you don’t need to carry too much cash.
Quick Booking for Hotels, Buses, Flights, and Activities
Travel booking apps allow you to plan your journey on the go, offering real-time prices, reviews, and instant confirmation—perfect for spontaneous travel.
Why you need apps for Vietnam travel to navigate, communicate, and book services easily.
Best Navigation Apps for Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam can be both exciting and challenging. From busy intersections filled with motorbikes to rural mountain paths with limited mobile data, the right navigation tools are among the most essential apps for Vietnam travel, helping ensure you always know where you’re going.
Below are the most reliable and essential navigation apps for your trip.
Google Maps – The Most Essential Navigation App
Google Maps is the top recommended navigation tool for anyone traveling in Vietnam. It offers highly accurate directions and remains the most widely used app among both locals and tourists.
Key Features:
- Real-time traffic information
- Accurate routes for walking, motorbikes, and cars
- Detailed information on nearby restaurants, cafes, and attractions
- Turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance
- Ability to download offline maps for remote areas
Why You Need It:
Vietnam’s traffic can change quickly, especially during rush hours. Google Maps helps you avoid congested roads and provides alternative routes, making it perfect for city exploration and intercity travel.
Best navigation apps for Vietnam travel using Google Maps and Grab
Apple Maps – Great for iPhone Users
Apple Maps has significantly improved its accuracy in Vietnam in recent years. If you’re an iPhone user, it integrates seamlessly with your device and works well in major cities.
Best For:
- Travelers who prefer the Apple ecosystem
- Urban navigation in places like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City
Limitations:
Coverage in remote regions may not be as detailed as Google Maps, so consider downloading offline maps before traveling to the countryside.
Best Transportation Apps in Vietnam
Transportation is one of the most important aspects of traveling in Vietnam. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or planning long-distance journeys between provinces, these transportation tools are among the most reliable apps for Vietnam travel, helping ensure a smooth, safe, and stress-free experience.
Below are the must-have apps every traveler should install.
Grab – The Most Popular Ride-Hailing App in Vietnam
Grab is the number one ride-hailing platform in Vietnam, widely trusted by locals and travelers. It is the easiest, safest, and most reliable way to move around major cities.
Services Offered:
- GrabBike (motorbike taxis – fast and affordable)
- GrabCar (private cars)
- GrabFood (food delivery)
- GrabExpress (parcel delivery)
Why You Should Use Grab:
- Transparent pricing with no bargaining
- English interface
- Safe, verified drivers
- Large driver network in most cities
- Works perfectly for airport transfers
- Multiple payment methods: cash, card, or e-wallet
Best For:
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang quickly without dealing with taxi scams.
Essential transportation apps for Vietnam travel like Grab
Be – Vietnam’s Local Ride-Hailing App
Be is a Vietnamese-developed ride-hailing platform that has quickly grown nationwide.
What Makes Be Useful:
- Frequently offers discounts
- Competitive pricing
- Wide coverage in both big cities and smaller provinces
- Offers car, motorbike, and package delivery services
Travelers appreciate Be as a backup option when Grab or Gojek have limited drivers.
Vexere – The Best App for Intercity Bus Travel
Vietnam’s long-distance bus system is extremely popular for travel between cities like Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sapa, Da Nang, Da Lat, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Why Vexere is Essential:
- Book bus tickets from hundreds of operators
- Choose seat type: sleeper, VIP cabin, limousine
- See real photos of buses
- Read passenger reviews
- Instant e-ticket confirmation
- Easy online payment
Highly Recommended Routes:
- Hanoi → Sapa
- Hanoi → Ha Giang
- Ho Chi Minh City → Da Lat
- HCMC → Mui Ne
- Da Nang → Hue
If you plan to explore the north by bus, Vexere is a must-have.
Airline Apps – For Domestic Flights
To make air travel smooth and efficient, download the official apps of Vietnam’s major airlines:
- Vietnam Airlines
- Vietjet Air
- Bamboo Airways
Benefits:
- Mobile check-in
- Boarding pass stored on your phone
- Flight updates and gate changes
- Manage baggage and seats
Useful for avoiding queues at the airport, especially during peak seasons.
Airline apps for Vietnam travel with mobile check-in and digital boarding passes.
Train Ticket Apps (Optional but Helpful)
If you’re interested in traveling by train—such as the route from Da Nang to Hue or the overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa—you can use:
- VNR (Vietnam Railways official app)
- Baolau (third-party booking with English support)
These apps offer schedules, seat selection, and online payment.
Translation & Communication Apps
Clear communication makes traveling in Vietnam much easier, especially for first-time visitors who may not be familiar with the Vietnamese language. Thankfully, several translation and messaging tools are among the most helpful apps for Vietnam travel, helping bridge the language gap and ensuring smooth conversations with locals.
Below are the most useful apps every traveler should have before arriving in Vietnam.
Google Translate
Google Translate is the most widely used translation tool for travelers in Vietnam. It supports text, voice, handwriting, and even photo translation.
Why It’s Useful
- Instant translation between English and Vietnamese
- Offline mode available — essential in areas with weak mobile data
- Camera translation helps you read menus, signs, or product labels
- Conversation mode is great for speaking with locals
Best For: Everyday communication, ordering food, shopping, navigating transportation.
Useful translation apps for Vietnam travel such as Google Translate.
While not as common among locals as Zalo, WhatsApp is popular among international travelers.
Why It’s Helpful
- Great for communicating with fellow travelers
- Useful when booking international transport or connecting with travel agencies
- Ensures stable messaging between foreign numbers
Best For: International conversations, especially when coordinating multi-country trips.
Google Maps
Although not a translation app, Google Maps is essential for communication and navigation.
Features Travelers Love
- Accurate directions for walking, scooter, taxi, or bus
- Works well across major cities like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Lets you share your live location with friends or local guides
- Helps avoid taxi scams by checking distance and route
Best For: Navigating cities, locating restaurants, cafés, attractions, and staying safe.
Additional Helpful Apps
These tools are optional but extremely useful:
• Grab / Be
Ride-hailing apps that show price estimates, help communicate destinations, and eliminate language barriers.
• XE Currency
Real-time currency converter, helpful when negotiating at markets or paying for services.
Currency, Payments & Local Costs
Understanding how money works in Vietnam is essential for a smooth travel experience. From exchanging currency to using mobile payments, this section covers the most important tools and apps that help you manage expenses easily and safely during your trip.
Vietcombank (VCB)
Vietcombank is one of the largest and most reliable banks in Vietnam. Travelers often use its ATM network for withdrawals and currency access.
Why It’s Helpful
-
Wide ATM coverage in all major cities and tourist destinations
-
Competitive withdrawal fees compared to many other banks
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Secure system with fewer issues when using foreign cards
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ATMs support Visa, MasterCard, and international debit cards
Tip: Withdraw at official ATMs from major banks like Vietcombank to avoid unnecessary service fees.
MoMo E-Wallet
MoMo is Vietnam’s most popular e-wallet, frequently used by locals for everyday payments.
Key Features
- Pay via QR code at coffee shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and tourist services
- Quick payment for mobile data top-ups, taxi rides, and tours
- Easy to link with international cards for travelers
- Fast, secure, and widely accepted
Best For: Cashless travel, especially in major cities and popular attractions.
Popular payment apps for Vietnam travel including MoMo and ZaloPay
VNPay QR
VNPay is the largest QR payment system in Vietnam. You’ll see the VNPay QR code everywhere — from small food stalls to modern malls.
Why It’s Useful
- Works with almost every Vietnamese banking app
- Fast and secure QR payments
- Accepted by thousands of shops and restaurants
- Reduces the need to carry cash
Best For: Quick payments during daily travel, especially in local shops.
Online Banking in Vietnam (Optional)
For long-term travelers, opening a local account can be convenient.
Benefits
- Easy mobile payments
- Lower transfer fees
- Convenient for paying rent, tours, or deliveries
Popular apps: Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV, MB Bank.
Weather & Air Quality Apps
Vietnam’s weather varies dramatically from north to south, and conditions can change quickly. Having the right apps helps you plan your activities, avoid sudden rain, and track air quality—especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
AirVisual (IQAir)
AirVisual is the most reliable app for checking real-time air quality in Vietnam. Major cities can experience fluctuations in AQI due to traffic and seasonal changes.
Key Features
- Real-time AQI updates in Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, and more
- Detailed data on PM2.5, humidity, wind
- Health recommendations based on air quality levels
- 7-day AQI forecasts
Best For: Travelers visiting big cities or those sensitive to air pollution.
Vietnamese Weather Apps
Local weather apps offer more accurate data for Vietnam’s microclimates, especially in mountainous regions like Sapa or Ha Giang.
Why They’re Useful
- More precise hourly forecasts
- Reliable alerts for rain, storms, and typhoons
- Suitable for planning trips in regions with unpredictable weather
Popular local app: Vietnam Meteorological & Hydrological Administration (VNMHA).
Best For: Travelers exploring the north, central coast, or highland areas.
Air Matters
Air Matters provides environmental data and forecasts that help you plan outdoor activities safely.
Top Features
- AQI reports from local monitoring stations
- Pollen and allergen information
- Location-based health recommendations
Best For: Sensitive travelers or anyone planning outdoor experiences.
AccuWeather & Windy
AccuWeather
One of the most trusted international weather apps for travelers.
Highlights
-
Highly detailed hour-by-hour forecasts
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Accurate predictions of rain intensity
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Radar maps for storm tracking
Windy
Loved by backpackers and bikers for trip planning.
Highlights
-
Visual wind maps
-
Rain, cloud, and temperature layers
-
Ideal for motorbike trips like Ha Giang Loop or coastal routes
Best For: Adventure travelers, bikers, and long-distance planners.
Weather apps for Vietnam travel showing accurate forecasts for planning trips.
Why Weather Apps Are Important in Vietnam
Because the country’s long, narrow geography creates unpredictable differences:
- Northern Vietnam: Four seasons, cold winters, sudden rain
- Central Vietnam: Typhoons from September to December
- Southern Vietnam: Hot year-round, with a clear rainy season
Having the right weather apps ensures safer and more enjoyable travel, no matter where your itinerary takes you.
Reliable weather and air-quality apps for Vietnam travel like AirVisual.
Hotel & Accommodation Booking Apps
Finding the right place to stay is one of the most important parts of planning your Vietnam trip. Whether you prefer luxury resorts, boutique hotels, hostels, or local homestays, booking apps make the process simple, transparent, and safe. Below are the best platforms for securing reliable accommodation across Vietnam.
Booking.com
Booking.com is the most popular accommodation app for travelers visiting Vietnam, offering thousands of options in every city.
Why Travelers Love It
- Wide selection of hotels, apartments, and homestays
- Free cancellation on many bookings
- Detailed reviews and photos from previous guests
- Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
Best For: First-time visitors who want reliable deals and trustable reviews.
Agoda
Agoda is widely used in Southeast Asia and often offers better prices for travelers staying multiple nights.
Top Features
- Competitive prices for hotels and resorts
- Huge range of budget hostels and homestays
- Extra discounts for mobile app users
- Easy-to-use interface for comparing prices
Best For: Travelers looking for budget-friendly stays or long-term deals.
Hotel booking apps for Vietnam travel such as Booking.com and Agoda
Luxstay (Vietnamese Booking App)
Luxstay is a Vietnam-based platform focusing on homestays and local experiences.
Key Benefits
- Strong in local homestays, villas, and apartments
- Often cheaper for domestic-style properties
- Support available in Vietnamese and English
- Great for weekend trips or countryside escapes
Best For: Travelers seeking local-style accommodation and Vietnamese hospitality.
What Travelers Should Consider When Booking Hotels in Vietnam
Location is crucial
Stay near:
-
Old Quarter in Hanoi
-
District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City
-
Hoi An Ancient Town
-
My Khe Beach in Da Nang
Check amenities
Especially important:
-
Air-conditioning
-
24/7 reception
-
Elevator (many Vietnamese buildings are tall and narrow)
-
Breakfast availability
Read recent reviews
Focus on reviews from the last 3–6 months for accuracy.
Consider homestays
Homestays offer cultural immersion and warm hospitality—highly recommended in Sapa, Ha Giang, and Hoi An.
Food Delivery Apps
Food delivery apps are extremely popular in Vietnam and offer a convenient way to explore local cuisine—whether you’re staying in a hotel, working remotely, or simply too tired after a long day of sightseeing. These apps allow you to order everything from street food to premium restaurants with just a few taps.
GrabFood
GrabFood is one of the largest and most reliable food delivery services in Vietnam.
Why Travelers Love It
- Huge selection of restaurants, cafés, and dessert shops
- Fast delivery, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- English-friendly interface
- Easy payment via card, cash, or e-wallet
- Real-time driver tracking
Best For: Travelers who want a simple, familiar platform with consistent service.
Convenient food delivery apps for Vietnam travel including GrabFood.
ShopeeFood
ShopeeFood (formerly Now.vn) is extremely popular among locals for its wide range of affordable food options.
Top Features
- Extremely competitive pricing
- Massive selection of Vietnamese dishes and local street food
- Frequent promotions and discount vouchers
- Works best in major cities such as HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang
Best For: Budget travelers or anyone wanting authentic Vietnamese meals delivered fast.
BeFood
GoFood and BeFood are integrated into ride-hailing apps GoJek and Be, making them convenient for travelers who already use these apps for transportation.
Why Travelers Should Try It
- Simple interface with transparent pricing
- Fast delivery speeds
- Great for scheduling rides + meals in one app
- Often offers lower delivery fees than competitors
Best For: All-in-one convenience (food + transportation).
Must-Try Vietnamese Foods to Order Through Apps
Even if you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine, these dishes are perfect choices for delivery:
- Phở – Iconic noodle soup
- Bún chả – Grilled pork with noodles
- Bánh mì – Vietnamese baguette sandwich
- Cơm tấm – Broken rice with grilled pork
- Gỏi cuốn – Fresh spring rolls
- Trà sữa – Bubble milk tea, extremely popular
- Cà phê sữa đá – Strong iced coffee with condensed milk
These apps make it easy to explore Vietnamese flavors from wherever you stay.
Tips for Using Food Delivery Apps in Vietnam
- Enable location services for accurate delivery
- Check restaurant ratings and photos
- Many apps offer free delivery during non-peak hours
- Some buildings require meeting drivers at the lobby
- Pay attention to spiciness levels—Vietnamese food can be spicy!
Conclusion
Navigating Vietnam becomes incredibly smooth when you have the right apps for Vietnam travel at your fingertips. From booking transportation and checking the weather to translating conversations and discovering delicious food, these tools help you travel smarter, safer, and more confidently. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi or venturing into Vietnam’s breathtaking mountains and coastal regions, the right digital tools will elevate every moment of your journey.
At Bestour, our mission is to make your Vietnam experience seamless and unforgettable. We support you through every step of trip planning, recommend trusted travel resources, and ensure you’re fully prepared even before you arrive.
If you’re ready to start planning your adventure,
Contact Bestour today for personalized Vietnam travel support, tour recommendations, and hassle-free itinerary planning.
Let’s make your Vietnam journey the best it can be!
Hotline: +84.968.804.998
Website: https://bestour.net/
