Best Vietnam Travel Apps: Transport, Food & Dating Apps

Stay Connected on Vietnam Apps - Get eSIM First! 📱

Hey, before I tell you about all the apps you'll need here, let me save you from my biggest rookie mistake. I landed in Hanoi at midnight, couldn't get a Grab because I had no data, and ended up paying way too much for a taxi. Not fun!

Sure, most hotels and cafes have WiFi, but you'll want your own data in Vietnam. It's not just about posting Instagram stories - you'll need it for booking rides, finding good food spots, and pulling up maps when you're lost in those crazy little alleyways (which will happen, promise).

I started using Trip.com eSIM on my second trip and it's been so much better and way cheaper! No more airport SIM card queues or trying to mime "data package" to shop owners. Just set it up before you fly and you're sorted the moment you land. The coverage is great too - I've used it everywhere from Hanoi's Old Quarter to beaches in Con Dao.

Quick heads up: Make sure your phone can actually use eSIM before buying one. Most new phones can, but worth checking. If not, no stress - you can always grab a physical SIM when you arrive.

💖If you want to stay connected fast in Vietnam, check these eSIM, Wifi and SIM card! I recommend this product because I’ve used it and it works great. There’s no extra cost to you~

Best Vietnam Transport Apps🚆

Source from Unsplash: Elric Pxl

After six months of Vietnam's crazy traffic, I've figured out exactly which apps make getting around actually enjoyable (and way less stressful). Here's what you really need to know about the big three.

Grab

I use Grab almost daily in Vietnam, and it's saved me countless times. Super simple to set up - just add your phone number and card. You see the exact price before booking, so no more haggling or surprise fees. I usually spend about 2 million VND weekly on rides here (around $80), and it's worth every dong.

Here's what locals taught me: Always book with card instead of cash. I've had a few drivers try to claim they don't have change (especially with those 500,000 VND notes!). Using card payments avoids all that drama. Plus, you get better deals - there's these voucher packs for like 1,000 VND that save you tons on rides.

Safety-wise, you can share your ride details with friends, and the app tracks everything. Quick tip from a late-night rider: Always check the license plate matches your app. Most Grab cars have yellow plates with black numbers - if it doesn't match, don't get in.

Gojek

Gojek's my go-to when Grab's prices are high (like during rush hour or rain). It's usually cheaper, and honestly, their drivers know all the shortcuts through Hanoi's crazy alleys. Plus, they do way more than just rides - you can send packages, order food, whatever you need.

The GoSend feature is a game-changer for moving around. Last month I switched hotels in Saigon, and instead of lugging my suitcase through the heat, I just sent it ahead for like 20,000 VND (less than $1). The driver even waited while I checked in.

One thing I love about Gojek is how they handle tipping. There's a clear suggestion right in the app - no awkward moments trying to figure out if you should tip or how much. Most drivers really appreciate even a small tip, especially if they helped with heavy bags.

BusMap

If you're staying in Vietnam longer than a few weeks, get BusMap. Local buses are dirt cheap (like 5,000-7,000 VND per ride) and actually pretty comfortable. This app shows you exactly which bus to take and when it's coming.

The real-time tracking is surprisingly accurate - way better than I expected. You can see exactly where your bus is, which is super helpful when it's crazy hot outside and you don't want to wait at the stop forever. Plus, it works offline once you download the city maps.

I've found some cool local spots just by taking random bus rides. You see parts of the city you'd never find in a Grab, and it's fun chatting with locals (even with the language barrier). Just remember buses stop running pretty early - usually around 9pm in most cities.

Vietnam Travel App: Booking Hotels & Flights🎁

Trip.com

Website | iOS | Android

After long time bouncing around Vietnam, I've probably tried every travel app out there. But I keep coming back to Trip.com for one simple reason - it just works. The prices are in dong or dollars (your choice), everything's in English, and you can pay with international cards without those annoying declined payments that happen on local sites.

Look, booking hotels in Vietnam can be confusing - what looks amazing online can be totally different in reality. What I love about Trip.com is the photos and reviews are actually recent. You can see real guest photos from last month, not marketing shots from 2015. I've booked everything from a $15 guesthouse in Hanoi's Old Quarter to beachfront resorts in Phu Quoc, and the descriptions have been pretty spot-on.

For flights, they show all the local airlines - Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways. The prices are usually the same as booking direct (sometimes cheaper if they're running promos), but it's way easier to compare times and prices all in one place. Plus, when VietJet canceled my Da Nang flight, Trip.com's support actually helped me rebook - try getting that kind of English support from the airline directly!

Pro Tip: Their app often has better prices than their website. And if you're booking hotels, check the deals (like "Member Price") - I saved about 300,000 VND ($12) per night on my Hoi An hotel just by signing up for their free membership.

Best Vietnam Apps for Food🍜

Source from Unsplash: Huong Pham

After months of eating my way through the country (and dealing with plenty of ordering fails), I've figured out exactly which food apps you need on your phone.

Foody

I downloaded Foody my first week in Hanoi when my Vietnamese roommate saw me struggling with food delivery. "Everyone uses this," she said, and she wasn't kidding. It's basically Vietnam's version of Yelp, but with way better food photos and actual local reviews. Just link your phone and you're set.

The app shows you literally every food spot around you - from the fancy restaurants in District 1 to that amazing phở cart that only opens at 6am. I love how you can see real menu prices and food photos before ordering. My go-to move is searching "bún chả" when I'm craving it and comparing all the top-rated spots nearby.

The reviews are super honest - Vietnamese people don't hold back! They'll tell you if the phở is too sweet or if the bánh mì portions got smaller. I found my favorite cơm tấm place through a review that said "the grilled pork here is better than my mom's" - and they weren't lying!

Vietnammm.com

This app saved me during rainy season in Saigon. The name's weird but it works great, especially if you're in the bigger cities. You can search by neighborhood, which is super helpful when you're trying to find delivery that actually reaches your area.

They've got this points system that actually saves you money - not just fake points that never add up to anything. Last month I got like 150,000 VND off my order just from regular use. Plus, you can pay however you want. I usually use my foreign card but they take cash too if you're running low on dong.

Just a heads up - the app can be pretty slow during lunch rush (around 12-1pm). A lot of users mention this in their reviews, so I usually order a bit earlier or later. The restaurant selection makes up for it though - they've got places I haven't seen on other apps.

Lozi

Lozi's different - it's where Vietnamese food lovers share their actual finds. Not a delivery app, but more like a food community. I've found some incredible spots through here that aren't even on Google Maps yet.

The best part is getting tips from locals who know their stuff. When I posted asking about the best bún bò Huế in my area, I got like 20 responses with specific recommendations - "go to the lady with the blue cart, but only before 10am when the broth is freshest." That kind of detailed intel.

People post real food photos and honest reviews daily. It's not just "this is good" - they'll tell you exactly what to order, what time to go, and even how to ask for extra herbs or special condiments. Just remember you can't order through the app - it's for finding great spots to try in person.

Best Vietnam App for Maps🗺️

Source from Unsplash: Tamas Tuzes-Katai

Getting lost in Vietnam can be fun (I've found some amazing street food that way!), but sometimes you just need to know where you're going. After three months of wandering through alleyways and hunting down hidden cafes, here are the two map apps that actually work.

Google Maps

Everyone has it, and in Vietnam, you'll need it - especially for one killer tool: sharing locations with Grab drivers. When you're trying to explain where you are at 11pm in a Saigon backstreet, dropping a pin is priceless.

The real MVP feature is 'Save Offline' - grab the map of each city before you arrive. Vietnamese internet is generally good, but when it cuts out right when you're trying to find your hotel in the rain, you'll be glad you did.

Just remember: those arrival times are straight-up lies. What Google says is 20 minutes usually takes 40 in Hanoi traffic. And sometimes it'll send you down an alley that doesn't exist anymore. But for general navigation and finding major spots, it works fine.

Maps.me

This is my secret weapon for exploring Vietnam. Maps.me shows tiny local spots that Google Maps doesn't even know exist - like that amazing phở lady who sets up between two buildings, or hidden coffee shops down narrow alleys.

The offline maps are way more detailed than Google's. They show little footpaths, shortcuts through neighborhoods, and even hiking trails if you're heading to places like Sapa or Cat Ba Island. Plus, other travelers mark cool spots they've found - I've discovered some incredible viewpoints this way.

One huge plus: the app actually knows about those tiny alleyways (hẻm) that make up so much of Vietnamese cities. In places like Chợ Lớn (Saigon's Chinatown), this is super helpful when Google Maps just shows a blank space.

Pro Tip: Download both apps and get the offline maps before you arrive. Use Google Maps for ride-sharing and general directions, but switch to Maps.me when you're exploring local neighborhoods or looking for hidden spots.

Best Vietnam Dating Apps🤝

Source from Unsplash: Valiant Made

Tinder

Put "Looking for friends to explore Hanoi with!" in your bio, and you'll find tons of travelers and locals who want to show you around.

I've met some great people this way - a local who showed me the best phở spots in her neighborhood, other solo travelers to share Grab rides with for day trips, even a group that meets weekly for street food tours.

Just be clear about what you're looking for, and you'll be surprised how many people use it for actual networking and friendships here.

Zalo

This is Vietnam's WhatsApp, and literally Every Local Uses it. The interface isn't fancy, but it's how you'll stay in touch with any Vietnamese friends you make.

Super useful when you meet cool people - your Grab driver who knows all the good food spots, that friendly cafe owner who wants to practice English, or your new friends from the cooking class. Just scan their QR code and you're connected.

Pro Tip: For both apps, mention you're a traveler in your profile. Vietnamese people are super friendly and often excited to practice English or show visitors their favorite local spots!

Best Vietnam Apps for Money & Payment💸

My first week in Vietnam was a money mess. I kept pulling out my credit card only to see those apologetic head shakes from vendors. Tried paying for a 30,000 VND bánh mì with a 500,000 note and got the most dramatic eye roll of my life. After three months here, I've finally figured out how to handle money like a local.

You'll see luxury cars parked next to street food carts, and while the street vendor might only take cash, the trendy cafe next door might be completely cashless. But these days, I see more QR code payments than cash exchanges, especially in the cities.

XE Currency

Dealing with Vietnamese dong can be mind-boggling (seriously, what's 235,000 VND in dollars?). XE Currency has saved me from overpaying so many times. It works offline too - just update the rates when you have WiFi.

I keep it open whenever I'm shopping at markets or splitting bills with friends. Super handy when that street food vendor says "fifty" and you need to know if they mean 50,000 VND ($2) or 500,000 VND ($20). Big difference!

It remembers your most-used currency pairs. I've got USD, VND, and EUR always ready to go. Just don't rely on it for money changer rates - they'll always be a bit different, but at least you'll know if you're getting ripped off.

Momo

If you're in Vietnam for more than a few days, get Momo. It's what every local uses, and for good reason. You can pay for literally everything - from street food to utility bills. I've even used it at tiny coffee stands in Hanoi's narrow alleys where they don't take cash anymore!

The app's in English now, and you can link your foreign cards. Just remember to verify your account with your passport - takes about 10 minutes but worth it for all the deals you'll get.

Quick Heads Up: Keep some small bills handy for street food and local markets.

Best Vietnam Travel Apps: Quick Table👀

I've tested pretty much every "must-have" app recommended for Vietnam (including some that were total duds). This list is just the ones I actually kept using. The apps that saved me money, helped me find amazing food, and made getting around way less stressful.