As a long-time expat living in Vietnam, I use several apps to make daily life easier. Some apps are popular worldwide, and others only in Vietnam or Southeast Asia.
The following list details what I consider the best apps for traveling in Vietnam, including ride-hailing, food delivery, hotels, shopping, and tours and activities.
If you’re in Vietnam trip planning mode, check my common travel FAQs, the visa requirements, and how to get a SIM or e-SIM. If you have any questions about these apps, ask me in my Vietnam travel planning Facebook group.
But First: SIM Cards
Unless your cell phone carrier offers international plans, you’ll need a SIM card for Vietnam. While you can certainly rely on Wi-Fi from hotels, hostels, or cafes, SIM cards are so cheap in Vietnam that I recommend against it.
The data is fast and reliable, and you’ll find it highly convenient to use some of the apps below when you’re out and about exploring Vietnam—especially the Grab App and Google Maps.
For eSIMs, you’ll want to make sure your phone is compatible. Check if your phone is eSIM compatible with this Airalo article. You can double-check this article here.
Your phone will also need to be carrier-unlocked. You can find out if yours is here.
For SIM cards, I personally recommend Airalo for eSIM or ordering a physical SIM card through Klook before your trip. You can pick it up at the airport when you arrive. When ordering through Klook, pay attention to your arrival airport— Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
Grab App
The Grab app is similar to Uber. I use it every day in Vietnam. I cannot overstate how convenient the Grab app is for traveling in Vietnam. You can order moto-taxis (GrabBike) and regular taxis (GrabTaxi), hire private cars (GrabCar), and order food delivery, groceries, medicine, and more.
You can add your credit or debit card to the app or pay in cash.
Using the app removes the risk of taxi scams (being overcharged by a random taxi driver). The app shows you ahead of time how much your trip will cost, and you can choose from several different-sized vehicles.
Klook
Klook is a popular all-in-one travel platform in Southeast Asia. The website and app offer a ton of helpful services for travelers to Vietnam.
You can use Klook to book hotels, tours, excursions, and experiences, buy attraction tickets, order your SIM card for Vietnam, and book an airport transfer to your hotel.
A common Vietnam travel itinerary involves landing at Da Nang International Airport (DAD) and going straight to Hoi An. You can book this airport transfer through Klook.
You can also book airport transfers to your hotel from any of the major airports, including Da Nang (DAD), Hanoi (HAN), and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
Agoda
Agoda is my hotel booking platform of choice in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. I’ve used it to book countless hotels on their website and mobile app.
The other alternative is Booking.com. In my experience, Agoda seems to have a wider selection and sometimes better prices across Southeast Asia. From my local friends and people I’ve met in neighboring countries, Agoda seems more commonly used in the region.
I like the Agoda user interface better than Booking’s and find the app easy to navigate. I’ve never had an issue over six years of using it to book hotels in Southeast Asia.
Google Maps
As a local guide in Vietnam, I use Google Maps every day. It’s one of the most convenient apps ever created. It’s very helpful for navigation and researching new restaurants, hotels, attractions, things to do, or anything related.
It’s also helpful with route planning. If you’re renting a scooter in Vietnam, many come with a cell phone holder attached to the bike. Locking in your cell phone and then using Google Maps is especially helpful.
Download Google Maps: Apple / Android
Google Translate
Do they speak English in Vietnam? In general, no.
Some basic English is spoken more widely in the major cities and touristy areas of Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hanoi. However, finding a random local who is fluent in English is uncommon. It does happen, but it’s surprising when it does.
In service-industry situations—hotels, hostels, and restaurants—you are more likely to find staff who understand context-appropriate English, such as food items, where the bathroom is, etc. But sometimes, even this is hit or miss.
The Google Translate app is great for typing in a quick phrase or question, displaying the Vietnamese translation, and showing it to whoever you’re communicating with. It’s very helpful.
You can also use the app to scan Vietnamese writing and get a live translation on-screen. I sometimes do this in grocery stores when looking at strange or unknown food products.
Since the Google Translate app is free, it’s a no-brainer to download and use it in Vietnam.
Download Google Translate: Apple / Android
Shopee & Lazada
Shopee and Lazada are two mobile shopping apps in Vietnam. They are similar to ordering from Amazon, though I have to say, the overall experience is not nearly as smooth and efficient—that’s just my heads-up to you beforehand.
Stores and vendors list products on either app. You can search for, order, and have the product delivered to your apartment, house, or hotel in Vietnam.
The apps offer many different products. Some vendors list products on both apps, while others are exclusive to either one. So it’s best to check both before ordering.
Both apps are very popular in Vietnam’s major cities. It can be hit or miss in rural areas, so keep that in mind. But if you’re in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, etc., you’ll have no problem.
You can also pay with Cash on Delivery (COD). This is what I do. Personally, I use Shopee far more often than Lazada.
Download the Shopee app: Apple / Android
Download the Lazada app: Apple / Android
Zalo
Zalo is an app based in Ho Chi Minh City that is popular throughout Vietnam. The app’s main use is chatting and calling, similar to LINE or WhatsApp. Among the Vietnamese, this is likely the most popular app.
Many businesses, services, tour providers, locals, etc., may ask if you have Zalo. The app is free to download and use.
Download the Zalo app: Apple / Android
Apps for Traveling in Vietnam (FAQs)
What are the essential travel apps I should download before visiting Vietnam?
If I had to pick a few must-have apps for traveling in Vietnam, it would be the Grab App, Google Maps, and Google Translate.
What apps can I use to book accommodation in Vietnam?
Agoda has long been my go-to platform for booking hotels in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Are there any apps that help with translation or communication in Vietnam?
The Google Translate app does this, and it is entirely free to download and use. It is one of my recommended must-have apps for traveling in Vietnam. You can also use the app to scan Vietnamese writing and get a live translation on-screen.
Can I use ride-hailing apps like Uber in Vietnam?
The Grab App is the Uber alternative in Vietnam. It is very convenient and easy to use. I highly recommend downloading and making use of it when traveling in Vietnam.
What are the best dating apps to use while in Vietnam?
Many of the dating apps worldwide are popular in Vietnam. You’ll find both locals and other travelers on the apps. The best English-language dating apps in Vietnam are Tinder, Bumble, and Badoo.
What apps should I use to book tours or activities in Vietnam?
The two best apps to book tours, activities, or attractions are Klook and GetYourGuide. I would browse both apps, compare prices, and book accordingly.
