The must-have apps for Traveling in Vietnam

Planning a trip to Vietnam? You’re gonna love it, but trust me, having the right apps on your phone can make the difference between getting lost in translation and living your best travel story.

From ordering a Grab in the rain to translating that mysterious menu item you just pointed at, these apps are your digital survival kit. Whether you’re chasing street food in Saigon, temple-hopping in Hue, or cruising through Ha Long Bay, they’ll help you move smarter, spend less, and experience more.

So before you pack your bags, load up your phone, here are the best apps for traveling in Vietnam (plus a few tips to make them work like magic).

Get a Vietnamese SIM Card

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Before diving into the apps, the best tip for staying connected is to get a Vietnamese SIM card. Having a local SIM card offers numerous benefits, including access to the internet, local calls, and navigation. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport, convenience stores, or mobile shops. Prices are affordable, usually ranging from $5 to $10 for a month of data. This will ensure you stay connected throughout your trip.

Full guide: Best SIM cards for traveling in Vietnam.

Download offline data

Even with a Vietnamese SIM card, it’s wise to be prepared for remote locations where service might be unreliable or you might run out of data. Download offline data for essential apps such as navigation and translation tools. This ensures you always have access to important information, even without an internet connection.

Internet & Wi-Fi in Vietnam

Wi-Fi is widely available across Vietnam. Nearly every hotel, restaurant, and café offers free Wi-Fi, except for very local establishments. An excellent tip is to utilize coffee shops, which are ubiquitous in Vietnamese cities. Not only do they provide Wi-Fi and charging outlets, but they are also a great place to relax and refresh with a drink. With prices starting as low as $0.50, they offer a convenient stop for tourists in need.

Best Apps for navigation in Vietnam

Navigation apps are indispensable for any trip, helping you find sights, restaurants, and your hotel. Since the advent of smartphones, it’s hard to imagine traveling without them.

1. Google Maps

Google Maps is probably already installed on your phone. It’s one of the best apps to have when traveling abroad, including Vietnam. You probably know how to use it, but you might not know that Google Maps allows you to download offline maps. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, access the menu, click on offline maps, and select your own map.

2. Maps.me

Similar to Google Maps, Maps.me is another excellent navigation tool. While Google Maps is more up-to-date with the latest data and reviews, Maps.me excels in showing walking trails and more hidden sights, making it one of the best apps for Vietnam.

Best Apps for transportation in Vietnam

Having reliable transportation apps can make getting to your next destination easier and more convenient.

3. Traveloka

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Traveloka, based in Southeast Asia, often has great deals for flights within the region, including domestic flights in Vietnam. The app features a chat function to resolve any issues with your flight or booking. Although Traveloka offers options for booking hotels and activities, it’s particularly recommended for domestic flights.

4. Grab

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Grab is the largest ride-hailing app in Vietnam, and it’s often preferred over traditional taxis. It allows you to select pickup and drop-off locations, choose between 4-seater and 7-seater cars or motorbikes, and see the price upfront. It operates in many cities, though not all, and provides a reliable alternative to traditional taxis.

5. Be

Be is another popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam. Like Grab, it offers various vehicle options and upfront pricing. It’s a good alternative if you want to compare prices and services with Grab.

6. XanhSM

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XanhSM is another ride-hailing app available in Vietnam, providing motorbike taxis, car rides, and even food delivery services. This app dedicated to EVs only, so you can ride Electric scooters around the city, or an electric car to pick up at the airport.

Best Apps for accommodation in Vietnam

For flexible travelers, these apps are great for booking hotels and other accommodations on the go.

7. Booking.com

Booking.com is widely used for booking hotels in Vietnam. It offers a vast selection of accommodations with user reviews, helping you make an informed choice.

8. Agoda

Agoda is another excellent app for booking accommodations in Vietnam. It often features competitive prices and deals, especially in Asia.

9. Airbnb

Airbnb is a great option if you prefer booking an apartment in Vietnam. Apartments can be a fantastic alternative to hotels, offering more space and the convenience of a kitchen, especially for longer stays or family trips.

Best Apps for travel information and reviews

These apps provide essential travel information and reviews to help you plan your trip better.

10. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is one of the best apps for finding reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and attractions in Vietnam. It helps you make informed decisions based on the experiences of other travelers.

11. Google Maps (again)

Google Maps also doubles as a great app for travel information and reviews. It covers a vast range of local restaurants and hotels, often with reviews from users, making it indispensable for Vietnam travel.

Best Apps for food and dining in Vietnam

These apps can help you discover and order food, making your culinary journey in Vietnam even more enjoyable.

12. Grab (again)

In addition to transportation, Grab offers food delivery services. It’s perfect for those days when you’re too tired to explore and just want a meal delivered to your doorstep.

13. Shopee Food

Shopee Food is a popular app in Vietnam for finding restaurants and food delivery. It features user reviews and ratings, helping you choose the best dining options.

Best Apps for translation and communication in Vietnam

Language barriers can be a challenge, but these apps make communication easier.

14. Google Translate

Google Translate is one of the best apps for communicating in Vietnam. Most locals don’t speak English, so this app can be incredibly helpful. It also has a camera function for live translations and allows you to download dictionaries for offline use.

15. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is useful for keeping in touch with friends and family back home and sharing your travel photos. Local Vietnam also uses WhatsApp, so you can contact us if you need assistance.

16. Zalo

Zalo is the preferred messaging app in Vietnam. While WhatsApp is popular among those working in tourism, most Vietnamese use Zalo. It’s a good idea to install it if you want to chat with locals.

17. Facebook

Facebook is huge in Vietnam. If you want to make friends with locals, they might ask for your Facebook. It’s up to you whether to accept, but it’s a common way for Vietnamese people to connect with foreigners.

Best Apps for currency conversion and finance

Managing your finances while traveling is crucial, and these apps can help.

18. XE Currency

XE Currency is essential for converting Vietnamese dong to your home currency. Vietnam’s currency ranges from 500,000 VND notes to 1,000 VND notes, and this app helps you keep track of how much you’re spending.

Tip: iPhone Calculator app can also do simple conversion in thier latest updates.

19. Personal Banking App

Ensure you have your personal banking app installed for easy access to your accounts. You can monitor expenses, withdraw money, and resolve any issues with your bank through the app’s chat function.

Best Apps for entertainment and leisure

While you’re in Vietnam to explore, having some entertainment apps can be handy during long trips or quiet nights.

20. Netflix

Netflix needs no introduction, but it’s worth noting that you can download movies and series for offline viewing. This is perfect for long bus or train journeys without internet access.

21. Spotify

Spotify is great for listening to music on the go. With a paid account, you can download music to listen offline, making it a perfect companion for your travels in Vietnam.