10 Best Vietnam Travel Apps (2026)

1. Google Maps Navigation and Offline Route Planning

Google Maps is Vietnam's most reliable navigation tool, showing streets, restaurants, and trails with 3-meter accuracy. Live traffic data helps you avoid congestion in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, crucial during rush hours. Download offline maps for major cities before arrival; they work without internet when you're exploring side streets.

The app displays both ride-hailing prices and public transport options, making budgeting easy—bus and train fares begin at $13 or $24. Free to use with an account; no per-ride fees or subscriptions needed once downloaded.

2. Grab Ride-Hailing and Food Delivery

Grab dominates Vietnam's ride-hailing with GrabCar (private) and Grabbike (motorbike) in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. A 15-minute ride in major cities costs $3–$5; prices surge 2–3× during storms or rush hours. Tipping is optional, though some travelers round up the fare as courtesy.

The app includes food delivery (GrabFood) with frequent coupon codes offering 50,000–80,000 VND ($2.15–$3.45) off your order. Requires a local SIM card with active data and works best with registered payment method already linked.

3. Be Ride-Hailing Alternative and QR Payment

Be is Vietnam's second-largest ride-hailing app, often chosen when Grab prices spike or availability is limited. It excels at finding locations not yet indexed on Google Maps, especially in suburban neighborhoods around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. QR code payment is widely supported, seamlessly integrating with Vietnamese e-wallets like Momo or Viettel Money.

Many drivers speak basic English and are accustomed to foreign passengers seeking assistance. Pricing is frequently lower than Grab during off-peak hours, making it worth comparing fares before booking.

4. Google Translate Text and Image Translation

Google Translate supports 249 languages, including Vietnamese, and converts text, voice, and camera input instantly. Download the Vietnamese offline pack to translate menus, signs, and street names without internet—essential in remote areas. The camera feature lets you point at signs or menus to read translations on the fly.

Voice translation handles real-time conversations with locals, though Northern accent is different from Central or South and may affect accuracy. Free to use; offline functionality requires a one-time language download but then works without data.

5. Foody Restaurant Discovery and User Reviews

Foody is Vietnam's dominant local restaurant guide, with user reviews and photos for thousands of cafes, street food stalls, and fine-dining venues. Unlike Google Maps, Foody specializes in Vietnam-specific eateries and updates faster for new openings and closures. Browse by cuisine, location, or price; many listings include owner-verified hours and delivery options.

The app displays typical dishes and prices, helping you budget meals from $2 street food to $15+ restaurants. Filter by rating, distance, or delivery speed; use offline lists to bookmark favorites before losing connection.

6. Zalo Messaging and Social Network

Zalo is Vietnam's most-used messaging platform, essential for contacting local guides, guesthouses, or new friends you meet while traveling. It combines messaging, voice calls, and social features in a single app, and hotels/tour companies respond faster on Zalo than email. The app works with Wi-Fi or data; group chats are common for coordinating travel groups or booking collectively.

Download it before arriving; many locals prefer Zalo over WhatsApp for domestic communication. Free to use; no international charges for calling other Zalo users even from abroad.

7. Klook Tour Booking and Activity Discounts

Klook aggregates tours, activities, and tickets for Vietnam attractions, offering discounts of 10–30% versus box-office prices. Browse skip-the-line passes for popular sites, half-day guided tours, cooking classes, and water sports—all with user reviews. Booking is instant; you receive a digital voucher immediately, and cancellation is usually free within 48 hours.

Prices are transparent upfront in USD or VND; no hidden fees or commissions tacked on at checkout. The app works offline once a booking is confirmed, letting you screenshot vouchers for venues that don't have reliable internet.

8. GrabFood Food Delivery and Coupon Codes

GrabFood is Grab's food-delivery arm, offering thousands of restaurants in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and smaller cities. Delivery times range from 20–45 minutes in central areas, with flat fees of 10,000–15,000 VND ($0.40–$0.65) for distances under 2 km. The app frequently shows promotional codes: 50,000–80,000 VND ($2.15–$3.45) off, stackable for new users or during special periods.

Filter by cuisine, price, or delivery speed; ratings are user-verified and updated in real time. Link a local payment method (credit card or e-wallet) to pay; cash on delivery is unavailable.

9. Ubigi eSIM Data Plan Activation and Management

Ubigi eSIM lets you purchase Vietnam data plans online before arriving, with no physical SIM card insertion required. Plans include 10GB ($12.90), 50GB ($36.90), and unlimited data ($39.90 for 15 days), each valid for the duration listed. The app activates your plan instantly once you land; your home number stays active via Wi-Fi calling simultaneously.

You can top up or switch plans mid-trip without visiting a local carrier office, ideal for extended travel. Billing is transparent and charged to your credit card; no surprise overage fees or monthly contracts.

10. 12Go Transportation Booking (Buses, Trains, Flights)

12Go aggregates buses, trains, and flights across Southeast Asia, with real-time schedules and competitive pricing for Vietnam routes. Long-distance bus and train tickets book instantly with digital confirmation; most carriers include seat selection. Typical fares: Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City bus $13–$24 (12–15 hours), overnight sleeper trains $15–$40 depending on cabin class.

The app compares carriers side-by-side, so you can weigh convenience (flying 2 hours) versus cost (busing overnight). Book early during peak travel seasons (summer, Tet holidays); same-day bookings often show limited availability.