Top 4 Ride-Hailing Apps in Vietnam for Tourists (2025 Update)
Navigating Vietnam’s bustling cities can be challenging, but ride-hailing apps in Vietnam have made transportation easier and more convenient than ever. As the country’s leading ride-hailing service, those apps offer safe, affordable, and efficient travel options, whether you need a motorbike, private car, or even food delivery.
In this guide, Lua Viet Tours will walk you through how to use ride-hailing apps in Vietnam, its different services, and essential tips to make your trip smoother.
Overview of Ride-Hailing Apps in Vietnam
When it comes to ride-hailing apps, Grab in Vietnam is definitely the market leader, and its dominance is likely due to its wide range of services (e.g., GrabBike, GrabCar, GrabFood) and extensive coverage across 46 provinces and cities. Xanh SM, a newer app focused on eco-friendly transportation, has quickly gained traction, appealing to users who prioritize sustainability.
Mai Linh Taxi, a trusted local traditional taxi-bicycle company, retains a loyal user base with its professional service and app integration, providing a reliable alternative to ride-hailing apps. While Be is well-known in Southeast Asia, its market share in Vietnam is smaller compared to Grab and Xanh SM, but it still offers a viable option for those seeking diverse transportation services.
Leading ride-hailing apps in use among users in Vietnam in the 2nd quarter of 2024 (Data Source: Statista)
Top 4 Ride-Hailing Apps in Vietnam
Whereas you’re looking for the cheapest ride, the fastest option, or the most sustainable choice with the highest quality, here are the top 4 ride-hailing apps in Vietnam to help you get around easier.
Grab
Since replacing Uber in Vietnam in 2018, Grab is the leading ride-hailing service in Vietnam, providing a reliable, safe, and convenient way to get around. For international travelers, whether on a short visit or an extended trip, Grab is an ideal transportation option, especially for solo travelers or those without a local travel agent. Using Grab not only ensures hassle-free transportation but also offers a great opportunity to experience local life from a different perspective.
Grab has become an essential app for both locals and tourists, providing services like GrabBike, GrabCar, and GrabFood. The user-friendly mobile app allows travelers to easily book rides, order meals, or send packages with just a few taps.
Grabs is all-in-one application for almost all the needs of people living or traveling in Vietnam (Image Source: Grab App Vietnam)
The app is available in 46 provinces and cities in Vietnam, including major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For foreign tourists, don’t be worried, Grab provides a user-friendly interface and clear pricing, making it a popular choice for getting around Vietnam. The app also offers features like fare estimation and real-time tracking, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Grab in Vietnam will enhance your travel experience (Image Source: Internet)
Xanh SM
Another option with the increasing appearance among users in Vietnam since 2023, Xanh SM is a relatively new ride-hailing app that focuses on eco-friendly transportation. Xanh SM operates only electric vehicles, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It offers services such as Xanh SM Bike and Xanh SM Car, and provides transparent pricing with daily deals of up to 50% off.
The app is known for being clear about costs, and users know all fees before booking, avoiding surprises. It operates in nearly 60 provinces and cities in Vietnam and five in Laos, with plans to expand to Indonesia soon.
Xanh SM is widely known recently with the eco-friendly feature for users. (Image Source: Xanh SM)
For travelers who are eco-conscious and looking for a quiet, premium ride, Xanh SM is an exciting new option. This is Vietnam’s first-ever electric taxi service, launched by VinGroup, one of the country’s largest corporations. Unlike other ride-hailing services, Xanh SM exclusively uses VinFast electric cars, making it a sustainable way to travel.
Mai Linh Taxi
Mai Linh is a well-known traditional taxi company in Vietnam that has adapted to the digital age with its own ride-hailing app. The Mai Linh app allows users to book taxis easily, with features like fare estimation, real-time tracking, and payment options. Mai Linh serves 63 cities, including major ones like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
You can easily catch up Mai Linh Taxi on the street as it is a traditional company in Vietnam (Image Source: Internet)
Be
While Be isn’t as widely available as Grab (available in 28 cities), it’s still a great commuting option, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where competition keeps prices low. If you see both Grab and Be offering similar rates, it’s worth trying both to compare experiences!
Be is a great commuting option for both locals and foreign visitors (Image Source: WeBuy)
FAQs about Ride-hailing Apps
Do I need a local phone number to use these apps?
Yes, most ride-hailing apps (e.g., Grab, Be, Xanh SM) require a Vietnamese phone number to register and book rides. Tourists can easily purchase a local SIM card (e.g., Viettel, Mobifone) for ~$5 at airports or convenience stores. This ensures seamless access to the apps and avoids verification issues.
Can I book rides from the airports?
While apps like Grab and Be cannot pick up passengers directly inside airport terminals due to regulations, you can exit the terminal and wait for your driver outside the airport zone. Alternatively, use official airport taxi services (e.g., Mai Linh Taxi) for hassle-free arrivals.
Should I tip for drivers?
Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but drivers appreciate small gestures or gifts. For ride-hailing apps like Grab or Be, rounding up the fare (e.g., giving 50,000 VND for a 47,000 VND ride) is a polite way to show gratitude. For food delivery, a 10% tip on larger orders is common.
>>> Discover Related Guides: Tipping Culture in Vietnam: All you need to know
The drivers are so friendly, so don’t hesitate to give them a small tip (Image Source: Internet)
Can I pay with cash for the driver?
Definitely yes. Most ride-hailing apps in Vietnam, including Grab and Be, accept cash payments directly to the driver. Ensure you have Vietnamese Dong (VND) on hand, as drivers prefer local currency. Some apps also offer cashless options (e.g., credit cards, e-wallets).
>>> Related guide: Complete Guide to Money Exchange in Saigon: Tips & Best Places
Conclusion
Ride-hailing apps in Vietnam have become the most convenient, affordable, and reliable way to get around this country, whether you are a local resident or a first-time visitor. With cashless payment options, GPS tracking, and verified driving licenses, they will ensure safe and hassle-free transportation, making it an essential tool for navigating cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and beyond. Safe travels, and enjoy your Vietnam trip!
