Best Travel Apps for Vietnam

What apps should you use when visiting Vietnam? The right ones can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a tourist exploring local food or looking for easy travel options, these essential Vietnam apps have you covered. For dating, locals use Zalo and Tinder; for rides, Grab is the go-to. Foody helps you find the best local eats, MoMo simplifies payments, and Maps.me offers offline directions—perfect for navigating unfamiliar places. These apps are must-haves for anyone traveling through Vietnam.

Top Vietnam Travel Apps: Transport, Money, Food & Dating Apps

Every time we travel to a completely unfamiliar place to explore, discover, and experience new cultures, one of the biggest concerns for many travelers is how to quickly adapt to life in a new environment. In today’s digital world, where almost every service is just one tap away, mobile apps have become the ultimate travel companion. Especially in Vietnam, where technology is rapidly integrated into everyday life, using the right apps can make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and even more affordable.

If you’re looking to experience Vietnam like a local, while also enjoying practical tools tailored to travelers, this guide is exactly what you need.

• Check out Vietnam tours & Trips

Popular shopping Apps to use in Vietnam

One of the first things you’ll want to prepare when arriving in Vietnam is a way to manage your spending. Though cash (Vietnamese đồng – VND) is still widely used, Vietnam is quickly becoming a cashless society in urban areas, and apps like MoMo

Shopee

Shopee, on the other hand, is the country’s biggest online shopping platform. It’s the place to find everything, from travel accessories and clothes to cosmetics and electronics. Many items are priced very affordably, and the app constantly runs flash sales and offers discount vouchers. The platform supports both languages, Vietnamese and English. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to use.

Lazada

Another popular shopping platform, Lazada lets you order anything from A to Z and have it delivered to your address—usually within a day or two for nationwide shipping. Additionally, if you’re ordering from overseas (mainly China), delivery typically takes up to four days.

Best Vietnam Travel Apps for Booking Accommodation

This is something everyone would be needing it. Most locals do not use the famous booking or Agoda app but the local app like Traveloka or VnTrip. However, foreigner travelers still refer to the world’s best know accommodation booking and pretty much all the homestay, hotels and resorts inside Vietnam have their listing in them.

Traveloka

Traveloka is a useful local app for tourists who want to find better deals for places to stay in Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia. You can use it to book hotels, homestays, or even villas at a good price. The app shows real photos, reviews, and discounts, so it’s easy to pick the right place. Many locals in Vietnam like Traveloka because it’s simple, quick, and has both local and international options.

Booking or Agoda

Agoda and Booking.com are two of the most popular apps for booking hotels and homestays in Vietnam. Agoda stands out with exclusive deals, last-minute discounts, and a wide range of options—even in remote areas like Cao Bang or Ha Giang. You can filter by guest rating, price, location, and even find local-style stays like family-run homestays. Meanwhile, Booking.com offers flexible booking, detailed reviews, and everything from hostels in Hanoi to beach resorts in Da Nang. Moreover, its smooth interface and multi-language support make it ideal for booking while on the go.

VNTrip app

VNtrip is a local Vietnamese app that helps tourists find and book cheap hotels quickly. It shows thousands of places to stay across Vietnam, including cities like Hanoi, Saigon, and Da Nang. You can search by location, price, or reviews to choose what fits your trip best. Plus, VNtrip often gives discounts and allows you to book without a credit card. Many travelers in Vietnam like it because it’s easy to use and supports the Vietnamese language, which makes it a great option for both locals and tourists.

Best Navigation and Transportation Apps for Tourists in Vietnam

Google map works best, however, if you travel in Vietnam, you can still use apps like Apple Maps, Grab, and BusMap to find places and get around easily.

Google Maps

Google Maps is surprisingly accurate in Vietnam. From walking directions in the ancient streets of Hội An to bus routes in Ho Chi Minh City, it helps you get around safely and efficiently. It also helps locate nearby restaurants, ATMs, attractions, and gives users’ ratings.

Vexere

If you plan to travel by bus between cities, Vexere is a must-have platform. It shows available routes, compares different bus operators, and allows you to book seats in advance, even showing seat layout and reviews. The interface is simple, and you can easily pay online.

• Check out Overnight bus from Hanoi to Danang

BusMap

Free to use (bus tickets cost extra), the BusMap app helps you ride local buses in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. It shows real-time bus locations and works in many languages. Plus, it’s great for travelers who want to save money while visiting local markets.

• Check out bus 86 for Hanoi Airport to the old quarter

Ride-hailing apps in Vietnam: Grab, Gojek, Xanh SM or Be

Most popular ride-hailing apps in Vietnam everyone can download and connect it with visa and master card or just pay cash. For urban transport, Grab, Gojeck, Be, and Xanh SM are ideal choices. Grab provides car rides, motorbike taxis, food delivery, and parcel services, making city travel fast and convenient. Be is another popular ride-hailing app with similar features, and many locals use it for its reliability and competitive prices. Xanh SM is a newer, eco-friendly option that uses electric taxis—“xe xanh” means “green vehicle” in Vietnamese. With clean cars and clear pricing, these apps help you move around Vietnamese cities easily and safely.

Food Delivery Apps for Vietnam

Food delivery apps in Vietnam make eating out easy, even when you stay in. Apps like GrabFood, ShopeeFood, and Baemin let you order meals from local street food stalls to top restaurants. They show menus, ratings, and estimated delivery times. Plus, many offer discounts, so you can enjoy tasty food while saving money.

• Check out Fast foods of Vietnam

Shopee & Grabfood

ShopeeFood comes from the Shopee app and gives you cheap and easy food delivery across Vietnam. You can try tasty local dishes like bún bò Huế, cơm tấm, or phở and save money with discounts and vouchers.

Meanwhile, GrabFood works inside the Grab app and helps tourists order food fast and simply. You can see delivery time, track your order live, and choose meals from small local places or big restaurants. So, if you stay in for the night but still want real Vietnamese food, GrabFood is a great choice.

Foody

Foody is a top local app for ordering food in Vietnam, and everyone uses it! It’s like Vietnam’s version of Yelp but with better food photos and real local reviews. Just link your phone, and you’re good to go.

The app shows nearby restaurants—from fancy restaurants to hidden phở noodle soups places. You can see real menu prices and photos before ordering. I’ve ordered Banh Mi (the local sandwich).

The reviews are very honest. I found my favorite local rice and chicken shop in Hoi An from a review saying, “The chicken here is better than my mom’s”.

Capichi

Capichi might have a strange name, but it really works—especially in big cities like HoCHi Minh City and Hanoi. This app helped me a lot during the rainy season when I lived a few month in Danang and Hoi An. You can search by neighborhood, which makes it easier to find places that actually deliver to your area.

Plus, it has a points system that gives real savings. Last month, I saved 150,000 VND just by using the app often. You can pay with a foreign card or cash, so it’s super convenient.

However, during lunch hours (around 12–1 PM), the app sometimes runs slow. Many users mention this, so I usually order a bit earlier. Still, the restaurant choices are great—they even list places I can’t find on other apps.

Lozi

Lozi is slightly different—it’s not a delivery app but more like a foods forum where Vietnamese share their real opinion. I’ve discovered amazing places here that aren’t even on Google Maps yet.

Even better, you get tips from locals who truly know the food scene. One time, I asked about the best bún bò Huế nearby and got many suggestions. One said, “Go to the guy named Anh Beo (literally means the fat guy).

People post real food photos and honest reviews every day. It’s not just “this is good”—they explain what to order, when to go, and even how to ask for extra herbs or sauces. Just note: you can’t order food through Lozi, but it’s perfect for finding great spots to visit in person.

Apps for Booking Travel & Tours while in Vietnam

To make the most of your trip, you might not booked a holiday in advance, arranged tours are something that works for many people regardless of age, however, many travelers would prefer to be in the country, feel the places and they might be booking a few single day tours, here are some apps for that;

Klook

Klook focuses on Asian travel and is excellent for booking experiences like cooking classes in Hoi An, river cruises in Ninh Binh, or combo passes for amusement parks. With digital tickets, instant confirmation, and competitive pricing, it’s both convenient and secure.

Get your guide

GetYourGuide provides a broader selection of activities with international-style guided tours, historical explorations, and museum passes. It’s perfect for travelers who want deeper context and curated experiences during their stay.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps you find and book day trips easily while traveling in Vietnam. You can check real reviews, compare prices, and choose tours that fit your schedule. The app shows top-rated activities like cooking classes, bike tours, and Mekong Delta cruises. Plus, it helps you avoid scams by listing trusted providers. Overall, it’s a simple way to plan your day and enjoy more of your trip.

Local Vietnamese Apps for communications

All your apps from home still work in Vietnam, but locals may not know all of them. Apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are very popular, and many Vietnamese people use them every day.

Google translate

Google Translate helps a lot when you’re in Vietnam, especially on the street. It may not be the best for talking with locals, because some direct translations can sound strange. However, it’s still very useful. You can use it to read street signs, menus, or even talk with someone. The app lets you translate using your voice or camera, which is great for quick help. Try saving common phrases like “Tôi muốn ăn phở” (I want to eat pho) or “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much is it?) to make things easier.

Zalo

You need a local SIM card to install Zalo. Zalo is the most popular messaging app in Vietnam. Unlike WhatsApp or Line, most Vietnamese people use Zalo to chat, send photos, or make calls. Tour guides, drivers, and homestay owners often contact travelers through Zalo. Therefore, installing it helps you stay connected more easily during your trip.

Popular Vietnam Dating Apps

Dating apps in Vietnam are becoming more popular, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and VietnamCupid let you meet locals or other travelers nearby. Many young Vietnamese use these platforms to make friends, chat, or find serious relationships.

Tinder

It is the best way to meet locals in each city, you may change your bio into something like here to meet for dinner or lunch and explore nice spots at evening. Many locals and travelers on dating apps want to connect beyond just dating. I met a local guy in Nha Trang who introduced me to his favorite eateries and let’s me meet with his fisherman uncle.

You can also meet up with other solo travelers for day trips, and even joined a weekly food meetup. Just be honest about what you’re looking for—lots of people in Vietnam use these apps to make genuine friendships and explore together.

Bumble in Vietnam

Bumble works better in bigger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you’re looking for friends, dates, or networking. It’s more modern and international, so you’ll mostly match with younger Vietnamese who speak some English or other travelers. I once matched with someone who helped me practice Vietnamese over coffee! Just switch to “BFF” mode if you’re not into dating—you’ll find people who want to hang out, explore the city, or even join day trips.

VietnamCupid

VietnamCupid is more relationship-focused and popular among people looking for something serious. Most of the profiles are Vietnamese women hoping to meet foreign men, and many of them speak English pretty well. The vibe is different from Tinder—it’s slower, more personal, and more about chatting and getting to know someone first. If you’re planning to stay in Vietnam longer, this app can actually lead to deeper connections.

Best Apps for Money & Payment in Vietnam

First of all, you can use your home credit card (Visa or MasterCard) in Vietnam. However, call your bank first to make sure it works outside your country. Also, keep in mind that every time you use your card—whether to pay for food, book a hotel, or withdraw cash from an ATM—you’ll get charged a bank fee of at least 3.3%. So, plan ahead to avoid surprises.

• Check out Currency and Money matter in Vietnam

MoMo

Momo makes daily life easier in Vietnam, especially if you’re staying more than a few days. Locals use it for everything—grabbing coffee, paying for food, or pay for ride hailing. You can also use it to pay for street foods since almost all street vendors would be using it.

The best part is the app comes in English, and linking your foreign card is quick and simple. Just take a few minutes to verify with your passport. After that, you’ll unlock discounts, pay faster, and skip ATM runs.

XE Currency converter

Vietnamese dong gets confusing fast because of the so many zeros o the currency—like, what’s 420,000 VND in USD or CAD? XE Currency helps to convert it very easy.

I keep it open when I shop at markets or split bills with friends. It really helps when someone says “eighty” and I don’t know if they mean 80,000 or 800,000 VND. That’s a big difference—about $3 or $32!

The app saves my top currencies—USD, VND, and CAD—so I can switch quickly. Just don’t count on it for exact exchange rates at money changers. Rates can change, but at least I know if something feels too expensive.

Other useful Apps for Traveling in Vietnam

Here are a few other useful apps that make traveling in Vietnam easier. You don’t need to install them before your trip, but you can quickly download and use them when needed. Here are some suggestions:

App for Metro line in Ho Chi Minh City

The HCMC Metro HURC app helps users plan their travel on Ho Chi Minh City’s upcoming metro system. You can download it for free, and ticket prices range from VND 6,000 to 20,000, depending on your distance.

This app gives you real-time schedules, route maps, fare calculators, and updates about delays or service changes. It also shows detailed station info and news about metro development. The simple interface makes it easy to use, and as the system grows, the app will offer more features like live train tracking and ticket purchases.

Booking Trains on Vietnam Railways App

DSVN.vn is the official app for Vietnam Railways, helping you book train tickets from north to south. It shows real-time schedules, lets you choose seats, and supports ticket changes or cancellations.

You can pay securely online, and the bilingual interface (Vietnamese & English) makes it easy for both locals and tourists. Moreover, the app offers a smooth booking experience without needing to visit a station—perfect for stress-free train travel in Vietnam.

• Check out Sleeper train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Booking Flights

Looking for a reliable book flight app for Vietnam? Start with the Vietnam Airlines App, the official tool of the country’s flagship carrier and SkyTeam member. It lets you book domestic or international flights, manage your trip, check in online, and track flight status in real time.

Additionally, you can access mobile boarding passes and manage your Lotusmiles account with ease. Whether you prefer the Vietjet Air App, Atadi App for budget finds, or alternatives like the Bamboo Airways App or Vietravel Airlines App, each one offers convenient features for flying across Vietnam. Ultimately, these apps simplify your entire travel experience.

FAQ: Useful Travel Apps for Vietnam