9 Helpful Apps to Download for Vietnam

Traveling through Vietnam can be one of the most rewarding experiences in Southeast Asia, but it can also feel overwhelming at times, especially if it’s your first visit.

Between the chaotic traffic, language barrier, and endless choices of buses, trains, and flights, having the right apps to download for Vietnam will make your trip much smoother.

These tools don’t just save time and money; they also help you navigate Vietnam with confidence, whether that’s hopping on a Grab bike in Ho Chi Minh City, booking a last-minute sleeper train to Da Nang, or checking exchange rates before paying in cash.

I didn’t include Google Maps in this list because I think it’s an obvious must-have. If you’re not already using it, you should.

A quick tip: if you have a Gmail account, you can create custom “lists” on Google Maps where you pin restaurants, cafés, and attractions, making it easy to organize your itinerary as you go.

From transport to translation, these are the best apps to download for Vietnam, helping you manage the daily logistics so you can focus on enjoying the country’s food, culture, and energy. Also, if you haven’t done any planning, refer to my 2-week Vietnam itinerary!

Grab – Best App for Getting Around Vietnam

When it comes to transportation in Vietnam, Grab is the app you’ll end up using the most.

Think of it as Southeast Asia’s version of Uber; you can book cars, motorbikes, or even food delivery all in one place.

The biggest perk of Grab is avoiding the hassle of negotiating prices with taxi or motorbike drivers, which can sometimes be hit-or-miss in busy tourist areas.

Everything is cashless, tracked, and upfront, so you’ll know the exact price before hopping in. Just ensure the license plate matches the one displayed in the app before you ride.

Grab also has the largest driver fleet in Vietnam, which means shorter wait times and more extensive coverage compared to smaller competitors.

Whether you’re in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or even smaller cities like Da Nang, Grab is often the easiest and most reliable way to get around.

Be – The Top Alternative to Grab

While Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Vietnam, Be is the local alternative that’s been steadily growing in popularity.

It works in much the same way: book a car or motorbike, track your driver, and pay directly in the app.

Be is especially popular in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where competition with Grab helps keep prices competitive.

Some travelers even find Be‘s fares slightly lower at times, although the fleet isn’t always as large, which can result in longer wait times in less busy neighborhoods.

One thing I like about Be is that it feels truly local; it’s a Vietnamese company, so you’re also supporting a homegrown business when you use it. Just as with Grab, always double-check the license plate before hopping on a bike or into a car, especially in crowded pickup areas.

12GO – Booking Buses, Trains & Flights

When it comes to long-distance travel in Vietnam, 12Go is one of the most useful apps you can download.

From booking a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Hue, booking a train ticket to Da Nang, or even securing a ferry ride to Phu Quoc, 12Go makes the process straightforward.

I’ve personally used it countless times across Southeast Asia, and in Vietnam, it’s convenient during high season when tickets sell out quickly. The app keeps all your bookings in one place, so you don’t have to juggle paper tickets or receipts.

12Go charges a small service fee, but in return, you secure your seat in advance. This helps you avoid the stress of tickets selling out, especially on popular or overnight routes.

It’s worth mentioning that “sleeper buses” are very popular in Vietnam, but riding them is one of the common tourist mistakes in Vietnam that I recommend avoiding. They’re often dangerous, and you’ll find trains or flights to be safer and more comfortable for long distances.

While the platform also lists flights, I recommend using Skyscanner or the official airline apps (like Vietnam Airlines or VietJet) for better prices. Still, for buses, trains, and ferries, 12Go is easily the go-to app for Vietnam travel.

GetYourGuide – Tours & Activities Made Easy

GetYourGuide is one of the easiest ways to book tours, day trips, and activities across Vietnam.

Whether you’re planning a Halong Bay cruise, a street food tour in Hanoi, or a day exploring the Mekong Delta, the app lets you browse, compare, and book with just a few taps.

Yes, you can find plenty of local tour booths once you’re in Vietnam, but those often lack reviews or transparent pricing.

With GetYourGuide, you can check traveler feedback and photos before committing, which adds peace of mind. The app also partners with many local operators, so sometimes the same tour you see on the street is also listed online.

A big benefit is flexibility; most tours offer free cancellations or simple rescheduling if your plans change. Plus, your tickets are stored directly in the app, so you don’t have to worry about paper vouchers while traveling.

By the way, if you’re wondering where the photo is from, that’s the Golden Bridge at the Ba Na Hills, one of my favorite things to do in Da Nang!

Agoda – Hotels & Accommodation Booking

Agoda is one of the best platforms for booking hotels in Vietnam, offering some of the most competitive prices you’ll find.

Whether it’s a budget hostel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a boutique stay in Hoi An, or a beachfront resort in Da Nang, Agoda almost always has plenty of options.

Booking.com owns Agoda, making it a trusted platform with extensive coverage. I’ve often found Agoda to be cheaper than booking directly at a hotel, and it’s handy that many listings offer free cancellation.

That makes it great if you’re traveling without a fixed plan and want the flexibility to adjust on the go.

It’s not just for Vietnam; you can continue using Agoda throughout Asia, making it a reliable long-term travel app. I use it plenty, and they also have a rewards program in the app!

AirAlo – eSIMs for Staying Connected

Staying connected in Vietnam is essential for booking rides, checking maps, and translating menus.

AirAlo makes this easy with affordable eSIMs you can set up before you even land. Just download the app, purchase a data package, and you’ll be online as soon as you step off the plane.

This saves you the hassle of searching for a SIM card immediately, and top-ups can be made directly through the app. It’s usually cheaper than using international roaming with your home carrier.

That said, if you’re staying in Vietnam for an extended period, picking up a local SIM from Viettel or Mobifone at the airport is also a great option.

I’ve used Viettell many times; they offer fast data and the best nationwide coverage. Just make sure you activate it before leaving the airport, since getting stuck with a faulty card is one of the easy-to-avoid scams in Vietnam.

Also, avoid the SIM counters before immigration; they’re overpriced. Prices drop once you pass immigration, and they’re even cheaper in the city. However, I usually grab one at the airport for convenience so that I can book my Grab right away.

Vietnam Airlines / VietJet Air – Apps for Domestic Flights

If you’re planning to fly within Vietnam, downloading either the Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air app is highly recommended.

These are the two leading carriers for domestic routes, such as Hanoi to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc. Having the app will assist your travels to go smoothly.

You can check schedules, manage bookings, and receive flight updates in real-time. Boarding passes can also be stored in the app, saving you the need to print anything out.

VietJet often offers ultra-cheap promotions, while Vietnam Airlines provides more comfort and reliability.

Whichever airline you choose, the apps help you avoid the chaos at airport check-in counters and keep your flight details organized.

XE Currency – Real-Time Currency Converter

XE Currency is a must-have app for converting Vietnamese dong into your home currency.

Prices in Vietnam often involve large numbers, and it’s easy to get confused, especially in markets or when dealing with cash.

The app works offline once you’ve updated the exchange rates, which is handy if you’re traveling without constant data access.

I also recommend Wise, an international debit card I personally use while traveling. With Wise, you can convert currencies in-app at real exchange rates and withdraw Vietnamese dong from almost any ATM. It’s a safe and cost-effective way to handle your money abroad.

By the way, one of my top travel tips for Vietnam is to use VPBank (green) and TPBank (purple), which both offer free withdrawals for foreign cards.

For quick, on-the-go conversions, XE is excellent, but Wise is better if you need to manage actual spending.

Google Translate – Language Help on the Go

Vietnamese can be a challenging language to learn, and while English is prevalent in big cities, it’s much less so in rural areas. Google Translate helps bridge that gap.

The app supports Vietnamese in both text and voice, so you can translate menus, ask for directions, or communicate with locals more easily.

The camera translation feature is handy; simply point your phone at a menu or sign, and it will instantly translate the text. You can also download Vietnamese for offline use, which is particularly helpful in areas with poor service.

While many people in Vietnam are friendly and patient with communication, having Translate in your pocket makes travel smoother and less stressful.

By the way, English is widely spoken among the younger generation in Vietnam, thanks to the numerous English schools and international teachers.

It’s usually the older generations who know less English, and the further north you go, the less common English becomes.

Don’t be surprised if younger kids approach you for a casual chat; they’re just eager to practice their English, and honestly, it’s one of the most heartwarming experiences you’ll have while traveling in Vietnam.

Final Thoughts on the Best Apps to Download for Vietnam

Traveling in Vietnam becomes a lot smoother when you’ve got the right apps on your phone. From booking a Grab to avoid taxi scams, reserving long-distance tickets on 12Go, or securing a last-minute hotel on Agoda, these tools save both time and money.

I’ve personally used all of these during my trips, and they’ve made navigating Vietnam so much easier, whether in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or the mountains of Sapa.

Of course, you don’t need to download every single one, but having a few of them ready before you land will give you peace of mind.

With these apps to download for Vietnam, you’ll be prepared to explore confidently, connect with locals, and focus on enjoying your trip instead of stressing over logistics.

Lastly, if you’re flying domestically, having the Vietnam Airlines or VietJet app installed makes check-ins and flight updates much more convenient.

I can’t count how many times I’ve had a gate change at the last minute, forcing me to rush across the terminal, so I recommend downloading the app and keeping an eye on the airport screens, just in case.