If you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time, you’ll probably find yourself choosing between two main options: ride-hailing apps (Grab) and traditional taxis. Both work well, but each shines in different situations.
Let me share what I usually tell my guests.
First, A Quick Look at Transportation in Vietnam
In big cities like Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and most major tourist destinations, transportation is incredibly accessible. Whether you need a car, a motorbike ride, or a quick airport transfer, you can usually find one within minutes.
The names you’ll hear most often are:
Ride-hailing apps
- Grab (by far the most widely used)
- Xanh SM (new name Green SM – Vietnam’s electric taxi service)
- Be
Traditional taxis
- Mai Linh (easy to recognize by the green color)
- Vinasun (white taxis with red and blue accents)
Personally, I use both depending on the situation.
Pros & Cons
Ride-Hailing Services (Grab, Green SM, Be)
This is the top choice for most international and domestic tourists due to its high transparency.
Advantages:
- Know the price beforehand: The app accurately displays the amount you have to pay. No worries about being overcharged.
- No language barrier: You only need to enter your pick-up and drop-off points on the map. The driver will automatically follow the GPS directions.
- Convenient payment: Directly linked with international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). You don’t need to exchange a lot of cash.
- Electric vehicle experience: SM Green uses VinFast electric vehicles, which are gasoline-free, noiseless, and very environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages:
- Peak hour price increase: Fares will increase sharply during heavy rain, traffic jams, or rush hour (5 PM – 7 PM).
- Internet connection required: You must have a 4G/5G SIM card or Wi-Fi to book a ride.
- Difficulty in booking a ride in remote areas: In small towns or rural areas, the number of ride-hailing drivers is very limited.
Traditional Taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun)
Traditional taxis still play an important role, especially at major transit points.
Advantages:
- Extremely quick to hail a taxi: You can easily flag one down on the street or at airport lobbies, hotels, or shopping malls without opening an app.
- Fixed price: The price is calculated based on the number of kilometers displayed on the meter; it doesn’t automatically increase during rain or peak hours.
- Professional drivers: The drivers are managed by the company, familiar with the streets, and highly reliable.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of “illegal taxis”: If you accidentally take a taxi impersonating a major brand, the meter may be tampered with to charge you a higher price.
- Language barrier: Many traditional taxi drivers do not speak English. Explaining the destination can sometimes be difficult.
- Cash preferred: Although some vehicles now have POS card readers or accept bank transfers, cash remains the quickest payment method for them.
A Few Local Tips
At the Airport
This is probably the most important advice.
Use the official taxi counters or designated ride-hailing pickup zones. Every major airport has them.
If someone approaches you aggressively inside the arrivals hall offering a ride, I would politely decline and continue toward the official transportation area.
Doing this alone eliminates most transportation issues travelers encounter.
Try a Motorbike Ride At Least Once
If you’re comfortable with it, book a GrabBike or beBike during your trip.
Honestly, some of my favorite memories of Vietnamese cities aren’t from sitting in a car. They’re from riding on the back of a motorbike through small streets, local markets, and neighborhoods most tourists never see.
You’ll feel the energy of the city in a completely different way.
Just make sure to wear the helmet your driver provides.
When It Starts Pouring
Here’s a little local trick.
Don’t automatically assume ride-hailing apps are cheaper.
During heavy rain, app prices often surge dramatically. Sometimes a traditional metered taxi waiting nearby ends up costing less.
Whenever possible, compare both options before booking.
So Which One Should You Choose?
If you ask me for a simple answer, I’d say this:
For most travelers, ride-hailing apps are the easiest and most stress-free option.
But traditional taxis remain extremely useful at airports, major hotels, shopping centers, and during moments when you need a ride immediately without opening an app.
The good news is that Vietnam offers both, and they’re generally affordable compared with many countries around the world.
I’ve found that transportation is rarely the thing people struggle with for long. Usually after a day or two, they start using the system like locals.
And before they know it, they’re confidently hopping between street-food stalls, hidden cafés, museums, and night markets across the city.
So tell me – which city in Vietnam are you planning to visit? Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, or somewhere else?
Every destination has its own transportation quirks, and I’d be happy to share a few local tips that most guidebooks never mention.