Transport Vietnam: Your ultimate guide to taxis, apps & transfers (2026)
It is very important to be vigilant and protect yourself from taxi scammers to avoid unpleasant surprises. With our expert tips on the subject Transport Vietnam you are always safe on the road.
1. taxis in the city: trust is good, control is better
If you are in favour of the classic Transport in Vietnam taxi, it is advisable to make a targeted selection. Not every vehicle that is labelled as a taxi is reputable.
Recommended taxi companies
To minimise the risk of fraud, we recommend that you only use these two companies:
Vina Sun
Mai Linh
Make sure that the vehicle has an official logo and a clearly recognisable number. We advise you not to hail a taxi at random from the side of the road - use official taxi ranks or apps instead.
Attention: manipulated taximeters
A common trick is to manipulate the taximeter in order to charge inflated prices. Look out for the following signs:
Excessive entry fee: Compare the initial amount with the official tariffs, which are usually displayed in the window.
Irregular ascents: If the fare rises in unusually fast or large jumps, this is a clear sign of a manipulated device.
The banknote trick
Caution is also advised when paying: A 500,000 VND note (approx. €17) is very similar in colour to a 20,000 VND note (approx. €0.70). Fraudsters often exchange the large note at lightning speed and then claim that you have paid too little. Be vigilant when handing over money, say the amount out loud and ideally have smaller notes to hand.
2. ride-hailing apps: Xanh SM & Grab
For a contemporary Transport Vietnam smartphone apps are now indispensable. They offer you full price transparency and GPS tracking.
Xanh SM (Our recommendation): Xanh has become the market leader in Vietnam. The fleet consists of new VinFast electric cars, which are cleaner, more comfortable and often more efficient. Cheaper than Grab are. The drivers are professionally trained.
Grave: A tried and tested option that is particularly useful if you want to deposit your credit card for cashless payments.
Important note: In heavy rain or at peak times, you can expect to wait over an hour for a Grab/Xanh driver to arrive.
3. private transfer: the safest and most convenient solution
If you want absolute planning security and to maximise your comfort, you should choose a Transport Vietnam book a private transfer in advance. This is the most stress-free solution without any waiting times.
Why a private transfer is the best choice for you:
Space for families: An SUV at Xanh or Grab does not usually offer enough space for a family of four including luggage. You can only book spacious minivans with private providers.
Price advantage for long-haul flights: An example: In Da Nang, the journey to Hoi An by app costs around 12 euros. A private transfer, where the driver is already waiting for you at the exit, is often available for around 10 euros.
Reliability: Private transfers are also available in bad weather, when apps often show no more free capacity.
Long-distance hint: For distances over 100 km, app drivers often refuse journeys. Here, private providers or bus connections are more reliable and cost-efficient.
4. ferries & island hopping: Phu Quoc and Con Dao
To the comprehensive Transport Vietnam also includes the sea route. First-class options are available to reach the islands:
Phu Quoc Express: Modern high-speed catamarans with a highly recommended VIP class.
Superdong: The experienced and cost-effective alternative for numerous island connections.
📌 Booking tip: We recommend that you purchase your tickets conveniently online in advance via our partner 12Go.asia to make a reservation. There you can compare all providers and avoid your desired connection already being fully booked at the harbour.
5. trains, buses and domestic flights
Trains: A wonderful way to enjoy the scenery. You can find a detailed article on travelling by train in Vietnam in our separate article here.
Buses: We do not recommend travelling on night buses or extremely long journeys in sleeper buses. The berths are designed for Asian body sizes and often do not offer the necessary comfort or safety standards for European travellers.
Flights: For domestic flights, use airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet or Bamboo Airways. We recommend that you book directly via the official websites of the airlines, as rebookings are handled much more easily there.
Here you will find the best train connections in Vietnam
Conclusion: enjoy your trip safely
Yours Transport in Vietnam doesn't have to be complicated. Use navigation apps to find your way around, agree prices in advance (if no taximeter is used) and rely on private transfers for airport arrivals. If you follow this advice, you can enjoy your time in Vietnam without a care in the world.
