Before you hop on that plane, make sure you’re equipped with the right digital tools. Here’s a rundown of the top apps to download before your Vietnamese adventure:
Transportation:
- Grab: The king of ride-hailing in Vietnam, offering taxis, motorbikes, and even food delivery. Pre-book rides, track your driver, and pay seamlessly with cash or card.
- GoViet: A worthy alternative to Grab, sometimes with cheaper fares. Enjoy similar services and a user-friendly interface.
- Ahamove: Moving luggage or souvenirs? Ahamove connects you with drivers and vehicles for bulky items, complete with lifting assistance.
Maps & Navigation:
- Google Maps: A reliable offline option for major cities, although accuracy might dip in rural areas.
- Maps.me: Download detailed offline maps for cities, towns, and even hiking trails. Navigate confidently without an internet connection.
- Vietmap: Embrace the local touch! This Vietnamese app offers motorbike-friendly routes, live traffic updates, and points of interest tailored for Vietnam.
Communication:
- Google Translate: Bridge the language gap with basic translations and helpful phrases.
- Zalo: The go-to messaging platform in Vietnam. Go beyond basic messages with voice calls, video calls, and even online payments.
Accommodation:
- Booking.com & Agoda: Familiar faces in the travel booking world, offering a vast selection of hotels and other accommodations. Score great deals and book your perfect stay. Often times, Agoda has cheaper rates than other sites for the same hotel!
- Airbnb: Crave a unique local experience? Find charming homestays, apartments, and private rooms through Airbnb.
Food:
- Foody: Discover a world of culinary delights! This Vietnamese app helps you find restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls based on cuisine, price, and location. Read reviews and make informed choices.
- ShopeeFood & Baemin: Craving convenience? Order food delivery from a wide range of restaurants through these popular apps. Perfect for lazy evenings or exploring a new city.
- HappyCow: Vegan or vegetarian? This app filters restaurants with plant-based options, making it easy to find delicious and satisfying meals.
Others:
- XE Currency: Keep track of exchange rates and convert currencies on the go.
- Wifi Finder: Never be caught offline! Locate free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout your travels.
Bonus Tip: Download offline language packs for Google Translate and maps to ensure they function even without internet access in remote areas.