What is Grab Taxi in Vietnam?

When you’re in Vietnam, Grab Taxi becomes your best mate for getting around. Think of it as the local answer to Uber but with a uniquely Vietnamese twist. If you’re exploring bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, the traffic can be a real test of patience, but that’s where Grab Taxi swoops in to save the day. It’s an app-based service, so you can just hop on your phone, book a ride, and off you go, with no need to haggle with drivers over fares or worry about getting lost in translation.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to use, especially when navigating Vietnam’s chaotic streets and unfamiliar areas. Whether you're catching a ride to a local market, a historical site, or a cosy café hidden in a narrow alleyway, Grab Taxi in Vietnam makes it all stress-free. It’s a reliable way to get around, and you can pay by card or cash, whatever’s more convenient for you. You even have the option to track your ride in real time, so you know exactly when your driver will arrive. Plus, if you fancy a bike ride instead of a taxi, Grab offers that too, making it perfect for solo travellers.

When and Where to Use Grab Taxi in Vietnam?

When you’re in Vietnam, getting around can be a bit tricky, especially in the buzzing, busy cities. This is where Grab Taxi becomes your travel companion. It’s an app-based taxi service, perfect for navigating the organised chaos of Vietnam’s roads. Here's when and where to use Grab Taxi in Vietnam:

1. Big Cities - Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi

In the big cities of Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, Grab Taxi is your best bet. The cities are lively and heavy with traffic, making a common taxicab hard to find, especially when you are in a hurry. With Grab, you can book a ride with your phone with just a couple of taps, saving you both time and hassle.

2. Airport Transfers

Let's face it—airport transfers can be pretty stressful when you are going somewhere you have never been before. Using Grab Taxi in Vietnam to go from the airport to your hotel (and vice versa) is much easier. You don't have to feel threatened by a taxi driver who you know may scam you or speak terrible English. Pre-booking on the app puts your mind at ease.

3. Late Night Travel

Planning to travel late at night? No worries. Whether you've been out exploring the night markets or catching a drink at a rooftop bar, Grab Taxi operates around the clock. It’s safe and convenient, and you can easily track your driver’s location, making it the ideal choice.

4. Day Trips or City Exploration

It's a great choice if you plan for a day out as a tourist. Whether it is the War Remnants Museum or somewhere more off the beaten track to discover the neighbourhoods and some hidden local cafes, you can just get in and out of a Grab Taxi with minimal fuss.

5. The Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)

When you are in Vietnam, visiting the famous Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City is a must, but the tunnels are located quite far from the city centre. While group tours are an option, if you prefer flexibility, Grab Taxi is perfect. You can book a private ride, arrive at your own pace, and even ask the driver to stop along the way for some local snacks or a scenic break.

6. Marble Mountains (Da Nang)

When you are in Da Nang, even though the stunning Marble Mountains are a short drive from the city, local buses can be unpredictable. With Grab Taxi, you can easily get there and explore this natural wonder at your own pace, without worrying about catching the last bus back. Plus, you can ask the driver to wait for you while you explore!

7. The Old Quarter (Hanoi)

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a maze of narrow streets, bustling markets, and endless motorbikes. Even though walking around is an experience in itself, if you want to get from one end to the other quickly, perhaps after a tiring day of sightseeing or shopping, Grab Taxi in Vietnam will get you through the chaos comfortably.

8. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is a beautiful island, but the distances between beaches, resorts, and local markets can be long. Using Grab Taxi in Vietnam ensures you can easily hop between beaches, night markets, and tourist attractions without the need to rent a car or motorbike.

How to book Grab Taxi in Vietnam?

Booking a Grab Taxi in Vietnam is an absolute breeze, and once you know how to do it, you'll wonder how you ever travelled without it. Whether you're planning a quick ride through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh or taking a more relaxed trip around Hanoi, Grab Taxi offers convenience and reliability. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can easily book your ride and focus on enjoying your trip.

1. Download the Grab App

First things first, you'll need to download the Grab app, you can find it on the App Store (for iPhone users) or Google Play (for Android users). It’s a free app, and it is pretty straightforward, so don’t worry about getting lost in menus.

2. Create an Account

After installing the app on your phone, you will be required to sign up. The process can be done using an email or number, or directly linking it to a Facebook account. All you'll need to do is look for the confirmation code sent to your phone, put it in, and you are set up.

3. Set Your Location

The Grab app will locate your exact location via GPS. This is super handy if you end up in a city like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, where you do not know your street address, for instance. Open the app and it will locate where you are at that moment, and if you are staying at a hotel or a restaurant, you will have to input your address yourself.

4. Choose Your Type of Ride

Grab isn't just about taxis, once you have defined your pickup location, you'll be asked which kind of ride you want. Are you travelling with other people or a lot of luggage? Go for GrabCar which is a private car. Do you want to zip through traffic on a motorbike? Choose GrabBike. Want a good old-fashioned taxi experience, tap the GrabTaxi button.

5. Destination

Now it's time to enter your destination. Simply type in where you're headed, it could be a landmark, a hotel, or a place like the Old Quarter in Hanoi. Grab's app will provide you with the best route, and by the time you confirm it, you should have an estimate of how much it will cost you - no tag surprise at the end!

6. Confirming Your Booking

Once the destination is set, the app shows you drivers who are nearby with ratings and how long it'll take them to reach you. You also know beforehand how much the fare will be so you don't risk paying more than you should pay. All you need to do is tap 'Book' and in less than a minute, your driver will arrive.

7. Payment Options

Grab Taxi Vietnam is very flexible in terms of payment as you can pay by card, especially when you are short on local currency cash during your trip. However, they also offer cash payment for those who prefer this mode. Just select your payment method before confirming the booking.

8. Track the Driver

One of the best features of a Grab Taxi is the ability to track your driver in real time. Your phone is fitted with a map detailing exactly where your driver is and when he will arrive. It's pretty useful, especially in places where it's packed in and you can't easily spot your ride.

9. Rate Your Driver

After your journey, don’t forget to rate your driver. Grab values feedback, and it’s also a way to ensure you get the best service. Plus, drivers with higher ratings are often more trusted by travellers like you.

Where to download Grab Taxi in Vietnam?

If you’re planning to use Grab Taxi in Vietnam, downloading the app is your first step to hassle-free travel. It’s quick, and simple, and sets you up for a smooth experience getting around Vietnam’s vibrant cities.

1. App Store for iPhone users

Grab is available for download through the App Store if you have an iPhone. Simply search for "Grab" in the search bar, and it should pop up as the first option to tap "Download," and you are set to go. You don't have to wait around for much, it installs quite easily, and before you know it, you'll be booking your first Grab Taxi in Vietnam.

2. Google Play Store for Android users

For those who use Android, just pop over to the Google Play Store. Then, type in "Grab" and you will find it on the list. Tap "Install," and it will download straight to your phone. Once downloaded, you can then proceed to complete your account creation and you can start booking rides for almost anywhere you go in Vietnam.