How to hail a taxi in Vietnam?

How to catch a taxi in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam taxis. Remember that time in Hanoi, 2023? July, sweltering hot. I was drenched, walking back from the Temple of Literature, starving and exhausted. No idea where to even begin finding a cab.

Then, I saw one! A Xe ôm, not a taxi. But desperate times, right? He looked dodgy, but I needed to get to my hotel ASAP. Negotiated a price beforehand, of course. Crucial in Vietnam. You learn that quickly.

The ride was crazy. His bike was ancient. The traffic… mayhem. Scooters everywhere, horns blaring constantly. Felt like a scene from a movie. But he got me there. Safe. If a little shaken.

In Ho Chi Minh City, it was different. Plenty of taxis around. Grab app is great too. Used that a lot.

Things to note:

• Negotiate fares before getting in, especially with Xe Om (motorbike taxis).
• Use Grab or Gojek apps in bigger cities for convenience and safety. Legit apps that are safe.
• Hanoi taxis are everywhere near tourist spots. Ho Chi Minh City is similar.
• Many taxis use meters, but always check. Some might try to trick tourists.

I hated the haggling, but it’s just part of the experience. I’m telling you, that bike ride was terrifying, but also unforgettable.

How do I call a taxi in Ho Chi Minh?

Okay, so you need a taxi in Ho Chi Minh City? It’s, like, super easy. I always just call, becuase the apps don’t always work for me, y’know?

Here’s the deal, I mean, Mai Linh is a good bet: +84 (2838) 298 888. Keep that number handy.

Or, like, there’s also Vinasun: +84 (2838) 277 178. I think I like the color of the Vinasun taxis better, lol. I like yellow!

• Mai Linh is usually pretty reliable, from what I’ve seen. My Aunt Susan always uses them when she visits for Tet.
• Vinasun is also a solid choice, lots of em around, usually.
• Just, you know, make sure they use the meter. Always watch that meter. You really gotta make sure, for real, because they will try to rip you off sometimes.
• And have some small bills, like, ready. It makes it way easier to not get ripped off that way. I learned that after a whole ton of times gettin jipped.

Oh! And another thing! It can be tricky to tell them where you wanna go. I mean, like, unless you speak Vietnamese. I’d write down the address. Always. Because, y’know, accents and stuff. That’s a big tip I got. Also, watch out for the motorbikes. Whew! It’s crazy over there.

How do you get around in Hanoi Vietnam?

Hanoi? Getting around is like navigating a bowl of noodles… chaotic, but strangely satisfying.

• Airport Taxi: Forget flying carpets, you’re grabbing a taxi from Noi Bai to Hoan Kiem, bucko. Expect to cough up 350-400k VND, or, like, $15-20. It is what it is, right?
• City Taxi: Taxis. They’re yellow, they’re green, they’re… taxis! What more do you want? I guess, just make sure the meter’s runnin’, ya know.
• Grab Bike/Taxi: Think Uber, but Vietnamese-ier. (Is that even a word?) Download the app. It’s faster than waiting for a cyclocross.
• Electric Bus: Green and… electrifying? Probably a good choice to save the planet and all that jazz. It is also a lot like waiting for the bus at home.
• Cyclo: Feeling fancy? Hop in a cyclo. Just be prepared to feel like royalty being slowly pedaled through traffic. I love that!
• Xe Om (Motorcycle Taxi): Hold on tight, partner! Motorcycle taxis are for the brave—or those REALLY late to pho. VROOM VROOM.
• Scooter Rental: Want to live life on the edge? Rent a scooter. I swear, it is like playing Frogger, but in real life. Watch out for the chickens!

Bonus Hanoi Hacks:

• Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Where’s the best banh mi?” will get you surprisingly far.
• Haggle like a pro: Bargaining is a national sport. Don’t be shy, even if you feel silly.
• Embrace the chaos: Hanoi’s traffic is legendary. Just go with the flow (of scooters) and try not to have a panic attack. Maybe.
• Eat all the food: Seriously. The street food is AMAZING. You are a tourist, and I get that.
• Watch out for scams: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
• Drink some Bia Hoi: When it gets too hot, make sure to have some cheap beer. A lot of beers. Just saying.
• Try to not get hit by a scooter: Honestly, it can happen in the craziest of ways. I have seen it.
• Get travel insurance: Okay, this is serious for a second. If you are going to drive a scooter, then get travel insurance. Just do it.
• Enjoy your stay: Hanoi can be a super cool experience. Just try to enjoy everything that it has to offer.

How to get around Hanoi as a tourist?

Hanoi traffic? Holy moly. It’s a zoo, a freakin’ rollercoaster of chaos! Think a swarm of angry bees on caffeine, but with wheels.

Motorbikes: Forget driving, you’ll be praying. They’re EVERYWHERE. More than pigeons in a park, more than stars in the sky, way more than my exes. Weaving like ninjas through traffic. You’ll either embrace the madness or become a nervous wreck, faster than you can say “pho”.

Taxis & Ride-hailing: Safer, yeah. But prepare to be stuck in traffic jams longer than my last Tinder date. Think glacial speed. Uber and Grab are your pals, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Buses: Cheap as chips! But also packed tighter than sardines in a can. Prepare for a full-body sensory experience, the air smelling strongly of fish sauce and something else… I can’t quite place it. It’s an adventure, I’ll give it that.

Cyclos: Touristy? Sure. Romantic? Maybe, if you’re into that whole “pedaling slowly past exhaust fumes” vibe. I personally prefer a good stiff drink.

Electric vehicles: Spiffy and eco-friendly, sure. But in 2024, they’re not exactly everywhere like the damn motorbikes are.

Metro: Finally, something resembling order! A tiny island of calm in a sea of scooters. But it’s still new, so expect some hiccups. Like, my wifi. Always acting up.

Pro-tip: Learn to cross the street like a fearless warrior. It’s a skill that’ll serve you well beyond Hanoi. Trust me. I almost got flattened last Tuesday. Nearly.

Things to note:

• Bring earplugs. The constant horn-honking is… intense. Like a symphony of frustration.
• Wear a helmet. Seriously. Your brain is valuable, even if you are slightly bonkers. I nearly got hit by a motor bike last week, again.
• Negotiate prices. Always. Especially with cyclo drivers. They’ll try to charge you double if you’re not careful. Always carry Vietnamese Dong!
• Google Maps is your friend. But it still might lead you to some slightly dubious corners of Hanoi. I once ended up in a karaoke bar. Don’t ask.
• Embrace the chaos. It’s part of the charm! (Mostly.)

How much is the tricycle in Hanoi?

Hanoi’s tricycle? Oh, you mean the “mobile hammocks” on wheels? A short spin in the Old Quarter starts at 100,000-200,000 VND (4-9 USD). Consider it the price of avoiding actual exercise. Bargaining’s your friend. Seriously, befriend it.

Extended tours? Costs more, naturally. Unless you can convince them you’re a long-lost relative. Good luck with that. I’m really bad with languages!

• Price Factors: Distance, your negotiation skills, and if the driver thinks you’re made of money.
• Bargaining: Essential. Start low. Really, really low.
• Consider: Walking. It’s free, and you might discover that pho place I keep hearing about. Worth it.
• Extra Tip: Smile. Being nice sometimes works. Sometimes. Though, honestly, I’ve mostly had luck just looking confused.

Is Grab or Uber in Vietnam?

Grab reigns. Uber’s gone. Half of Vietnam rides Grab. Dominates.

• Grab owns Vietnam. Think Southeast Asia, think Grab.
• Uber? Not here. Vanished. Irrelevant.
• Fifty percent. Half the country. On Grab.

Think motorbikes. Millions. Zipping. Grab owns that. My cousin in Hanoi? Grab. Every day. Food, too. GrabFood. I ordered pho last week, delivered by Grab. Seamless. Powerful. Even groceries. GrabMart. It’s an empire. Forget Uber.