Compare Taxi Prices in Vietnam: Best Options for 2024

Ever wondered how much it costs to get around in Vietnam by taxi? You're in for a treat! Whether you're dashing through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City or enjoying the scenic views on your way to Hoi An, understanding taxi prices in Vietnam will save you time and money. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about navigating Vietnam’s taxi scene, helping you avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the most reliable Vietnam transportation options available.

1. Understanding Taxi Fares in Vietnam

How Taxi Meters Work

In Vietnam, taxi meters are your best friends: there is usually a base rate, or "flagfall," for the first kilometer; after that, it's per kilometer, with slight variations depending on the different taxi companies. And don't forget to add waiting time! That's right: for every single minute that they have to wait in traffic-a fact that explains why, the more crowded the city, the more you might end up paying.

Factors Affecting Taxi Costs

The Taxi cost Vietnam is not the same everywhere. It depends on a few factors: rush hour traffic, the type of taxi hailed, and even the time of day. Fares increase greatly during the late hours of the night, especially in larger cities. Knowing the city's flow and taking shorter routes will be able to help one save money.

Average Fares

To give you an idea, the taxi fares in Vietnam cost between 11,000 VND and 20,000 VND per kilometer. Major taxi companies are relatively reliable, such as Mai Linh and Vinasun, whose prices are pretty competitive. Below is a rough look at some average fares:

Remember to carry small denominations in Vietnamese Dong (VND) as many drivers prefer cash over cards.

2. Taxi Prices in Major Cities

Hanoi

Taxis abound in the capital city and thus represent a very convenient means of transit on its busy streets: a ride from Noi Bai International Airport to the Old Quarter costs about 300,000 VND ($13), way more reasonable than private transfers. From the Old Quarter to West Lake, it could still be as high as 100,000 VND ($4.50) on a good day.

Ho Chi Minh City

In Ho Chi Minh City, it'll be quite a good way to escape the severe heat by using a taxi. A trip from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 usually ranges between 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND ($6.50-$9), depending on the traffic. You can have a fast trip in District 1-for example, from Ben Thanh Market to Bui Vien Street about 50,000 VND ($2).

Other Tourist Cities: Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang

The prices are lower in the coastal cities of Da Nang and Nha Trang, for instance. For instance, a 30 km ride from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An costs between 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($13-$17). A similar short ride in Nha Trang will cost 30,000 to 70,000 VND ($1.30-$3), depending on how far it is.

3. Taxis vs. Other Transportation Options

Rideshare in Vietnam

Grab is the most popular rideshare in Vietnam, and for good reason. Perhaps most important of all, the price is very transparent-you know just how much it will cost before you even get in. In large cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, they are often cheaper than taxis, which means you have more money to enjoy the nightlife, especially when the rush-hour traffic isn't in full effect. During peak hours, though, or in remote locations like rural villages and mountainside towns, options will be limited, and prices surge.

• Pros: Cheaper compared to taking taxi prices in Vietnam, very easy to book through the application, and no need for cash as payment can be made online.
• Cons: Relatively fewer services in rural areas, surge pricing.

Buses

For the budget traveler,  bus in Vietnam is a pretty good option. While buses are much slower, they are very cheap: fares start from as little as 5,000 VND for short trips. Intercity buses will put major destinations such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City within reach for a fraction of the cost of a taxi.

• Pros: Very cheap, ideal for longer distance traversing.
• Cons: Some disadvantages when compared with taxis or Grab are slower, with more limited routes and fewer conveniences.

4. Avoiding Taxi Scams in Vietnam

Nobody likes getting scammed, and while the majority of the drivers are pretty honest, there are some pretty common scams one needs to be aware of when trying to navigate the taxi prices in Vietnam. Here's what you should know:

Common Scams

• Inflated fares: Some of them might not use the meter and will quote inflated fares.
• Rigged meters: Some of the taxis have manipulated meters that run at an above-normal speed, inflating your fare.
• Fake taxis: They will either overcharge you or do other fraudulent activities.

Tips for Avoiding Scams

• Choose reputable taxi companies such as Mai Linh or Vinasun.
• Insist on using the meter or agree on the fare in advance.
• Use a map app on your cell phone so as not to be taken for a ride, per se.
• Carry small denominations of VND to avoid the "no change" excuse.

5. Tips for Using Taxis in Vietnam

Finding a Taxi

Taxis are easy to hail from the street, especially in busy areas. Using a taxi app, however, or booking one through your hotel saves you so much time and ensures that you get a trusted driver.

Communicating with Drivers

Most of the drivers do not speak fluent English, so it is always a good thing that you can have your destination written in Vietnamese. You can learn basic phrases like "Đến [destination], làm ơn" - meaning, please take me to [destination].

Tipping

Tipping in Vietnam is not obligatory, but it is always considered nice if you round up your fare to the nearest 10,000 VND for good service.

6. Conclusion

Looking for reliable taxi companies or ways you can estimate taxi prices in Vietnam? Here are some handy resources:

• Reputable Taxi Companies: Mai Linh, Vinasun, and Taxi Group.
• Taxi Fare Calculators: Websites like TaxiFareFinder allow you to estimate your fare in advance of taking the ride.
• Transportation Apps: People in Vietnam have been continuing with Grab, Gojek, and Be to ensure seamless rideshare services.

In conclusion, knowing the taxi prices in Vietnam and seeing your transportation options will go a long way in making your travels even better. Be it a traditional taxi or Grab, you are ready to go ahead and explore Vietnam confidently. Happy travels!