Grab vs Private Car: What Is the Best Choice in Vietnam?

When traveling in Vietnam, choosing the right means of transportation can quickly become a challenge. Between Grab, the go-to app for quick rides, and private car services with a driver, it’s sometimes hard to know which option to prioritize.

I’ve often heard this question from travelers: “What’s the best choice?” And since every situation is different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on your needs, budget, and, most importantly, the experience you’re looking for.

In this article, I’ll compare these two options across 10 key points: flexibility, comfort, cost, safety… By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which option suits you best—whether it’s a simple ride within the city or a full-day excursion. Let’s dive in!

For this comparison, I’ve chosen Grab and a private car service in Hoi An, such as Hoi An Transport Service, which provides transparent pricing, making the comparison easier.

Route Flexibility: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

When it comes to flexibility, the difference between Grab and a private car is clear. Grab, as a transportation app, generally takes you from point A to point B. You enter your destination, and the driver follows the route provided by the app.

If you need to make an unplanned stop or modify your route, this can quickly become complicated, if not impossible.

Private Car

With a private car, everything is much simpler. You have a dedicated driver who fully adapts to your needs. Need to take a detour to visit a village, buy a souvenir, or snap a photo of a beautiful landscape? No problem—it’s entirely up to you.

This level of flexibility is especially useful when planning a full-day excursion, where multiple stops are often necessary.

Verdict:

• Grab: 0 points – The app doesn’t allow for easy itinerary customization or additional stops.

• Private Car: 1 point – Total flexibility to adapt the route based on the client’s needs.

2. Availability: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

Grab is a very convenient option in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang (where the app is officially available). Interestingly, it’s also available in Hoi An, even though it’s not officially supported there.

You simply open the app, request a ride, and within minutes, a driver is usually at your location. However, as soon as you venture beyond urban centers, the story changes. Grab often becomes unavailable in rural areas or remote tourist destinations. You could end up waiting a long time for a car to show up—if one even does.

Moreover, just like with taxis, you may encounter fake Grab drivers offering to take you on a ride without using the app, which can lead to inconsistent pricing and other issues.

Private Car

This is where private car services make all the difference. No matter where you want to go, your driver will take you there. Whether it’s exploring places like My Son, the Marble Mountains, or an authentic village off the beaten path, you’ll never have to worry about finding a vehicle to bring you back.

Verdict:

• Grab: 0 points – Not well-suited for remote destinations like Hoi An’s bamboo bridge.

• Private Car: 1 point – Always available, even for the most secluded areas.

3. Cost for Long Trips or Excursions: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

Cost is often a key factor when choosing a mode of transportation, especially when traveling. Grab is generally more economical for short rides within cities. A trip of just a few kilometers might only cost a few tens of thousands of VND, making it unbeatable for quick, local rides.

However, for long-distance trips or full-day excursions, things get trickier. Grab’s prices are calculated per distance or estimated upfront and can escalate quickly, particularly if you add stops or detours. On top of that, dynamic pricing during peak demand can further increase the bill.

Private Car

With a private car service, the price is usually fixed and negotiated in advance. You know exactly what you’ll pay, whether it’s a 50 km or 100 km journey, and you can make as many stops as you like without worrying about additional charges. This makes it a much more cost-effective option for full-day excursions, such as a trip to Ba Na Hills or a round trip to Hue.

Verdict: Long Trips

• Grab: 0 points – Quickly becomes expensive for long distances.

• Private Car: 1 point – Fixed rates and often more affordable for long or complex trips.

4. Short Trips: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

For short trips, such as moving around the city or going from point A to point B over a few kilometers, Grab is often unbeatable. The app allows you to book a ride quickly, with competitive prices tailored to short distances.

A car is usually available within minutes, making it perfect for last-minute needs.

Private Car

With a private car, this type of trip is less suited. These services are typically designed for excursions, longer journeys, or transportation requiring greater flexibility and comfort. While it’s possible to use a private car for a short trip, it is often more expensive than Grab for such needs.

Verdict:

• Grab: 1 point – Ideal for quick and affordable trips.

• Private Car: 0 points – Less practical and more expensive for this type of travel.

5. Comfort and Space: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

When it comes to comfort, Grab and private cars operate in completely different leagues. With Grab, the type of vehicle depends entirely on the driver. You might end up in a small compact car with limited space, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group—and sometimes without air conditioning (I’ve experienced this firsthand).

The level of comfort can also vary greatly: some vehicles are spotless, while others might be poorly maintained. Grab drivers come from all walks of life, which can result in wildly different experiences—for better or worse.

Private Car

Private cars, on the other hand, are specifically chosen to offer maximum comfort. You’ll typically have access to spacious, air-conditioned, and well-maintained vehicles.

For families or groups, it’s even possible to book larger options, such as 7-seater SUVs or 16-seater minivans, which provide plenty of space for passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Verdict:

• Grab: 0 points – Vehicles are often smaller and limited in space.

• Private Car: 1 point – Spacious, air-conditioned options perfect for families or groups.

6. Local Knowledge and Driver Recommendations: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

When traveling in a country like Vietnam, having a driver who knows the area well can transform your experience. With Grab, drivers primarily focus on transportation. They are not there to share anecdotes or recommend places to visit.

Additionally, the language barrier often limits interaction, which can be frustrating if you’re looking for information about the region.

Private Car

In contrast, private car drivers often have a deep knowledge of local and tourist destinations. They can point out the best restaurants, must-visit attractions, or even hidden spots to avoid the crowds.

Many are accustomed to working with tourists and can help you better understand Vietnamese culture while offering tips to make the most of your trip.

Verdict:

• Grab: 0 points – Limited interaction; drivers rarely provide tourist advice.

• Private Car: 1 point – Experienced drivers who can often share valuable local recommendations.

7. Language and Communication: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

Language can be a significant barrier when traveling in Vietnam, and this factor can heavily influence your choice of transport. With Grab, most drivers speak only Vietnamese.

Communication is generally handled through the app, but if you have a specific question or need during the trip, it can be difficult to make yourself understood. This can be frustrating, especially if unexpected situations arise.

Private Car

With a private car, the situation is often different. Drivers working for private services are usually experienced in serving foreign tourists, and many speak English or at least understand the basics needed to meet your requests.

This greatly facilitates communication, whether you want to plan a stop, adjust your itinerary, or get information about the region.

Verdict:

• Grab: 0 points – The language barrier can create challenges.

• Private Car: 1 point – Drivers are accustomed to communicating with tourists, often in English.

8. Safety and Reliability: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

Safety and reliability are essential factors when choosing a mode of transportation, especially in a country you’re visiting for the first time. With Grab, the experience can be inconsistent.

While most drivers are reliable, there are occasions when rides are canceled at the last minute, particularly during peak demand or in less frequented areas. This can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule or need to get somewhere urgently.

Private Car

Private car services excel in reliability. Once your booking is confirmed, your driver is guaranteed to be there at the agreed time, ready to take you wherever you need to go.

Moreover, these drivers are often more experienced with local roads, which can make a big difference in terms of safety—especially for long trips or mountainous routes like the Hai Van Pass.

Verdict:

• Grab: 0 points – Risk of cancellations and reliance on driver availability.

• Private Car: 1 point – Guaranteed booking, professional, and experienced drivers.

9. Accessibility for Families or Groups: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

Traveling with family or in a group can make transportation choices more challenging, especially if you have luggage. With Grab, the available vehicles are often sedans or compact cars that can accommodate a maximum of 4 passengers with very limited space for bags.

If you’re traveling with more people, you’ll likely need to book multiple cars, as there are no 16-seater minibuses available on the app. This can quickly drive up costs and make logistics more complicated.

Private Car

Private cars, on the other hand, offer options tailored to families or groups. You can book larger vehicles, such as SUVs or minivans, that allow everyone to travel together comfortably, with plenty of space for luggage.

Additionally, traveling in a single vehicle enhances convenience and fosters a more enjoyable group experience, whether for excursions or transfers.

Verdict:

• Grab: 0 points – Not suitable for groups or families with a lot of luggage.

• Private Car: 1 point – Perfectly adapted with spacious vehicles and simplified organization.

10. Service Speed: Grab or Private Car?

Grab

When it comes to finding a car quickly, Grab is unbeatable. Thanks to its intuitive app, just a few clicks are all it takes for a driver to arrive within minutes. This makes it particularly convenient for impromptu trips or emergencies.

Private Car

With a private car, the speed is less impressive since this type of service requires prior booking, often at least a few hours or a day in advance. However, this preparation also ensures greater reliability for planned trips or excursions.

Verdict:

• Grab: 1 point – Ideal for immediate needs.

• Private Car: 0 points – Designed for pre-planned trips.

Summary of Scores

Criterion	Grab	Private Car
1. Route Flexibility	0	1
2. Availability	0	1
3. Cost for Long Trips or Excursions	0	1
4. Short Trips	1	0
5. Comfort and Space	0	1
6. Local Knowledge and Driver Advice	0	1
7. Language and Communication	0	1
8. Safety and Reliability	0	1
9. Accessibility for Families or Groups	0	1
10. Service Speed	1	0
Total	2	8

Conclusion: Grab or Private Car, Which Should You Choose?

The choice between Grab and a private car ultimately depends on your needs and expectations for your trip to Vietnam. If you’re looking for a quick and economical solution for short trips within the city, Grab is a practical option. However, when your needs become more complex—long-distance journeys, excursions, comfort, or customization—a private car emerges as the superior choice.

A private car not only provides peace of mind with seamless organization but also offers an enriching experience with drivers ready to guide you, adapt your itinerary, and make your journey as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

My advice: To fully explore Vietnam, whether visiting iconic sites like My Son or Ba Na Hills, or simply traveling comfortably, choose the flexibility and reliability of a private car. You’ll make the most of every moment without worrying about logistics.