In a Taxi / Grab
Most rides are via Grab app now, but knowing these phrases helps with communication and shows respect.
Cultural Context:
Grab is everywhere and safe. Traditional taxis can overcharge tourists—use the meter or stick with Grab. Drivers appreciate any Vietnamese attempt.
Tôi muốn đi đến...
Toy moo-un dee den...
Literal: "I want go to..."
"I want to go to..."
When to use:
Stating your destination
Cultural Tip:
Have the address written in Vietnamese or show on phone
Dừng lại đây
Yung lie day
Literal: "Stop here"
"Stop here please"
When to use:
When you've arrived or want to stop
Cultural Tip:
Point as you say it for clarity
Bao nhiêu tiền?
Bao nyew tee-en?
Literal: "How much money?"
"How much does it cost?"
When to use:
Asking the price (though Grab shows it upfront)
Cultural Tip:
With Grab you don't need this, but useful for traditional taxis
Cảm ơn anh!
Gahm un an!
Literal: "Thank you older brother"
"Thank you! (to male driver)"
When to use:
Thanking your driver
Cultural Tip:
Use 'anh' for male drivers, 'chị' (chee) for female drivers
Rẽ trái
Zeh chai
Literal: "Turn left"
"Turn left"
When to use:
Giving directions to the driver
Cultural Tip:
Point as you say it for extra clarity
Rẽ phải
Zeh fai
Literal: "Turn right"
"Turn right"
When to use:
Giving directions to the driver
Cultural Tip:
Most drivers follow GPS now, but this helps in complex areas
Đi thẳng
Dee tang
Literal: "Go straight"
"Go straight"
When to use:
When you want them to continue straight
Cultural Tip:
Combine with hand gestures for best results
Chậm thôi
Cham toy
Literal: "Slow only"
"Slow down please"
When to use:
If the driver is going too fast for comfort
Cultural Tip:
Say it politely—Saigon traffic moves fast but safety first
Đợi một chút
Doy mote chute
Literal: "Wait one moment"
"Wait a moment please"
When to use:
If you need the driver to wait briefly
Cultural Tip:
Show your phone/watch to indicate how long
Đi sân bay Tân Sơn Nhất
Dee sun buy Tan Sun Nyat
Literal: "Go airport Tan Son Nhat"
"Go to Tan Son Nhat Airport"
When to use:
Essential for airport trips
Cultural Tip:
Airport is about 30-40 minutes from District 1
Practice Tips
Start Simple
Master 2-3 phrases before moving on. Use them in real situations. Confidence comes from repetition, not memorization.
Embrace Mistakes
Vietnamese people are incredibly patient and supportive. Your accent will be off—that's okay. Effort matters more than perfection.
Use It Daily
Order coffee in Vietnamese every morning. Say thank you in Vietnamese every time. Language lives in practice, not textbooks.
Ask for Help
"How do you say...?" is a powerful phrase. Locals love teaching their language and will become your best teachers over coffee.