Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Teams Up with Grab to Create New Seamless Digital Tourism Experiences

Published on December 5, 2025

Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic and cultural center of Vietnam, is moving forward with innovation to enhance tourism through a partnership with leading technology-based ride-hailing services, Grab. According to the announcement from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, this marks one of the important steps to develop an accessible, efficient, and digitalized tourism ecosystem. The city believes this could enrich the visitor experience further and make it a preferred destination for both domestic and international tourists.

A New Era for Tourism Marketing and Services
Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector is undergoing a significant transformation as the city seeks to modernize its offerings to meet the demands of a digital-savvy travel market. The partnership with Grab, which operates one of Southeast Asia’s largest digital platforms, is designed to strengthen destination marketing and improve the accessibility of tourist services. By integrating digital solutions, Ho Chi Minh City hopes to provide a more streamlined and modernized experience for tourists, making the city even more attractive to travelers.

Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, emphasized the importance of digital tools in this transformation. “We expect Grab’s platform to help promote Ho Chi Minh City more effectively, while enabling local attractions to reach visitors more easily and supporting sustainable tourism growth,” Hieu said. The integration of digital services into the tourism experience is expected to drive growth by attracting more visitors and providing a better-quality experience during their stay.

Leveraging Technology for Seamless Visitor Experiences
One of the core elements of this partnership is the integration of Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism maps and sightseeing packages directly into the Grab app. This feature will allow visitors to seamlessly plan and navigate their journey from transportation to dining and exploring attractions. Whether it’s booking a ride, finding a local restaurant, or exploring a historic site, the Grab app will serve as a one-stop digital tool for tourists.

The inclusion of Ho Chi Minh City tourism information on the Grab platform reflects the city’s commitment to providing easy access to travel information and services. Visitors can now explore the city’s vibrant cultural landmarks, taste its renowned cuisine, and book transportation all from one mobile app, eliminating the need for multiple platforms and improving convenience.

Empowering Local Businesses with Digital Tools
Another key aspect of the collaboration is its focus on empowering local businesses, especially small restaurants and eateries, to adapt to digital platforms. Grab will work with Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary businesses to introduce digital tools that will streamline operations and enhance service quality for tourists. This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the local food and beverage industry, allowing more restaurants to participate in online services and reaching a broader audience of travelers.

By helping local businesses leverage digital solutions, the partnership will not only improve the quality of services but also contribute to the growth of Ho Chi Minh City’s overall tourism infrastructure. This digital transformation will allow the city’s tourism sector to compete more effectively in a region where technology-driven travel services are becoming increasingly vital.

Sustainable Tourism Growth and Community Engagement
Sustainability is another focus of this digital tourism initiative. Both Grab and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. One of the major goals of the partnership is to enhance the city’s reputation as a “safe and welcoming destination,” which will be celebrated through the “Every tourism business is a friendly destination” program. This initiative, launched during the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week in December 2025, aims to honor businesses that maintain high service standards and are dedicated to sustainability and responsible tourism.

The program also encourages higher service standards across the tourism industry, ensuring that visitors have access to quality, safe, and reliable services during their stay. Through initiatives like this, Ho Chi Minh City is working to ensure that tourism continues to contribute positively to the local economy while preserving its cultural and environmental heritage.

Expanding Ho Chi Minh City’s Digital Tourism Ecosystem
Ho Chi Minh City’s partnership with Grab follows similar successful initiatives in other Vietnamese cities, including Hue, Da Nang, and Hai Phong. In these cities, Grab has played an instrumental role in supporting digital skills training for small businesses and promoting tourism programs that attract young, tech-savvy travelers.

The partnership in Ho Chi Minh City is part of a broader effort to expand the city’s digital tourism ecosystem, positioning it as a leader in the regional tourism landscape. As digital transformation continues to shape the global travel industry, Ho Chi Minh City’s focus on technology-driven tourism services will help attract more tourists, create new business opportunities, and ensure long-term sustainable growth.

A Competitive Edge in the Regional Tourism Market
The growing reliance on digital platforms for travel services is reshaping the tourism industry in Southeast Asia. By embracing these changes, Ho Chi Minh City is ensuring that it remains a competitive player in the regional tourism market. The integration of Grab’s digital tools into the city’s tourism ecosystem will not only enhance the visitor experience but also help the city stand out in an increasingly digital world.

As Southeast Asia’s tourism industry continues to evolve, Ho Chi Minh City’s commitment to innovation and sustainable practices positions it as a forward-thinking destination for tourists. With the help of Grab, the city is poised to set new standards in digital tourism, offering a seamless, convenient, and enjoyable experience for visitors from around the world.

Transforming the Future of Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City

This marks a significant milestone in Ho Chi Minh City’s digital tourism journey. Powered by technology to enhance destination marketing, visitor experience, and the capability of local businesses, the city is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and competitive tourism industry. Given that increasingly more travelers rely on digital means to plan and book their trips, it follows that Ho Chi Minh City’s spotlight on digital transformation will ensure it stays among the top destinations for years to come.