Xe Om
The motorbike taxi you will see on every corner, and when it is wise to skip it.
Xe om means “hug the motorbike” in Vietnamese, which tells you how it works. It is a motorbike taxi: you sit behind the driver and hold on. It is quick in traffic and common on every corner.
How will you meet it on the trip?
Drivers wait outside stations, markets and tourist areas and will call out to you. Short trips are what it suits best. Always agree the fare first, and keep small notes ready.
For flights and transfers, the travel-day checker helps you avoid cramming too much into one day.
When should you skip it?
Skip it with toddlers, with grandparents, in heavy rain and with luggage. A car or a ride-hailing app is steadier. Grab operates in Vietnam1, and the booking shows the route and the price before you start.
What is a good tip?
Show your destination on a map, not just by name. Wear the helmet the driver gives you. Photograph the plate if you feel unsure. Pick a car for any trip you would not want to repeat in the rain.
Which related terms will you see?
- Cyclo: a pedal-powered trishaw, slower and calmer.
- Grab: the ride-hailing app used for cars and bikes.
- Taxi: metered cars, best chosen from known companies.
For a first route, try the north, central or south route chooser. More guidance sits in Food and daily travel.
If getting around worries you, tell us who is travelling and which cities you will visit, and we will help you plan transfers that suit children and older relatives.
Common questions
How do I agree the fare for a xe om?
Agree the price before you get on, and say the destination clearly, ideally from a written name or map pin. A booking app shows a price up front, so it avoids a dispute. Keep small notes ready so you can pay the exact amount.
Is xe om safe for families?
It is quick but exposed, and it asks you to sit close to traffic. It is not a good fit for toddlers, grandparents or anyone with luggage or a weak balance. Choose a car for those trips and keep the motorbike for adults with a light bag.
Is there an alternative?
Yes. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab operate in Vietnam, with car options as well as bikes. A car gives a seat belt, air-conditioning and a price shown in advance. It suits family groups and rainy days.
Sources
- Grab operates in Vietnam; GrabTaxi first launched in Ho Chi Minh City in February 2014. Wikipedia
Keep planning
If getting around worries you, tell us who is travelling and which cities you will visit, and we will help you plan transfers that suit children and older relatives.