Vietnam Travel Hack: Why Solo Travelers Should Switch to “Taxi Pooling” 

Solo travel is liberating. You eat when you want, go where you please, and change plans on a whim. But there is one major downside that every backpacker and solo adventurer knows too well: The “Solo Tax.”

Let’s look at the math for a standard transfer from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) to the Old Quarter:

• Family of 4: They book a private car for 300,000 VND ($12). Cost per person: $3. (A bargain).
• You (Solo): You book the same private car for 300,000 VND ($12). Cost per person: $12.

Suddenly, your first hour in Vietnam costs 4x more than everyone else.

In the past, your only alternative was the public bus—cheap, yes, but often confusing, crowded, and requiring a kilometer-long walk to your hostel in the humid heat.

But in 2025, there is a third option. It’s called “Taxi Pooling” (or Shared Transfer), and it’s the smartest travel hack for budget-conscious visitors in Vietnam.

Part 1: What is “Taxi Pooling”? (Real Talk)

Let’s clear up a misconception: This is NOT a bus. And it’s not a luxury limo service either.

“Taxi Pooling” via platforms like Dichung is exactly what it sounds like: A standard taxi ride where you share the empty seats with 1 or 2 other travelers who are heading in the same direction.

• The Vehicle: You will ride in a standard 4-seater Sedan (like a Toyota Vios) or a 7-seater SUV (like a Toyota Innova).
• The Standard: The cars are modern, clean, air-conditioned, and smoke-free. The drivers are professional partners who understand the nuances of airport pickups.
• The Logic: Our technology matches you with passengers landing at a similar time. Instead of three separate cars driving to the city half-empty, we put you in one car.

You split the cost, but you do not split the comfort. You still get a comfortable seat, AC, and space for your legs.

You split the cost, not the comfort.

Part 2: The “Sweet Spot” Comparison

Why should you choose pooling over the super-cheap bus or the convenience of a private Grab car? The answer lies in the “Sweet Spot”—the perfect balance between Price and Convenience.

Let’s break down the economics for a typical trip from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An Ancient Town (a very popular route, approximately 30km):

The Verdict: With Taxi Pooling, you pay a “Bus-like” price but receive a “Taxi-like” service. You get picked up at the airport gate and dropped off exactly at your hotel lobby. No walking in the rain.

Part 3: Managing Expectations (How It Works)

At Dichung, we believe in total transparency. We want you to love this service, and the key to that is managing expectations. Since you are paying a heavily discounted rate compared to a private car, the process is slightly different. Here is the “Real Talk” on what you need to know to have a 5-star experience:

1. The “Wait Time” Factor: Unlike a private car that departs the second you close the car door, a shared taxi works on a grouping model.

• Reality Check: You might need to wait for the other passenger to clear immigration or baggage claim.
• What to expect: The standard maximum wait time is usually 15-20 minutes at the airport.
• Pro Tip: Use this time wisely! Airport arrivals are the perfect place to buy a local SIM card (Viettel or Vinaphone), exchange some currency, or grab your first authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi or Cà Phê Sữa Đá while you wait.

2. The Route & Stops: You might not be the first drop-off.

• Reality Check: The driver will determine the most efficient route based on the hotel locations of all passengers.
• The Experience: If your hotel is further away, view it as a free mini-tour of the city. You get to see different neighborhoods safely from a car window. In most cases, the detour adds only 10 to 15 minutes to the total trip time compared to a direct run.

3. Luggage Limits (Pack Smart): This is crucial. Since you are sharing a sedan or SUV, trunk space is a shared resource.

• The Rule: The standard allowance is usually 1 Medium/Large Suitcase + 1 Carry-on Backpack per person.
• The Warning: If you are traveling with a surfboard, a set of golf clubs, or moving to Vietnam with three giant suitcases, Taxi Pooling is not for you. In that case, please book a Private Car to ensure you have enough space.

Part 4: Why It’s the “Smart” & “Green” Choice

Beyond the obvious financial savings, there are two bigger, more impactful reasons to choose pooling in 2025.

1. Eco-Friendly Travel: Vietnam’s traffic is legendary. Every time you pool, you take one car off the road. Fewer empty seats mean lower carbon emissions. It’s a small step, but it makes you a more responsible tourist.
   
2. The “Community” Bonus

Solo travel can sometimes feel lonely, especially when you first arrive in a new country. Sharing a 45-minute ride from the airport into the city is a fantastic, low-pressure way to meet people. You are automatically paired with someone who is likely a traveler just like you. The conversation usually starts naturally:

• “Where are you staying?”
• “Is this your first time in Hanoi?”
• “Do you know any good places to eat?”

We have lost count of the number of customers who ended up sharing dinner, splitting a tour to Ha Long Bay, or exploring the city with the person they met in the back of a Dichung taxi. It is networking on wheels.

Part 5: Where Can You Use This?

While the concept is growing, Dichung’s Taxi Pooling is most effective on the high-volume routes where traveler density is high. Currently, the service shines brightest in these locations:

1. Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) ↔ Hanoi Old Quarter: The classic route. It saves you the hassle of the expensive 45-minute drive.
2. Da Nang Airport ↔ Hoi An: Essential. The distance is long enough that a private taxi is pricey, but the shared ride makes it incredibly affordable.
3. Cam Ranh Airport ↔ Nha Trang City: A long coastal drive (approx. 40 mins) that is perfect for cost-sharing.
4. Phu Quoc Airport ↔ Duong Dong Town: Perfect for island hoppers.

Spend on Experiences, Not Logistics

In Vietnam, $5 goes a long way.

• $5 = 2 bowls of Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup).
• $5 = 3 bottles of local Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer).
• $5 = An entry ticket to the Hue Imperial Citadel.

Don’t waste that $5 on an empty seat in a private taxi.

Ride Smart. Ride Together. Book your Shared Airport Transfer with Dichung today and start your Vietnam adventure with a win.

TRY IT NOW