Navigation Apps Aid 50% of Vietnam Motorbikers

Photo courtesy of VN Express

A recent study by HERE Technologies reveals that half of Vietnamese motorbike riders frequently use navigation aids, highlighting their role in daily travel and work efficiency. Conducted across several Asian countries, this survey found navigation tools particularly prevalent in Vietnam due to urban traffic and the blending of professional and personal use.

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Vietnam showed a 50% usage rate for mobile navigation, lagging behind China’s 70% and India’s 61%, but surpassing Indonesia and Japan. Factors such as dense traffic and less formal street naming systems increase the reliance on navigation in Vietnam. HERE Technologies emphasizes the importance of these tools in mitigating travel times and avoiding errors, especially given the country’s heavy motorbike use.

The study highlights route optimization as a top priority, favored by 62% of users, alongside voice-guided directions and real-time traffic updates. Munish Kumar Verma of HERE Technologies notes the critical role of these features in managing the complex traffic environment of Vietnam, crucial for those whose income depends on timely travel and deliveries.

User satisfaction shows a mixed outlook; 39% are "very satisfied" while 15% express dissatisfaction. Consistent issues include signal instability, map inaccuracies, and poor turn-by-turn guidance, with routing errors a common frustration. These challenges can affect delivery times and overall income for riders, who demand improvements in accuracy and responsiveness.

Looking forward, addressing navigation errors and enhancing real-time data will be pivotal. Vietnamese riders expect more reliable systems to optimize both safety and efficiency in their dense urban commutes, indicating an area for growth in digital navigation solutions.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 18 May 2026