A Hong Kong traveler has shared a frightening experience during a car-hailing ride in Vietnam, urging others to stay vigilant when using international ride services.
The traveler posted on the platform Threads, detailing how she narrowly escaped what she believed could have been a kidnapping during a Grab ride on Phu Quoc Island, a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Grab is a widely used ride-hailing app across the region.
According to the post, the woman was caught off guard by heavy rain when the driver unexpectedly took a one-way road, only to encounter an oncoming car that blocked their path. She shared a screenshot of the app showing that the car was heading in the opposite direction of her intended destination.
The traveler recounted how, during a heated argument between her driver and another, she saw an opportunity to escape. She quickly exited the vehicle and hailed another ride to return to her hotel safely.
The post prompted widespread discussion online, with some users pointing out that Grab typically alerts passengers if their driver deviates from the planned route. These users cited experiences where notifications popped up when the driver stopped unexpectedly, such as at a convenience store. However, the traveler claimed that no such alerts appeared during her ride.
Others suggested that the situation might have been a misunderstanding, with some speculating that the driver was simply taking a longer detour. A few users shared similar stories, including an encounter in Hoi An, where Grab’s map showed two different locations for the same destination.
While some questioned the traveler’s concerns, particularly given Phu Quoc’s isolation as an island separated from Cambodia, many others expressed sympathy for her experience. They echoed her warning to remain cautious when using ride-hailing services, especially in unfamiliar regions.
The incident serves as a reminder to be aware of the risks associated with ride-hailing, particularly in foreign countries.
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