ABSTRACT Extensive research has been conducted on the transition to environmentally friendly fuels in developed countries worldwide. However, there has been a significant lack of attention given to this crucial topic in developing countries. The study aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing obstacles and prospects associated with transitioning to hydrogen fuel, with a specific focus on Vietnam. To achieve this objective, a rigorous SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis approach is employed, drawing upon an extensive literature review and the insights of selective experts in the field. Additionally, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is utilized to effectively prioritize the identified factors from the SWOT analysis through eigenvalue calculation. As a result, the weaknesses are the highest first-class priority factors, with “Dedicated infrastructure for the transition to hydrogen fuel” and “Technological capacity for converting to hydrogen fuel” taking the next priorities in the second class. The outcomes of this research serve as a valuable resource for Vietnam and other developing countries, guiding policy-making and practical applications in the pursuit of transitioning to hydrogen fuel. Furthermore, this paper establishes a robust framework that can guide future studies in this specific area of research.