Tipping Etiquette in Vietnam: A Guide to Tipping Practices and Recommended Amounts
Tipping Culture in Vietnam: What You Need to Know
Tipping isn’t a customary practice in Vietnam, although it’s highly valued.The concept of tipping remains largely unfamiliar to the majority of Vietnamese people. A significant portion of Vietnam’s service industry comprises of street food vendors and family-operated enterprises, which haven’t yet embraced a well-defined stance on tipping.Individuals working in such establishments might find themselves perplexed or might even encourage you to take back the additional money.
Tipping Culture in Vietnam
In contrast, the act of tipping is generally anticipated in more upscale restaurants, bars, and spas. In bustling urban centers and popular tourist destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, the practice of tipping appears to be more prevalent.
Furthermore, while gratuities are warmly received in major tourist hubs and metropolitan areas, those residing in rural areas don’t hold any expectations of being tipped. Offering additional money that they haven’t requested might even cause offense, particularly among the elderly.
Tipping Etiquette for Different Services
- Tourguide : Tour guides play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of your journeys. The level of assistance, expertise, and friendliness showcased by the tour guide can be the deciding factor between an exceptionally delightful trip and a regrettable one. This is why it is strongly advised to show an added level of generosity to your tour guide, particularly when you are embarking on a private tour. For a private tour guide, tipping between US $7 and US $10 per day is customary. If you’re in a larger group, consider tipping around US $2 to US $3 per pax daily.
- Tour driver : It’s considered reasonable to tip a tour driver around US $5 to US $7 per day. This is justified as they are available throughout the day, ensuring your safety during transportation and driving responsibly while taking you to various destinations. Additionally, you might occasionally come across a driver who is not only pleasant and knowledgeable but can also communicate quite well in English. Should you encounter such a driver, offering a small gift in conjunction with a tip would be appreciated, and they would treat this gesture with great respect.
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Restaurant Waiter/Waitress: In restaurants, it is not customary to leave a tip, especially in local eateries. Since many restaurants in Vietnam don’t include a service charge in the bill, direct tipping is a customary practice. If you’re pleased with the service, a tip ranging from US $1 to US $3 is considerate. Additionally, some establishments provide a tipping box where you can leave a modest amount, around US $1 as an expression of gratitude, which will be shared among the staff. Higher-end restaurants and 5-star hotel dining venues often add a service charge, but supplementing this with a small gratuity for exceptional service is a courteous gesture.
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Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, including bellhops and housekeeping, is appreciated & common in Vietnam.Bellmen play a pivotal role as they’re often the first and last point of contact during your hotel stay. They assist with luggage, check-in, and check-out, a standard tip for bellmen is around US $2 (50,000 VND) or US $1 per piece of luggage.While some might argue that tipping housekeeping staff isn’t necessary, leaving a small gratuity of US $1-2 (50,000 VND) on the room table is a gesture of appreciation for their efforts in maintaining your accommodation
- Spas and Salons: If you enjoy spa treatments or salon services during your trip, tipping around 5-10% of the total bill is a polite gesture for the staff who have provided these services.
- Taxis and Transportation: Tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but you can round up the fare as a gesture of appreciation. For other forms of transportation, like cyclos or motorbike taxis, rounding up is also a common practice
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the amount you choose to tip can vary based on your satisfaction with the service and your budget. While tipping is appreciated, the most important thing is to treat the locals with respect and kindness.
We hope this information helps you navigate the tipping customs during your travels in Vietnam. If you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else, feel free to reach out to us. reach out to +84.988451530 (whatsapp) or email us at [email protected].
Wishing you a fantastic and enriching journey in Vietnam!
Golden Holiday Travel Team
Frequently Asked Questions
No, tipping is not mandatory or traditionally part of Vietnamese culture. However, it is increasingly common and highly appreciated in tourist areas as a gesture of gratitude for excellent service. While you are never obligated to tip, small amounts can go a long way in supporting local service workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
For a private tour guide, a standard tip is generally between $7 and $10 USD (approx. 180,000 to 250,000 VND) per day, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you are traveling in a group of 5 or more, a tip of $3 to $5 USD per person per day is a thoughtful way to recognize their expertise and hospitality.
A reasonable tip for a private driver is typically around $3 to $5 USD (approx. 75,000 to 125,000 VND) per day. Drivers often go beyond their duties by ensuring your safety on mountain roads and assisting with luggage. If you book a multi-day trip with Golden Holiday Travel, it is customary to provide the tip at the very end of your journey
In local street food stalls and casual cafes, tipping is not expected, though rounding up the bill is a nice gesture. In mid-range to high-end restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is polite. Always check your bill first: if a “Service Charge” is already included, an additional tip is entirely optional and only necessary for truly exceptional service.
In hotels, it is polite to tip the bellman about 20,000 VND ($1 USD) per bag for helping with your luggage. For housekeeping, leaving 20,000 to 50,000 VND per day on the bedside table with a small “Thank You” note is highly appreciated. It is best to tip housekeeping daily rather than at the end of your stay, as the staff members may change.
Yes! As a licensed tour operator, Golden Holiday Travel ensures our clients feel comfortable with all local customs. Our guides are happy to provide discreet advice on tipping practices for specific situations, such as boat rowers in Ninh Binh or porters in Sapa, to ensure your interactions remain respectful and stress-free.
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