Tipping in Vietnam: A Guide for Foreign Tourists

Navigating the nuances of tipping when traveling can be a perplexing task, and Vietnam is no exception. Unlike some Western countries where tipping is a deeply ingrained custom, the tipping culture in Vietnam is more subtle and less universally expected. However, showing your appreciation through a gratuity can significantly enhance the experience for service providers who often earn modest wages.

Planning your Vietnam trip cost involves understanding all expenses, and while small, tips add up. This guide will clarify when and how much to tip, helping you manage this aspect of your budget effectively.

1. Understanding the Landscape of Tipping in Vietnam

Tipping has not been a long-standing tradition in Vietnam, and it’s generally not expected in the same way as in Western countries. However, with the rise of tourism, tipping has become more common — especially in major cities and service areas like hotels, tours, or restaurants that cater to international visitors. While you won’t offend anyone by not tipping, offering a small amount for good service is a kind gesture and often genuinely appreciated.

Vietnamese people take pride in their hospitality, and when you do tip, it’s usually met with humility. Some may politely refuse at first, so simply smile, say “Cảm ơn” (thank you), and gently insist. It’s not just about money — it’s a respectful way to show appreciation and can create a more meaningful connection during your travels.

2. When and Who to Tip in Vietnam

Let’s dive into the specifics of when and who to tip in Vietnam, along with recommended amounts based on the type of service and your overall budget for Vietnam trip.

2.1. Restaurants and Cafes

• 📍 Local Eateries (Pho Stalls, Street Food Vendors): Tipping is generally not expected or practiced at these establishments. Prices are usually very low, and the focus is on quick, efficient service. If you receive exceptional service or want to show appreciation, you can round up the bill or leave a small amount (e.g., 10,000-20,000 VND, or about $0.40-$0.80 USD). However, this is entirely at your discretion.
  • ➖ Budget Tier: No tipping.
  • ➖ Mid-Range/Luxury: Optional small tip, or round up.
• 📍 Mid-Range Restaurants (Local and Tourist-Oriented): Similar to local eateries, tipping is not strictly mandatory. However, if you’ve had a pleasant dining experience, consider leaving a small tip.
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: 5-10% of the bill, or 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.80-$2 USD) for good service. Some establishments might include a service charge, so check your bill carefully. If a service charge is included, an additional tip is not necessary but can be given for outstanding service.
• 📍 High-End Restaurants and Fine Dining Establishments: These places often cater to international tourists and may have a service charge (usually 5-10%) already added to your bill. If a service charge is included, you are not obligated to tip further. However, if the service was truly exceptional, an additional 5% or a small amount (e.g., 50,000-100,000 VND or $2-$4 USD) is a kind gesture. This additional tip is often directly for the waitstaff, even if a service charge is distributed to the entire staff.
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: Check for service charge. If none, 10-15%. If included, optional 5% for exceptional service.

2.2. Hotels and Accommodation

Tipping hotels in Vietnam is generally appreciated, especially for staff who provide direct services and contribute to your comfort.

• 📍 Bellhops/Porters: These individuals work hard transporting your luggage.
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.80-$2 USD) per bag, depending on the hotel’s class and the number of bags. For a standard 3-4 star hotel, 20,000 VND per bag is sufficient. For luxury hotels with more extensive service, 50,000 VND per bag is more appropriate.
• 📍 Housekeeping: The team ensuring your room is clean and tidy often works behind the scenes.
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.80-$2 USD) per day, left on the pillow or in a clearly marked envelope. This is a common way to show appreciation for their hard work. If you’re staying for several days, you can leave a larger sum at the end of your stay.
• 📍 Concierge/Front Desk Staff:
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: Not typically expected for standard services like checking in or asking for directions. However, if they go above and beyond to arrange special requests (e.g., last-minute reservations, unique local experiences), provide exceptional assistance with a problem, or save you significant time or hassle, a tip of 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-$4 USD) is a thoughtful gesture.
• 📍 Doormen:
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: Generally not tipped unless they provide a specific service like hailing a taxi (especially in bad weather) or assisting with luggage. A small tip of 10,000-20,000 VND ($0.40-$0.80 USD) would suffice in such cases.

2.3. Transportation

Tipping taxi drivers in Vietnam and other forms of transport can vary, often depending on the level of personalized service.

• 📍 Taxis (Metered):
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: You can round up the fare to the nearest 10,000 VND, or offer an additional 5,000-10,000 VND ($0.20-$0.40 USD) if the driver was particularly helpful, polite, navigated challenging traffic well, or assisted with luggage. Many locals simply pay the exact fare. For app-based services or other ride-hailing apps, you can tip directly through the app, which is a convenient and transparent option. This is often preferred by drivers.
• 📍 Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om):
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: Similar to regular taxis, rounding up the fare is common, but not expected. An extra 5,000-10,000 VND ($0.20-$0.40 USD) for a friendly driver or good service is appreciated, especially if they helped you navigate a busy area.
• 📍 Private Drivers (Car Rentals with Driver for a Day Trip or Longer):
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: If you hire a private driver for a day or multiple days, a tip is highly recommended, as they are providing dedicated service. This is particularly true if they are courteous, drive safely, are knowledgeable about the area, and are punctual.
    • 🌟 Daily Rate: 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-$8 USD) per day.
    • 🌟 Multi-Day Trip: For extended journeys, a larger sum given at the end of the service is more appropriate. Consider 500,000-1,000,000 VND ($20-$40 USD) for a multi-day journey, depending on the length, complexity, and overall quality of service. This amount should reflect the duration and the driver’s commitment.

2.4. Tour Guides and Tour Operators

Tipping tour guides in Vietnam is one of the areas where tipping is most appreciated and often expected, especially for multi-day tours or private guides who dedicate significant time, local expertise, and effort to enhance your experience. They often act as your bridge to Vietnamese culture and history.

• 📍 Group Tour Guides (Half-Day/Full-Day):
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-$4 USD) per person per day. If it’s a particularly large group and the guide is managing many people effectively, or if they provided exceptional insights, a slightly higher amount might be considered. This range ensures they receive a meaningful supplement.
• 📍 Private Tour Guides: For personalized attention and a deeper dive into local culture, private guides invest a lot.
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-$8 USD) per person per day, or more if they went above and beyond to personalize your experience, provide in-depth information, assist with unexpected situations, or demonstrate extraordinary passion and knowledge.
• 📍 Drivers on Tours (separate from the guide):
  • Recommended Tip: 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-$4 USD) per day, per group. This is separate from the tour guide’s tip and acknowledges the driver’s role in safe and comfortable transportation.
• 📍 Boat Crews (e.g., Halong Bay Cruise, Mekong Delta Boat Trips): For multi-day cruises, especially, the crew works tirelessly to ensure your safety, comfort, and dining experience.
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: For a multi-day cruise, a collective tip box is often available in a prominent location (e.g., reception desk). If not, consider 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-$4 USD) per passenger per day to be distributed among the crew. This shows appreciation for their diverse services, including cooking, cleaning, navigation, and entertainment. For shorter boat trips (e.g., a few hours), a smaller collective tip of 20,000-50,000 VND per group is appropriate if they were particularly helpful.

2.5. Spas and Wellness Services

Vietnam is famous for its affordable and high-quality spa and massage services. Vietnamese tipping customs here align more closely with international expectations for personal care.

• 📍 Massage Therapists/Spa Technicians:
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-$4 USD) for a standard 60-90 minute massage or treatment. For exceptional service, especially in higher-end spas where the service quality is top-notch, you might consider slightly more, perhaps up to 150,000 VND ($6 USD).
• 📍 Hairdressers/Nail Technicians:
  • ➖ Recommended Tip: 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.80-$2 USD) or 5-10% of the service cost, depending on the complexity of the service and your satisfaction.

2.6. Other Services

• 📍 Porters at Airports/Train Stations: These individuals assist with heavy luggage.
  • Recommended Tip: 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.80-$2 USD) depending on the amount of luggage and the effort involved.
• 📍 Toilet Attendants: While not common everywhere, in some higher-end establishments or very well-maintained public toilets where there’s an attendant, a small 5,000-10,000 VND ($0.20-$0.40 USD) is a nice gesture for their efforts in keeping the facilities clean.
• 📍 Street Vendors/Local Market Sellers: Absolutely no tipping here. Prices are typically already low, and haggling is a common practice. Offering a tip would be unusual and could even cause confusion.

Explore: What’s Your Vietnam Average Daily Cost? A Complete Budget Breakdown for Every Travel Style

3. Insider Tips for Tipping in Vietnam

Here are some practical Vietnam tipping etiquette and “insider tips” to help you navigate tipping gracefully and effectively, ensuring your gestures are well-received and appreciated:

1. Always Carry Small Denominations (VND): This is perhaps the most important tip. Trying to tip with large bills can be incredibly inconvenient for the recipient, as they may not have change, especially at local establishments. Ensure you have plenty of 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, and 50,000 VND notes readily available. US dollars are generally not accepted for small tips, and converting them causes extra hassle for the recipient.
2. Discretion is Key: When tipping, try to be discreet. Hand the money directly to the service provider with a smile and a “Cảm ơn” (thank you). Avoid making a show of it, as it can sometimes make people feel uncomfortable or even publicly embarrassed, particularly in less touristy areas where direct tipping is less common. It should be a private gesture of appreciation.
3. Tipping for Exceptional Service, Not as an Obligation: Remember that tipping in Vietnam is largely a gesture of appreciation for good service, rather than a mandatory addition to the bill. If the service was genuinely poor, you are not expected to tip. However, consider providing constructive feedback to the management if there’s a serious issue, instead of simply not tipping, which might be misunderstood as a general dissatisfaction without specific reason.
4. Check for Service Charges (Before Tipping!): Before reaching for your wallet, always check your bill, especially in higher-end restaurants, hotels, and sometimes even spas, for a “service charge” or “phí phục vụ.” If it’s already included (often 5-10%), you’ve fulfilled your obligation to compensate the service staff. Any additional tip is purely voluntary and reserved for truly outstanding service that goes above and beyond.
5. Be Mindful of Your Budget: While it’s great to be generous, remember your own travel budget. Tipping amounts can be adjusted based on whether you’re traveling on a tight budget, mid-range, or luxury. A smaller tip given genuinely with a warm smile is always better than no tip at all, or a tip given grudgingly.
6. Avoid Tipping with Coins or Very Old/Damaged Notes: Vietnamese currency primarily uses banknotes. Tipping with coins (if you happen to have them from other countries) is not customary and might be seen as less respectful. Similarly, avoid giving excessively torn or heavily damaged notes, as they can be difficult for locals to exchange.

4. The Impact of Your Tip: More Than Just Money

While the amounts may seem small by Western standards, a tip can make a significant difference to the lives of service providers in Vietnam. The average monthly income for many in the service industry can be quite modest. Your gratuity, even a small one, can help supplement their wages, improve their quality of life, and motivate them to continue providing excellent service. It’s a tangible way to show your appreciation and contribute positively to the local economy — and it’s a small but meaningful addition to the overall cost of travelling in Vietnam.

For example, a typical tour guide might earn a base salary, but tips from satisfied customers are often a crucial part of their overall income, enabling them to support their families, save for their children’s education, or simply have a bit more financial comfort. Similarly, a hotel housekeeper works incredibly hard, often long hours, to ensure your room is pristine; a small daily tip can be a very meaningful bonus for their efforts, directly acknowledging their hard work. Your tip directly supports the people who are the backbone of Vietnam’s hospitality.

5. FAQs

The tipping culture in Vietnam is evolving, influenced by global tourism trends. While not as entrenched as in some other countries, it is increasingly becoming a way for foreign tourists to express gratitude for good service. By understanding who to tip in Vietnam and how much to tip in Vietnam, you can confidently navigate these customs and ensure your gestures are both appropriate and appreciated.

Remember to carry small denominations, tip discreetly, and always view your gratuity as a token of genuine appreciation for service that has enhanced your travel experience. Ultimately, the best tip is one given with a warm smile and heartfelt thanks, acknowledging the hard work and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

As Ms. Ngoc Diem, our Senior Tour Designer at Sun Getaways Travel, often says, “Tipping in Vietnam isn’t just about the money; it’s about showing respect and acknowledging the hard work and genuine hospitality of the Vietnamese people who make your journey truly memorable. It’s a small bridge of appreciation between cultures.”