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Tipping was not traditionally the norm in Vietnam. However, tipping culture has become more common in recent years as more and more international tourists have visited Vietnam, with urban centers like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang being the most affected. Today, while tipping in Vietnam is appreciated, it is still not expected widely. If you choose to tip, consider it a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service rather than an obligation. Even a small tip can make someone’s day and is always seen as a kind gesture.
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General tipping culture in Vietnam
Vietnamese culture prioritizes hospitality without expecting tips, making tipping less obligatory than in the United States and some Western countries. While not rude, tipping should be a quiet gesture of thanks for great service, not an assumption of need.
You should always tip in Vietnamese Dong (VND) for the recipient's convenience, allowing them to use the money immediately without needing to exchange it. Tipping in VND not only supports the local economy but also shows respect for the local culture.
Beyond monetary tips, expressing thanks with a smile, a sincere "Cảm ơn", and treating staff with courtesy are the most valued ways to show appreciation for good service in Vietnam.
How much to tip in Vietnam?
Tipping at restaurants and cafes
For local cafes or street food vendors, servers generally don't have an expectation of tips. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount of change, around 20,000 to 50,000 VND, is a polite gesture when you receive good service. You can hand it directly to the server or place it in a tip jar on the counter.
You'll likely see a happy smile on their face and sometimes even a surprised look.
In mid-range to high-end restaurants, if you are not charged a service fee, a tip of around 5-10% of the bill is normal. Always check your bill to see if a service charge has already been included before deciding on the tip amount. You can tip more if the service charge is lower.
Tipping in hotels
For luggage handling or providing assistance, a tip of 20,000 to 30,000 VND is expected for bellboys. Again, you won't be considered rude for not tipping as you might in countries like the United States because tipping is not yet fully normalized in Vietnam.
Leave your housekeeping staff a small daily tip of 20,000 to 50,000 VND. This is a great idea, especially if you are staying for an extended period. This is one of the very low-income positions in a hotel. They will greatly appreciate any amount you leave, even though you might not encounter each other during your stay. They might even surprise you with extra bottles of water and snacks as a nice gesture in return.
Tipping at homestays
Staying at a homestay offers a more intimate experience with local culture and life. Generally, homestay managers or hosts do not expect tips, as their service fees for accommodation are already set. However, if you receive exceptional support, warm hospitality, or services that go above and beyond what was expected, showing your gratitude with a small tip will be very meaningful. There isn't a specific amount expected, but a small amount from 20,000 to 50,000 VND, or even a small souvenir, can bring unexpected joy to the hosts.
Tipping in tours
If you enjoyed a rewarding (and hopefully fun) tour, consider tipping your guide and driver. A reasonable tip is around 10-15% of the tour price, but you can tip more if you had an exceptional experience. For a half-day tour, a tip of 50,000 to 100,000 VND per person is appreciated, while for a full-day tour, a tip of 100,000 to 200,000 VND is considered generous.. You should give the tip directly to them on the last day you are together or midway through the trip if you feel the guide is doing a particularly great job.
It’s also common to tip the driver separately. If your driver had to drive all day or got you to the airport quickly, consider tipping around 50,000 to 100,000 VND to thank them, especially if they helped with luggage or provided extra information along the way.
Tipping in boat tours
When participating in boat tours, especially in famous water-based tourist destinations like Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc, Van Long or floating markets, tipping the boat rower is more significant than in other situations. Most rowers in these areas are paid very low wages but work hard, making them deserving of a tip if they do a good job.
A common tip amount is around 50,000 to 100,000 VND per person for a typical boat trip (approximately 1-2 hours). The most appropriate time to tip is at the end of the ride when you are satisfied with the service. You should hand the tip directly to the boat rower.
Tipping at spas and salons
Vietnam is so famous for its traditional massage and spa services. It's normal to tip around 10-20% of the service bill, or 20,000 to 50,000 VND, to thank the therapists for their skills and care when you receive such treatments.
Tipping for taxi and ride-hailing services
Most taxi companies have fixed fares in Vietnam, so tipping taxi drivers here is not common. But you can tip a small amount, around 10,000 to 50,000 VND, if the taxi driver provides exceptional service or helps with luggage. With a ride-hailing app like Grab, tipping is optional, but if you feel the driver went out of their way to assist, you can also tip directly through the app.
Tipping in markets and street vendors
Whether you're buying from street vendors or in local markets, you generally don't need to tip as a matter of custom. However, if a vendor has provided exceptional service or goes above and beyond, a small tip of 10,000 to 20,000 VND can be a nice surprise for them.
Public restrooms
While less common, there will be times when you need to use a public restroom. Some restrooms have attendants who handle cleaning and maintenance. You can leave them a small tip (5,000 - 10,000 VND) for maintaining the facilities you use.
When NOT to tip
While tipping is appreciated in many situations, there are a few times when it’s not necessary or could even be awkward. If you feel the service you received was bad, you don't have to tip extra. Public services like government employees or people in positions where tips could be seen as a form of bribery (such as police officers) should not be tipped.
In some cases, if you’re at a high-end restaurant or hotel where a service charge is already included in the bill, tipping is not expected. Double-check your bill to ensure that a service charge hasn’t already been added. If it has, there’s no need to leave an additional tip unless you feel the service was exceptional and want to show extra appreciation.
Also, while it’s common to tip guides or drivers in tourist areas, if you're in more rural parts of Vietnam where tipping is less common, it’s completely fine to skip it.
Quick cheat sheet
Tipping in Vietnam is simple and low-pressure. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a kind way to show appreciation for good service. Even a small tip can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Always keep your tipping gestures discreet and based on the level of service you receive. If you feel like the service was exceptional, a tip is a thoughtful way to say thank you. Trust your gut. If you’re unsure, a small tip is always a safe choice.
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