You're ready to conquer Vietnam. Your sneakers are brand new, your visa is in order, and your stomach is already craving phở. There's just one detail left: tipping. Should I tip? How much? To whom? And if I mess up, will I end up in a photo on a Facebook group called "Tourist who confused 20,000 and 500,000 VND"?
Spoiler: no. But we'll still spare you the embarrassment.
Inevitably, the traveler in Vietnam wonders what is the ideal tipTipping in Southeast Asia
The uninvited cousin who's let in
Before landing in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, let's take a brief overview of the region.
In Japan, tipping is like taking a selfie at a restaurant: not cool. In the Philippines, it's almost like saying hello. In Vietnam? It's complicated, but cool. Historically, tipping wasn't a thing. But tourism brought in Western habits, and Vietnam did with it what it does with coffee: kept the idea but made it something softer, more flexible, more Vietnamese.
The golden rule in Asia: Tipping is never mandatory, but it's always appreciated if it rewards quality service. It's a gesture of gratitude, not a tax.
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Tipping in Vietnam
Currency, obligation, and tips
First and foremost, you need to understand the Dong, Vietnam's currency.
1 € = 27,000 VND (approximately, as of the writing of this article - December 2025)
1 USD = 25,000 VND.
You'll feel like a billionaire at the ATM. Except 500,000 VND is 20 €. And 20,000 VND is less than a cappuccino in the province.
Visual tip: the light blue bill (20,000) is worth almost nothing. The royal blue (500,000) is worth a meal for four. Don't mix them up, or you'll be funding your banh mi seller's early retirement.
Does a hyper‑tourist café on Train Street - Hanoi - deserve a tip? | Mr Linh's AdventuresTipping in Vietnam: obligation or discretion?
Vietnam is somewhere between strict "non-obligation" and warm "appreciation." Tipping is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas, but it remains entirely discretionary.
The growth of international tourism has popularized the practice, and tipping is now a highly appreciated additional source of income, often representing a significant bonus. One might wonder if it's really necessary to tip.
The answer is: no, you're not obliged to tip. But if you can tip without tears, do it.
One euro here is a meal. Not an Instagram like.
Your guide certainly deserves a generous tip ! Mr Linh's Adventures
Practical guide: who, when, and how much to tip?
The golden rule: tip when the service is humane, close, and underpaid.
Circumstantial mantra: "A tip isn't charity; it's a "thank you" (which can't be bought at Circle K)".
Here's an unofficial rate card to avoid any missteps.
| Service |
Situation |
How much? |
How? |
| Street food |
Pho on the sidewalk |
Nothing. Unless you pay 48,000 and say "keep the change". It's classy. |
Whispered with a cảm ơn |
| Local restaurant |
Smiling waiter |
5–10% or change |
In the hand, not on the table (too bling) |
| Chic rest |
Addition at 30 € |
Check the "service charge". If it's included, it's settled. Otherwise, +5% if the waiter made you laugh. |
Discreet, not shouting "TIP!" |
| Spa / Massage |
Masseuse paid a pittance that saved your back |
50,000–100,000 VND (€2–4) per hour |
Envelope or hand to hand |
| Taxi / Grab |
A 42 000 ride |
Round up |
Via the app or in cash |
| Hotel (Porter) |
Porter |
VND 20,000–50,000 per suitcase |
With both hands, like a gift |
| Maid |
Plump pillow, clean room |
20,000–50,000 VND per day |
On the pillow |
| Halong Cruise |
All crew |
100,000–300,000 VND in the tip box |
No need to give a speech |
Don't forget to thank the crew by slipping a bill into the tip box | Mr Linh's AdventuresYour travel pillars: guides and drivers
This is where your tip will have the most impact because these professionals guarantee the quality and safety of your experience.
Private guide: your human Google
How much? 100,000–250,000 VND per day.
How? At the end of the day (or service), in cash, with a sincere thank you.
Our local guides are chosen for their passion and knowledge of the terrain.
Discover our tours for excellent assistance from North to South.
The driver: the guy who dodges scooters like in Fast & Furious
How much? About 50% of the guide's tip.
How? Directly, with hands together.
Street food is flavor without tips | Mr Linh's AdventuresThe ritual: How to tip correctly?
- ♦ Always with two hands, especially when giving to an elderly person. It's a sign of respect.
- ♦ No show-off. Slide the tip, smile, say cảm ơn.
- ♦ Use clean bills: Never give torn, dirty, or crumpled bills. It can be seen as disrespectful.
- ♦ Avoid the USD dollar: While often accepted in highly touristy areas, try to use the local currency (VND) whenever possible. It makes life easier for the worker and prevents you from accidentally being too generous.
- ♦ Prefer small denominations: Having bills of 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, and 50,000 VND is essential for transportation tips or small services.
A tip, a small gesture that connects people | Mr Linh's AdventuresThe art of human connection
Tipping isn't about money; it's about connection
And in Vietnam, tipping isn't an obligation; it's a language. It's a way of saying "Thank you for taking care of me" in a country where hospitality is an art of living. You tip not because you're being watched but because you know that 2 € is a one person lunch here. And that smile in return? Free but priceless.
Final mantra: "If I can pay 12 € for my cocktail on a rooftop bar, I can surely spare 1 € for the one who's been smiling at me for 3 days."
Thank you is said cảm ơn, but a well-placed tip is said in silence.
And it's felt for a long time.
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