Tipping in Vietnam is not a traditional custom — but it is warmly appreciated, especially in tourist areas. A small tip makes a meaningful difference given the relatively low wages in Vietnam's hospitality industry.
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Restaurants (tourist / upscale) | 10% or 20,000–50,000 VND |
| Local pho / street food | Not expected |
| Hotel housekeeping | 20,000–50,000 VND per night |
| Hotel bellhop | 20,000–50,000 VND per bag |
| Taxis (metered) | Round up or 5,000–10,000 VND |
| Grab / Be (rideshare) | Optional in-app |
| Tour guide (full day) | 100,000–200,000 VND per person |
| Driver (full day) | 50,000–100,000 VND |
| Massage / Spa | 30,000–100,000 VND |
💡 Currency note: Vietnamese Dong (VND) amounts sound large but are small in value. 23,000 VND is approximately $1 USD. A 50,000 VND tip (about $2 USD) is a very generous gesture at a local restaurant.
At traditional Vietnamese street food stalls and local pho restaurants, tipping is not expected at all. Prices are set to include the vendor's profit margin and no gratuity is assumed. However, at tourist-oriented restaurants in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City's tourist areas, leaving 10% or rounding up is common and appreciated.
Vietnam is an extremely popular destination for day trips, cooking classes, Ha Long Bay cruises, and motorbike tours. Tips for guides and drivers are a culturally accepted and expected part of these experiences. For a full-day private tour, 100,000–200,000 VND per person from the group is the standard guideline. For multi-day cruises, 50,000–100,000 VND per person per day is appropriate.
Vietnam is famous for affordable, high-quality traditional massage. A one-hour massage typically costs 150,000–300,000 VND ($6–13 USD). Leaving a tip of 30,000–100,000 VND (about $1.50–4 USD) is a kind and generous gesture that therapists genuinely appreciate. At upscale hotel spas, 10% of the service price is appropriate.
Tipping is optional in Vietnam but appreciated. At tourist restaurants, leave 10-15% or round up. For massages, 20,000-50,000 VND ($1-2 USD). Tour guides: $5-10 USD per day. Hotel housekeeping: 20,000-50,000 VND per night.
Yes, tipping for massages in Vietnam is appreciated. 20,000-50,000 VND ($1-2 USD) is the standard tip for a traditional Vietnamese massage. For high-end spa treatments, 10% of the service price is generous.
At tourist-area restaurants, leaving 10-15% is a kind gesture and expected at more upscale venues. At local pho shops and street food stalls, tipping is not customary. Always check if a service charge is already included.
Select Vietnam on our free calculator to see local tipping standards and currency.
Try TheTipCalc Free →Tip in Vietnam: optional but appreciated — 10% at tourist restaurants, 100,000–200,000 VND for tour guides. Never expected at local street food stalls. Cash tips in VND are always preferred. A small tip goes a long way in Vietnam and is one of the kindest gestures you can make as a visitor.
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