Tipping in Vietnam: Guides, Drivers, Cruises and Restaurants
Is tipping expected, how much to give your guide and driver, and what to do on a Halong Bay cruise.
Quick answer
Tipping isn’t compulsory in Vietnam but is expected in tourism. Guidelines: private guide US$10–15 per day, driver US$5–8 per day, cruise crew US$5–10 per guest per night (tip box), hotel porters about US$1 per bag. Local restaurants don’t expect tips; 5–10% is kind in upscale places without a service charge. Dong or clean US dollar notes are both fine.
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Get a free itinerary WhatsApp usTipping guidelines at a glance
| Who | Typical tip | When |
|---|---|---|
| Private tour guide | US$10–15 per day (per couple/small family) | End of your time with that guide |
| Private driver | US$5–8 per day | End of your time with that driver |
| Halong Bay cruise crew | US$5–10 per guest per night | Tip box on the last morning |
| Local day-tour guide (shared) | US$3–5 per person | End of the tour |
| Hotel porter / housekeeping | About US$1 per bag / per day | At the time / on the pillow |
| Restaurants | Not expected locally; 5–10% in upscale places | Check whether a service charge is already on the bill |
| Spa and massage | About 10%, or VND 50,000–100,000 | Directly to the therapist |
These are guidelines, not rules — tip more for service that made your trip, less if it disappointed.
Practical tips
- Carry small notes: VND 50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 notes are the most useful.
- Use an envelope or fold the money discreetly and hand it over with both hands and a thank-you.
- If one guide was with you in Hanoi and another in Hoi An, tip each at the end of their days.
- Budget about US$15–25 per day for a couple’s guide and driver tips; tips are not included in our private tour prices.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip in Vietnam?
How much should I tip a private tour guide in Vietnam?
How much should I tip the driver?
How much do you tip on a Halong Bay cruise?
Should I tip in USD or Vietnamese dong?
Are tips included in a private tour price?
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