2025-06-20

A guide to the average price and how to hand over tips for a trip to Vietnam

WellBe Inc.

A guide to the average price and how to hand over tips for a trip to Vietnam

It's important for tourists visiting Vietnam to understand the tipping culture.

Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but it is common for people to tip to express their appreciation if they are satisfied with the service.

In this article, I will explain in detail the market price of chips in Vietnam, how to hand them, and in what situations tips should be given.

What is the average price of chips in Vietnam?

Here is a reference amount for the Vietnamese chip market.

RESTAURANT

In high-end restaurants and bars, 50 thousand VND to 100 thousand VND. For mid-level restaurants, around 10,000 VND to 50,000 VND is a guide.

Even if it's not an upscale restaurant, there are also clerks who ask for tips just because they are foreigners.

Tips are only paid when you are satisfied with the service, so if the clerk forcibly asks for a tip, be sure to properly decline it.

Apart from tips, in Vietnam, 10% is also required as a value-added tax “VAT” or service fee.

Hotels

Basically, there is no culture of tipping in hotels and motels in Vietnam.

For housekeeping and bellboys, the market price is around 10,000 VND to 20,000 VND. If you get a special service, you can give them a little more.

taxi

If you use ordinary taxis etc. in Vietnam, you basically don't need a tip.

It is common to give taxi drivers about a few thousand VND in the form of rounding up the fraction of the meter fee.

It's smart if you get into the habit of saying that you don't need change for rides that are less than 20,000-30,000 VND.

Some people give drivers around 50,000 to 100,000 VND when traveling long distances by taxi.

Tour Guide

There may be people who are worried about whether they need tips for tour guides when participating in Vietnam sightseeing tours, etc., but tips are not necessary for tour guides.

Tips for tour guides are included in the tour price, so there is no need to tip them personally.

SPA MASSAGE

At massage parlors, spas, etc., tips may be required or may already be included in the menu.

If you need a tip, the price of the tip is written on the massage menu, and you will be given a tip price list after receiving the massage.

Spas and massage parlors usually give around 50,000 to 100,000 VND in addition to the service fee, depending on the shop and menu time.

How do you hand out tips in Vietnam?

Please keep the following points in mind when handing out tips.

Hand over directly

Basically, it's best to hand over tips directly. Give it to the person who provided the service as a thank you.

SMART TIMING

The timing for handing over tips is generally when the service is completed, such as after a meal, after having luggage carried, or before getting out of a taxi.

The state of the banknote

Clean and new banknotes given as chips are preferred.

Avoid banknotes with wrinkles or stains.

5 tipping scenes in Vietnam

Scenes for tipping in Vietnam. — Tipping scene in Vietnam

Let's give specific examples of scenes where tips should be given in Vietnam.

After eating in a restaurant

Restaurants leave part of the change as a tip at checkout or give it directly to the waiter.

In fine restaurants, service charges may be included in the bill, in which case no additional tip is required.

When checking in/out at the hotel

At the hotel, tips are given to the porter who carried the luggage to the room when checking in and the housekeeping staff who cleaned the room when checking out.

After traveling by taxi

When using a taxi, you pay a little more than the meter fee.

For example, if the fee is 45,000 dong, give them 50,000 dong and tell them “no change required.”

After the tour or activity

Tour guides and drivers are tipped at the end of the tour.

If you receive particularly good service, it's a good idea to give more than the market price.

After the spa massage

At spas and massage parlors, tips are given to the staff in charge after the treatment is over.

There are cases where it is given at the reception desk, but it is easier to express gratitude if you give it directly.

summary

Tipping is not required in Vietnam, but it is common for people to tip in gratitude if they are satisfied with the service. By understanding the market price, delivery method, and timing, tips can be handed over smoothly.

Please refer to this article to make your trip to Vietnam more comfortable and enjoyable.

A massage experience in Vietnam is also recommended!

Spa and massage experiences that are reasonably priced in Vietnam and feel unique to Vietnam are popular.

Spas and massages are recommended for tourists who want to unwind after a long trip.

Here are carefully selected spots where you can have the best massage and spa experience with high reviews.

It's a popular spa, so advance reservations are recommended.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “Evolve Wellness Center @Pullman Saigon”

Evolve Wellness Center offers spa and wellness services at the 5-star Pullman Saigon Hotel, which is ideally located in central Ho Chi Minh City.

In order to provide an excellent service experience, they are constantly setting strict standards for staff hospitality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

We offer a wide range of package menus, from slimming menus to specialty facial menus and scrubs.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “An's Spa”

An's spa, which is very popular with tourists, offers inner health and relaxation with shiatsu massages based on Oriental medicine.

It is gaining popularity for shiatsu massages based on Oriental medicine, which is rare in Vietnam, and treatments using 100% organic oil.

A head massage developed by experts who have been involved in qigong, acupressure, and Oriental medicine for 30 years.

This head massage can also be expected to reduce stress, headaches, and improve shoulder stiffness.

The store sells many original products, so you can also buy souvenirs.

Ho Chi Minh City/"Anam QT Spa”

Anam QT Spa is a Zen oasis of “beauty” and “relaxation.”

It is a high level spa that harmonizes the mind and body, releases energy, and balances emotions.

Since opening in 1996, it has achieved various achievements, such as receiving an award from the “Small and Medium Business Association” in 2007 and receiving 6 other awards.

Inside the salon, which is rich in greenery, you can spend the best relaxing time in a space that has been carefully cared for in every corner.

Natural treatments using natural ingredients are popular at salons, and you can receive authentic techniques directly handed down by French therapists.

Ho Chi Minh City/ “MOMIJI Spa”

Momiji Spa, located in District 7 of Ho Chi Minh City, offers a superb space where you can enjoy a modern and refined atmosphere. Momiji Spa offers a varied menu of treatments, such as hair washes, body massages, and foot massages using natural ingredients.

Ho Chi Minh City/"WE SPA”

“WE SPA” offers a wide range of services, from hair washing to body massage, whitening and anti-aging facial menus.

It is a spa loved by many people as a trusted salon, with detailed service and advanced technology, and a high repeat rate from customers.

Although it is located in a busy area of Ho Chi Minh City, the inside of the store is quiet and creates a relaxing space.

Hoi An/ “OAT Spa & Nails Hoi An”

You can enjoy a spa nail experience at the salon, which is popular for its friendly and attentive service and high skills.

There are plenty of nail designs, and massages are also very popular!

It's reasonably priced and easy to access, so I recommend it in between sightseeing in the old town.

Danang/ “Queen Spa”

This spa is located close to the center of Danang. They are particular about using all natural products and linens.

It offers highly skilled staff and a space where you can feel nature, and it is a popular spa that is constantly coming back.

Danang's first bamboo massage and candle massage are particularly popular.

Furthermore, the herb bag uses 100% natural materials such as precious Vietnamese herbs, fresh ginger, hot stones made from volcanic stones, and lotions made from various flowers.