Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but it is always appreciated. If you’re happy with the services provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who take care of you during your travels. Tipping also encourages excellent service in the future and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations.

Carrying small notes of local currency will make tipping easier. It is best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult.

Participate in a tipping kitty

You local leader may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty on the first day of your trip. In a group tipping kitty, everybody contributes an equal amount at the start of the tour that your leader uses to tip drivers, local guides and hotel staff on your behalf. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time. Any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassle of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is optional, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your tour leader.

Tipping your local leader in Vietnam

You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however US$2-US$4 per person, per day is a commonly used guideline. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Our Vietnam Tours

10 Days From 884

Take a ten-day tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the...

18 Days From 1773

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...

10 Days From 829

Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Highlights include meeting...

8 Days From 1650

Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...

9 Days From 780

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

15 Days From 2534

Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...

8 Days From 1072

Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

15 Days From 1228

Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this 15-day Vietnam adventure. Trek in the...

11 Days From 702

Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue and on to pretty Hoi An via Ninh Binh,...

15 Days From 1922

Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...

13 Days From 3525

Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...

13 Days From 1355

Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....

18 Days From 2233

Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...

15 Days From 1613

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

15 Days From 960

Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...

20 Days From 4635

Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...

11 Days From 870

Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...

12 Days From 818

Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day adventure through Cambodia with Intrepid....

12 Days From 1552

Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...

24 Days From 6530

Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...

13 Days From 1675

Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...

11 Days From 1199

Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...

13 Days From 2665

Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...

15 Days From 1050

Take a 15-day Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...

30 Days From 4100

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...

20 Days From 1631

From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...

22 Days From 1755

Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...

12 Days From 874

Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok. Explore...

9 Days From 615

From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...

22 Days From 1915

Explore South East Asia on a 22-day adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand –...

26 Days From 1575

Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...

12 Days From 868

Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...

13 Days From 2310

See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...

23 Days From 2196

Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...

20 Days From 3485

Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...

23 Days From 1696

Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...

35 Days From 3681

Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...

22 Days From 3175

South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...

9 Days From 822

Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...

8 Days From 950

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...

20 Days From 2924

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

27 Days From 4295

Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...

5 Days From 340

Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hiltribe...

2 Days From 220

See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...

2 Days From 298

Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...