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
1130
Take a ten-day tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the...
18 Days
From
2080
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
10 Days
From
1135
Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Highlights include meeting...
8 Days
From
1905
Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...
9 Days
From
1020
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
15 Days
From
3210
Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...
8 Days
From
1350
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, discover the delights of one of South East Asia's...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
11 Days
From
855
Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue and on to pretty Hoi An via beachy Phan Rang,...
15 Days
From
1540
Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this 15-day Vietnam adventure. Trek in the...
13 Days
From
4095
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
15 Days
From
2235
Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic adventure. Tour Hanoi,...
18 Days
From
2295
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
13 Days
From
1530
Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....
15 Days
From
2185
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...
15 Days
From
1175
Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...
20 Days
From
5340
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
11 Days
From
890
Delve into Vietnamese culture on this 11-day Lonely Planet Experience powered by...
12 Days
From
1950
Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing tranquil...
12 Days
From
1035
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day Lonely Planet Experience through Cambodia...
24 Days
From
8015
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
13 Days
From
2900
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
13 Days
From
1695
Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...
15 Days
From
1134
Take a 15-day Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...
11 Days
From
1395
Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Trek in...
30 Days
From
4130
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
20 Days
From
2345
From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...
9 Days
From
734
From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...
22 Days
From
1746
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
12 Days
From
1070
Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by Intrepid, from Ho...
22 Days
From
1905
Explore South East Asia on a 22-day Lonely Planet Experience through Vietnam, Cambodia...
26 Days
From
2165
Experience the best of South East Asia with Lonely Planet. Marvel at the Angkor complex...
12 Days
From
941
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
13 Days
From
2465
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...
23 Days
From
2480
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
3755
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
23 Days
From
1805
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...
35 Days
From
3447
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
22 Days
From
3140
South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...
9 Days
From
1350
Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...
20 Days
From
3595
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
27 Days
From
4355
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
8 Days
From
1125
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...
5 Days
From
328
Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hiltribe...
2 Days
From
315
Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...
2 Days
From
213
See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...
