We are taking a 2 Night/ 3 Day junk trip into Halong Bay leaving tomorrow morning, and are wondering how much we should plan to tip (assuming all goes well). 5 people (3 kids and 2 adults) - total cost for the trip is around $1000. Any quick advice would be much appreciated! We get picked up at our hotel in Hanoi, driven to Halong Bay, then driven home at the end. Do we just save all tips for the end?
Thanks!!

You have negotiated a priced for this trip with an agency. There in no need to tip. Tipping is not part of the culture in VN. That said, many from tipping cultures (the US) do tip nonetheless, but it is not necessary.

Thanks Kathie. On the "includes/excludes" part, it mentions gratuities as excluded (as well as beer - that'll be the bigger expense!), so I assumed that we should tip a little...

It sounds like they must be catering to Americans.

It may not be the custom in Vietnam but many people are very poor and a tip can go a long way. I think it seems miserable if you don't tip.

I did Vietnam 2 months ago and tipped my Guides, taxi drivers and airport pick ups.

Tips isn't our culture but I suggest if you are happy with services, please leave tips for crews on boat and tour guide. US$10/ day/ tour guide and US$40/ crews.

I know it's hard but it's my suggestion. To be honest, they all works long time in a day.

It's up to you. But it's my suggestion.

The $10 per day tip suggested by hanoiecolour seems somewhate excessive given that the average annual income in Vietnam is $2000 p.a. or $5.50 per day.

I probably would have $100. in mind all told.. you decide who deserves what based on what they did for you.

This is an old thread, revived by an advertiser. But please, please, leave your wretched US tipping habits at home, where they belong. (See current tupping thread on Europe board.)

omg, so it is...duh!!!

I did the trip in Jan. The capt and crew were almost Begging for tips at the end with there thank you message.So, I did not tip at all.And, I've worked for tips in my life!
I did not like that at all! We were on the Red dragon I think it was called.
The food was really bad! Almost disgusting!
Beautiful scenery though.


Have to say its a very,very long drive.The roads r bad or maybe the const.
Is complete now. They drive really crazy I was frightened at times.
I would never go for one night. Not worth it.To hurried.