Tipping in Thailand: When, Where, and How Much?

June 6, 2025

Tipping in Thailand isn’t mandatory — but in many situations, it’s appreciated and sometimes expected. Whether you’re dining in Bangkok, getting a massage in Chiang Mai, or catching a taxi in Phuket, knowing when and how much to tip can go a long way in showing respect and making local connections.

Here’s everything travellers need to know about tipping in Thailand in 2025, from street food stalls to five-star resorts.

Do You Have to Tip in Thailand?

Thailand doesn’t have a tipping culture in the same way Western countries do. Salaries in the service sector can be low, and tips are a welcome bonus. While not compulsory, a small tip is seen as a kind gesture and can even improve your service experience.

General Rule: If someone provides a service with a smile, a small tip goes a long way.

Restaurants and Cafés

Street Food & Local Eateries:

No tip is expected. However, rounding up the bill or leaving small change (5–10 baht) is appreciated.

Sit-Down Restaurants:

If there’s no service charge included (check your bill), consider leaving 10% of the total. For example, if your meal costs 500 baht, a 50 baht tip is generous.

Upscale Dining:

Many high-end restaurants add a 10% service charge — no need to tip extra unless you receive exceptional service. If you do, 5%–10% more is generous.

✅ Pro Tip: Leave the tip in cash rather than adding it to your credit card bill — it ensures the staff actually receive it.

Bars and Nightlife

Beer Bars & Street Bars:

Tipping is common but flexible. Rounding up or leaving 20–50 baht per round is a good gesture.

Go-Go Bars (like in Pattaya or Patpong):

Tipping the waitstaff and performers is part of the experience. Small tips (100–200 baht) for dancers or attentive staff are normal. Be respectful and don’t feel pressured.

Taxis and Ride-Share Apps

Traditional Taxis:

Drivers don’t expect tips, but most tourists round up the fare. For example, if your fare is 87 baht, round it to 100 baht.

Grab & Bolt (ride-share):

There’s no tipping built into the app, but handing over 20–50 baht in cash for a smooth ride is always appreciated.

Hotels and Resorts

Bellhops & Porters:

20–50 baht per bag is standard. If you have heavy luggage or request special service, a 100 baht tip is thoughtful.

Housekeeping:

Leave 20–50 baht per night on your pillow with a thank you note. It’s a small gesture that means a lot.

Concierge Services:

If the concierge helps book tickets, tours, or makes restaurant reservations, a 100–200 baht tip is generous.

Spa, Massage & Beauty Services

Thai massage is world-famous — and so is the hospitality of its practitioners. A 1-hour massage usually costs around 250–400 baht.

How Much to Tip:

Leave 50–100 baht for a basic massage, and up to 200 baht for longer or exceptional service.

Tour Guides & Drivers

Day Tour Guides:

For a private or small group tour, 100–300 baht per person is appropriate. More for multi-day tours.

Drivers (Private Car or Minivan):

Tip 100–200 baht per day, especially if they drive long distances or assist with luggage.

✅ Group Tours: Even on large bus tours, giving 50–100 baht at the end of the day shows appreciation.

Who Not to Tip

While tipping is appreciated in most service sectors, there are exceptions:

Public transport (BTS, MRT, songthaews): No tip expected.
Government officials or immigration staff: Never offer money.
Street vendors or market sellers: Not expected.

Local Insight: Tip with a Wai and a Smile

If you’re handing someone a tip, do it with a gentle smile and a small wai (placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture). This respectful gesture shows gratitude and helps build positive traveller-local interactions.

Final Thoughts

Tipping in Thailand is more about kindness than obligation. When you tip thoughtfully and respectfully, you show appreciation for Thailand’s famously warm hospitality. From the temples of Chiang Mai to the islands of Krabi, these small acts of generosity make a big difference in your travel experience.

🛎️ Quick Tipping Cheat Sheet

Service	Suggested Tip
Street Food Vendor	Not expected (optional)
Local Restaurant	10 - 20 baht or round up
Upscale Restaurant	10% if no service charge
Hotel Porter	20 - 50 baht per bag
Housekeeping	20 - 50 baht per day
Thai Massage	50 - 100 baht
Taxi or Grab	Round up or 20 - 50 baht
Tour Guide (Day Trip)	100 - 300 baht per person

📌 Have You Tipped in Thailand?

How do you approach tipping while travelling? Share your experiences below — or tag us in your Thailand travels. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more on navigating Thai culture.