How Much to Tip in Thailand: A Simple Guide for Travelers

1. The Golden Rules

• Carry small cash. Tips are best given in Thai baht, in 20, 50, and 100 baht notes or 10 baht coins. Keep a stash of small bills, because many places can't make change for larger notes.
• Tip for good service only. It's a thank-you, not an obligation.
• Hand it over politely. A smile and a "khop khun" (thank you) go a long way.

2. Restaurants and Cafés

• Casual and street food: No tip needed. Leaving the coins from your change is a nice gesture.
• Mid-range restaurants: Leave 20–50 baht, or round up the bill.
• Upscale restaurants and hotels: Check your bill first. Many add a 10% service charge, and if so, an extra tip isn't necessary. If service was excellent, add a little cash for your server.
• Cafés and bars: Dropping coins in the tip jar or leaving 20 baht is plenty.

3. Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, and Ride-Hailing

• Metered taxis: Round up the fare to the nearest 10 baht (for example, 87 baht becomes 90 or 100).
• Tuk-tuks: Fares are negotiated upfront, so no tip is expected.
• Grab and other ride-hailing apps: Tipping is optional. Rounding up or adding 20 baht for a helpful driver is welcome.
• Private drivers or day hires: 100–200 baht for a full day is a kind gesture.

4. Hotels and Accommodation

• Bellhops and porters: 20–50 baht per bag or per trip.
• Housekeeping: 20–50 baht per day, left on the pillow or table with a note so it's clear it's a tip.
• Concierge: 50–100 baht if they book tours or arrange something special for you.
• Resorts: Many tack on a service charge, but staff still appreciate a little extra.

5. Spas and Massages

Thai massage therapists work hard, and tips are a big part of their income.

• Street or shop massage: 20–50 baht.
• Spa treatments: 50–100 baht, or roughly 10% for longer or luxury sessions.

6. Tours, Guides, and Activities

• Tour guides: 100–300 baht per person for a half-day or full-day tour, depending on quality.
• Drivers on tours: 50–100 baht per person.
• Boat captains and crew (island hopping, snorkeling): 50–100 baht per person, or a group tip of 200–500 baht.
• Cooking classes and temple tours: 50–100 baht per person is a thoughtful thank-you.

7. A Few Final Tips

• Don't tip with coins in temples or religious settings. Donations there are separate from service tips.
• Don't feel pressured. Tipping is never demanded in Thailand. If a place or person asks insistently, you can politely decline.
• Think local. A tip of 20–50 baht can mean a lot to someone earning a daily wage, so give what feels fair for the service.