Okay so I just did the Ha Giang Loop again, because it’s Christmas of course, and the most commonly asked question I had was: "How much should I tip my easy-rider?”
Now since your Easy Rider is the unsung hero at the helm of your Ha Giang Loop adventure—navigating those hairpin bends and bumpy roads with finesse—it’s no wonder you want to give them a little bonus at the end of your trip!
However, once the trip is done and the hugs are exchanged, you might be left wondering: what exactly is a good tip? With that in mind, let’s take a look at tipping etiquette in Vietnam, why it’s so meaningful to your Easy Rider, and how much you could tip them!
What is a Ha Giang Loop Easy Rider?
Before diving head first into all of our tips on… tips, let’s clarify what an Easy Rider is.
An Easy Rider is an experienced local guide who accompanies you on your journey, driving the motorbike with you as the passenger. This arrangement allows you to complete your Ha Giang Loop tour without worrying about navigation or the challenges of the road.
That’s right, your Easy Rider handles all the tricky bits and you can sit back and relax! They know the best routes to take, the right times to travel, and how to handle any surprises that come your way!
Tipping 101: A Quick Overview of Vietnamese Currency
While some of you may have been in Vietnam for a few weeks---traveling up from the South, with plenty of time to adjust to the currency---we know some of you have come straight to Ha Giang from Hanoi airport.
If you are new to Vietnam, the currency can feel like Monopoly money at first. With bills in the thousands, it’s easy to get confused. But don’t worry; here’s a crash course:
30,000 VND: Your morning Vietnamese coffee, strong enough to power you through a day of looping. This might get you a Freddo (small chocolate bar) back home!
50,000 VND: A refreshing beer on Hanoi’s Beer Street (Ta Hien). Likely to get you through the toilet barrier at a subway/tube station in your home capital.
150,000 VND: About six postcards worth in Hanoi—depending on your haggling. But it’s how much your average coffee costs back home.
300,000 VND: In need of a massage after a fun-filled 4-day loop? Hand over the cash, sit back, and enjoy a little R&R in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for an hour or so. Seems pricey? Back home, it’s only the cost of a pint in London.
Now that you’ve got a feel for the value of VND, and how far your tip will get your Easy Rider in Vietnam, let’s talk about what’s fair and generous when tipping.
What’s the Magic Number? How Much Should You Tip?
It might help to keep in mind that the Ha Giang Loop tour typically spans 3 to 4 days, so what do you think makes a fair tip per day? Maybe £3? Or as high as £10?
Think about what your new best friend and trusted guide truly deserves! Either way, here’s a breakdown of what we would consider budget, average, and generous tips!
The Standard Tip
For a typical Ha Giang Loop adventure, a good tip for your Easy Rider is around 500,000 VND (about $20/ £16/€18). This $5 per day shows your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
The Generous Tip
If your rider went above and beyond—whether they bought you flowers, let you wear their coat, made you laugh with their hilarious stories, bought you and your partner matching bracelets, or provided you with an endless supply of lollipops— a tip of 1,000,000 VND (around $40/£32/€37) will make their day.
What if You’re on a Budget?
Even a smaller tip of 300,000 VND (about $12/£10/€11 or £2.50 per day) can show your gratitude and will still put a huge smile on your Easy Rider’s face.
Remember, tipping is never mandatory, but it’s always appreciated. It’s 100% your business if you even want to tip your Easy Rider, and no one should feel pressured into tipping, or judged on their tip!!
Why Should You Tip Your Easy Rider?
It’s More Than Just a Ride
Come on now, your Easy Rider isn’t just a driver; they’re your guide, guardian angel, and sometimes even your unofficial therapist. They tackle precarious mountain passes, dodge traffic, and ensure your safety every step of the way.
But their role goes far beyond logistics—they're also photographers capturing your perfect moments, local experts introducing you to hidden gems, and companions making sure you never feel alone on your journey.
A Navigator, Companion, and Lifeline
Navigating the winding roads of the Ha Giang Loop can be daunting for even the most seasoned riders. Easy Riders ensure you never get lost or miss out on must-see sights.
Their insider knowledge and ability to tackle unexpected roadblocks or tricky weather conditions provide you with a seamless and stress-free adventure.
With them by your side, you can focus entirely on the breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences without worrying about logistics.
Supporting Their Families
All our Easy Riders use their earnings to support their families. Your tip will go toward school supplies for their children or their younger siblings, new clothes for their loved ones, household essentials, or even small luxuries for themselves they otherwise couldn't afford.
Fueling the Local Economy
By tipping your Easy Rider, you’re not just helping one person; you’re creating a ripple effect that positively impacts the local economy.
Most Easy Riders hail from ethnic minority groups in the Ha Giang Province, and your generosity empowers these communities, sustaining the livelihoods of those in the region, from bike mechanics and bus drivers, to hostel and restaurant staff.
All, while promoting sustainable and ethical tourism (if you choose Bong Hostel of course).
Rewarding Excellence and Effort
From ensuring you’re comfortable with "princess treatment" to customizing itineraries to suit your preferences, Easy Riders go above and beyond to make your trip special.
Whether it’s giving you a quick haircut on the go, carrying your gear, or pulling over for that perfect photo op, their dedication deserves acknowledgment.
Tipping is a way to show your gratitude for their hard work and genuine care.
We Asked Our Easy Riders: What Does Your Tip Mean to You?
We chatted with some of our amazing Easy Riders to find out how they feel about being tipped. While these conversations were difficult because (and we really cannot stress enough) they never expect tips and seemed uncomfortable talking about the idea of tips, here’s what we managed to pull out of the humble little devils:
“When I get a tip, I think ‘Oh my God’ it makes me so happy. But I never expect a tip. I’m just happy to do the tour and meet new people every day.” — Minh.
“I love being able to buy toys for my kids and bringing the money home to my family. I can show them I am a good worker.” — Dung.
“I never think I will get a tip, but when I get one, it feels like a high-five from my new friend. It makes me want to do the best I can do every time.” — Luan.
These stories highlight that while tips may seem small, their impact goes far beyond monetary value—they’re a gesture of gratitude that inspires and supports our riders in meaningful ways.
What Do Easy Riders Spend Their Tips On?
Easy Riders often have simple but meaningful priorities when it comes to spending their tips:
Family Needs: Clothes, toys, and school supplies for their children or younger family members.
Food: Arranging for a special dinner (delicious hot pot) with loved ones or treats they wouldn’t usually splurge on.
Maintenance: Keeping their bikes in tip-top shape so they can make the journey to Bong Hostel for the tours. And also buying necessities like warm coats, gloves, and good helmets for their days on the loop.
Savings: Some set aside tips for future goals, cultural festivals like Lunar New Year (Tet), or emergencies. Or so that they can afford to take a much needed day off here and there.
Your tip isn’t just cash; it’s an opportunity for them to enrich their lives and those of their families.
Tipping Etiquette: A Few Fun Tips About Tipping
1. Cash is King
Pre-plan your tip and keep that cash in a separate pocket so you don’t spend it on the loop. Always carry cash in smaller denominations. It’s the easiest way to tip without hassle.
And if you don’t have any cash at the end of your trip, tell your tour leader and he’ll make sure you stop by the ATM on the way back!
2. Say It With a Smile
Handing over your tip with a warm “Thank you!” or even a simple “Cảm ơn” (thank you in Vietnamese) makes the gesture even more meaningful.
3. Timing Is Everything
Tips are typically given at the end of your trip, but feel free to show appreciation mid-journey if you’re feeling the love.
4. Make It Personal
If you’re feeling creative, pair your tip with a handwritten note or small token from your home country. My friends brought buffs (scarves) for their Easy Riders as it was winter and cold on the loop and also a couple boxes of cigarettes—all sweet gestures that are greatly appreciated.
What Happens If You Don’t Tip?
First things first: you won’t get dirty looks or passive-aggressive comments if you don’t tip. Easy Riders are incredibly professional and never expect a tip.
But when you do tip, it’s like adding a cherry on top of an already fantastic adventure. It’s a way to say, “Hey, you made my trip unforgettable, and I appreciate you.”
P.S. If your Easy Rider doesn’t seem ecstatic when you tip them it's not because they’re not grateful, it's because they’re slightly overwhelmed and a little embarrassed! They just can’t believe you wanted to tip them—how sweet?!
Still Unsure? Let’s Break It Down Further
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you:
300,000 VND: A tip for short trips or budget travelers.
500,000 VND: The sweet spot for a standard journey.
1,000,000 VND: The gold standard for exceptional service.
In USD/GBP/EUR terms:
$12/£10/€11: That’s a decent bottle of wine back home.
$20/£16/€18: A new T-shirt or quick Tesco run.
$40/£32/€37: About the cost of a casual dinner out.
Our Thoughts on Tipping your Easy Rider
Your Easy Rider is more than a service provider—they’re often a friend by the end of the loop. Whether sharing laughs over "happy water," singing karaoke, or simply swapping stories, their commitment to making your journey unforgettable is unparalleled.
Tipping your Easy Rider is about more than just money; it’s a way to show your gratitude for their hard work and dedication. So, when you hand over that envelope or fold those bills into their hand, know that you’re spreading joy, one ride at a time.
Ready to hit the Loop? Book now!
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