Gift-Giving Etiquette in Southeast Asia

Gift-giving is a meaningful gesture across Southeast Asia, but customs vary widely. Understanding local etiquette helps avoid unintentional offense and enhances relationships.

Thailand

• Occasions: Birthdays, housewarmings, weddings, New Year (Songkran), business visits.

• Etiquette:

  • Present gifts with the right hand or both hands.

  • Gifts are usually not opened in front of the giver.

  • Wrapped gifts are preferred; colorful paper is welcome.

• Good gifts: Fruit baskets, sweets, souvenirs from your home country.

• Avoid: Giving black or green wrapping paper (associated with mourning), sharp objects (seen as cutting ties).

Vietnam

• Occasions: Tết (Lunar New Year), birthdays, housewarming, business meetings.

• Etiquette:

  • Always offer gifts with both hands.

  • Gifts are usually not opened immediately.

  • Gifting elders first is a sign of respect.

• Good gifts: Imported alcohol, tea, fruits, specialty foods.

• Avoid: Handkerchiefs (symbolize sadness), yellow flowers (associated with funerals), anything too expensive (can cause discomfort).

Malaysia

• Occasions: Eid (Hari Raya), Chinese New Year, Deepavali, birthdays, business meetings.

• Etiquette:

  • Be aware of religious and ethnic backgrounds (Malay Muslims, Chinese, Indians).

  • Use both hands to give or receive gifts.

  • Gifts may not be opened in front of the giver.

• Good gifts:

  • For Malays (Muslims): Halal foods, dates, modest decorative items.

  • For Chinese Malaysians: Oranges (for prosperity), sweets, tea.

  • For Indian Malaysians: Sweets, dried fruits, incense.

• Avoid:

  • Alcohol or pork for Muslims.

  • Clocks or white flowers for Chinese (associated with funerals).

  • Leather goods for Hindus (due to sacredness of cows).

Indonesia

• Occasions: Eid, Christmas (for Christians), birthdays, weddings, business settings.

• Etiquette:

  • Give and receive with the right hand only (left hand is impolite).

  • Gifts may not be opened in front of you.

• Good gifts: Handicrafts, sweets, small housewares, something from your home country.

• Avoid: Alcohol (unless you are sure the recipient drinks), items made from pigskin or non-halal ingredients for Muslims.

Philippines

• Occasions: Christmas (major holiday), birthdays, fiestas, weddings, housewarmings.

• Etiquette:

  • Gift-giving is quite informal and friendly.

  • Opening gifts in front of the giver is common and appreciated.

• Good gifts: Food, wine, home décor, toys for kids, anything thoughtful.

• Avoid: Very expensive gifts that may embarrass the recipient.

Singapore

• Occasions: Birthdays, weddings, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, business events.

• Etiquette:

  • Singapore is multicultural – consider ethnic and religious background.

  • Use both hands or the right hand to present gifts.

  • Gifts may be opened immediately or later depending on the setting.

• Good gifts:

  • Chinese: Mandarin oranges, red envelopes (ang pow), premium tea.

  • Malays: Halal gift sets, traditional sweets.

  • Indians: Spices, sweets, decorative items.

• Avoid:

  • Sharp objects, clocks, and alcohol depending on religion.

  • Cash is acceptable in red envelopes for weddings or New Year.

Laos

• Occasions: Lao New Year (Pi Mai), weddings, religious ceremonies.

• Etiquette:

  • Present gifts with both hands.

  • Gifts are generally opened after the guest leaves.

• Good gifts: Fruit, sweets, small souvenirs, books.

• Avoid: Overly lavish gifts, and anything that could imply showing off.

Cambodia

• Occasions: Pchum Ben, Khmer New Year, weddings, religious holidays.

• Etiquette:

  • Use both hands to offer a gift.

  • Gifts are often not opened immediately.

• Good gifts: Fruit, baked goods, incense, scarves.

• Avoid: Expensive or flashy gifts, which may make others uncomfortable.

Myanmar

• Occasions: Thingyan (New Year), birthdays, religious occasions.

• Etiquette:

  • Give and receive gifts with both hands.

  • Avoid physical contact between men and women when handing gifts.

• Good gifts: Sweets, tea, small crafts, flowers.

• Avoid: Alcohol, anything overly luxurious, sharp items.

General Tips

• When in doubt, bring a gift from your country – it’s always appreciated.

• Presentation matters – nicely wrapped gifts show respect.

• Always be modest about giving; humility is valued in many cultures.

• Observe local customs and adjust based on your relationship with the recipient.