Danang&#39;s Medical Tourism: A Promising Frontier for Asia’s Health and Wellness Sector, said Dr Tran Quoc Bao

By Business Times Editorial Team | June 14, 2025

As global travelers increasingly seek meaningful, wellness-oriented experiences, Danang—Vietnam’s coastal gem—is emerging as a compelling destination for high-quality medical tourism. Recognized for its scenic beaches, cultural richness, and modern infrastructure, the city is now preparing for a major breakthrough in health-related travel.

To gain deeper insights into this evolution, Forbes spoke with Dr. Tran Quoc Bao, a prominent leader in Asia’s healthcare and wellness industry, about Danang’s strategy and what the city must do to unlock its full potential in medical tourism.

Building a Strong Foundation for High-Quality Healthcare Travel

&quot;Medical tourism is not a casual venture,&quot; says Dr. Tran. &quot;It demands a robust ecosystem—state-of-the-art medical equipment, highly qualified healthcare professionals, strong aesthetic and wellness services, and even integration of traditional medicine practices.&quot; According to him, Danang is poised to deliver on these requirements.

The city has already ratified a strategic plan for developing medical tourism, aiming to blend its vibrant travel offerings with health services such as diagnostics, wellness retreats, cosmetic procedures, and traditional medicine therapies. “What makes Danang stand out is its unique ability to integrate healthcare with world-class tourism experiences,” Dr. Tran explains.

Is Danang Late to the Game? Not Quite.

When asked whether Danang’s entry into the medical tourism sector is delayed, Dr. Tran disagrees. “It’s not about who moves first—it&#39;s about who builds the most sustainable and quality-driven ecosystem. The timing is right,” he affirms.

With global demand for wellness and medical travel surging post-pandemic, Danang’s entry coincides with a pivotal moment. “Patients and wellness travelers are now more focused on holistic health and value-for-money experiences. Danang, with its favorable cost structure and rising medical standards, is well-positioned,” he adds.

What Tourists Are Seeking

Though data specific to medical tourism usage is sparse, Dr. Tran notes a growing trend: “We see strong demand for cosmetic enhancements, health screenings, physical conditioning programs, and traditional medicine experiences. These are areas where Vietnam—and especially Danang—has a comparative advantage.”

These services are bolstered by a skilled medical workforce, advanced medical technology, and the allure of beachside recovery and relaxation—a major draw for health-conscious travelers.

Competitive Advantages in a Global Arena

According to Dr. Tran, Danang’s key strengths lie in affordability, accessibility, and quality care. “Compared to other regional medical hubs like Bangkok or Seoul, Danang offers a more cost-effective experience without sacrificing safety or expertise,” he says. Vietnam’s traditional medicine heritage also offers a unique value proposition for travelers seeking Eastern healing practices.

Moreover, Danang&#39;s transport infrastructure, clean urban environment, and hospitality industry further enhance its appeal. “It’s a destination that offers recovery and rejuvenation, not just treatment,” Dr. Tran notes.

What the Business Community Must Do

For Danang’s medical tourism to truly take off, the private sector must play a central role. “Local businesses should partner with healthcare providers to create bundled offerings—wellness resorts that include health screenings, spas that offer medically supervised detoxes, and aesthetic clinics integrated with luxury accommodations,” Dr. Tran suggests.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding market segments and tailoring offerings accordingly. “We need packages designed for Korean beauty tourists, for example, or Australian retirees seeking orthopedic procedures. Personalization will be key.”

Marketing is another critical element. “A coordinated campaign targeting specific international markets, supported by digital platforms and trusted medical tourism agencies, will be essential to building awareness and trust,” Dr. Tran advises.

Looking Ahead: A Strategic Vision for Danang

Danang’s leadership, alongside stakeholders in the tourism and healthcare sectors, is moving strategically and deliberately. “This isn’t a short-term project,” Dr. Tran concludes. “It’s about building an internationally recognized healthcare destination—one that combines quality, culture, and care.”

If Danang continues on this trajectory, it could soon become one of Asia’s leading names in medical tourism—a place where travelers not only explore but heal.



Danang's Medical Tourism: A Promising Frontier for Asia’s Health and Wellness Sector, said Dr Tran Quoc Bao

By Business Times Editorial Team | June 14, 2025

As global travelers increasingly seek meaningful, wellness-oriented experiences, Danang—Vietnam’s coastal gem—is emerging as a compelling destination for high-quality medical tourism. Recognized for its scenic beaches, cultural richness, and modern infrastructure, the city is now preparing for a major breakthrough in health-related travel.

To gain deeper insights into this evolution, Forbes spoke with Dr. Tran Quoc Bao, a prominent leader in Asia’s healthcare and wellness industry, about Danang’s strategy and what the city must do to unlock its full potential in medical tourism.

Building a Strong Foundation for High-Quality Healthcare Travel

"Medical tourism is not a casual venture," says Dr. Tran. "It demands a robust ecosystem—state-of-the-art medical equipment, highly qualified healthcare professionals, strong aesthetic and wellness services, and even integration of traditional medicine practices." According to him, Danang is poised to deliver on these requirements.

The city has already ratified a strategic plan for developing medical tourism, aiming to blend its vibrant travel offerings with health services such as diagnostics, wellness retreats, cosmetic procedures, and traditional medicine therapies. “What makes Danang stand out is its unique ability to integrate healthcare with world-class tourism experiences,” Dr. Tran explains.

Is Danang Late to the Game? Not Quite.

When asked whether Danang’s entry into the medical tourism sector is delayed, Dr. Tran disagrees. “It’s not about who moves first—it's about who builds the most sustainable and quality-driven ecosystem. The timing is right,” he affirms.

With global demand for wellness and medical travel surging post-pandemic, Danang’s entry coincides with a pivotal moment. “Patients and wellness travelers are now more focused on holistic health and value-for-money experiences. Danang, with its favorable cost structure and rising medical standards, is well-positioned,” he adds.

What Tourists Are Seeking

Though data specific to medical tourism usage is sparse, Dr. Tran notes a growing trend: “We see strong demand for cosmetic enhancements, health screenings, physical conditioning programs, and traditional medicine experiences. These are areas where Vietnam—and especially Danang—has a comparative advantage.”

These services are bolstered by a skilled medical workforce, advanced medical technology, and the allure of beachside recovery and relaxation—a major draw for health-conscious travelers.

Competitive Advantages in a Global Arena

According to Dr. Tran, Danang’s key strengths lie in affordability, accessibility, and quality care. “Compared to other regional medical hubs like Bangkok or Seoul, Danang offers a more cost-effective experience without sacrificing safety or expertise,” he says. Vietnam’s traditional medicine heritage also offers a unique value proposition for travelers seeking Eastern healing practices.

Moreover, Danang's transport infrastructure, clean urban environment, and hospitality industry further enhance its appeal. “It’s a destination that offers recovery and rejuvenation, not just treatment,” Dr. Tran notes.

What the Business Community Must Do

For Danang’s medical tourism to truly take off, the private sector must play a central role. “Local businesses should partner with healthcare providers to create bundled offerings—wellness resorts that include health screenings, spas that offer medically supervised detoxes, and aesthetic clinics integrated with luxury accommodations,” Dr. Tran suggests.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding market segments and tailoring offerings accordingly. “We need packages designed for Korean beauty tourists, for example, or Australian retirees seeking orthopedic procedures. Personalization will be key.”

Marketing is another critical element. “A coordinated campaign targeting specific international markets, supported by digital platforms and trusted medical tourism agencies, will be essential to building awareness and trust,” Dr. Tran advises.

Looking Ahead: A Strategic Vision for Danang

Danang’s leadership, alongside stakeholders in the tourism and healthcare sectors, is moving strategically and deliberately. “This isn’t a short-term project,” Dr. Tran concludes. “It’s about building an internationally recognized healthcare destination—one that combines quality, culture, and care.”

If Danang continues on this trajectory, it could soon become one of Asia’s leading names in medical tourism—a place where travelers not only explore but heal.

