DANANG’S MEDICAL TOURISM: VIETNAM’S COASTAL CITY EYES THE FUTURE OF ASIA’S WELLNESS ECONOMY

By Bloomberg Contributor | June 14, 2025

As global travelers shift toward health-centered and meaningful travel, Danang is quietly positioning itself as Southeast Asia’s next high-growth destination for medical tourism. Known for its pristine beaches and modern infrastructure, Vietnam’s third-largest city is now aiming to do more than just attract leisure travelers—it wants to heal them.

In an exclusive conversation with Bloomberg, Dr. Tran Quoc Bao, a leading voice in Asia’s healthcare and wellness space, shared his insights into Danang’s ambitions, the competitive landscape, and what it will take to cement the city’s place in the global medical tourism economy.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR A HEALTH-DRIVEN TRAVEL ECONOMY
“Medical tourism isn’t a sideline business,” says Dr. Tran. “It requires an entire ecosystem—cutting-edge hospitals, specialized talent, high-touch wellness offerings, and the ability to integrate traditional healing practices with modern medicine.”

Danang has approved a master plan to expand into this market, combining health diagnostics, aesthetic procedures, and holistic wellness retreats into its broader tourism framework. Traditional medicine, too, plays a strategic role—lending authenticity and local identity to the city’s healthcare portfolio.

“What makes Danang truly competitive,” Dr. Tran notes, “is its ability to weave healthcare into a complete, world-class travel experience.”

IS DANANG LATE TO THE GAME? NOT EXACTLY.
While cities like Bangkok and Seoul have long dominated Asia’s medical tourism map, Dr. Tran sees Danang’s timing as advantageous.

“This isn’t a race to be first. It’s about who builds the most resilient and experience-oriented model,” he explains. “Post-pandemic, travelers are no longer just looking for treatment—they want preventive care, long-term wellness, and cultural value. That’s Danang’s opportunity.”

With lower costs and improving healthcare standards, Danang is increasingly attractive to travelers seeking both value and care quality.

WHAT WELLNESS TRAVELERS REALLY WANT
Though official data remains scarce, industry observation points to high demand for cosmetic services, executive health screenings, physical rehab programs, and traditional therapies—segments where Vietnam has growing strengths.

“Danang’s medical workforce is young but skilled, and its facilities are rapidly upgrading,” says Dr. Tran. “Add to that beachside recovery and a favorable climate, and you have a destination with real appeal to global wellness tourists.”

COMPETING ON QUALITY, PRICE, AND EXPERIENCE
Affordability, accessibility, and personalized care are Danang’s competitive levers. Compared to established hubs, Danang offers significant cost savings without compromising clinical standards. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s traditional medicine—rooted in herbal and acupuncture practices—adds cultural distinctiveness that is increasingly in demand.

Danang’s efficient airport, clean urban planning, and strong hospitality industry further reinforce its position. “It’s not just a place for procedures,” says Dr. Tran. “It’s a city where recovery becomes part of the experience.”

THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S ROLE IN BUILDING SCALE
To unlock scale, Dr. Tran argues, the private sector must lead with innovative, bundled solutions. “Think wellness resorts that offer health assessments, detox programs overseen by medical staff, or aesthetic clinics co-located with luxury hotels,” he suggests.

Market segmentation will also be critical. “We need targeted packages for different visitor types—say, South Korean clients seeking cosmetic work, or Australian retirees needing orthopedic surgery. Personalization will differentiate Danang from its competitors.”

Marketing and international brand-building, he says, are equally essential. “We need coordinated campaigns—digital, data-driven, and aligned with global medical tourism platforms. Trust and visibility go hand in hand.”

THE LONG GAME: DANANG’S STRATEGIC PATH FORWARD
Danang’s government and business leaders aren’t looking for quick wins. Instead, they are investing in long-term credibility and global recognition.

“This is a generational project,” Dr. Tran concludes. “If executed strategically, Danang can emerge not just as a medical tourism city—but as a holistic health destination of Asia.”

With its blend of healthcare, hospitality, and heritage, Danang may soon redefine what it means to travel for health in the 21st century.