Vietnam Emerges as Asia’s New Hub for Medical Tourism

By Ralph Jennings | VOA News | September 18, 2025

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM — For years, Vietnam has attracted international tourists with its scenic beauty — from the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the historic streets of Hanoi. But today, a growing number of visitors are coming for something far less picturesque and much more personal: medical care.

Dentistry and cosmetic surgery are leading the charge as Vietnam begins to carve out a spot in Asia’s competitive medical tourism market. Thanks to affordable prices, political stability, and steadily improving healthcare quality, the country is drawing increasing attention from foreign patients — particularly those from nearby countries like China, South Korea, and Australia.

“We’re seeing more and more people choosing Vietnam not just for vacation, but for medical reasons,” said Dr. Tran Quoc Bao, Chief Executive Officer of City International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. “Patients are looking for value — high-quality care without the high costs. Vietnam is in a great position to provide both.”

Dr. Bao said international patients are especially attracted to services in dentistry and cosmetic surgery, which often cost a fraction of what they do in places like the United States, Canada, or Australia. “For dental work, our prices are about 10% of what someone might pay in North America — and that’s with well-trained doctors and modern equipment,” he noted.

At his hospital, which is part of a new wave of internationally oriented facilities, Bao explained that many staff members have trained overseas and returned to practice in Vietnam, bringing with them advanced techniques and international standards. “We’re focused on making the patient experience seamless, comfortable, and transparent — whether they come for a teeth cleaning or a complex surgery,” he said.

Vietnam’s potential as a healthcare hub is being noticed. According to the Vietnam Investment Review, more than 80,000 foreign patients have visited the country for medical examinations and treatments, contributing over $1 billion in revenue. Other estimates from business consultancy Dezan Shira &amp; Associates put Vietnam’s 2017 medical tourism earnings at $2 billion.

The numbers are climbing alongside a boom in general tourism. Between 2010 and 2018, foreign tourist arrivals to Vietnam tripled — from 5 million to over 15 million. Much of this growth is fueled by neighboring China and South Korea, with millions of travelers flying in each year for both leisure and health services.

Mike Lynch, managing director of SSI Institutional Brokerage in Ho Chi Minh City, says the growth in cosmetic surgery is especially notable. “I do see a trend of people coming here. It’s cheaper to get things done here than it is in Thailand, and definitely Singapore. The biggest group is cosmetic surgery — there’s a lot of it going on here.”

Australian visitors are arriving “in droves” for dental care, while cosmetic surgery remains popular among South Koreans, said Ralf Matthaes, founder of Infocus Mekong Research. He credits both affordability and an improving reputation for Vietnam’s popularity in these sectors. “The quality of doctors is slowly picking up,” he said.

Still, experts say Vietnam’s reputation in broader hospital care hasn’t yet caught up to that of regional competitors like Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand. While the country excels in elective treatments, some warn that complex or emergency care can be inconsistent.

Matthaes, a longtime Vietnam resident, recalled his own negative experience with orthopedic surgery. “I would say it’s spotty at best, but if it comes to dental, and if it comes to plastic surgery, yes,” he said, highlighting that successful medical malpractice suits are still rare.

But for those who are cautious and willing to pay a little extra, the results can be impressive.

John Rockhold, a 67-year-old American energy consultant and Vietnam War veteran, shared a recent personal experience. His wife gave birth in an international hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where they opted for a private suite. “We stayed for four days,” he said. “My mother-in-law could stay with her, and we could order food from several restaurants. The total bill was just $1,200.”

Dr. Bao believes stories like Rockhold’s will become more common as Vietnam continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure and attract foreign investment. He points to the integration of wellness facilities at tourist resorts in places like Phu Quoc and Da Nang as a sign of things to come.

“Medical tourism is not just about treatment — it’s about experience,” said Dr. Bao. “Vietnam is now offering both, and the world is beginning to notice.”

As regional medical service providers set their sights on Vietnam, and international startups in health, beauty, and wellness pour into the market, the country seems well on its way to becoming Asia’s next medical tourism success story.

This report was produced by VOA News.

Vietnam Emerges as Asia’s New Hub for Medical Tourism

By Ralph Jennings | VOA News | September 18, 2025

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM — For years, Vietnam has attracted international tourists with its scenic beauty — from the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the historic streets of Hanoi. But today, a growing number of visitors are coming for something far less picturesque and much more personal: medical care.

Dentistry and cosmetic surgery are leading the charge as Vietnam begins to carve out a spot in Asia’s competitive medical tourism market. Thanks to affordable prices, political stability, and steadily improving healthcare quality, the country is drawing increasing attention from foreign patients — particularly those from nearby countries like China, South Korea, and Australia.

“We’re seeing more and more people choosing Vietnam not just for vacation, but for medical reasons,” said Dr. Tran Quoc Bao, Chief Executive Officer of City International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. “Patients are looking for value — high-quality care without the high costs. Vietnam is in a great position to provide both.”

Dr. Bao said international patients are especially attracted to services in dentistry and cosmetic surgery, which often cost a fraction of what they do in places like the United States, Canada, or Australia. “For dental work, our prices are about 10% of what someone might pay in North America — and that’s with well-trained doctors and modern equipment,” he noted.

At his hospital, which is part of a new wave of internationally oriented facilities, Bao explained that many staff members have trained overseas and returned to practice in Vietnam, bringing with them advanced techniques and international standards. “We’re focused on making the patient experience seamless, comfortable, and transparent — whether they come for a teeth cleaning or a complex surgery,” he said.

Vietnam’s potential as a healthcare hub is being noticed. According to the Vietnam Investment Review, more than 80,000 foreign patients have visited the country for medical examinations and treatments, contributing over $1 billion in revenue. Other estimates from business consultancy Dezan Shira & Associates put Vietnam’s 2017 medical tourism earnings at $2 billion.

The numbers are climbing alongside a boom in general tourism. Between 2010 and 2018, foreign tourist arrivals to Vietnam tripled — from 5 million to over 15 million. Much of this growth is fueled by neighboring China and South Korea, with millions of travelers flying in each year for both leisure and health services.

Mike Lynch, managing director of SSI Institutional Brokerage in Ho Chi Minh City, says the growth in cosmetic surgery is especially notable. “I do see a trend of people coming here. It’s cheaper to get things done here than it is in Thailand, and definitely Singapore. The biggest group is cosmetic surgery — there’s a lot of it going on here.”

Australian visitors are arriving “in droves” for dental care, while cosmetic surgery remains popular among South Koreans, said Ralf Matthaes, founder of Infocus Mekong Research. He credits both affordability and an improving reputation for Vietnam’s popularity in these sectors. “The quality of doctors is slowly picking up,” he said.

Still, experts say Vietnam’s reputation in broader hospital care hasn’t yet caught up to that of regional competitors like Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand. While the country excels in elective treatments, some warn that complex or emergency care can be inconsistent.

Matthaes, a longtime Vietnam resident, recalled his own negative experience with orthopedic surgery. “I would say it’s spotty at best, but if it comes to dental, and if it comes to plastic surgery, yes,” he said, highlighting that successful medical malpractice suits are still rare.

But for those who are cautious and willing to pay a little extra, the results can be impressive.

John Rockhold, a 67-year-old American energy consultant and Vietnam War veteran, shared a recent personal experience. His wife gave birth in an international hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where they opted for a private suite. “We stayed for four days,” he said. “My mother-in-law could stay with her, and we could order food from several restaurants. The total bill was just $1,200.”

Dr. Bao believes stories like Rockhold’s will become more common as Vietnam continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure and attract foreign investment. He points to the integration of wellness facilities at tourist resorts in places like Phu Quoc and Da Nang as a sign of things to come.

“Medical tourism is not just about treatment — it’s about experience,” said Dr. Bao. “Vietnam is now offering both, and the world is beginning to notice.”

As regional medical service providers set their sights on Vietnam, and international startups in health, beauty, and wellness pour into the market, the country seems well on its way to becoming Asia’s next medical tourism success story.

This report was produced by VOA News.