Vietnam targets $1bn medical tourism by 2030

Photo: Manh Tran

Vietnam is aiming to attract about 750,000 medical tourists a year and earn US$1 billion in direct medical revenue by 2030 under a draft national strategy now open for public feedback.

Plan combines treatment and travel

The Ministry of Health expects total spending by foreign patients and accompanying visitors to reach US$2.5 billion when accommodation, transport, food, shopping, leisure and related services are included.

The 2026-30 strategy aims to make Vietnam more competitive as a medical tourism destination in Southeast Asia. It covers modern and traditional medicine, rehabilitation, wellness care and elderly care.

Officials estimate that around 300,000 foreign visitors already use medical services in Vietnam each year, spending between US$1 billion and US$2 billion, though treatment costs are not tracked separately.

Major cities lead current services

Vietnam had 2,107 hospitals, more than 339,000 beds and 105,000 doctors in 2025. The specialised system includes 103 hospitals, 13 of which provide highly advanced medical services, mainly in Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City.

Hospitals have developed services including robotic surgery, organ transplantation, cardiovascular interventions, cancer treatment, assisted reproduction and advanced eye, ear, nose, throat and dental care.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the main hubs, with HCMC accounting for 40 per cent of international medical tourists. Da Nang, Hue and Khanh Hoa are developing combined healthcare, wellness and tourism services.

What it means for foreigners in Vietnam

Foreign residents and visitors most commonly seek dental work, cosmetic procedures, assisted reproduction, health checks and selected high-tech treatments. The draft strategy acknowledges that the sector still lacks an integrated legal framework and clear recognition criteria for medical-tourism facilities.

Vietnam also has fewer internationally accredited hospitals than Thailand and Malaysia, while language support, insurance coordination and international-patient services remain limited. Patients should therefore confirm the hospital's credentials, quoted fees, language support and insurance arrangements directly before travelling or beginning treatment.

15 August 2026