Vietnam’s ministry of health is seeking public feedback on a draft plan to develop high-quality medical services and promote medical tourism, targeting both domestic and international patients.
Under the proposal, by 2030 five key localities, Hanoi, HCM City, Danang, Quang Ninh and Khanh Hoa, will pilot integrated medical tourism models combining hospitals, hotels, resorts and travel services.
According to the ministry, Vietnam’s medical tourism market was valued at around USD 700 million in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 4 billion by 2033, representing an average annual growth rate of about 18 per cent.
Vietnam holds several competitive advantages, including relatively low costs, a highly skilled medical workforce and the ability to perform complex procedures in fields such as cardiology, organ transplantation, in vitro fertilisation and dentistry. These strengths position the country to compete with established regional medical hubs.
To capitalise on this potential, authorities are drafting a development strategy for high-quality healthcare services for the 2025-2030 period, aiming to attract high-spending patients while reducing the number of Vietnamese seeking treatment abroad.
The plan also targets the establishment of at least 15 internationally accredited hospitals by 2030, including five public institutions. Service offerings will be expanded to include advanced medical treatments, traditional medicine combined with wellness retreats, and comprehensive healthcare packages.
In Hanoi, one of the five targeted localities, healthcare development in 2026 will focus on upgrading infrastructure, modernising equipment, training personnel and applying artificial intelligence in early diagnosis. Major projects, including expansions of oncology, cardiology and paediatric hospitals, are expected alongside new rehabilitation and therapeutic care complexes.
Integrated treatment and leisure models are also emerging. Vinmec Ocean Park 2 International Hospital has introduced a model where patients receive care in private villa-style settings, combining round-the-clock medical services with a resort environment.
Do Tan Khoa, director of the traditional medicine hospital of HCM City, said traditional medicine is being positioned as a key pillar in attracting international patients, offering not only treatment but also wellness, rehabilitation and quality-of-life services.
Tran Quang Huy, director of Chim Canh Cut Travel Service JSC, said administrative restructuring has enabled travel firms to diversify offerings. Packages that previously focused on HCM City and basic services such as dental care now include specialised treatments, cosmetic procedures and wellness retreats.
According to Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the HCM City department of tourism, between 30 and 40 per cent of patients seeking treatment in the city come from other provinces or overseas. While most international patients are from neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Laos, there has been growing demand from markets including the US, Australia, Canada, Japan and overseas Vietnamese communities.
Deputy minister of health Tran Van Thuan said Vietnam’s competitive costs, improving medical expertise and strong tradition of traditional medicine not only enhance domestic healthcare but also open up significant opportunities for the country’s tourism and healthcare industries.