Vietnam Sets Ambitious 2030 Targets for Medical Tourism

Vietnam is positioning itself as a rising medical tourism hub in Asia, with new policy documents and planning proposals indicating a goal of attracting around 750,000 international medical visitors and generating an estimated US$2.5 billion in health tourism revenue annually by 2030.

National Strategy Puts Medical Tourism on the Map

Recent planning documents and sector analyses show that Vietnam’s health and tourism authorities are aligning long-term strategies to develop medical tourism into a significant pillar of the services economy by 2030. The emerging targets of 750,000 international medical visitors and US$2.5 billion in annual spending are being positioned as both achievable and necessary to keep pace with regional competitors.

Official planning for the health sector to 2030, with a vision to 2045, emphasizes expanded access to high-quality care, a stronger hospital network and greater participation from private providers. These elements are seen as foundational for attracting more foreign patients seeking elective procedures, complex treatments and wellness-focused services. Publicly available information shows that national health plans call for improved hospital infrastructure, more advanced equipment and higher clinical standards.

At the same time, Vietnam’s broader tourism development strategies highlight health-related travel as a promising niche, alongside beach, cultural and nature-based tourism. Sector reports suggest that the government views medical tourism as a way to increase visitor spending and length of stay, while using existing strengths in hospitality, coastal resorts and urban services.

While the detailed national medical tourism strategy for 2026 to 2030 is still being finalized, recent reports from Vietnamese media and official portals describe it as a roadmap to transform selected destinations into international-standard medical and wellness centers, backed by clear incentives, investment priorities and marketing plans.

Integrated Hospital–Resort Hubs in Key Cities

One of the most visible features of Vietnam’s emerging approach is the focus on integrated medical tourism hubs that link hospitals, hotels and resorts. Proposals described on the Ministry of Health portal outline models that combine tertiary hospitals or specialized clinics with nearby accommodation and travel services to create seamless experiences for foreign patients.

Initial development is being concentrated in at least five priority localities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Quang Ninh and Khanh Hoa. These destinations already play leading roles in both healthcare and tourism, hosting major general hospitals, specialized centers, international clinics and well-established hotel and resort stock. Available planning documents indicate that these areas are expected to pioneer standardized medical tourism packages, from dental work and cosmetic surgery to orthopedic procedures and health check-ups.

Urban hubs such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are being positioned as gateways for complex care, diagnostics and advanced surgery, leveraging large multi-specialty hospitals and international private facilities. Coastal provinces like Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh are expected to emphasize rehabilitation, wellness, spa services and post-treatment recovery in resort settings, taking advantage of beaches, islands and mild climates.

Reports on sector planning also point to supporting infrastructure as a key factor. International airports, upgraded roads and expanding domestic air links are intended to make it easier for patients to combine medical visits with short leisure stays or family travel, and to return for follow-up appointments when required.

From 300,000 to 750,000 Medical Visitors

Available industry estimates referenced in regional medical tourism analyses suggest that Vietnam currently receives around 300,000 foreign patients a year, with annual revenue in the range of US$2 billion from medical and wellness-related travel. Many of these visitors come from neighboring countries, overseas Vietnamese communities and some markets in Europe, North America and Australia.

To reach a projected 750,000 international medical visitors by 2030, Vietnam would need to more than double current volumes while also increasing average spending per patient. The implied revenue target of about US$2.5 billion indicates an emphasis on higher-value services, longer stays and more complex treatment bundles instead of purely low-cost procedures.

Market observers note that Vietnam’s pricing for many medical services remains significantly below levels in Western countries, and in several cases below leading competitors in the region. Dental work, elective cosmetic surgery and general health check-ups are often cited as the core of inbound demand, with oncology, cardiology and orthopedic surgery becoming more prominent as specialized hospitals add new equipment and expertise.

Sector forecasts on healthcare spending to 2030, which predict that Vietnam’s total health expenditure could nearly double over the decade, provide additional context. Analysts argue that rising domestic investment in hospitals, pharmaceuticals and digital health solutions can support an expanded international patient segment, provided quality, transparency and aftercare keep pace.

Competitive Pressures in Asia’s Medical Tourism Market

Vietnam’s ambitions unfold in a region already dominated by established medical tourism destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India. These countries have spent years building specialized international patient centers, accreditation portfolios and global marketing networks, and they continue to attract large flows of foreign patients for everything from cardiology and oncology to fertility treatment.

Reports from international organizations and regional media indicate that Vietnam is aiming to differentiate itself by combining cost advantages with a broader tourism offer. Coastal destinations, world heritage sites and emerging wellness retreats are being promoted as complements to hospital-based care. For many prospective patients, the ability to combine treatment with relaxation or cultural travel is becoming a decisive factor.

However, observers also highlight challenges. These include uneven service quality between urban and provincial hospitals, language barriers, limited international accreditation among facilities, complex administrative procedures and concerns around continuity of care after patients return home. Addressing these issues is seen as essential if Vietnam is to compete directly for higher-value medical tourists.

Planned responses mentioned in public documents include expanded foreign language training for medical staff, simplified processes for international patients, increased quality control through inspection and accreditation, and greater use of digital tools to manage records, teleconsultations and follow-up.

Investment, Regulation and Partnership Opportunities

The drive to scale up medical tourism is likely to open new opportunities for private hospitals, hotel groups and international investors. National health strategies to 2030 emphasize the role of non-public providers and encourage partnerships that can bring in technology, management expertise and capital. Observers note that many of Vietnam’s most visible medical tourism players so far have been private hospitals targeting expatriates and affluent domestic patients, which are now looking to attract more regional and long-haul visitors.

Regulatory and planning documents also point to measures to streamline investment in hospital infrastructure, specialized clinics and supporting services in designated medical tourism zones. These zones, particularly in major cities and coastal provinces, are expected to offer clearer land-use planning, infrastructure commitments and potentially preferential policies for high-tech medical projects.

For international partners, the evolving strategy may translate into joint ventures with local hospital groups, collaborations on training and clinical protocols, and partnerships with travel and hospitality companies to design integrated medical packages. Industry analysts suggest that early movers able to secure accreditation, demonstrate outcomes and offer transparent pricing will be best placed to benefit from the projected growth toward 2030.

As Vietnam finalizes its medical tourism roadmap and begins to implement concrete projects, market watchers will be tracking whether the country can move from its current 300,000 foreign patients and US$2 billion in related revenue to the targeted 750,000 visitors and US$2.5 billion by the end of the decade, and how this shift reshapes both its healthcare system and its broader tourism economy.