Ho Chi Minh City leverages sea, forest, healthcare strengths for medical tourism

The Traditional Medicine Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City organized the event to introduce a strategic vision centered on developing pain management therapies rooted in traditional medicine, with a broader goal of aligning these services with the growing medical tourism sector.

Associate Professor Vo Trong Tuan from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City underscored that the city’s own advantages are becoming increasingly evident.

Following an administrative merger in July last year, the city now boasts access to coastal areas, forest ecosystems, and a robust healthcare network, alongside growing institutional support.

These factors create favorable conditions for developing a comprehensive medical tourism ecosystem, especially the traditional medicine segment.

The new Ho Chi Minh City was formed by merging the old city with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces.

He also noted that Vietnam should clearly define the role of its traditional medicine within both regional and global contexts.

Successful models in countries like China, Singapore, and Japan demonstrate how healthcare can be elevated into a cultural and economic product.

In China, for instance, medical tourism often begins with cultural experiences such as visits to renowned herbal pharmacies, medicinal tea tastings, and wellness cuisine before transitioning into clinical treatments.

Meanwhile, Singapore has effectively transformed its healthcare capabilities into a high-value service industry, particularly in specialized treatments and premium care.

Tran Ngoc Trieu, deputy director of the municipal Department of Health, said that collaboration between health and tourism authorities has already identified key areas of potential for medical tourism growth, including traditional medicine, cosmetic procedures, dentistry, general health check-ups, and maternal and pediatric care.

Nonetheless, limitations persist.

Major hospitals, including the Traditional Medicine Hospital, face constraints in infrastructure and space, hindering their ability to scale services for tourism purposes.

Meanwhile, the Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau areas, despite their coastal appeal, encounter challenges related to geographic accessibility and connectivity.

A critical factor in advancing medical tourism lies in partnerships with travel firms which act as a bridge, bringing both domestic and international visitors to healthcare facilities.

Most medical tourists arrive through organized tour programs rather than independent arrangements.

To address these challenges and capitalize on existing opportunities, the municipal Department of Health has tasked the Traditional Medicine Hospital with leading efforts to develop a broader regional network.

This vision extends beyond Ho Chi Minh City to include nearby provinces such as Dong Nai and Lam Dong, with a view to creating a sustainable ecosystem that integrates healthcare, eco-tourism, and resort-based recovery.

Speaking at the event, Do Tan Khoa, director of the hospital, highlighted ongoing efforts to build a model that integrates traditional medicine with southern Vietnamese culture.

The initiative aims to offer visitors not only therapeutic treatments but also immersive cultural and culinary experiences unique to the region.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, the city holds a competitive advantage due to its reasonable healthcare costs and its ability to combine modern medical treatments with traditional practices.

This approach enables patients to undergo extended treatments while enjoying resort-style recovery experiences.

However, infrastructure remains a key challenge.

The lack of dedicated facilities that combine healthcare services with resort amenities has hampered the sector’s growth.

As such, allocating land for the development of ‘medical resorts’ is seen as a strategic next step.

Vietnam has begun to attract international attention, particularly in traditional medicine.

She stated that a structured and professional marketing strategy will be essential to elevate the country’s position in the global medical tourism market.