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12/04/2026, 02:00
Tapping medical tourism potential between Viet Nam and the US
In recent years, tourism cooperation between Viet Nam and the US has been strengthened through promotional activities and business networking. A range of tourism products has received greater attention, with medical tourism and healthcare tourism seen as among the most promising areas for deeper cooperation.
Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, said that the US is not only a key source market for Vietnamese tourism but also an important long-standing and friendly partner. Viet Nam hopes to continue attracting international visitors, particularly those in the long-stay and high-spending segment.
Viet Nam has been implementing a range of policies to facilitate tourism development, including the expansion of electronic visa issuance and visa exemptions for citizens of a number of countries.
At the same time, it is improving entry and exit procedures to make travel more convenient for tourists, especially tour groups. These efforts are being accompanied by investment policies aimed at developing tourism infrastructure and diversifying products to suit the needs of each market.
Viet Nam is currently prioritising key markets such as Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US, with a particular focus on attracting high-end travellers. The US market also has the advantage of a large Vietnamese community living and working there, helping to promote long-stay travel that combines family visits with tourism.
James Peranteau, a representative of the US Embassy in Viet Nam, expressed his admiration for Viet Nam’s diverse natural landscapes, ranging from natural heritage sites and coastal and island areas to mountainous and highland regions. “These are important advantages that can help Viet Nam enhance its appeal to international visitors, including those from the US, a market with strong travel demand and a growing interest in new experiences,” he said.
The US side is particularly interested in Viet Nam’s tourism development orientation and the products currently being prioritised. According to James Peranteau, medical tourism and healthcare tourism are regarded as fields with considerable potential for cooperation. With reasonable costs, steadily improving service quality, and a professionally qualified workforce, Viet Nam is well placed to become a suitable destination for US travellers seeking to combine leisure with healthcare.
In 2025, the number of visitors from the US to Viet Nam recorded positive growth, reaching nearly 850,000 arrivals. The maintenance and expansion of direct air routes between the two countries have also helped facilitate travel and boost two-way tourism exchanges.
At present, Viet Nam’s tourism sector is focusing on developing core products such as medical tourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism, urban tourism, and marine tourism. Viet Nam is also stepping up newer offerings such as wellness tourism, medical tourism, MICE tourism, and sports tourism. At the same time, it is working to improve the quality of tourism services and products in order to attract visitors who stay longer and spend more.
According to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the localities with well-developed healthcare systems, attracting many international visitors seeking high-quality healthcare services.
The hospital system, particularly the private sector, has seen comprehensive investment in infrastructure, modern equipment, and highly qualified doctors, enabling it to meet the needs of international visitors effectively. These are promising destinations for tapping medical tourism.
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