Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty, sacred temples and pagodas, colonial architecture, and bustling cities. The influx of medical tourists is driven by affordable healthcare and high-quality treatments that the country offers, with dental and cosmetic surgery being the most popular treatments. The Vietnamese government and the private sector are working on strategies to further develop medical tourism. There are incentives given for the development of the sector and the quality of clinics and hospitals in the country continue to increase. Currently, there are a large number of hospitals that are in the midst of securing JCI accreditation.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) are two of the major centers of Vietnam. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, as well as a major metropolitan and political center. It boasts various well-preserved colonial buildings and pagodas. Visitors can explore the historic Old Quarter, enjoy a relaxing day in Hoan Kiem Lake, or go to the Temple of Literature. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and most populous city in the country with an interesting culture and rich history. Some of the most popular attractions in the city are Gic Lam Pagoda, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Jade Emperor Pagoda. Along with Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Hanoi are also very popular among international tourists.
International flights usually arrive in Saigon’s Than Son Nhat Airport or Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. Both serve international and domestic flights and offer several budget airlines. To get around the country, domestic flights are the fastest way but can be a bit expensive. Trains and buses can be affordable and comfortable alternatives. Taxis, motorcycle taxis, and Cyclo (trishaws) are available to travel around inside major cities.
Most visitors need to apply and obtain a visa to be able to visit Vietnam, with the exception of citizens of 24 visa exemption countries, such as all ASEAN countries, Russia, South Korea, the UK, and Germany. Fortunately, Vietnam offers visa on arrival and e-visa to make it easier for foreigners to enter.
Different regions in Vietnam experience different climates. In general, the southern part of the country experiences two seasons: the dry season (January – August) and the wet season (September – December). In the north, four seasons are present: spring (February – April), summer (May-August), autumn (September – November), and winter (December – January).