At the Danang Global Business Summit 2025, Dr. Tran Quoc Bao, Chairman of the Wellness & Cosmetic panel and Senior Advisor at Asian Hospital & Healthcare Management, revealed an amazing reality: Da Nang now accounts for a significant portion of Vietnam’s medical tourism market, generating approximately USD 140 million annually and attracting a growing number of international patients each year.

Yet, as Bao emphasized, the numbers tell only part of the story. The real transformation lies in patient behavior and how digital technology is reshaping medical decision-making.

International medical tourists increasingly select their hospital, specialist, and treatment plan before traveling, relying on online research, social media, and AI-powered consultations rather than traditional brochures or airport guides.

This shift marks a significant change in Vietnam’s medical tourism, as patients are increasingly affluent, digitally savvy, and informed. Their choices are guided by Google searches, YouTube videos, Instagram content, and AI chatbots, making pre-travel engagement critical for any city seeking a leadership position in global wellness tourism.

Da Nang Advantage – High-Tech, Ambulatory Care

Da Nang’s medical tourism rise is no accident—it’s the result of a deliberate push into four high-demand specialties: dentistry, cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, and comprehensive health screenings. What ties these services together is a shared commitment to high-tech, ambulatory care that eliminates the need for hospital stays, minimizes risk, accelerates recovery, and makes advanced treatment accessible to global travelers.

With costs generally lower than those in Western markets—even when factoring in travel and accommodations—patients are finding a unique combination of value and quality. Many of the city’s physicians, who have trained or gained recognition abroad, are being praised for their precision and clinical expertise.

By merging cutting-edge technology with affordability and world-class expertise, Da Nang is rapidly evolving from a laid-back coastal getaway into one of Asia’s most compelling and fast-rising medical tourism hubs.

A Digital-First Patient Journey

Across all primary specialties, patient decision-making is increasingly digital—and it’s reshaping how Vietnam’s medical tourism strategy unfolds. Prospective patients no longer rely solely on word of mouth or traditional referrals; instead, they study extensive before-and-after galleries, review real case outcomes, and compare treatment approaches across clinics with a level of transparency unimaginable a decade ago.

Many now turn to procedural simulations to understand exactly what to expect, using immersive visual tools that demystify even the most advanced interventions. And as AI-driven chatbots become more sophisticated, patients are increasingly using them to estimate costs, check treatment suitability, and coordinate appointments, making the early stages of care feel seamless and personalized.

Digital touchpoints now play a significant role in patient conversions, marking a transformative shift that highlights the essential role of digital healthcare infrastructure in Vietnam’s competitiveness on the global stage. For Da Nang and other emerging medical destinations, it’s clear: the future of medical tourism will be shaped not only by operating rooms and clinics but also by the digital ecosystems that guide patients long before they board a plane.

Building a Complete Digital Ecosystem

Da Nang has built sophisticated medical-tech facilities:

• 24/7 multilingual AI chatbots responding instantly worldwide
• AI-driven remote assessments
• 360° virtual clinic tours
• Instant cost estimators
• Global content marketing campaigns

Speed and accessibility are now competitive advantages, attracting patients who demand clarity, trust, and efficiency.

Photo Courtesy: Da Nang Global Business Summit 2025
Dr. Le Kim Trong, Deputy Rector of Da Nang University of Medicine and Pharmacy, demonstrates AI-assisted pre-flight consultations for international cosmetic surgery patients.

Cosmetic Surgery – Men Are Driving Growth

Male patients are now a fast-growing segment, especially expats, executives, and professionals seeking confidence upgrades. Digital tools ensure clarity and trust:

• Remote image-based evaluation
• AI-generated outcome simulations
• Clear recovery timelines
• Transparent pricing
• Suitability assessments

This ecosystem allows patients to make informed decisions before leaving home, positioning Da Nang as a leader in pre-flight medical consultations.

Ophthalmology – AI in the Clinical Core

At Saigon–Song Han Eye Hospital, AI is now integral to clinical decision-making. Patients can upload medical files, enabling AI to:

• Simulate surgical outcomes
• Assess laser compatibility
• Forecast personalized recovery timelines

This technology enables patients to schedule complex procedures from anywhere in the world confidently. Over the past few years, the hospital has treated thousands of patients, including many international visitors, further solidifying Da Nang’s reputation as a premier global health tourism destination.

The Future of Medical Tourism

The rules of cross-border healthcare are simple: speed beats delay, clarity beats ambiguity, and digital beats traditional. A significant portion of decisions is now made prior to departure, positioning Da Nang as a leader in Asia’s medical and wellness tourism sector.

Dr. Tran Quoc Bao concludes:

“This isn’t just data. It’s an inflection point, where tourism, healthcare, and technology merge to put Da Nang on the global map.”

Photo Courtesy: Da Nang Global Business Summit 2025
Dr. Tran Quoc Bao delivers closing remarks, highlighting Da Nang’s rise as a global destination for medical and wellness tourism

The next generation of medical tourism will not be decided at the airport gate. It will be agreed in search engines, AI chat windows, and pre-flight consultations. In this emerging future, Da Nang is already running ahead, redefining itself as Asia’s premier medical and wellness hub.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on Da Nang’s growth as a medical tourism hub, highlighting trends in digital technology, AI consultations, and key specialties. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice, and no guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information. Any reliance on this content is at your own risk.