Last fact-checked: 15 April 2025

Our dentists in Vietnam provide top-quality general and specialty services for a fraction of the price most of us would pay at home. Alongside exquisite scenery and a different way of life, a visit here for your dental care could well be the trip of a lifetime.

Vietnam, located on the easternmost edge of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, shares its northern border with China, its western border with Laos, and its southwestern border with Cambodia. To the east, it is bordered by the South China Sea, known locally as the East Sea.

Astonishingly beautiful, Vietnam is shaped very much by its history. Ruled by the ancient Chinese for more than a millennium, its influences are apparent, especially in the north. So are the vestiges of French colonialism found in the architecture throughout the cities, such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, as well as the ubiquitous coffee shops and French baguettes.

From the stunning limestone pillars and unique ecosystem of Ha Long Bay to the graceful curve of Nha Trang Beach and the ancient imperial city of Hue to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam presents a rich tapestry of landscapes and experiences to captivate every traveler.

With the warmth and generosity of its people, paired with a cuisine that ranks among the world’s most delicious and healthiest, Vietnam offers the perfect ingredients for a truly rewarding holiday.

Devotees of that other 21st-century pastime—shopping—will be tempted by the array and quality of goods on offer, along with low prices. Bartering is part of the fun, especially if you can manage to get up to two-thirds of the original price on tailoring, textiles, jewelry, and local handicrafts.

The American influence in the mid-twentieth century gave rise to a need for quality dental care. Today, Vietnam boasts a small but highly qualified group of dentists who provide excellent basic and complex care for local and international patients alike. For dental tourists, savings of up to 75% are not unusual.

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Tourism–including cross-border dental travel–is on the increase, and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has made long-term plans to encourage leisure travel. Where backpackers go, moneyed tourists eventually follow, along with vertical markets, including medical.

Professional memberships of recognizable international organizations, while not a pre-requisite, may be a deciding factor for some patients. As the world becomes a smaller place, healthcare professionals and institutions are keen to demonstrate they are up-to-date with knowledge, skills, and standards. Increasingly, you will find Vietnamese affiliates of, for example, the American Dental Association, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the International Standards Organization, and for hospitals, international accreditation by the Joint Commission International.

Reputable dental clinics in Vietnam utilize modern technology, employ skilled and highly-trained dentists (many of whom have been trained internationally in the US, Australia, or Japan), and have the professionalism that international visitors expect.

Just like dental clinics in Western countries, a wide variety of materials are used in dental care for crowns, fillings, and dentures. Our best Vietnam dentists import dental materials from world-renowned companies that supply dentists in Europe, the United States, and Japan. The savings in Vietnam come from the lower overheads and cost of living, not because inferior quality products are used.

The savings on the cost of dental care here can be significant:

• Average cost of a dental crown in Australia $1,450; at a Vietnamese dentist as little as $180
• Average cost of a root canal, post and crown in Australia $2,800; at a Vietnamese dentist around $280
• Average cost of dental implant and crown in Australia $5,000; at a Vietnamese dentist around $1,200

Where to Stay?

For most Westerners, accommodation in Vietnam is cheap. The price of a five-star luxury hotel, even in the big cities like Hanoi, is usually lower than standard hotel accommodation at home. Budget travelers will enjoy plenty of clean, basic accommodations options starting at a few dollars per night.

Is it Safe?

Yes. The UK Foreign Office has no warnings about travel to Vietnam, and there is a low threat from terrorism.

Tropical cyclones affect eastern coastal regions from May to November. Modern predictive weather techniques allow plenty of time for changes in your plans.

Best Time to Visit?

February through May and August through November are the coolest times of the year with the least rainfall. This is also peak tourism season, with many festivals and cultural events. If your plans take you to Vietnam during this time, you'll want to be sure to book your dental appointment well in advance. 

While the summer season is hotter with more rain, travelers can take advantage of lower airfares and lodging as well as shopping bargains. Check the Dental Departures site for discounts and special promotions during the low season.

Except for major holidays, our dentists in Vietnam are open throughout the year.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted by all of our dentists; check your desired clinics for specific types of accepted cards, personal/traveler checks, or bank transfers. Please note that credit card transactions may incur an additional processing fee of 3-4%.

Is Vietnam Wheelchair Accessible?

As in many Southeast Asian countries, accessibility for people with disabilities is still developing. Sidewalks are often shared spaces—used not just for walking but also for parking, selling merchandise, and street food vendors—making wheelchair navigation particularly challenging.

Most new establishments are more accommodating. Ask our Customer Care teams about wheelchair-friendly dentists in Vietnam that provide shuttle services to and from the airport and lodging, as well as other amenities. You will find Vietnamese business and medical professionals eager to accommodate your wishes and concerns with Southeast Asian hospitality.

Visas

Visitors from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand must obtain a visa for entry to Vietnam and have a passport valid for six months.

Getting There

-Flying in: The two major international airports are Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where frequent flights arrive from around the world.

-By land: Visitors can enter through one of the border crossings shared with Vietnam’s neighbors: Cambodia, China, and Laos.

Getting Around in Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is a breeze, with plentiful modes of transport available to suit every preference and budget:

-Cyclo: These bicycle rickshaws are cheap, and you can find the drivers hanging out near hotels and markets in the major cities. Always agree on a fare before getting in.

-Xe Om: Motorbike taxi. Great if you are not carrying luggage. Prices are similar to cyclos, but settle on the fare beforehand.

-Taxi: Metered taxis are cheap by international standards. They are plentiful in major cities and a safer way to travel at night.

-Bus: While buses are plentiful, the affordability of other modes of transport means that few travelers use them.

Distances from Capital City (Ho Chi Minh) to Other Places of Note

-Tan Son Nhat International Airport: 4 miles (7 km), 15 mins

-Nha Trang: 270 miles (436 km), 8 hours

-Ha Long Bay: 1115 miles (1795 km), 29 hours (flying 2 hours)

-Hanoi: 1066 miles (1716 km), 27 hours (flying 2 hours)

-Vung Tau: 59 miles (147 km), 2 hours

Is My Dental Insurance Accepted?

While unlikely your dental insurance will cover treatment in Vietnam, you might want to check your policy for coverage of "out-of-network" care, in which case you may be able to claim your expenses once you return home.

Yes, provided you select a recommended provider. Through a number of quality and customer service processes, we decide whether to promote the clinic's services. Our background checks include criminal and legal records, dentist qualifications and professional memberships, along with site visits and real patient reviews, important components of establishing trustworthiness. 

Our high-definition photographs and virtual tours help you reach a decision about the right clinic for you. Our most popular dentists provide services from a basic checkup or filling to implants and full-mouth reconstruction. 

(Image by Zoe Shuttleworth)

Do Dentists in Vietnam Speak English?

Yes – Top dentists and their staff do speak English. Our partner clinics cater to international patients from around the world, including English-speaking travelers and ex-pats.

The majority of the population speaks Vietnamese, and French is spoken as a second language, especially by the older generation. English is now taught in schools and has become more popular as a second language with the younger generation. 

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong? Does My Dentist in Vietnam Guarantee the Work?

The best way of mitigating any problems is by choosing a reliable dentist. Only very rarely do our patients suffer problems or post-treatment complications due to their dental care.

If you do experience a problem with your treatment, Dental Departures will work with your dentist on your behalf to see that it is put right. All our dentists warranty their procedures; any remedial work will be carried out free of charge.

Because most of our dentists' warranties do not cover additional travel or accommodation expenses you may incur, you may want to consider taking out additional medical complications insurance–which for a small additional premium will give you complete peace of mind, knowing your expenses will be covered.

Vietnam is a very safe country for travelers, and violent crime is rare. As in all foreign lands, particularly the larger cities and tourist attractions, be on the alert for pickpockets and scammers.

The streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are chaotic and it's an art form to cross the streets.

Tap water is heavily chlorinated, so it’s best to drink bottled water. Wash and peel fruit before you eat it, and don’t eat raw food, particularly if purchasing from a street vendor.

Remember to wear a high factor sunscreen – even on cloudy days, the Southeast Asia sun can quickly burn your skin.

(Image by Archer10)

Vietnam is home to a host of cultural and historical wonders, many within reasonable traveling distance from the major cities. Ha Long Bay, probably the most popular attraction in the country, is noted for the thousands of spectacular limestone karsts and isles jutting out of the water. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park features fascinating caves, grottos, and rock formations.

There are also five Cultural World Heritage Sites:

The Hue Complex of Monuments: Features ruins from Vietnam’s first capital city, Hue, including the Forbidden Purple City and the Imperial City.

The Ancient Town of Hoi An: This seaside town was a major trading post in the 16th and 17th centuries but is now a living museum featuring Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture with wooden pagodas and colonial houses overlooking canals. The riverside is particularly beautiful and atmospheric at night and is lit with old-fashioned lanterns.

My Son Sanctuary: Hindu-themed ruins from the ancient Champa civilization featuring sculptures and temples in jungle surroundings.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: At this archaeological site, relics were found from as early as 6BC. The site features relics, ancient roads, old palace foundations, ponds and wells.

The Citadel of the Ho Dynasty: Built in the 14th century on feng shui principles and said to be an outstanding example of architectural Neo-Confucianism.

The War Remnants Museum: Located in Ho Chi Minh City, this is a fascinating, if gruesome, reminder of the brutality of war, with graphic exhibits from the Vietnamese War, including photographs, equipment, the ‘tiger cages’ used to keep prisoners captive, and even a French guillotine used to execute prisoners.

Notwithstanding the many beautiful beaches around the country, the Saharan-like sand dunes near Mui Ne are also a popular attraction. You will find many more enthralling places to see and things to do as you get to know this captivating country.

Find your dentist on our website and book your fully cancellable appointment online, or call our toll-free number and speak with our Customer Care team. There's never a charge to you for our services.

Check our online reviews, clinic photos, and virtual tours, and discover exclusive discounts with Dental Departures for your dental appointment in Vietnam. We always guarantee the best prices.

Sources:

Vietnam Safety and Security. The Government of the UK. Website accessed 16 April 2025. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/safety-and-security

The American Dental Association. Website accessed 16 April 2025. https://www.ada.org/

International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Website accessed 14 April 2025. https://icoi.world/

International Standards Organization. Website accessed 16 April 2025. https://www.iso.org/home.html

International accreditation by the Joint Commission International. Website accessed 15 April 2025. https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/

UNESCO. Vietnam Cultural Heritage Sites. Website accessed 16 April 2025. https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/vn

Visas and Migration Vietnam. Australian Embassy. Website accessed 15 April 2025. https://vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/Visas_and_Migration.html

Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam

WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/default.htm