Ophthalmology in Vietnam

Ophthalmology in and around Vietnam

About Vietnam

Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula and it is the 15th most populous country in the world with over 94 million inhabitants. Although the country faces challenges such as poverty and corruption, it enjoys a high GDP growth rate and is ranked amongst the fastest-growing countries in the world. The country is famous for its natural beauty, vibrant megacities, as well as its complex and diverse culture. More than 15 million people visited this beautiful country in 2018. 

The rapid development of Vietnam has made it into the next medical tourism hub in Southeast Asia. Now, medical tourists consider the country as their potential medical destination. Many new medical centers have sprung up and welcomed thousands of patients to relax and enjoy their treatment. The country offers a wide range of cost-effective medical treatment, well-trained doctors, and professional equipment. The country focuses on promoting medical tourism to neighboring markets such as Laos and Cambodia. 

Popular Parts of Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam. It is the financial center and home to the largest stock exchange in the country. Tourist coming to the city can enjoy its many tourist spots such as shopping in the Ben Thanh Market, viewing the city from Saigon Skydeck, discovering the city’s history from The War Remnants Museum, or learning the culture of Jade Emperor Pagoda. Other than the attractions, the city is also famous for its traditional food, including pho and pork rolls.
• Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country’s major metropolitan and political center. Tourists will find many well-preserved colonial buildings, museum, and pagodas. As one of the most ancient capitals in the world, most tourists will be delighted to explore the city’s historic Old Quarter, spend a beautiful day in Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Temple of Literature.
• Hoi An invites tourists to experience a slow-paced, relaxing lifestyle. The city’s Old Town has successfully preserved Japanese merchant houses and Chinese temples. To get a glimpse of the city, many tourists will opt for a bicycle tour. The city also offers a unique farming and fishing experience for its visitors. Off the coast of the city, tourists will be overjoyed to find a diving paradise with hundreds of different coral and fish.
• Nha Trang is a coastal city on the South Central Coast of the country. Tourists usually come to this city for its stunning white sandy beaches and scuba diving. In addition to the beautiful beaches, Nha Trang Bay is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful bays. The city is also home to the remnants of the Champa Kingdom, gothic-style Catholic churches, and many Buddhist temples.
• Da Nang is located on the coast of the South China Sea, making it the most important port city of Vietnam. The city continues to evolve each year, with modern hotels and restaurants being developed all around it. It is the tourist capital of South Central Vietnam. Tourists visit the city to enjoy its tranquil beaches with crystal clear waters, beautiful ancient pagodas, interesting French colonial buildings, and green national parks.

Weather and Climate in Vietnam

Due to its location, the climate in Vietnam tends to vary noticeably for each region. In the south, the climate is tropical monsoon with two seasons, while in the north, the climate is monsoonal with four distinct seasons. 

• The south experiences wet and dry season and the wet season lasts from September to December. There is more rainfall between September and November. The dry season starts in January and ends in August and the average annual temperature is around 26 °C. Some cities such as Da Nang are prone to typhoons during the wet season.
• ​​​​​​​In the north, spring starts in February characterized by some rain and cold temperature. The end of April is the start of summer, with intense sunshine and sometimes even a heatwave. The average temperature during Summer is 27.5 °C but it can feel a lot hotter. Autumn starts in September and ends in November. Autumn has the best weather, with a lot of sunshine and calm wind. From December to January is Winter and it is generally cold with an average temperature of 17 °C which can drop as low as 7 °C.

Getting Around in Vietnam

There are numerous airports in Vietnam that connect the major cities. However, there are three major international airports where international visitors usually arrive at, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Most international flights will arrive in Tan Son Nhat International Airport which serves domestic and international flights to and from major cities in Asia, Europe, and Australia. In terms of capacity, the biggest airport in the country is the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The airport serves domestic and international flights. There are two terminals at this airport. Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights and Terminal 2 serves international flights to many cities in Asia and Europe. Budget airlines such as Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air operate flights from both Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airport. 

Tourists do have a few travel options to get around Vietnam. The country is served by trains with the   running from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and it stops in many of the popular areas such as Da Nang and Nha Trang. Buses are a great option for tourists to get around the country and the buses are privately operated buses called “open tour” buses. There is also a national bus system, but they are generally not as comfortable as the private buses.

Taxis are available in most cities and can be hailed directly from the streets or via a phone call. The fare usually starts at VND 10,000 to VND 12,000. If you need to be quick, try the motorcycle taxis known as Xe Om. You will need to negotiate the price but they can be found in most part of the cities. Cyclo (similar to trishaw) is also available for short-distance travel within a city. For easier travel, opt for Grab Motorbike, an online hailing app similar to Uber.

Tourist Visas in Vietnam

Holders of passports issued by 24 countries including Singapore, Thailand, Russia, and Japan can enter and stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days. Citizens of 81 countries including the United States, the European Union, and Canada can apply for an e-visa. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption agreement or electronic visa need to apply for a visa in their local Vietnamese embassy or consulate. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong and 1 USD converts to VND 23,297.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels but most restaurants and shops still only accept cash. Tipping is generally not expected but will be appreciated.
3. Local Language: Vietnamese is the local language. English is not widely spoken, but if you are staying in popular tourist areas, there will be people who can speak some English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population follows the Vietnamese folk religion. Buddhism, Christianity, Hoahaoism, Islam, and Hindu are also freely practiced.
5. ​​​​​​​Public Holidays: The country celebrates major religious and national holidays such as New Year’s Day, Saigon Liberation Day, and Vietnam Traditional Lunar New Year.