Room available in Vietnam’s traditional medicine tourism

Chloe Lemelle, resident manager TIA Wellness Resort

TIA Wellness Resort offers a diverse range of traditional and herbal treatments and therapies designed to integrate holistic wellbeing into each stay.

We prioritise material locally sourced in Vietnam, and our scented massage oils and essential oils for therapies are sourced from biodynamic plantations in Vietnam and Laos, creating perfumes, balms, oils, and scrubs.

On a menu of 34 treatments and therapies, nearly half of the selection includes Vietnamese traditional and herbal products. We engage with our guests daily to ensure their comfort and satisfaction through heartfelt interactions. Our multilingual guest care team communicates fluently in South Korean, Japanese, French, German, Vietnamese, and English. Dedicated wellness guides cater to each guest’s emotional and physical wellbeing, offering personalised care tailored to individual needs.

The Wellness Centre team at the resort currently counts 76 members and over 50 therapists with specific specialisations. Every therapist has completed an in-house training programme led by specialist spa trainers, complemented with training programmes involving reiki, aromatherapy, acupuncture, yoga, detoxification, and more besides.

Our training department inside the wellness centre is focused daily on improving the knowledge, skills, and techniques of our therapists, including traditional and herbal healing knowledge, and skills are refreshed on a regular basis.

Sonia Kedi, hungarian tourist, 29 years old

I experienced traditional medicine services at Danang Traditional Medicine Hospital in July. When I first looked at the costs, I was quite impressed with the transparency in pricing. I chose a service package including acupuncture, massage, and herbal therapy for a week.

The hospital has a very professional and friendly team of doctors and healthcare staff. When I came here, I not only received healthcare but also felt the attentiveness and dedication from the staff. Therapies such as acupuncture and massage were performed in a quiet and clean environment, creating a sense of absolute relaxation.

My visit to the hospital gave me a deep insight into how Vietnamese traditional medicine combines with local culture. While participating in herbal therapies, I heard about the characteristic herbs of Vietnam and how they are used in traditional remedies. I also witnessed how doctors and other staff at the hospital apply treatment methods according to traditional medicine philosophy, which truly provided a profound cultural experience.

I believe the potential for herbal wellness tourism in Vietnam is enormous. After my experience, I clearly see that combining herbal therapies with tourism creates new experiences and meets the growing demand for healthcare and wellness among tourists.

Nethmi Fernando, indian tourist, 30 years old

Two weeks ago, I experienced traditional medicine services at a hospital during my trip to Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to a friend’s recommendation. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a peaceful atmosphere with a gentle fragrance of herbs. The reception staff was very attentive and professional. They guided me through the registration process and initial health check. The price for my five-day package was quite reasonable, fitting my budget.

After five days, I truly felt rejuvenated, both physically and mentally. I learned a lot about natural healthcare methods and gained a deeper understanding of Vietnamese traditional medicine.

With its diverse flora and rich knowledge of traditional medicine, Vietnam has the potential to become a top destination for health tourism. However, during my time using the service, I noticed that although the staff and doctors were very enthusiastic and professional, their English communication skills were limited. This sometimes caused difficulties in explaining details about treatment methods.

I believe that if this issue is improved, the traditional medicine tourism service in Ho Chi Minh City will become even more attractive to international tourists.

I Nyoman Yastama, wellness & Spa director Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Offering traditional herbal treatments is our unique selling point, distinguishing Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion from other spas and providing a unique and authentic wellness experience. Embracing local Vietnamese traditional medicine enhances the spa’s cultural authenticity, attracting guests interested in holistic and cultural wellness experiences and potentially attracting a broader client base, including wellness tourists.

Ensuring our stars are adequately trained in traditional herbal treatments is challenging, requiring significant time and resources. In addition, hiring trained and skilled therapists knowledgeable in traditional Vietnamese medicine can be challenging. Educating clients about the benefits and safety of traditional herbal treatments is essential, as some may be sceptical or unfamiliar with these methods.

Depending on the selected treatments, the ingredients include lemongrass, known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; and ginger, which improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. Camphor provides a cooling effect and relieves pain, and eucalyptus acts as a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory.

We also use products from Hapaku, a local brand dedicated to traditional Vietnamese wellness, especially herbal massage therapies using locally sourced herbs, which contain healing properties, offering a holistic approach to health. The company uses high-quality, organic ingredients to ensure its products’ quality and safe use. The brand collaborates with local farmers and herbalists to source the best herbs while maintaining traditional preparation methods.

We have also developed a unique “Bamboo on the Rock” treatment. Our guests love the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation this exceptional therapy offers. The popularity and love for this exceptional treatment have propelled us to receive the nomination as a finalist for Destination Deluxe Holistic Treatment of the Year 2024.

Ron mitchell, staff member, NacoTaco

As someone who focuses on wellbeing and often deals with muscle tension and occasional headaches, I’ve found traditional Vietnamese treatments to be both effective and reasonably priced.

For muscle pain, herbal poultices and compresses have proven effective. Ingredients such as turmeric and lemongrass offer targeted relief and help reduce inflammation. The warmth and soothing properties of these poultices are particularly helpful in alleviating discomfort. They help relieve tension and promote relaxation, making them a pleasant addition to my routine.

Additionally, during a trip to Hoa Binh province, I had the chance to experience a mineral hot spring bath. It was quite enjoyable, offering a chance to relax while taking in the scenic surroundings and benefiting from the health-boosting properties of the mineral water. On another trip to Thai Nguyen province, I explored an ecotourism area with friends. Besides engaging in nature-related activities, we also enjoyed herbal baths, which were perfect for unwinding at the end of the day. These remedies are quite affordable, providing value for money given the natural ingredients and their effectiveness. They provide an effective way to manage body aches and stress, aligning well with a preference for affordable, chemical-free solutions.

Giovanni Navajo, health coach, HG Eden Clinic

In my experience with herbal therapies and traditional acupuncture in Vietnam, the service quality can be a bit hit-or-miss. Many places provide effective treatments and show real commitment to the methods, which is great. The use of local herbs often feels authentic and therapeutic. However, I’ve also found some inconsistency in service quality. Not all centres maintain the same level of professionalism, which can detract from the overall experience.

The blend of ancient techniques and local herbs used in these treatments is impressive and really showcases the holistic approach to wellness in this country. However, there are areas that need improvement, such as modernising facilities and ensuring consistency in service. Despite these variations, I am interested in exploring traditional healing methods in Vietnam.