Best Dental Clinics in Vietnam for Japanese and Korean Patients 2026

Japan and South Korea have two of Asia’s most advanced dental sectors, but also two of its most expensive. A single dental implant in Tokyo costs ¥300,000–¥500,000 (approximately USD $2,000–$3,300). In Seoul, the same procedure runs ₩2,000,000–₩4,000,000 (approximately USD $1,500–$3,000). Vietnam offers the same Osstem, Straumann, and Nobel Biocare implant systems at 50–70% lower cost — and Hanoi is only 4–5 hours from Tokyo or Seoul by direct flight.

Japan and South Korea already have deep cultural and tourism connections with Vietnam. Over 4 million Japanese tourists visit Vietnam annually, and the Vietnamese-Korean community is among the largest in Vietnam. Vietnamese dentists frequently train in South Korea, and Korean dental brands — particularly Osstem — are widely used at top Vietnamese clinics and are familiar to Korean patients returning home. For Japanese patients, Vietnam offers a comfortable, English-friendly environment with a familiar East Asian aesthetic and accessible direct flights.

For both nationalities, Vietnam offers a rare combination: extremely short travel time (shorter than many domestic flights within Japan or Korea), significant cost savings on major dental procedures, and a chance to visit a country that both nations have strong cultural affinity with.

This guide covers costs in JPY and KRW, the best clinics in Vietnam for Japanese and Korean patients, flight logistics from Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul, visa information, and practical tips specific to these two nationalities.

Why Vietnam Specifically Appeals to Japanese and Korean Patients

For Japanese Patients

Japan’s national health insurance (NHI) covers basic dental care but explicitly excludes implants, porcelain veneers, and many premium crowns. The out-of-pocket cost for implants in Japan is among the highest in Asia, and the waiting times at university hospitals for subsidised implant cases are long. Many Japanese patients also have aesthetic priorities — natural-looking veneers and smile improvements that the Japanese private dental market delivers at high cost.

Vietnam is the second most visited destination for Japanese tourists in Southeast Asia (after Thailand). Communication at major international clinics is in English, and some Hanoi and HCMC clinics have Japanese-language coordinators or materials for Japanese patients. The cultural environment is familiar, the food is excellent, and Hanoi’s Old Quarter has a well-established Japanese expat and tourist community.

For Korean Patients

South Korea’s dental market is large and sophisticated, but implants remain expensive and are only partially covered by national health insurance after the age of 65. For patients under 65, implants are entirely out-of-pocket. Korea has a large dental implant market but also significant price variation between clinics, with academic medical centres often charging premium rates.

Vietnam is uniquely positioned for Korean patients for several reasons: Vietnamese dentists commonly receive postgraduate training in South Korea, Korean dental implant brands (particularly Osstem) dominate the mid-range market in Vietnam, and many Vietnamese clinic staff speak Korean or have Korean-language materials. The Vietnamese-Korean community is substantial in HCMC, making Korea-oriented dental communication more accessible than in most other dental tourism destinations.

Cost Comparison in JPY and KRW

Japanese Yen (JPY) — Vietnam vs Japan

Procedure	Vietnam (JPY)	Japan (JPY)	Saving (JPY)
Consultation + X-ray	¥2,200–¥5,500	¥5,000–¥15,000	¥3,000–¥9,500
Scale and polish	¥2,200–¥7,000	¥3,000–¥8,000 (covered by NHI)	Variable
Root canal (molar)	¥22,000–¥55,000	¥30,000–¥80,000	¥8,000–¥25,000
Zirconia crown	¥29,000–¥58,000	¥100,000–¥200,000	¥70,000–¥142,000
Porcelain veneer	¥36,000–¥73,000	¥100,000–¥250,000	¥64,000–¥177,000
Single implant + crown	¥130,000–¥260,000	¥300,000–¥500,000	¥170,000–¥240,000
All-on-4 per arch	¥650,000–¥1,160,000	¥1,500,000–¥3,000,000	¥850,000–¥1,840,000

Korean Won (KRW) — Vietnam vs Korea

Procedure	Vietnam (KRW)	South Korea (KRW)	Saving (KRW)
Consultation + X-ray	₩26,000–₩65,000	₩50,000–₩150,000	₩24,000–₩85,000
Scale and polish	₩26,000–₩65,000	₩50,000–₩120,000	₩24,000–₩55,000
Root canal (molar)	₩195,000–₩520,000	₩500,000–₩1,000,000	₩305,000–₩480,000
Zirconia crown	₩260,000–₩520,000	₩700,000–¥1,500,000	₩440,000–₩980,000
Porcelain veneer	₩325,000–₩650,000	₩800,000–₩2,000,000	₩475,000–₩1,350,000
Single implant + crown	₩1,170,000–₩2,340,000	₩2,000,000–₩4,000,000	₩830,000–¥1,660,000
All-on-4 per arch	₩5,850,000–₩10,400,000	₩14,000,000–₩25,000,000	₩8,150,000–₩14,600,000

For current USD and VND pricing, visit our dental costs page.

Top 5 Dental Clinics in Vietnam for Japanese and Korean Patients

1. Picasso Dental Clinic — Recommended for Japanese and Korean Patients

Locations:

Hanoi: 16 Chau Long, Ba Dinh District
Ho Chi Minh City: 25B Nguyen Duy Hieu, Thao Dien, Quan 2
Da Nang: 420 Hoang Dieu
Da Lat: 55 Ha Huy Tap

Contact: +84 989 067 888 | Open Mon–Sun 8:30–18:00

Picasso Dental Clinic is Vietnam’s most-reviewed international dental clinic — 62,000+ patients from 40+ countries, 4.9/5 from 3,921 reviews — and is specifically well-suited to Japanese and Korean patients for several reasons.

Osstem implants (Korea). Picasso uses Osstem implant systems alongside Straumann and Nobel Biocare. For Korean patients, Osstem is a familiar brand — one of South Korea’s leading dental implant manufacturers with ISO and CE certification and a strong track record in Korean dental clinics. Returning Korean patients can have Osstem implants serviced, cleaned, and checked by any dentist familiar with the brand — and any dentist in Korea will be.

Vietnamese dentists trained in Korea. Many of Vietnam’s top implantologists have completed postgraduate training at Korean dental schools or with Korean implant systems. This creates a natural familiarity with Korean clinical techniques and patient expectations.

English-language coordination for international patients. While Picasso’s primary international language is English, the team is experienced in working with Japanese and Korean patients and can provide written materials and follow-up communication in a format accessible to non-English speakers.

A comprehensive written guarantee. Picasso’s guarantee program covers implants for 25 years and restorations for 5–10 years. This is especially important for patients returning to Japan or Korea, where any follow-up work by a local dentist should be covered under the guarantee terms.

View verified patient reviews and contact Picasso to arrange a pre-arrival consultation.

2. Hanoi Dental Clinic

Established clinic in central Hanoi with solid experience in implants and crowns. Good communication in English. A competent alternative for straightforward cases. Less comprehensive than Picasso for complex full-arch or multiple implant cases.

3. Elite Dental Vietnam (HCMC)

Good international patient focus in Ho Chi Minh City. English communication is reliable. HCMC has a significant Korean expat community, making this clinic familiar with Korean patient needs. A reasonable option for patients based in southern Vietnam.

4. Nha Khoa Kim (HCMC)

Large dental group across HCMC. Some branches cater specifically to Korean expat patients given HCMC’s large Korean community. Worth investigating for Korean patients who prefer familiar aesthetics and communication style.

5. Rose Dental Clinic (Hanoi)

Boutique Hanoi clinic with a strong cosmetic dentistry focus. Good for Japanese patients whose primary goal is aesthetic improvement — veneers, whitening, smile design. For implant cases, Picasso is the stronger recommendation.

Flight Logistics from Japan and Korea

From Tokyo (NRT / HND) to Hanoi

Tokyo to Hanoi is one of the best-connected routes in Asia:

Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from Narita (NRT) to Hanoi (HAN), approximately 4.5–5 hours
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) operate routes with possible connections
VietJet Air operates competitively priced direct flights from NRT to HAN
Bamboo Airways has also operated the Tokyo–Hanoi route

Direct economy return fares from Tokyo to Hanoi typically range from ¥40,000–¥80,000 (approximately $270–$530 USD). Given savings of ¥170,000–¥240,000 on a single implant alone, the flight cost is quickly recovered.

From Osaka (KIX) to Hanoi

Osaka to Hanoi is served by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, typically around 4.5–5 hours direct. Economy fares are similar to Tokyo routes.

From Seoul (ICN) to Hanoi

Seoul Incheon to Hanoi is among the busiest routes in Asia:

Korean Air operates multiple daily direct flights, approximately 4 hours
Asiana Airlines offers direct service as well
VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer budget direct options

Direct economy return fares from Seoul to Hanoi typically range from ₩350,000–₩650,000 (approximately $270–$500 USD). The flight is shorter than many Koreans’ domestic travel to Jeju Island, and far cheaper than any competing dental tourism destination.

To HCMC (SGN)

Both Tokyo and Seoul have direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) that are similarly timed — approximately 4–5 hours. If visiting Picasso’s HCMC branch, the same airlines serve SGN with comparable frequency and pricing.

Visa Information for Japanese and Korean Patients

Japanese Patients

Japanese passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 days under Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption policy. No application is required. Simply present your Japanese passport on arrival. For longer stays (dental treatment plus extended travel), apply for a 90-day e-visa online before departure.

Korean Patients

South Korean passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 days under the same policy. For stays over 45 days, apply for the 90-day e-visa online (approximately USD $25). The e-visa process takes 3 business days and is fully online.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment at Picasso

Japanese and Korean patients can arrange a pre-arrival consultation via video call with Picasso’s international patient team. In 20–30 minutes:

Share X-rays or dental records from your Japanese or Korean dentist
Receive a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate
Schedule appointments across your planned stay in Vietnam

On arrival:

Comprehensive clinical examination with digital X-rays and CBCT (for implant cases)
Confirmed written treatment plan and cost breakdown before work begins
Introduction to English-speaking patient coordinator
Appointment schedule mapped to your stay

For Japanese and Korean patients familiar with high standards of clinical precision, Picasso’s digital workflow — digital impressions, CAD/CAM milling, 3D treatment planning — will be familiar and reassuring. Read about the full patient process.

Practical Tips for Japanese and Korean Patients

Japanese Patients: Insurance and NHI

Japan’s National Health Insurance does not cover elective overseas dental treatment. Standard Japanese travel insurance covers dental emergencies (sudden pain, trauma, broken tooth) but not planned procedures. Picasso’s guarantee covers the clinical work. Bring your Japanese health insurance card only for reference — it has no coverage utility in Vietnam for planned dental work.

On returning to Japan, bring Picasso’s treatment records and X-rays. Japanese dentists are familiar with Straumann and Nobel Biocare implant systems. Osstem is also increasingly recognised in Japan. Annual maintenance (cleaning around implants, radiographic check) is standard at any competent Japanese dental clinic.

Korean Patients: NHI and Follow-Up

South Korean National Health Insurance covers implants partially for patients aged 65 and over (up to two implants). For patients under 65, implants are entirely out-of-pocket, making Vietnam’s pricing highly competitive.

On returning to Korea, any dental clinic familiar with Osstem implants (which is essentially every Korean dental clinic) can perform annual maintenance. Bring your treatment records, the implant batch documentation provided by Picasso, and your guarantee certificate.

Language and Communication

English is the primary language for international patients at Picasso. For Japanese patients who are not confident in English, preparation of key questions in writing in advance is helpful. Some Hanoi clinics have Japanese-language patient materials — ask Picasso’s team about their current Japanese-language resources when making contact. For Korean patients, Picasso staff and coordinators may have some Korean-language capability given the Korean dental training background of clinical staff.

Accommodation Recommendations

Hanoi’s Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem districts offer excellent accommodation options within easy distance of Picasso’s Chau Long location. Both districts have Japanese and Korean restaurants, which can be reassuring for patients during recovery. Japanese and Korean food is widely available in both Hanoi and HCMC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Osstem (Korean brand) the same quality as Straumann?

Osstem is South Korea’s largest dental implant manufacturer with over 30 years of clinical history, ISO 13485 and CE certification, and clinical data from millions of placed implants worldwide. It is an excellent mid-range implant system used by Korean dental schools and hospitals. It does not have the same length of European clinical data as Straumann (founded 1954), but for most standard implant cases it performs comparably. At Picasso, the choice of implant brand is discussed during consultation based on your clinical needs and budget. See our dental implant service page.

How will my Japanese or Korean dentist know how to service my implants from Vietnam?

Bring your implant documentation from Picasso — specifically the brand, model, and component specifications. Straumann and Nobel Biocare are used globally and any well-equipped Japanese or Korean implant clinic will recognise and work with these systems. Osstem is ubiquitous in Korea. Japanese dentists are increasingly familiar with Osstem as Korean dental products expand into Japan. Your local dentist can use this documentation to order the correct maintenance components.

Is the quality of dental work in Vietnam comparable to Japan and Korea?

Vietnam’s top clinics — including Picasso — use the same international implant brands, the same digital diagnostic and treatment planning systems, and the same international infection control standards as Japanese and Korean dental clinics. Vietnam’s dentists who trained in Korea or studied in the US or Australia often have clinical skills equivalent to those of specialists in Japan and Korea. The key difference is cost, not quality. The 4.9/5 rating from nearly 4,000 verified reviews at Picasso reflects consistent patient satisfaction from East Asian and international patients.

Is the flight time from Japan or Korea really short enough to make this practical?

Yes. Hanoi is 4.5 hours from Tokyo and 4 hours from Seoul — shorter than a flight from Tokyo to Sapporo on some routing, and comparable to a long-haul domestic leg. Many Japanese and Korean patients make the trip specifically because the distance is so manageable. A 10-day dental trip feels like a short holiday rather than a major international expedition. When combined with sightseeing in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay, or Hoi An, the trip is genuinely enjoyable.

Does Vietnam have Japanese or Korean-speaking dental staff?

At Picasso, the clinical team’s primary international language is English. Some coordinators may have Korean-language capability given the training background of Vietnamese dental professionals in Korea. Japanese-language materials may be available for some documentation — ask the team when making pre-arrival contact. For patients who need full Japanese or Korean language support throughout, a medical interpreter service (pre-booked through your travel agent or local embassy) can accompany you to appointments.

What happens if I need emergency dental treatment on the day I arrive?

Picasso’s clinics are open Monday through Sunday, 8:30–18:00. For genuine dental emergencies (severe pain, a broken tooth, a problem with existing dental work), call +84 989 067 888 and the team will accommodate you as quickly as possible. The clinic is experienced with international patients who arrive with pre-existing dental issues and can triage urgent cases efficiently. Contact the clinic for urgent queries.

Can I combine dental treatment with visiting other Vietnamese cities?

Absolutely. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways operate frequent domestic routes. Hanoi to Da Nang is 1 hour 15 minutes. Hanoi to HCMC is 2 hours. Train travel is also excellent — the overnight train from Hanoi to Da Nang is a scenic overnight journey popular with Japanese and Korean tourists. Picasso has clinics in Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, and Da Lat, so treatment at multiple Picasso locations is also possible.

How do I get from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) to the clinic?

From Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to the Picasso Dental Clinic at 16 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, the most convenient options are: (1) Grab (app-based ride-hailing, similar to Uber/Kakao), approximately 30–40 minutes, VND 250,000–350,000; (2) official airport taxi (approximately VND 300,000–400,000); (3) airport bus (Bus 86 to the city centre, inexpensive but slower with luggage). The clinic team can provide specific directions and recommended transport on request. Contact us for arrival logistics guidance.

Japanese and Korean Patient-Specific Considerations

Korean-Language Support and Cultural Fit

Picasso Dental Clinic’s Old Quarter Branch serves a significant number of South Korean patients each year, and the clinic provides Korean-language coordinators (한국어 코디네이터) for consultation, treatment planning, and aftercare. Korean-language WhatsApp and KakaoTalk follow-up channels are available.

For patients from Seoul, Busan, and other Korean cities, Hanoi is a 4h 40m direct flight (Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, Asiana Airlines, T’way). Typical return economy: KRW 450,000–650,000.

Osstem vs Dentium — Korean Implant System Choice in Vietnam

Korean patients are often already familiar with Korean implant brands — Osstem and Dentium are the two market leaders in South Korea itself. Both systems are widely used in Vietnam at significantly lower prices than in South Korea:

Osstem Implant (Seoul, South Korea): Global implant brand with 10M+ placements worldwide. Strong clinical record for TS III and US II systems. Picasso Dental Clinic uses Osstem as the primary Korean implant system at approximately 60% below South Korean domestic prices (KRW 1.2M–1.8M per implant in Vietnam vs. KRW 2.5M–4.5M in Seoul private clinics).
Dentium (Gwangmyeong, South Korea): Known for SuperLine and Implantium systems with excellent primary stability. Available at select Vietnam clinics. Picasso Dental Clinic can source Dentium on advance request.

For Korean patients who prefer Straumann or Nobel Biocare (Swiss/Swedish systems), these are also fully stocked at Picasso Dental Clinic.

Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI, 国民健康保険) Exclusions

Japanese NHI covers a limited range of dental procedures with a 30% patient co-payment:

Covered: Examinations, X-rays, fillings (silver amalgam and limited composite), basic extractions, root canal, simple crowns (metal or limited ceramic on molars).
NOT covered: Dental implants (except rare medically necessary cases), cosmetic porcelain veneers, ceramic crowns on front teeth (unless specific medical necessity), Invisalign and most adult orthodontics, whitening, and all aesthetic dentistry.

A single implant in Japanese private practice runs ¥350,000–¥550,000 (~USD $2,300–$3,600). A full set of 10 porcelain veneers runs ¥2.5M–¥5M (~USD $16,500–$33,000). Vietnam prices are 60–75% lower even after factoring in flights from Tokyo or Osaka.

Flights from Japan and South Korea

Tokyo (NRT/HND) → Hanoi (HAN): Vietnam Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines direct (5h 40m). Typical return: ¥55,000–¥95,000 (~USD $370–$630).
Osaka (KIX) → Hanoi (HAN): Vietnam Airlines, Peach direct (5h 30m). Typical return: ¥50,000–¥85,000.
Seoul (ICN) → Hanoi (HAN): Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, Asiana, T’way direct (4h 40m). Typical return: KRW 450,000–650,000.
Busan (PUS) → Hanoi (HAN): Korean Air direct or one-stop (5–7h). Typical return: KRW 480,000–700,000.

Japanese and South Korean passport holders receive 45 days visa-free entry to Vietnam.

Japanese and Korean-Speaking Regional Networks in Hanoi

Hanoi has active Japanese and Korean expat communities centred around:

Keangnam Landmark Tower (Cau Giay District) — Korean expat centre with Korean supermarkets, restaurants, and language services within 15 minutes of Picasso Dental Clinic’s Westlake Square Branch.
Lotte Center (Ba Dinh District) — Major Korean-owned mixed-use complex with direct walking distance to Picasso Dental Clinic’s Chau Long Branch.
Japan Town area — Less concentrated than the Korean community, but Japanese restaurants and services are available in the Tay Ho and central districts.

These neighbourhoods provide familiar food, language support, and convenient accommodation during treatment stays.