MEDICAL EXPERIENCE
Medical Placement Program – Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Observe Healthcare in Vietnam & Gain International Medical Experience
The Medical Placement Program in Ha Long Bay offers students and healthcare professionals the opportunity to observe medical practice in a Vietnamese hospital while learning about the country's healthcare system and culture.
As a Medical Placement Volunteer, you will shadow experienced doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals across a variety of hospital departments. Due to Vietnamese government regulations, volunteers are not permitted to provide independent patient care or perform clinical procedures. Instead, you will gain valuable observational experience, learn about different healthcare practices, and develop a broader understanding of medicine in a cross-cultural setting.
This program is ideal for medical, nursing and allied health students seeking international clinical exposure. Qualified healthcare professionals are also welcome to participate; however, placements remain primarily observational.
Your Role
As a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to observe and assist with:
Basic triage procedures
Wound care
Rehabilitation services
Patient consultations
Operating theatre procedures
Ward rounds and patient observation
General hospital activities
Daily activities vary depending on your placement, hospital department and local regulations.
Medical Specialties
Depending on availability, volunteers may observe in one or more of the following departments:
Internal Medicine
General Surgery
Orthopedics
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy
Emergency Department
Pediatrics
Medical Imaging
Ultrasound
Pharmacy
Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
Department availability may vary throughout the year.
Why Join This Program?
By participating in the Medical Placement Program, you will:
Gain insight into Vietnam's healthcare system
Observe a wide range of medical specialties and clinical practices
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
Develop intercultural communication skills
Strengthen your medical knowledge and professional development
Experience authentic Vietnamese culture
Discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay
Volunteer Requirements
To participate in this program, volunteers must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be studying medicine, nursing or a closely related healthcare field.
Be able to communicate in English.
Have adequate travel insurance.
Provide a criminal background check before departure.
Qualified healthcare professionals are welcome to join; however, this remains an observational placement.
Program Fees
Registration Fee USD 120 (one-time fee)
Program Fee (Sunday – Saturday)
1 Week: USD 480 (approximately USD 69/day)
2 Weeks: USD 800 (approximately USD 57/day)
3 Weeks: USD 1,200 (approximately USD 57/day)
4 Weeks: USD 1,500 (approximately USD 54/day)
5 Weeks: USD 1,855 (approximately USD 53/day)
6 Weeks: USD 2,100 (approximately USD 50/day)
8 Weeks: USD 2,800 (approximately USD 50/day)
The longer you stay, the lower your average daily program cost.
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in shared accommodation located near the hospital placement in Ha Long Bay.
Accommodation includes
Shared rooms with fellow volunteers
Shared bathrooms
Air conditioning
Hot showers
Free Wi-Fi
The accommodation provides a comfortable and convenient base throughout your placement.
Transportation
Most hospital placements are within a short distance of the accommodation. Where transportation is required, the local team will provide guidance to ensure volunteers can travel safely and confidently.
Meals
Volunteers receive:
Monday – Friday
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Meals include a variety of Vietnamese dishes featuring rice, noodles, vegetables, meats and seasonal ingredients.
Saturday & Sunday
Breakfast
Dinner
If you have dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before your arrival so suitable arrangements can be made where possible.
What's Included
✔ Volunteer accommodation
✔ Daily meals
✔ Airport pick-up for arrivals on Sunday between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM. Arrivals outside these hours or on other days will incur an additional airport transfer fee and/or an extra night's accommodation charge.
✔ Comprehensive in-country orientation
✔ 24/7 local support throughout your stay
✔ Pre-departure support
✔ Personalized preparation tools, guides and checklists
✔ Certificate of Volunteer Service upon successful completion of the program
A Typical Volunteer Schedule
07:00 – Breakfast
08:00 – 11:30 – Hospital placement
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch
13:30 – 16:30 – Hospital observation, departmental rotations or discussions with local medical staff
18:00 – Dinner
Evening – Free time to relax, explore Ha Long Bay or reflect on your learning experience.
Please note that this is a sample schedule. Hospital schedules vary depending on the department, local holidays and supervisor availability. Volunteers generally attend placements from Monday to Friday, with weekends free.
Location
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most spectacular destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands. During your free time, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, local seafood, vibrant markets and cultural attractions while gaining valuable insight into Vietnam's healthcare system.
The Medical Placement Program in Ha Long Bay offers an excellent opportunity to combine professional development with an unforgettable cultural experience.