HCMC Ranks 38th in Time Out's Best Cities 2026: What It Means for Dental Tourists

The City That Never Sleeps Earns Global Recognition

Ho Chi Minh City has been named the 38th best city in the world by Time Out’s Best Cities 2026 survey — and the numbers tell a compelling story. Known as “the city that never sleeps,” HCMC scored remarkably well across categories that matter most to visitors and residents alike.

HCMC by the Numbers

These figures confirm what regular visitors already know: Ho Chi Minh City is a place where energy, warmth, and world-class dining converge.

Cultural Milestones Elevating the City

UNESCO Creative City of Cinema

HCMC earned the distinction of becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Cinema — the first in all of Southeast Asia. This designation reflects a city investing seriously in arts, culture, and creative industries, adding depth to what was already a top travel destination.

New Michelin Stars

The city’s culinary credentials continue to grow. Two newly Michelin-starred restaurants have joined the scene:

• CieL — helmed by Chef Việt Hồng Lê, offering innovative Vietnamese haute cuisine
• Coco Dining — led by Chef Thanh Vương Võ, blending local ingredients with contemporary techniques

For dental tourists planning multi-day stays, these restaurants offer memorable dining experiences between appointments — and both menus include dishes gentle enough for post-procedure meals.

Long Thanh International Airport: A Game Changer

Scheduled to open in mid-2026, Long Thanh International Airport will transform how travelers reach Ho Chi Minh City. The new airport adds massive capacity and modern infrastructure, reducing transit friction for the growing number of international patients choosing HCMC for dental care.

Easier flights mean shorter travel days, more airline options, and better connections from key dental tourism markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Why Dental Tourists Are Choosing HCMC

The Time Out ranking validates what the dental tourism community has observed for years: Ho Chi Minh City delivers an exceptional overall experience, not just clinical excellence.

Beyond the Clinic

Dental treatment plans typically involve multiple appointments over several days. Between sessions, patients benefit from a city that offers:

• Outstanding food — from Michelin-starred restaurants to street-side pho stalls, with abundant soft-food options ideal for recovery
• Vibrant nightlife — 70% approval means there is always something to do after sunset, even during a treatment stay
• Social warmth — 75% of people say it is easy to make friends, creating a welcoming atmosphere for solo medical travelers
• Cultural richness — Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Cinema provides museums, galleries, and film events to fill rest days

Cost Advantage

Dental procedures in HCMC typically cost 50-70% less than in Western countries, while clinics maintain international standards with modern equipment and English-speaking staff. The savings extend beyond the clinic — accommodation, meals, and transport remain remarkably affordable.

Improving Access

With Long Thanh International Airport opening mid-2026, reaching HCMC becomes even more convenient. More direct flights from more cities mean dental tourists can plan trips with greater flexibility and fewer layovers.

A Destination That Works on Every Level

Time Out’s recognition of Ho Chi Minh City at 38th globally is not just a travel accolade — it is a signal that this city has reached a level of livability, culture, and infrastructure that makes it genuinely competitive as a dental tourism hub. The food is extraordinary, the people are welcoming, the costs are low, and the airport is about to get a major upgrade.

For dental tourists weighing their options, HCMC checks every box.