The importance of a healthy environment was noted by Florence Nightingale in the 19th century and is part of nurses' role of increasing health and well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the care environment in emergency care (emergency ward and intensive care unit) at Hanoi Medical University Hospital in Vietnam. The study was conducted in the emergency department of a teaching hospital in Vietnam using a mixed methods design; quantitative (standardized protocol) and qualitative (field notes) methods with an inductive approach. The data were collected through ASPECT (n = 652) and field notes (9 A4 pages), which were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. The results showed an inadequate care environment, especially with regard to patients' privacy. In the emergency ward, most patients shared beds, compared to the intensive care unit (ICU). Moreover, the ICU lacked access to fresh air and had indoor views. Increased awareness is needed among caregivers and decision makers regarding the significance of a healthy environment to improve the quality of care. A healthy environment can help to improve hospitals with crowded rooms and issues with odour, cleanness, temperature, and limited water and meal services.