A Golfer's Guide to Vietnam's Premier Courses

Vietnam has rapidly become a recognized location for golf, presenting a wide range of playing experiences. The country's varied geography, encompassing mountains, expansive plains, and extensive coastlines, along with its suitable climate, creates environments conducive to golf course development. Over the last ten years, the number of golf courses has significantly increased, providing both local and international players with numerous high-quality venues. These facilities continually undergo enhancements and upgrades, elevating the standard and complexity of play.

As Vietnam's economy expands, golf has gained popularity among a growing segment of the population, contributing to its rise across the nation. This article presents a curated selection of prominent golf courses throughout Vietnam, inviting international visitors to consider a golfing experience amidst the country's varied scenery.

Northern Vietnam Golf Destinations

The northern region of Vietnam offers several distinguished golf courses, each providing unique challenges and scenic backdrops. These venues are often situated near major cities or popular tourist routes, making them accessible for travelers.

BRG Kings Island Golf Resort (Hanoi)

Located approximately 36 kilometers from central Hanoi, at Dong Mo, Son Tay, this resort offers a peaceful retreat. The facility features 36 holes spread across 350 hectares of land and 1500 hectares of waterfront. The Lakeside course, established in 1993 by Robert McFarland from the United States, incorporates water features on 14 holes. The Mountainview course, designed in 2004 by Pacific Coast Designs (PCD) from Australia, is known for its memorable views. The resort has received various accolades between 2008 and 2013, establishing it as a favored choice for golfers in northern Vietnam.

Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club (Hai Duong)

Situated in Chi Linh City, Hai Duong Province, this club is about a 90-minute drive from Hanoi and serves as a convenient stopover for those traveling between Hanoi and Halong Bay. Chi Linh Star Golf offers a 27-hole layout, with each hole constructed to international AAA standards. The course occupies a valley surrounded by wooded hills and a large lake, complemented by natural creeks. It is recognized as a challenging course in Vietnam, attracting both experienced and amateur players.

Vinpearl Golf (Hai Phong)

Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong is located on Vu Yen island, adjacent to Hai Phong, Vietnam's third-largest city and a significant northern seaport, approximately 120 kilometers from Hanoi. Designed by IMG Worldwide, this 36-hole championship course includes two distinct sections: Lakeside and Marshland. Lakeside is a resort-style course with numerous interconnected lakes influencing play on 12 holes. The Marshland course presents a championship design that integrates with the preserved wetlands. Additionally, the facility includes 14 villas with private swimming pools, suitable for those combining golf with a family or group vacation.

FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club (Ha Long)

Recognized by Vietnam Golf Magazine in 2019 as one of the country's most appealing golf courses, FLC Golf Club Ha Long was designed by Schmidt – Curley Design Company. This 18-hole course is positioned on elevated terrain, about 20 minutes from Ha Long City, providing expansive views of Ha Long Bay. The 8th and 12th holes are particularly noted for their scenery of this UNESCO Heritage Site. The club has also been featured on CNBC, with former world number one golfer Greg Norman highlighting it as a premier experience for golfers globally.

Central Vietnam Golf Courses

Central Vietnam, particularly around Da Nang, has become a hub for golf, featuring courses designed by renowned international figures and offering diverse playing conditions.

BaNa Hills Golf Club (Da Nang)

Designed by Luke Donald and managed by IMG, BaNa Hills Golf Club is a world-class facility situated at the base of the BaNa Hills, approximately 25 minutes from downtown Da Nang. The property is set amidst impressive mountain ranges. This par 72, 18-hole championship course aims to provide an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels, with five sets of tees ranging from 7,857 yards for professionals to 6,022 yards for more casual play. The variety in hole lengths contributes to a distinct feel for each part of the course.

Montgomerie Links (Da Nang)

Positioned along the main route between Da Nang and Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, Montgomerie Links Golf Course is a short 20-minute drive from Da Nang International Airport and 15 minutes from Da Nang city center. Created by golf icon Colin Montgomerie, it was identified as one of Asia’s top ten elite courses by The 2012 Forbes Travel Guide. This 5-star championship links-style course offers challenging yet enjoyable play for various skill levels. It features natural elements such as sandy soil, wind-sculpted dunes, and native plant life. Notable holes include the 7th and 13th, both par-4s with deep bunkers.

BRG Da Nang Golf Club (Da Nang)

Located in Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang, this course spans 150 hectares of dune landscape, reminiscent of early golf course origins. Designed by Australian golf legend Greg Norman, the 7,160-yard, 18-hole, links-style layout reflects the game's traditional character. It features expansive bunkers, firm and quick fairways that blend into coastal vegetation, and rugged areas with undulations.

Laguna Golf Lang Co (Da Nang)

Part of the larger Laguna Lang Co integrated resort, Laguna Golf Lang Co is an 18-hole, par-71 championship course designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo. This acclaimed course provides a golfing experience suitable for both seasoned players and beginners. It measures just under 7,100 yards from the championship tees and a more accessible 5,263 yards from the front tees. Reflecting its links-like qualities, the Lang Co layout offers a traditional out-and-back design, presenting diverse shot opportunities. The course aims to offer a unique sense of place within its rustic setting.

Southern Vietnam Golf Experiences

Southern Vietnam features a selection of golf courses, from island resorts to those near major urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City, each providing distinct playing environments.

Vinpearl Golf Club (Nha Trang)

Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang is situated in a valley along an 800-meter stretch of white sand, forming part of the Vinpearl Resort on Hon Tre Island within Nha Trang Bay, which Forbes Magazine recognized as one of the world's 30 most beautiful bays. Designed by IMG Worldwide, this 18-hole, par 71 championship course is noted as Vietnam’s first international standard golf course, offering island golf with views of the ocean. The course spans 6787 yards over 180 hectares, winding through the valley, alongside a lake and the seashore, with breezes moving through palm trees. Many tees are elevated, providing players with clear views of the upcoming challenges. The design incorporates various risk levels to engage both professionals and those new to the sport.

Dalat Palace Golf Club (Dalat)

The Dalat Palace Golf Club is located at an elevation of 1,500 meters in Vietnam's central highlands. It is regarded as one of Vietnam’s leading golf courses and is notable for being the only one with bent grass greens. The course offers a tranquil setting with rolling hills, tall pine trees, and a series of lakes that come into play on 10 to 18 holes, creating a scenic backdrop for a challenging championship-level course.

Vietnam Golf & Country Club (Ho Chi Minh City)

Located just 20 kilometers from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Golf and Country Club is the closest golf facility to the metropolis. It holds the distinction of being Vietnam's first 36-hole golf club and is widely considered a premier golf and country club. Spanning 300 hectares, its two courses were developed from existing woodland with minimal alteration to the natural terrain, creating a layout that feels inherently part of the landscape. The West course, opened in December 1994 and designed by Taiwanese architect Chen King Shih, hosted the Vietnam Open (Asian PGA Tour Event) in 1995 and 1997. The East Course followed in 1997, designed by six-time Major Champion Lee Trevino.

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Golf (Vung Tau)

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip Golf Course is located in Ho Tram, approximately 120 kilometers south-southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Since its opening in 2014, this Greg Norman-designed, links-style course has received considerable praise from golf media globally. It features 18 holes of championship-quality links golf, along with a 2300-square-meter clubhouse offering hospitality services and a driving range with PGA Golf Instruction. In 2017, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip was recognized as the Best Golf Course in Vietnam, surpassing 29 other contenders.

Vinpearl Golf (Phu Quoc)

Set within the natural woodlands on the northern part of Phu Quoc Island, Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc provides a sense of connection with nature. This island is known for its tropical environment and beaches. The course aims to offer a memorable golfing experience with its scenery. Designed by IMG Worldwide, this championship course features 18 holes with varied challenges, divided into two distinct nines. Each nine presents unique characteristics, landscapes, and obstacles. The rolling fairways and contours integrate with the island's terrain, offering views of the tropical forest against the East Sea.

Overview of Golf Course Development in Vietnam

Golf has seen substantial growth in Vietnam, with a notable increase in the number of facilities across the country. As of 2015, Vietnam hosted 58 golf courses across 24 provinces and cities, covering approximately 9.27 thousand hectares. The Đà Lạt Palace Golf Course in Đà Lạt holds the distinction of being the first golf course established in the country. While golf is not yet a mass participation sport in Vietnam, and playing costs can be significant, the investment in these courses often targets investors, international tourists, and high-income individuals. These venues also serve as locations for government officials to engage with international guests, aiming to attract resources and investment into Vietnam and its various localities.

Complete List of Operational Golf Courses in Vietnam (as of source publication)

Planning Your Golf Trip to Vietnam

When considering a golf trip to Vietnam, several factors can influence your experience. The country's diverse climate means that different regions may offer optimal playing conditions at various times of the year. For instance, the northern areas might be cooler during winter months, while the south remains warm year-round. It is advisable to research the specific climate of your chosen destination for your travel dates.

Transportation to and from golf resorts is also a key consideration. Many courses are located outside major city centers, requiring private transfers or taxis. Some resorts offer shuttle services, which can be confirmed directly with the venue. For those traveling between cities, options like overnight rail journeys are available, though direct access to golf courses from train stations may still require additional transport. Additionally, understanding local banking services can be helpful for managing finances during your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Vietnam a growing golf destination?

Vietnam's appeal as a golf destination stems from its varied geography, which allows for diverse course designs, and a generally favorable climate for outdoor sports. Significant investment in course development and maintenance has also elevated the quality of facilities, attracting international interest.

Are golf courses in Vietnam suitable for all skill levels?

Many golf courses in Vietnam are designed to accommodate a range of players, from beginners to experienced professionals. Courses often feature multiple tee boxes, allowing golfers to choose a starting point that matches their skill level and desired challenge. Specific course descriptions usually highlight their suitability for different abilities.

What is the typical cost of playing golf in Vietnam?

While specific prices were not provided, the source indicates that the cost of playing golf in Vietnam is generally not considered inexpensive. Fees can vary significantly based on the course's prestige, location, time of week, and whether it is part of a resort complex. It is recommended to contact individual golf clubs directly for current pricing and booking information.

How can I book tee times at Vietnamese golf courses?

Tee times can typically be booked directly through the golf course's official website or by contacting their reservations department via phone or email. Some travel agencies specializing in golf tours to Vietnam may also assist with bookings and package deals that include accommodation and transportation.

Are there golf courses near major cities in Vietnam?

Yes, several golf courses are located within a reasonable distance of Vietnam's major cities. For example, BRG Kings Island Golf Resort is near Hanoi, and Vietnam Golf & Country Club is close to Ho Chi Minh City. Many courses are also accessible from popular tourist hubs like Da Nang and Hai Phong, offering convenience for travelers.