Looking into your next golfing holiday? Vietnam is a great option, especially when other countries experience weather that isn’t conducive to outdoor sports. Here, you can pretty much play all year round. And compared to other destinations, it’s relatively affordable to play world-class courses. Of the 80-plus golf courses in the country, some are sea-facing – think dreamy oceanic views with cool sea breezes making play more enjoyable.
For these and other reasons, the World Golf Awards named the country the World’s Best Golf Destination in both 2019 and 2021, and 6 consecutive years as Asia’s Best Golf Destination (2017-2022). Not bad, considering the International Association of Golf Travel Operators (IAGTO) pipped it as the ‘Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year’ only a few years earlier. This fast-growing golf market is one to watch, says Forbes magazine.
Source: Internet
To meet increasing demand, many future golf course projects are in the pipeline. By 2025, there’ll be some 200 to choose from. But there are many options to stay and play right away. Here are some of the best to consider.
WHERE: About 45km from Hanoi, North Vietnam
This option comprises two 18-hole PGA-standard courses with a total of 36 holes. The members-only Lakes Course is considered challenging. The Sky Course, open to all, is more forgiving. There are tranquil lakes and surrounding hills, making for a pleasant escape from Hanoi.
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WHERE: FLC Resort, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province
Staying in the North? Head to a course in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Halong Bay, a two-hour drive from Hanoi City. This golf resort blends contemporary and traditional Vietnamese design. And thanks to its location, you could easily add on a Halong Bay cruise either before or after your trip. The par-71, 18-hole course includes a variety of challenges for beginners and pros.
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WHERE: Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Central Coast
This 18-hole links course near two of Vietnam’s tourism hot spots – Danang and Hoi An – was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. His courses are revered for their environmental sensitivity and low impact on the surrounding landscapes. Stay at the Hoiana Residences for the ultimate in interior design comfort and decadent fine dining.
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WHERE: Thua Thien Hue Province, North Central Coast
This 18-hole championship course designed by Sir Nick Faldo is part of a development of luxury hotels, spas and townhouses. As it’s located between the sea and mountains, the scenery is stunning. They offer golfing packages that make staying here completely convenient for a pair of players.
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WHERE: Quang Nam Province
As the name suggests, this course was designed by Scottish pro golfer Colin Montgomerie. Just 15 minutes from Danang Airport, it’s a convenient option for those exploring Danang and nearby Hoi An. Since 2008, the 7,090-yard, par-72 golf course has hosted many events and championships to truly develop the sport in the region.
Source: Internet
WHERE: Danang City
The international magazine Golf Digest listed this 350-hectare course among the 100 World's Greatest Golf Courses in 2022. It includes two courses designed by two top designers. The Jack Nicklaus course comprises 200 hectares. The 18-hole, par 73 course has a yardage of 7,380. The 150-hectare Greg Norman course has a links-style layout.
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WHERE: NovaWorld entertainment complex, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province
This new golf course won big at the 2022 Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards. Thanks to its challenges, playability and course conditioning, it was named the Best New Golf Course of 2022 and placed within the country’s top 10. The 36-hole PGA golf course cluster includes two courses: PGA Garden and PGA Ocean. Designed by golfing legend Greg Norman, it’s been approved by the US Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). The NovaWorld complex where it’s located is being developed with villas, theme parks and other outdoor sporting facilities.
Source: Internet
WHERE: Vinpearl Resort & Spa, Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang Province
Dreaming of a golfing holiday on a pristine island? This is the one for you. The 18-hole golf course is in the north of Vietnam’s ‘pearl island’ – a much-beloved destination for locals and foreigners. Players rate the course condition and pace of play highly. The beautifully raked bunkers and wooded areas are set within ancient hardwood forests, so you can enjoy the sounds of birdlife all around as you play. Many amenities make this a great option for a family holiday. For example, golfing packages include free entry to the resort’s theme park.
Source: Internet
WHERE: Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
This challenging links course was designed by Greg Norman, who said: “No two rounds at the Bluffs are ever the same.” This course, about a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the experience of playing true links golf among the dunes of southern Vietnam and having dramatic ocean views. The caddies and the impeccable food at the clubhouse’s Infinity Restaurant are in the recommendation.
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WHERE: Long Beach, Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province
Another Greg Norman-designed course, this one is set on a stretch of beach with low vegetation meaning you get to enjoy vast sea views. A top-notch driving range, rippled fairways, natural contouring and ideal elevation changes make for a memorable game. Unsurprisingly to many, this was named the Best Championship Course at the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards 2022.
Source: Internet