Top 5 Best Golf Destinations in Vietnam, Must-Visit in 2024
Vietnam, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has emerged as a prime destination for golf enthusiasts. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beaches of Mui Ne, Vietnam offers a diverse range of golfing experiences. In this article, we will delve into the best Vietnam golf destinations, exploring the unique appeal of each location, the optimal times for golfing, and the top courses that make these destinations a golfer’s paradise.
Why Golf in Vietnam?
Vietnam’s title as Asia’s Best Golf Destination 2023 by the World Golf Awards has been a testament to the country’s significant development in golf tourism. It offers an enticing blend of world-class courses, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness. The diverse geography provides a unique backdrop for golf courses, from the mountainous terrains of the north to the pristine coastal lines in the south. Renowned designers like Greg Norman and Nick Faldo have sculpted some of the most picturesque and challenging courses in the world here.
In Vietnam, golfers can enjoy year-round play thanks to the varied climate, with each region offering optimal seasons for a pleasant golfing experience.
Besides the sport itself, Vietnam’s rich history, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality enhance the overall experience, making a golf trip about more than just the game. The affordability of golfing and luxury accommodations in Vietnam compared to other popular destinations adds to its appeal. All these factors combined make Vietnam not just a golfer’s paradise but a complete holiday destination, appealing to golfers and their families alike.
Best Vietnam Golf Destinations
Hanoi
In 2023, Hanoi was named the best golf city in the world. This one more time acclaims this city as a must-visit golf destination in Vietnam. The city’s appeal lies in the blend of cultural richness and the availability of high-quality golf courses. The temperate climate, with distinct seasons, offers an ideal environment for golfing, particularly from August to April, when the weather and cool with little to no rainfall.
BRG Kings Island Golf Resort
Hanoi’s golfing landscape is dotted with several beautifully designed courses that cater to various skill levels. Notable among these is the Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club, which offers two stunning and challenging courses set against the backdrop of picturesque mountains and lakes. Another gem is the BRG Kings Island Golf Resort, known for its lush landscapes and the unique experience of arriving at the course by boat. Additionally, the Phoenix Golf Resort boasts the largest number of holes in Vietnam, offering diverse and scenic play.
For the time out of course, the city invites you to discover its stunning historical and cultural landscapes like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, etc. From Hanoi, you can also drive to Ha Long for a game at the FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club and an overnight cruise trip on the bay.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a thrilling city in Central Vietnam. It is home to not only stunning beaches but also true links-style golf courses. If you are looking to combine golf and beach relaxation, then Da Nang is a ca n’t-miss place.
The ideal time to golf in Da Nang is between May and August, when the weather is predominantly sunny, providing clear skies and gentle sea breezes that enhance the golfing experience.
Montgomerie Links Vietnam
This city is home to several acclaimed golf courses. The BRG Da Nang Golf Resort, designed by Greg Norman, features a magnificent links-style course with breathtaking views of the Marble Mountains and the East Sea. Ba Na Hills Golf Club, crafted by Luke Donald, is set amidst the lush, rolling hills of the Ba Na region, offering a cooler playing environment with a stunning mountainous backdrop. Montgomerie Links Vietnam, another outstanding course, provides a challenging yet rewarding experience with its beautifully landscaped fairways and greens.
Da Lat
Don’t know why to golf in Da Lat, Vietnam? Firstly, this city offers a refreshing change from the typical tropical climate of the region, thanks to the unique highland climate, characterized by cooler temperatures and less humidity. This makes golfing in Da Lat particularly comfortable and enjoyable, especially during the warmer months.
Da Lat is also renowned for its scenic beauty, with lush landscapes, rolling hills, and pine forests creating a picturesque backdrop for golf courses. This natural setting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your golfing experience but also adds interesting challenges to the game.
SAM Tuyen Lam Golf Club
The city is home to some outstanding golf courses, such as the Dalat Palace Golf Club, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Vietnam, known for its challenging layout and well-maintained greens. Another notable course is SAM Tuyen Lam Golf Club, which offers a modern design integrated beautifully with the natural topography of the region.
Beyond golf, Da Lat itself is a charming destination, often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its temperate weather. It’s famous for its colonial-era architecture, vibrant flower gardens, and tranquil lakes, making it a delightful place to visit whether you’re on or off the course.
Mui Ne – Phan Thiet
Mui Ne – Phan Thiet is also a highly recommended destination for golf in Vietnam. First and foremost, the region boasts some of the most scenic golf courses in Vietnam, characterized by their beautiful coastal settings and unique dune landscapes. This offers a distinctive and visually stunning golfing experience.
The climate in Mui Ne – Phan Thiet is another significant factor. The area enjoys a dry and sunny climate for most of the year, making it an ideal location for golf almost any time you choose to visit. The consistent weather conditions ensure that you can enjoy your game without the interruption of rain or extreme heat.
PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet
Notable golf courses in the area include Sea Links Golf & Country Club, which is often regarded as one of the most challenging courses in Asia due to its hilly terrain and tricky wind conditions. Another excellent choice is PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, designed by Greg Norman, which offers a unique links-style golf experience with spectacular views of the sea.
Beyond golf, Mui Ne – Phan Thiet is famous for its beautiful beaches, kite surfing, and the famous Red and White Sand Dunes, providing plenty of activities for relaxation and exploration after your round of golf.
Ho Chi Minh City
If you have a chance to golf in Vietnam, don’t miss out on Ho Chi Minh City – one of the must-visit Vietnam golf destinations, especially if you’re looking to combine urban exploration with your golfing activities. This city is not only a bustling economic hub of Vietnam but also a region with an increasing number of wonderful golf courses.
The city’s subtropical climate allows for year-round golfing, though the best time is typically during the dry season from December to April. This period offers more comfortable weather conditions for golf, with less rainfall and humidity.
Vietnam Golf & Country Club
Notable golf courses in Ho Chi Minh City include the Vietnam Golf & Country Club, which offers two 18-hole courses set amidst a beautiful landscape; the Tan Son Nhat Golf Course, located conveniently close to the city center; and The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, a bit further afield but worth the drive for its spectacular Greg Norman-designed ocean view course.
After a day on the greens, the city’s vibrant nightlife, rich history, and diverse culinary scene provide ample opportunities for entertainment and exploration. The city’s dynamic mix of traditional Vietnamese culture and modern amenities ensures there’s something to suit all tastes.
The list of best Vietnam golf destinations does not stop here. Apart from the above-mentioned cities with high-centralized golf courses, you will also find some tourist destinations with just one or two layouts, such as Hue or Phu Quoc with Laguna Lang Co Golf Club and Vinpearl Phu Quoc Golf Resort. They are suitable for those looking for a stay-play package in Vietnam or if you are looking for a true links-style experience. Check here for some interesting Vietnam golf tours or contact us right now for a tailor-made golf holiday.
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