Ultimate Guide to Golf in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Courses, Tips & Experiences
When it comes to golf in Ho Chi Minh City, the city offers a dynamic mix of modern fairways, championship courses and the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s largest metropolis. This comprehensive golf guide will help you discover the best golf courses, practical tips and unforgettable post-round activities for the ultimate Ho Chi Minh City golf trip.
When to golf in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical monsoon climate, a year is divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season is the best time to play golf in Saigon, lasting from December to April of the following year. The weather is quite ideal and stable, with sunshine all day long, low humidity and temperatures not too high, from 25°C to 30°C (77°F – 86°F). You can enjoy long rounds of golf without worrying about interruption, but this is the city’s peak tourist season, so prices for accommodation and other services may increase. Book in advance to get a more reasonable price and avoid running out of space.
In the last months of the dry season, around March to April, the temperature and humidity will gradually increase, it can be hot up to 34°C (93°F). To avoid the daytime sun, you can book a golf game in the early morning or late afternoon.
The rainy season from May to November has high humidity and more rain, but they are short and sudden. Therefore, you need to check the weather forecast to plan a reasonable schedule. If you want to be safe, book your playing time in the morning. After the rains, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, allowing you to enjoy activities to explore the city.
General weather of Ho Chi Minh City
> > > To make the most of your golfing experience during the ideal season, consider our Ho Chi Minh City golf packages that bundle green fees, caddies, and accommodations for a hassle-free experience.
Best golf courses in Ho Chi Minh City
Long Thanh Golf Club
Long Thanh Golf Club is voted as one of the most beautiful and best golf courses in Asia, especially loved by foreign golfers. The course has an area of over 350 hectares, with a cool and fresh climate, only about a 40-minute drive from Ho Chi Minh City. The course has a beautiful and quite modern design but still follows the existing lines of nature such as lawns, ponds and waterfalls. The sophisticated design brings new challenges to professional golfers as well as beginners. The lighting system is of international quality, serving golfers at night.
Long Thanh Golf Club
Vietnam Golf & Country Club
Vietnam Golf & Country Club is located only about 20km from the city center, is considered the leading golf club in Vietnam and is also the venue for the first amateur golf tournament. The course is divided into two 18-hole courses, attracting high-ranking foreign officials and diplomats. With the special design of the golf course, you can exercise in a fresh space and witness the natural beauty of nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The golf course provides a variety of entertainment services for customers: restaurants, shopping stores, conference rooms, caddy, … providing all kinds of resort villas in the Dai Vien Lake area. Moreover, with a team of dedicated and professional staff, they will provide you with advice and meet your needs in the best way.
Vietnam Golf & Country Club
Tan Son Nhat Golf Course
Tan Son Nhat Golf Course is the only golf course located in the inner city of Ho Chi Minh City. The course takes full advantage of the natural terrain of the area, with endless green lawns, eye-catching interspersed with sand traps, grass traps and lakes creating an impressive and challenging design. Golfers not only experience playing golf at a golf course right in the heart of the city but also play golf while watching planes landing and taking off impressively. The course’s location and impressive design as well as the international standard night lighting system help this place attract golfers to play golf both day and night.
Tan Son Nhat Golf Course
Song Be Golf Resort
Song Be Golf Resort is a long-standing golf course located only about 45 45-minute drive from Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat Airport. The course is divided into 3 small courses, with long sand pits and narrow fairways running along the course. Among the trees of the course, there are up to 14 artificial lakes and many bunkers to increase the difficulty of the matches. In addition to the green grass and interwoven lakes, Song Be Golf is likened to a miniature desert with rocks, cacti and dry trees. All the details and landscapes combine to create a beautifully natural picture while bringing unique obstacles to each golf match.
Song Be Golf Resort
West Lakes Golf & Villas
West Lakes Golf & Villas is the first golf course built in the west bordering Ho Chi Minh City, located among the green rice fields creating an impressive scene that cannot be found anywhere else. The course is over 7100 yards long with picturesque lakes standing out on each golf course, fairways shaped like undulating waves and sand traps are intelligently arranged. In addition, it also fully meets the amenities from resort to entertainment and beauty, suitable for long trips or with family.
West Lakes Golf & Villas
Twin Doves Golf Club
Twin Doves Golf Club is the first private golf course in Vietnam, because of the limited number, the service and quality here are also of a more worthy level. The course is divided into 3 separate courses, each designed to make the best use of the surrounding landscape to increase the challenge and excitement of golf games. Not just a golf course, this is also a modern resort complex with a 5-star hotel and restaurant system, a conference center and an international standard school.
Twin Doves Golf Club
What to do after golf in Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy Saigon’s famous cuisine
After a long day on the golf course, rewarding yourself with a hearty meal is a must. Saigon cuisine is a place where many different culinary cultures converge and blend with all the famous delicious dishes of the country. From sidewalk stalls to luxury restaurants, all have attractive flavors that everyone loves, especially street food. The iconic dishes that you must try when coming to this city are pho (beef noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork). The vibrant atmosphere combined with the rich flavors of street food brings the authentic taste of Saigon.
Some iconic dishes you must try in Ho Chi Minh City
> > > Exploring Saigon street food is the ultimate way to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant culture. Dive into this guide to discover the must-try flavors that define the city’s culinary soul.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Vietnam’s largest metropolis
Ho Chi Minh City at night has a strange charm, offering many interesting and vibrant experiences. Head to the nightlife venues to immerse yourself in entertainment activities, from vibrant music to rich street food. Visit walking streets such as Nguyen Hue, Bui Vien or night markets for the most authentic experience with the locals. If you prefer a more elegant evening, enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar, or enjoy music at a live jazz club or acoustic bar. If you are in the mood to dance, its vibrant nightclubs will not disappoint, with high-energy crowds and dazzling light shows, making them hot spots for a vibrant night out.
The bustling Bui Vien Street at night
Visit iconic tourist attractions
Take advantage of your free time to explore famous tourist destinations, from historical architectural works, and cultural museums to modern entertainment areas.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: Located in the heart of District 1, Notre Dame Cathedral is a unique religious and architectural symbol of Saigon. With its typical French architecture, Notre Dame Cathedral is considered one of the extremely famous check-in locations when traveling to Saigon.
- Saigon Central Post Office: is a famous architectural work and symbol of the city, combining European style with Indochinese architectural elements
- Independence Palace: Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is one of the tourist destinations with profound historical significance, bearing the historical mark of the city throughout the historical wars and marking the independence and unification of the two regions of North and South Vietnam.
- Ben Thanh Market: For shopping enthusiasts, this is an unmissable destination because of its diverse range of goods, suitable for you to choose souvenirs or enjoy attractive street food.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Although not located in the city center, this is a very special historical attraction, providing a look at past wars. You will be able to explore the tunnels, practice shooting and other military games.
Some famous tourist destinations in Saigon
> > > To make the most of your time exploring these iconic destinations, consider joining one of our Ho Chi Minh City tours that offer curated experiences, expert guides, and insider tips, ensuring you don’t miss any of the city’s cultural highlights and hidden gems.
See the beauty of Saigon in unique ways
There are countless ways to experience the charm of this city beyond the usual city tours. Explore the city from different perspectives.
- See Saigon from above: If you want to see the whole city, there’s no better way than experiencing it from above. Head to the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower for a 360-degree view of the city, with the Saigon River winding through the bustling cityscape.
- Cruise along the Saigon River: This is one of the most relaxing and picturesque ways to explore Ho Chi Minh City. The Saigon River winds through the city center, offering a peaceful respite from the busy streets while still offering unique views of the city’s iconic landmarks.
- By hop-on hop-off bus: The double-decker buses have open floors, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors and take photos of the places you pass by from a new perspective. Audio guides in multiple languages provide additional information about the history and significance of each site.
Cost to golf in Ho Chi Minh City
To help you plan your perfect golf trip, here’s a breakdown of the costs, including everything from green fees to accommodation, transportation, food and drink, and non-golf activities.
On-course fees
Golf fees in Ho Chi Minh City vary depending on the type of course and time of day, but generally don’t vary too much. The more popular and upscale courses like Tan Son Nhat Golf Course or Vietnam Golf & Country Club cost around $130-$180 for a round, while the rest of the courses cost between $80-$140.
Caddie service is mandatory at golf courses in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. The caddie fee for a round is usually $15-$20, and you can also tip if you like. While you can walk on some golf courses, the hot and humid weather in the area makes golf carts a comfortable and convenient option for golfers. Shared carts typically cost $30 to $40, with an additional $10 to $15 fee if you want to take your own cart.
Accommodations
First, you need to determine the area you want to stay. Do you want to stay near the airport or near entertainment areas for young people or simply want to be near golf courses for convenient travel? This depends entirely on your preferences. Hotel room rates in Ho Chi Minh City are not too expensive with a variety of accommodation options.
Based on your financial ability for the trip, you choose the appropriate hotel. You can choose high-end accommodations such as 5-star hotels in the city center such as The Reverie Saigon and Park Hyatt Saigon or resorts on golf courses with costs from $200-$350. If you want comfortable accommodations at a more reasonable price, mid-range hotels such as Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint and Hotel Nikko Saigon are the perfect choice with prices ranging from only $80-$150 per night.
Estimated cost for a Ho Chi Minh City golf trip
Transportation
As the most modern city in the country, Ho Chi Minh City has a very developed transportation system, helping visitors to easily move around the city. The most popular and convenient means of transportation for golfers when coming here is taxis or through ride-hailing applications with a fee of only about $ 4-$ 6 per trip depending on your location.
If you travel to golf courses on the outskirts of the city, you can rent a private car to ensure comfort, flexibility and is very suitable for groups of golfers, the price is about $ 50-$ 80 depending on the type of car. However, traffic in the city can be quite dense and chaotic, especially for first-time visitors, so rent a car with a driver to ensure safety and comfort. When traveling to visit the city, you can rent a motorbike, cyclo or travel by bus to save costs.
Dining and other activities beyond golf
Saigon is known as a culinary paradise with a variety of delicious dishes from all three regions of the country such as broken rice, Nam Vang noodles, etc. You have many dining options here, from luxury restaurants to popular eateries, sidewalk stalls, alleys or bustling markets. The cost of eating in a day is very diverse, from $4-$8, and can be higher if you dine in luxury restaurants.
If you go sightseeing in the city after golfing, find out the entrance fee at each location and book in advance to be more prepared and proactive. Most attractions have quite cheap tickets, only from $2-$5. Tickets for river cruises or tickets to visit places with a tour guide will be higher, around $30-$50 per person.
Essential tips for your Ho Chi Minh City golf trip
Here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and memorable golfing experience in Vietnam’s bustling southern hub.
- Plan your golf trip including choosing the right time to go, booking the course and tee times at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Check out exclusive golf packages from golf agents, which include services such as green fees, caddie services, transportation and accommodation.
- Check the weather forecast in advance to prepare appropriate clothing and equipment and still be comfortable on the course. Golf courses all have dress code requirements so be sure to pack extras such as collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and golf shoes.
- Most of the top golf courses in Ho Chi Minh City are located outside the city center so choose and book transportation that fits your schedule. Traffic in the inner city is unpredictable but avoid travelling during peak hours of 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM.
- On major holidays such as Lunar New Year, many golf courses and some services may close early or operate on limited schedules. Please find out in advance to avoid any disruption to your trip.
This guide has everything you need to plan the perfect Ho Chi Minh City golf trip, from its top golf courses and essential travel tips to the best places to unwind after your round. So grab your clubs, book your tee time, and get ready to experience the perfect blend of golf and culture in the heart of Vietnam.
Read more:
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