Discover The Perfect Golf in Vientiane: Top Courses, Travel Tips & More!
Vientiane may be a sleepy capital, but it offers great golf courses, affordable green fees and a unique blend of relaxation and cultural exploration. Planning a golf trip to golf in Vientiane? This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from the best courses and green fees to accommodation, transportation and things to do off the green.
General weather and best time to golf in Vientiane
The weather in Laos is divided into two distinct seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. Although there are two distinct seasons, the temperature between the two seasons also varies significantly, affecting your golfing experience to some extent. Furthermore, Laos is a landlocked country, so Laos has a tropical monsoon climate and a more humid subtropical climate than other parts of Southeast Asia.
The best time to play golf in Vientiane is during the dry season. The air becomes pleasant and the sunshine is penetrating, with average temperatures of around 18°C – 28°C (64°F – 82°F), making it convenient for you to enjoy long rounds of golf or explore the capital. At the end of the dry season, the temperature will be higher, reaching 35°C (95°F), and the humidity will start to increase. but the mornings and evenings are cooler so you can still plan your golf activities. In particular, in mid-April every year, visitors will be able to participate in the Water Festival, one of the biggest traditional festivals in Laos.
The rainy season in Vientiane brings high humidity and more frequent storms, which can disrupt your golf trip. Although prices are cheaper and you can play golf during the drier times of the day, you need to consider your schedule carefully because the weather can be unpredictable, heavy rain and thunderstorms can force postponement or cancellation.
General weather of Vientiane, Laos
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Best golf courses in Vientiane
Long Thanh Vientiane Golf Club
Long Thanh Vientiane Golf Club is considered the first and most beautiful international standard golf course in Laos and Southeast Asia. This 36-hole golf course is located only about 15km from the center of the capital and is located right next to the Mekong River. The course is located on relatively flat terrain, but the mounds of land, water hazards and sand traps still create special challenges for players. In addition, modern facilities such as a clubhouse, international restaurants and a pro shop. The course also offers golf games at night and especially the caddies are all male.
Long Thanh Vientiane Golf Club
Lao Country Club
The Lao Country Club was the first golf course to be built in Vientiane and is one of the oldest in Laos. Located just outside the capital, the course has a challenging layout with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The course is the perfect place to practice your swing, relax with some delicious Lao food and play a few rounds before heading back to the city for a relaxing evening. The course is renowned for its well-maintained greens and fairways, making it a favorite with locals and tourists alike.
Lao Country Club
Dansavanh Golf Country Club
Dansavanh Golf Country Club is the first international quality golf resort in Laos, located amidst the beautiful tropical rainforests of the Buffalo Mountains just 60 km north of Vientiane. At an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level and surrounded by a pine forest, the golf course has many interesting turns, offering every golfer a stunning natural landscape with views of Nam Ngum Lake – “Asia’s Lake Geneva” – and the highland forests of palm and pine trees.
Dansavanh Golf & Country Club
Lakeview Vientiane Golf Club
Lakeview Golf Club Vientiane is a modern golf resort located in the capital city of Vientiane. The golf course was meticulously designed by Nelson & Haworth and features beautiful lakes and lush vegetation. The 18-hole course offers a variety of exciting challenges with rolling greens surrounded by steep bunker complexes to prevent approach shots and keep scores above average. The club is well-maintained and uses the latest Paspalum turf to keep the playing surface consistent all year round. Further improvements and facilities are planned to bring Lakeview Golf Club Vientiane to the highest standards in Laos. Its proximity to Vientiane also makes it a convenient and attractive option for both residents and visitors.
Lakeview Vientiane Golf Club
What to do beyond golf in Vientiane
Visit the main attractions of Vientiane
Vientiane stands out with the perfect combination of long-standing cultural heritage and architecture with strong Buddhist influence, bringing peace and tranquility. Here are some outstanding destinations you should try:
- Patuxay Triumphal Arch: is a prominent symbol of the capital Vientiane, built to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the resistance war. Although built according to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Patuxay still retains its own characteristics through reliefs and motifs in Lao architectural style. In particular, this is an ideal place to admire the whole view of the capital at dawn or dusk.
- Pha That Luang: located right in the center of the capital with an impressive gilded image. With a height of 44m, the tower has many steps and each step symbolizes a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment, the lowest step is material and the highest is nothingness.
- Wat Phra Keo: is one of the most beautiful temples in Laos. Today, the temple is not only a place for Buddhists to worship but also a large museum that preserves many Buddhist works and precious artifacts with elaborate carvings such as Buddha statues, wood carvings and texts.
- Wat Si Saket: is one of the most prominent temples in Laos and is the oldest temple still existing in Vientiane. Built in 1818 under the reign of King Anou, the temple has remained in its original state since its construction. The temple also preserves more than 8,000 books and a 400-year-old library containing many valuable Buddhist scriptures.
Some main attractions in Vientiane
Enjoy the unique cuisine of Laos
Besides the impressive temples and peaceful scenery, Vientiane is also one of the culinary paradises of Southeast Asia, from street snacks to elaborately prepared specialties. Vientiane Night Market is a great destination for tourists who want to explore the unique cuisine here. You will enjoy typical snacks and sip on famous Lao beer after a day of golf. Some must-try dishes are laap, mok pa, Lao sausages,…
The unique cuisine of Vientiane
> > > After a rewarding day on the golf course, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Lao culture than through its incredible cuisine. Let’s explore the must-try dishes in Laos that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
Experience a traditional Lao herbal sauna
Unlike Thai or Western-style spas, a Lao herbal sauna is a unique and relaxing experience after a round of golf or exploring the city. The sauna is heated by herbal steam, using natural medicinal plants to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. After sweating out the toxins, enjoy a cup of fresh herbal tea to cool down. Some reputable places to experience are Champa Lao Spa, Wat Sok Pa Luang Herbal Sauna or spas in high-end hotels.
Wat Sok Pa Luang Herbal Sauna in Vientiane
Enjoy the sunset on the Mekong River
Try visiting the Mekong River in the late afternoon, sitting on the riverbank steps and watching the sun go down, you will enjoy a very impressive moment. The riverside area becomes extremely lively with street food stalls, hawkers and people walking or cycling, creating a very peaceful scene. Enjoy a cold beer at a riverside restaurant or enjoy traditional dances at Chao Anouvong Park, the best sunset spot in Vientiane.
Embark on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River
Main cost for a Vientiane golf trip
On-course fees
Although there are not as many quality golf courses as other countries in the region, the prices in Vientiane are much lower, allowing golfers to experience many different types of courses without having to worry about the price. The rental price of budget-friendly courses such as Lao Country Club is only $30 – $60 per round, while more upscale courses such as Long Vien Golf Club and Lakeview Vientiane Golf Club will have rental prices ranging from $80 – $120 per round. In addition, like most other places, you will have to pay additional mandatory service fees for caddie service and golf cart rental, about $15 – $30 per round.
Accommodations
Based on my experience in Laos, hotel stays are generally affordable, even in locations near the central area or the capital Vientiane. Mid-range accommodations are the most popular choice for golfers coming here because of their reasonable prices of around $40-$80 per night while still being spacious and well-equipped. These hotels are usually located in the center of the capital or within walking distance of the golf courses. If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, Vientiane offers a number of 5-star hotels and resorts ranging from $120-$250 per night. Some hotels you can refer to are Settha Palace Hotel, Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, which offer luxurious modern facilities, with stunning views and easy transportation to other golf courses.
Estimated cost for a Vientiane golf trip
Transportation
Vientiane is a small city with limited public transportation options, so most visitors rely on taxis, tuk-tuks, Grab or private shuttles. Transportation is generally affordable, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and the number of people traveling with you. If you are traveling in a group, you can travel to the golf course by taxi or car rental service for around $8-$20 round trip.
If you are only traveling a short distance or sightseeing around the city, tuk tuks or buses are the most convenient and economical options, costing around $2-$5 per ride. However, you can negotiate the price with the driver to get the most reasonable price. You can also rent a private car with a driver for more freedom and flexibility. The daily rental price is around $50-$80, so you can comfortably bring your luggage and golf equipment without worrying about running out of space.
Dining and other activities after golf
Food prices in Laos are very reasonable, even at restaurants and eateries in the city center. On average, a meal at a budget restaurant or local market costs only $4-$15, giving you the opportunity to experience authentic Lao cuisine. In addition, Vientiane also has international standard restaurants such as La Signature, 3 Merchants, which offer more upscale Lao and Southeast Asian cuisine for around $50-$100 per person.
Entrance fees to major attractions are very cheap, often free or around $2 per person. In addition, activities such as Traditional Lao massage or herbal sauna cost around $10-$40 for a treatment session or a Mekong River cruise will cost from $10-$30 per person.
> > > If you want to maximize your experience while saving more money, consider combining your golf trip with our Laos tours. By booking a package that includes sightseeing, cultural experiences, and transportation, you can enjoy more of Laos for less.
Some helpful tips
To help you make the most of your time on and off the course, here are some practical, must-know tips for golfing in the Laotian capital.
- While Vientiane is not as crowded as other popular golf destinations, the number of golf courses is limited, so it is advisable to book tee times in advance to ensure you get your preferred spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Vientiane golf courses are mostly located outside the city center and the transport network is not very developed, so planning your trip is essential to make your trip go more smoothly. If you take a local taxi, ask the driver to wait or book a return trip to avoid being stuck at the golf course.
- If you visit Buddhist temples here, follow cultural rules such as dressing modestly, not touching statues or monks, keeping order when visiting, etc.
- There are ATMs everywhere in Vientiane but exchange fees can be quite high, so if you want to exchange cash for tips or smaller purchases, exchange money at the airport, hotel or bank for a good rate.
This guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable golf trip to Vientiane, from choosing the best golf courses and planning your accommodations to arranging transportation and exploring off the course. Contact us now so you can focus on your game and enjoy a great golf vacation in Vientiane!
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