Ha Long Golf & Travel Guide: Play, Stay & Discover the Best of Ha Long Bay
Ha Long golf offers a fantastic experience, offering world-class golf courses with the breathtaking backdrop of the karst mountains of Halong Bay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect golf trip to Halong Bay. From top golf courses, estimated costs and accommodation options to must-try activities outside of golf, we’ll make sure you get the most out of your trip.
Best time to play golf in Ha Long
Ha Long’s weather has the characteristics of the four distinct seasons of the northern region with hot summers, cold winters, spring and autumn being the two most pleasant times of the year. The period from October to April is the best time to play golf in Ha Long. The weather is quite pleasant and cool with an average temperature of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) along with low humidity and almost no rain, allowing you to participate in outdoor activities such as golfing and sightseeing. Especially at the end of the year, there are many big festivals such as New Year’s Eve, Lunar New Year, … helping you to have more experiences about the local culture.
On the contrary, the period from May to September has higher temperatures, usually from 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F), especially during the day it can be extremely hot. Rain is also more frequent but not too frequent, sometimes Ha Long can also be affected by tropical storms, especially from July to September so check the weather forecast before traveling. However, this is a very suitable time for you to take a cruise to see Ha Long Bay with clear sunny blue skies and limestone mountains on jade water.
Best time to play golf in Ha Long
> > > Now that you know the best time to golf in Ha Long, it’s time to plan your perfect golfing experience. Discover our exclusive Ha Long Golf Tours, featuring seamless itineraries, premium accommodations, and unforgettable rounds on Vietnam’s most scenic fairways.
Golf courses in Ha Long
FLC Ha Long Golf Club
FLC Ha Long Golf Club is a top-class 18-hole golf course in the north. Each hole has different lengths, widths, and difficulties to ensure the diversity and challenge of the game. In addition, the fairway area of the course is quite wide, plus the surrounding bunkers will increase the challenge of the course many times.
With its hilly terrain, the golf course offers a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Wonder, helping players feel comfortable and relaxed. On both sides are beautiful urban landscapes when viewed from above; behind are undulating green mountains. The course also offers a series of high-class utility services, such as a modern clubhouse, restaurants, bars, and a system of practice grounds and electric cars for players.
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club from above
Mong Cai International Golf Club
Mong Cai International Golf Club is the first coastal golf course in Vietnam with 2 separate courses. Located along the famous Tra Co beach, the course is designed in the traditional Scottish style with challenges such as deep sand traps, thick grass, and the influence of the sea breeze, bringing high difficulty and challenge to players. Coming here, golfers not only satisfy their passion for outdoor sports but also can enjoy the fresh air and relaxing moments in this place where the sky and sea meet, with beautiful natural scenery.
Mong Cai International Golf Club
Tuan Chau Golf Resort
Tuan Chau Golf Resort is the largest golf course in Quang Ninh province, occupying the most favorable location of Ha Long Bay’s natural heritage. Located on the largest island in the north, the course has 18 golf holes that offer unique challenges and features, taking advantage of the wonderful view of the bay. The course has beautiful natural coastal terrain and diverse slopes, dotted with challenging sand pits and natural water traps, including very interesting par 3 and 4 golf holes and the longest par 5 golf hole in Vietnam. The course also has a complex of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment areas that attract not only professional golfers but also tourists.
Tuan Chau Golf Resort
Must-try activities beyond golf in Ha Long
Enjoy swimming at beautiful beaches
Coming to Ha Long, beach lovers can enjoy swimming at beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in Ha Long are:
- Bai Chay, with a length of 1000 m, is currently the widest beach in Ha Long with fresh air, clear blue water, and smooth white sand. Along the coast are rows of cool green trees that give visitors a feeling of extreme relaxation.
- Hon Gai Beach is located on the side of the city center; although smaller, the water is clear and clean, so it still attracts a large number of visitors.
- Tuan Chau Beach located on Tuan Chau island is a famous beautiful artificial beach in Ha Long. The sea water is calm, the sand is gentle, so it is suitable for fun activities and swimming for all families.
At these beaches, you can not only go swimming but also participate in a series of famous water recreational activities in Ha Long, such as kayaking, jet skiing, or paragliding … very suitable for tourists who love to explore and experience new things.
Ha Long is the only destination in northern Vietnam with blue waters and white sandy beaches
Have fun at entertainment complexes
Not only natural heritage, Ha Long also has entertainment complexes for tourists to relax after golf hours, especially suitable for adventure lovers and families, notably Sun World Ha Long Complex and Tuan Chau Entertainment Center. You can experience thrilling games on land and underwater, take a cable car to see the city and bay from above, and many other attractive activities.
SunWorld Ha Long Complex
Take a cruise to explore Ha Long Bay
Cruising to explore the bay is always an activity not to be missed when coming to Ha Long. You can choose a day cruise or an overnight cruise to explore more of the surrounding islands and famous spots such as Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and Luon Cave. Both options include other activities such as lunch, swimming, kayaking or exploring floating fishing villages. If you take an overnight cruise, you can also experience the brilliant sunset on the bay, go squid fishing at night, stargaze or enjoy traditional music performances.
A day cruise at Ha Long Bay
> > > Let’s discover the best Ha Long Bay cruises and find the perfect itinerary for your trip here.
Dance and party at Ha Long’s best nightclubs
As a major tourist city in Vietnam, Ha Long is also very lively at night with beach clubs and comfortable lounges with live music. The most popular venues are Valley Beach Club, 1900 Pub or Flight Club Ha Long. These are the perfect places to enjoy draft beers, cocktails and live performances ranging from acoustic music to DJ sets. If you want a more unique experience, some cruise companies offer night party cruises, with music, dancing and open bars, allowing you to experience the nightlife while floating under the stars.
Bustling night clubs in Ha Long
Enjoy delicious food and fresh seafood
After golfing, don’t forget to explore the culinary paradise here, especially famous for its fresh seafood. One of the most famous local specialties is Cha Muc, a delicacy made from freshly caught squid, pounded and fried. This dish is best eaten with sticky rice or dipping sauce and is a must-try dish when visiting Ha Long.
There are many options for you, from mid-range restaurants such as Hong Hanh Restaurant, Thang Long Star, and local night markets to more upscale restaurants such as 1958 Restaurant and The Bay Restaurant. You can directly choose your seafood, such as lobster, crab, and oyster, before it is prepared to your taste.
This city is especially famous for its fresh seafood
Estimated cost to golf in Ha Long
Golf course costs
Green fees are the biggest expense when playing golf and can vary depending on the type of course, whether you play during the week or on the weekend, and whether it is peak or low season. The most popular golf course, FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club, has green fees ranging from $100 to $150 per round and can increase slightly during peak season due to high demand. In contrast, in the low season from May to September, courses may offer promotions and discounts.
Because golf courses are mostly hilly, caddies and golf carts are a mandatory part of golfing in Ha Long. These costs are mostly included in the green fee, but you can tip your caddie after your round. Also, if you want a private cart, you can pay an additional fee of about $16 – $20 per cart. Golf courses also rent golf equipment in case you do not bring your own. However, the rental price is quite expensive, around $40 – $55 per set, so bring your own clubs if possible.
Transportation to golf courses
As a tourist center of the northern region, Ha Long’s transportation infrastructure is very developed, you can easily find means of transportation here. Electric cars are the most popular means of transportation for tourists, available everywhere. The ticket to get on the electric car is 30,000 VND/person (about $1.5) plus the fare per kilometer. Besides electric cars, you can travel to golf courses by taxi with a slightly higher fare. After playing golf, you can rent a motorbike to freely explore anywhere in Ha Long. The rental price for 1 day is about $4 – $8 per motorbike. You need to check the condition of the motorbike in advance to have a smooth trip.
Estimated cost for a Ha Long golf trip
Accommodations
Accommodation options in Ha Long are diverse, including budget hotels, resorts, homestays, motels, or cruise ships from high-end to low-end. Rental prices range from a few hundred thousand to a few million VND. If you want to stay in a comfortable homestay, with a more affordable price of only about $30 – $50 per night, you can refer to The Bay, Halong Ginger, Orestay, Deja Vu House… If you want something more upscale, visitors can rent rooms at hotels such as FLC Grand Hotel and Muong Thanh Hotel or 5-star resorts such as Vinpearl Resort and Spa and Premier Village Ha Long Bay Resort with prices ranging from $100 to $250 per night.
Other activities beyond golf
In addition to golf, Ha Long also has many activities and natural heritages that attract tourists. The most prominent activity is taking a cruise to visit the bay, priced at around $40 – $80 per person, while luxury overnight cruises cost from $150 – $400 per cabin. Having fun at the Sun World Ha Long Complex entertainment complex also attracts many tourists, especially those who love to explore and families with young children… The entrance fee is around $12 – $32 depending on the attractions.
If you are more into cultural experiences, visit the Ha Long Night Market, which is free, but souvenir shopping and enjoying street food can cost from $5 to $30, depending on what you buy. Dining at floating seafood restaurants varies greatly in price, with a fresh seafood meal costing from $15 to $50 per person, depending on the type and amount of seafood you choose.
Essential tips for your Ha Long golf trip
To make your golf trip even smoother and more enjoyable, here are some extra tips to enhance your golfing experience:
- Book your tee times and accommodation in advance, even during peak or low season, as Ha Long is a vibrant tourist destination all year round. In addition, booking in advance can help you get more deals or promotions for those who book early.
- Check the weather before you go to plan and prepare your luggage for your trip accordingly. July to September is the rainy season in Ha Long, so have a backup plan if you go during this time.
- Being a major tourist destination, price increases are inevitable; be careful when asking for prices and negotiate politely before buying to avoid bad situations.
- Instead of booking each item separately, consider golf packages that include green fees, accommodation, transportation, and sometimes even meals. You can contact a reputable golf tour company to find exclusive discounts and promotions.
- While your main focus is golf, Ha Long Bay offers breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences that you should not miss. Take free time between rounds to relax and explore this popular tourist city.
With this guide, you now have everything you need to plan the ultimate golf trip in Ha Long Bay. By planning ahead, booking tee times early, and exploring beyond the fairways, you will have an unforgettable golf trip. Ready to tee off in Ha Long Bay? Contact us today to book your personalized golf package and experience Vietnam’s most beautiful golf course like never before!
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