Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of Asia’s premier golf destinations, blending world-class courses with rich culture and luxury travel experiences. In fact, Vietnam was honored as the World’s Best Golf Destination 2021 (and also in 2019) by the World Golf Awards. This recognition reflects the country’s explosive growth in high-quality golf in Vietnam, with new courses opening all the time.
As Adam Calver, Director of Golf at Laguna Lang Co, notes, “anyone serious about golf travel should be coming to Vietnam at least once… With world-class courses opening all the time, you’d need to return every few years to do the place justice”.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best golf courses across Vietnam’s regions, from Hanoi’s scenic highlands to Danang’s coastal fairways and Ho Chi Minh City’s championship greens. Along the way, we’ll highlight luxury accommodations and insider tips to make your golf in Vietnam journey truly exceptional.
(Planning a golf holiday in Vietnam? Contact Nomadical Travel to start planning your bespoke golf itinerary or WhatsApp us for quick guidance – we’re here to help craft your ultimate golf in Vietnam experience!)
Table of Contents
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi’s Scenic Greens & Halong Bay Charm
Northern Vietnam offers a captivating mix of challenging golf courses set amid lush landscapes and easy access to cultural highlights like Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Halong Bay’s emerald waters. The capital city Hanoi is the gateway to golf in Vietnam’s north, with cool dry winters and warm summers providing good playing conditions year-round. Golfers can tee off in the morning and spend evenings enjoying Hanoi’s vibrant food scene or even take an overnight cruise in Halong Bay for a dose of adventure between rounds.
Top Golf Courses around Hanoi: The Hanoi area boasts several of Vietnam’s top golf courses, each with its own unique setting and style:
BRG Kings Island Golf Resort (Hanoi): The first golf resort in northern Vietnam and still one of the most iconic. Kings Island features 54 holes of championship golf spread over 350 hectares of land on an island in Dong Mo Lake. In a uniquely Vietnamese touch, access is by boat across the lake to reach the courses. The resort’s three courses – Lakeside, Mountainview, and the newer Kings Course – offer diverse challenges framed by the Ba Vi mountain range and lakefront views. At only a 45-minute drive from Hanoi, this island oasis is a convenient must-play for any golf in Vietnam itinerary.
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club (Hanoi): Located in the Van Son Lake area about 45 minutes southwest of Hanoi, Sky Lake offers 36 holes divided into the Sky Course and the Lake Course. Both courses are set amid rolling terrain with magnificent mountain backdrops and a picturesque lake in view. The private Lake Course is known to be one of the most challenging and best-conditioned courses in the country, earning awards as Vietnam’s best championship course in 2015. The Sky Course is more forgiving but equally scenic, making Sky Lake a top choice for golf in Vietnam’s north.
Thanh Lanh Valley Golf & Resort (Vinh Phuc, near Hanoi): One of the newest additions to golf in Vietnam’s north, this Nick Faldo-designed course opened in 2021 in the Tam Dao mountain area about 60–90 minutes from Hanoi Thanh Lanh offers an 18-hole championship layout nestled between a tranquil lake (Thanh Lanh Lake) and the foothills of majestic Tam Dao Mountain. The front nine winds through a valley with mountain views, while the back nine features a links-style design along the lakeshore. At an elevation of around 1,000m with cooler temperatures year-round, Thanh Lanh provides a refreshing mountain golf experience and stunning scenery for those looking to play golf in Vietnam off the beaten path.
After your rounds around Hanoi, you can immerse yourself in local culture and luxury. Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or Capella Hanoi for five-star comfort in the heart of the city’s French Quarter. If you have time, swap your golf clubs for a cruise – the Heritage Line Ylang offers an overnight wellness-themed voyage in the less-touristed Lan Ha Bay (adjacent to Halong Bay) for a magical post-golf retreat. For countryside charm, consider a night at Tam Coc Garden in Ninh Binh’s karst country or the mountain luxe Avana Retreat in Mai Chau for nature and relaxation.
CTA: Hanoi’s golf courses offer the perfect start to golf in Vietnam. Contact us to include these northern gems in your golf itinerary. We can arrange everything from tee times to Halong Bay excursions, ensuring your golf in Vietnam trip blends sport and culture seamlessly. We can also create bespoke group tours all over Vietnam.
Central Vietnam: Danang, Hoi An & Hue – The Golf Coast
Central Vietnam is the nation’s golf hotspot, often dubbed the “Golf Coast” for its concentration of world-class courses between the cities of Danang, Hoi An, and Hue. Here you’ll find championship layouts by renowned designers set against a backdrop of white-sand beaches, rolling dunes, and forested mountains. Better yet, many of these courses are a short drive from each other, making it easy to play a variety of top courses during one trip. The region’s warm, breezy climate is ideal for golf in Vietnam, and its cultural attractions – from Hoi An’s ancient town to Hue’s imperial citadel – add plenty to do beyond the fairways.
Top Golf Courses in Central Vietnam: Central Vietnam boasts some of the country’s most acclaimed courses, regularly appearing in “Asia’s Best” rankings:
Ba Na Hills Golf Club (Da Nang): A spectacular mountain course located less than 30 minutes inland from Danang’s coast. Designed by former world #1 Luke Donald, Ba Na Hills is unique for the region as it sits at the foot of a towering mountain range rather than by the sea. The course stretches to 7,858 yards (par 72) making it Vietnam’s longest layout Golfers of all levels enjoy Ba Na’s cooler temperatures, lack of coastal wind, and lush jungle surroundings. An added bonus: all 18 holes are floodlit, allowing for night golf under the lights – a magical experience as dusk falls over the mountains. Ba Na Hills has won multiple awards, including being named Vietnam’s Best Golf Course and Asia’s Best Golf Course in recent years, cementing its status as a must-play when golfing in Vietnam.
- Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Quang Nam – Hoi An): Opened in 2019 just south of Hoi An, Hoiana Shores is a stunning seaside links course that has garnered international accolades. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design was voted World’s Best New Course 2020, and with good reason. Hoiana Shores is laid out on a treeless dunescape of pure sand along the East Sea, with five holes right on the coastline for thrilling ocean vistas. The design embraces true links golf traditions – firm fast fairways, pot bunkers, coastal winds – so no two rounds are ever the same. Hoiana Shores sits within a $4 billion integrated resort complex, meaning golfers have upscale facilities on-site and can easily pair golf with casino entertainment or beach relaxation. If you love classic links courses, Hoiana delivers authentic links golf in Vietnam’s tropical climate.
Laguna Golf Lăng Cô (Hue/Lang Co): Nestled between the mountains and sea about an hour north of Danang (near Hue), Laguna Lăng Cô is an 18-hole championship course designed by Sir Nick Faldo. Part of the Laguna Lăng Cô resort complex (home to Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts), this course is famed for its stunning natural setting – you’ll play through rice paddy fields, jungle streams, and coastal sand dunes all in one round. Faldo incorporated rustic stone walls and ventured through lush trees, creating a playable yet strategic track that was named Vietnam’s Best Golf Course 2019. A unique touch: actual rice paddies in the center of the course between several holes, tended by local farmers! With the backdrop of the Annamite Mountains and views of the East Sea, Laguna Lăng Cô offers an imperial golfing experience (fitting, given its proximity to Hue’s Imperial City).
(Other notable courses: The Danang/Hoi An area also features Montgomerie Links and BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (Greg Norman’s Dunes Course), both excellent layouts along Danang’s shoreline. The sheer variety on the Golf Coast means golf in Vietnam’s central region never gets boring – from traditional links-style holes by the beach to parkland-style fairways in the foothills.)
After long days on the links, central Vietnam provides no shortage of luxury and relaxation. In Danang, pamper yourself at the iconic InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, perched dramatically on a mountainside over a private bay (ideal for a rest day or spa afternoon). Closer to Hoi An, the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai offers ultra-luxe pool villas on a tranquil beach – perfect for unwinding after 18 holes at Hoiana Shores.
For a wellness-focused stay, check into Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, a boutique resort with private pool villas and a serene riverside setting. Golfers exploring Hue can opt for the Ancient Hue Garden Houses, a collection of heritage villas offering an authentic cultural stay, or enjoy the integrated luxury of Banyan Tree Lăng Cô, which conveniently overlooks the 9th and 18th holes of Faldo’s course. And in the lively town of Hoi An, the Anantara Hoi An Resort provides colonial charm along the river – a lovely base to enjoy Hoi An’s restaurants and tailors after your golf rounds.
From the fairways of Danang to the dunes of Hoiana and the foothills of Hue, central Vietnam is a golfer’s paradise. Contact Nomadical Travel to arrange tee times, luxury resorts, and private excursions – we’ll ensure your Golf Coast experience is the highlight of your golf in Vietnam journey!
Coastal Escapes: Golf in Vietnam at Quy Nhơn & Nha Trang
For golfers willing to venture a bit off the typical tourist track, Vietnam’s south-central coast offers hidden golf gems amid spectacular seaside landscapes. The Quy Nhơn and Nha Trang areas combine sun-kissed beaches with first-rate golf in Vietnam’s more tranquil coastal provinces. Here you can play on courses with views of the East Sea, then relax at boutique resorts far from the crowds.
Top Coastal Courses (Quy Nhơn & Nha Trang):
- FLC Quy Nhơn Golf Links (Bình Định): Situated on a peninsula facing the ocean, FLC Quy Nhơn offers 36 holes of championship golf in a thrilling mix of pine forests, sand dunes, and sea views. The resort features two distinct 18-hole courses: the Ocean Course (designed by Nicklaus Design, opened 2016) and the Mountain Course (by Schmidt & Curley, 2017).
The Ocean Course runs through coastal dunes and even has several holes with panoramic views of Nhon Ly Beach and the South China Sea, including a signature par-4 with a green set against a backdrop of waves. With its pristine sand-based terrain and pine-lined fairways, FLC Quy Nhơn has been praised as potentially one of Asia’s best courses. The on-site resort and villas make it easy to stay and play, and in 2016 the course was lauded as Asia’s Best New Course at the Asian Golf Awards. If you crave dramatic coastal golf in Vietnam, put Quy Nhơn on your list. - Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang (Khánh Hòa): For a truly unique golf experience, head to Vinpearl Golf on Hòn Tre Island in Nha Trang. This 18-hole IMG-designed course lies on a private island resort and is accessed by a spectacular 10-minute cable car ride over the sea (or by speedboat). Once there, golfers are treated to spectacular ocean views from every hole as the course stretches along 800 meters of coastline.
Palm-fringed fairways, white sand bunkers, and the blue waters of Nha Trang Bay create an Instagram-worthy setting for golf in Vietnam. The course features seashore paspalum grass to handle the sea breezes and salt air, ensuring lush conditions year-round. A favorite hole is the par-3 16th, where you tee off with an unbroken panorama of the sea behind the green. After your round, enjoy the full amenities of Vinpearl Land – from its water park and aquarium to 5-star beach resorts – making this a perfect golf-and-family destination.
Beyond the courses, these coastal areas offer indulgent places to stay. In Quy Nhơn, the Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô is an ultra-luxurious retreat tucked in a secluded bay – think private villas, coral reef snorkeling, and gourmet dining to complement your golf days.
Nha Trang has the famous Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, where rustic-chic villas with plunge pools overlook a serene bay accessible only by boat. It’s an idyllic spot to soothe any sore muscles after swinging on the course. Additionally, the city of Nha Trang has plenty of beachfront resorts if you prefer to be near the action; you can ferry to Vinpearl for golf in the morning and be back in town for sunset cocktails.
(Tip: If time allows, consider adding KN Golf Links Cam Ranh to your itinerary. Located just south of Nha Trang, this Greg Norman-designed links course opened in 2018 on massive seaside dunes and has quickly gained praise as one of Vietnam’s most exciting new layouts.)
Southern Vietnam: Saigon’s Golf & Ho Tram’s Links by the Sea
Southern Vietnam combines the cosmopolitan buzz of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with the laid-back luxury of beachside golf resorts in Ho Tram. This region offers a diverse golf in Vietnam experience – from parkland-style courses amid rice paddies near the Mekong Delta to windswept links along the South China Sea. Golfers can enjoy Saigon’s energetic city life, then unwind by the coast for a perfect “city and sea” golf getaway.
Top Courses in Southern Vietnam:
- Long Thành Golf Club (Ho Chi Minh City): Consistently rated among Vietnam’s top courses, Long Thành Golf Club is a golfer’s oasis roughly 36 km (about a 1-hour drive) from downtown Saigon. Set on a gentle plateau that was once rice paddies, this club offers 36 holes split between the Hill Course and Lake Course. The terrain features rolling fairways, mature palm trees, and large undulating greens. From several points you’ll catch panoramic views of the Saigon skyline in the distance, thanks to the course’s higher elevation.
Water comes into play on many holes of the Lake Course (with branches of the Dong Nai River bordering the course), whereas the Hill Course offers more elevation changes and tricky bunkering. Long Thành’s excellent maintenance and country-club service (including some of Saigon’s plushest clubhouse facilities and knowledgeable caddies) make it a favorite of both local executives and international visitors. It’s the perfect introduction to golf in Vietnam’s south, combining challenge and resort-like comfort. - The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip (Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu): Prepare to be wowed at Vietnam’s most celebrated course, The Bluffs Ho Tram. Designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, this breathtaking links-style course is set amidst towering seaside sand dunes along the Ho Tram Strip, about 2 hours drive southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The Bluffs has earned global acclaim – it was ranked in the World’s Top 100 Courses by Golf Digest (previously #35) and was crowned Vietnam’s Best Golf Course 2024. When you play here, you’ll understand why Norman calls it “one of the most unique, special golf experiences in the world… gifted to golf by Mother Nature”.
The course winds up and down dramatic dunes, with some tee boxes offering 50-mile views of the coastline on clear days. Constant ocean breezes and elevation changes mean no two rounds at The Bluffs are ever the same – one day you might face a gentle wind, the next a stiff challenge that turns club selection into an art. Highlights include the signature par-3 15th, set high among the dunes with the sea in the distance, and the risk-reward par-4 18th that plays downhill toward the glistening clubhouse. The Bluffs is truly golf in Vietnam at its world-class best, a course that can rival Scotland’s famous links while delivering tropical beauty and warm hospitality.
When playing golf in Vietnam’s South, your lodging can be as memorable as your tee shots. In Ho Chi Minh City, treat yourself to a 5-star stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon, a classic hotel overlooking the Opera House, or the Hotel des Arts Saigon, a chic boutique property with a glamorous rooftop pool. Both offer easy access to Saigon’s dining and nightlife for post-golf entertainment.
Once you head out to Ho Tram, you’ll find resorts perfect for recharging. The Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort is a favorite, providing contemporary villas and multiple pools just minutes from The Bluffs (as well as a tranquil spa to soothe those golf muscles). Ho Tram also has an integrated casino resort where The Bluffs is located (InterContinental Grand Ho Tram), so you can try your luck at the tables in the evening or simply enjoy the beach. With Saigon’s energy and Ho Tram’s coastal calm, southern Vietnam gives golfers the best of both worlds.
Ready to play the best golf in Vietnam from Saigon to Ho Tram? Contact us today to arrange priority tee times at Long Thành or The Bluffs and to plan a seamless trip, including private transfers from the city to the coast. From vibrant Saigon to the serene shores of Ho Tram, we’ll make your southern Vietnam golf experience extraordinary.
Bespoke Vietnam Golf Itineraries – Play & Explore
Golf in Vietnam isn’t just about the courses – it’s also about experiencing the country’s incredible culture, cuisine, and landscapes in between your tee times. At Nomadical Travel, we specialize in crafting bespoke golf in Vietnam itineraries that combine the best golf with authentic travel moments. Here are two inspiring sample journeys to spark your imagination:
- Vietnam Golf & Culture Journey (10 Days, 4 Rounds): This itinerary balances four rounds of championship golf with Vietnam’s must-see cultural sites. Start in Hanoi with a round at King’s Island or Sky Lake, then cruise through the karst isles of Halong Bay on a luxury overnight boat. Fly down to Danang/Hoi An to play the coastal fairways of Hoiana Shores or Ba Na Hills, and spend evenings wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit Ancient Town. Finally, head south to dynamic Saigon, tee off at Long Thành Golf Club, and cap it off with a grand finale round on the oceanfront dunes of Ho Tram at The Bluffs.
Along the way, you’ll stay in Vietnam’s top hotels (historic Sofitel Metropole, beachy Four Seasons Nam Hai, stylish Park Hyatt Saigon) and enjoy private tours – think street food in Hanoi, imperial citadel insights in Hue (if added), or cu chi tunnels near Saigon – for a true golf and culture immersion. (Contact us for pricing and customization of this journey!) - Imperial Fairways of Vietnam (10 Days, 4 Rounds): Traverse the country’s historic “imperial” sites while playing elite courses. Begin in the capital Hanoi (perhaps warming up at Thanh Lanh Valley’s cool mountain course), then set sail on a deluxe Halong Bay cruise to soak in Vietnam’s natural splendor. Next, fly to the heritage city of Hue – explore the Nguyen Dynasty citadel and royal tombs, and enjoy a round at the nearby Laguna Lăng Cô Golf Club, surrounded by coastal mountains.
Drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass to Danang/Hoi An, where you’ll tee off at Ba Na Hills in the highlands and maybe squeeze in another round at Montgomerie Links by the sea. Finally, spend a relaxing finale in Hoi An, with an optional extra round at Hoiana Shores and time to unwind on the beach. This itinerary lets you walk in the footsteps of emperors in Hue and traders in Hoi An, all while enjoying imperial-grade golf in Vietnam’s most picturesque locales.
(Inquire now to customize the Imperial Fairways journey to your schedule and interests.)
Plan Your Golf Adventure: Every golfer’s dream trip to Vietnam will look a little different, and that’s where we come in. Whether you want to play all of Vietnam’s top 10 courses or mix in sightseeing and spa days for your non-golfing companions, Nomadical Travel will tailor the perfect package.
Contact us or WhatsApp us anytime to start planning your golf getaway. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to learn about new golf itineraries and exclusive specials – we’ll keep you in the loop on the latest and greatest for golf in Vietnam.
Embarking on a golf trip to Vietnam promises not only incredible rounds on award-winning courses, but also the discovery of a beautiful country and its warm hospitality. From the emerald-green mountains of the north to the golden sand beaches of the south, golf in Vietnam offers diversity and adventure at every turn. It’s no wonder Vietnam has twice been voted the world’s best golf destination – the experience truly goes beyond golf to capture the heart of what travel is about.
So pack your clubs and your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. The team at Nomadical Travel is ready to assist you every step of the way to ensure that your Vietnam golf holiday is inspiring, seamless, and utterly above par.
