Destination Guide to Vietnam
OVERVIEW
Vietnam is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s premier golf holiday destinations. With over 2,000 miles of stunning coastline lined with pristine beaches, the country offers not only natural beauty but also a wealth of top-tier golfing adventures. Home to more than 80 world-class golf courses and resorts—many designed by legends of the game—Vietnam caters to golfers of all skill levels, whether you’re seeking a relaxing round with ocean views or a championship-level challenge.
Beyond the fairways, Vietnam captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage, centuries of history, and vibrant local traditions. From the ancient charm of Hoi An to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, every region offers something unique to explore. Add to that the country’s renowned hospitality, flavourful cuisine, and excellent value for money, and it’s easy to see why Vietnam is fast becoming a favourite for golf travellers worldwide.
Highlights of Vietnam
World class golf courses and resorts
A rich, diverse and wonderous culture and history
Spectacular landscapes, scenery & world heritage sites
Culinary delights to suit any taste and palate
A warm year-round climate
Thousands of miles of gorgeous beaches
An incredibly welcoming and warm hospitality
Where to Stay
Over the past two decades, Vietnam has undergone a golfing renaissance, fuelled by significant investment and international acclaim. This development has led to the creation of some truly world-class and visually stunning golf courses. Renowned names like Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, and Colin Montgomerie have all left their mark here, designing courses that seamlessly blend challenge with breathtaking scenery. Whether you're seeking a laid-back holiday with the occasional round on a scenic links-style course, or you're chasing a full-on golf getaway packed with action, Vietnam offers the perfect setting.
Vietnam’s golf landscape is primarily concentrated in three distinct regions, each offering a unique experience both on and off the course:
The North – Centred around the capital, Hanoi, this region combines historic charm with a growing collection of top-notch golf courses set against mountainous backdrops and lush countryside.
The South – Around Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, and the beachside haven of Nha Trang, you'll find a diverse mix of parkland and resort-style courses, along with vibrant city life, cooler highland retreats, and stunning coastal escapes.
Central Vietnam – Undoubtedly the jewel in Vietnam’s golf crown, the area around Da Nang and Hue boasts a spectacular stretch of coastline and a concentration of some of Asia’s finest golf resorts. With a combination of luxurious accommodation, world-class design, and dramatic ocean views, this region should be at the top of any golfer’s wish list.
Whether you base yourself in the cultural north, the energetic south, or the idyllic central coast, you’ll find exceptional hospitality, excellent value, and unforgettable golf.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is a standout region for golf and travel, with Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue offering an exceptional mix of beaches, history, culture, and championship courses.
Da Nang serves as the vibrant hub of the region—a modern coastal city known for its golden beaches, excellent street food, and lively bar and café scene. It's also home to some of Vietnam’s finest golf courses, many set against stunning coastal and mountain backdrops. With its central location and international airport, Da Nang is the ideal base for your golf holiday.
Just a short drive south lies Hoi An, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage town famous for its lantern-lit old town, riverside markets, and tailor shops. The pace is slower here, offering a more relaxed, cultural experience—perfect for winding down between rounds of golf.
Heading north, Hue offers a deeper dive into Vietnam’s imperial past. Once the country’s royal capital, Hue is filled with ancient citadels, temples, and tombs, all set along the Perfume River. It’s a quieter, more reflective destination, ideal for history lovers and those looking to balance golf with authentic local exploration.
Together, these three destinations provide a rich and varied backdrop for an unforgettable golf getaway—combining luxury, leisure, and true Vietnamese charm.
Notable Nearby Courses
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Located 5 miles south of Hoi An, the Shores course is regarded by many as the best links course in Asia. Discover more here
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Situated between Da Nang an Hue, this links course was designed by Sir Nick Faldo. Discover more here
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Located 30 mins east of Da Nang and positioned between mountain ranges, Luke Donald was the course designer. Discover more here
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Located between Hoi An and Da Nang, Colin was suitably impressed with the design to put his name to it. Discover more here
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Located between Da Nang and Hoi An, this true links course was opened in 2010. Discover more here
Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, stands as Vietnam's largest urban centre, serving as the primary hub for business and finance. With a rich historical backdrop spanning centuries, the city boasts numerous museums chronicling its wartime past and showcases colonial architecture remnants from its former French rulers.
Ho Chi Minh City now welcomes tourists with its vibrant culture, modern skyscrapers juxtaposed with ancient temples and pagodas. Its skyline is punctuated with rooftop bars offering panoramic views, while its culinary scene tantalises with a fusion of French, Chinese, and traditional Vietnamese flavours.
This city has many well-known attractions, including the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Ben Thanh Market.
Whilst the south is not blessed with the depth of courses available in central Vietnam, it does host a couple of the most notable courses in the country, and for that reason alone is well worth visiting.
Notable Nearby Courses
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This Greg Norman designed links classic is located 80 miles southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Discover more here
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Situated 30 mins south of Nha Trang this breath-taking links course is more attuned to Scotland. Discover more here
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Located on Hon Tre Island just off the coast of Nha Trang, this course if both fun and breath-taking in equal measure. Discover more here
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The Dàlat At 1200 was designed by Asian golfing legend Kyi Hla Han as a PAR 73 Championship Course, which blends seamlessly with the natural environment.
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Located in the mountainous surroundings of Dalat, this course oozes peace and tranquillity.
Northern Vietnam
Ha Noi
With a history stretching back over a thousand years, Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is a treasure trove of cultural and historical heritage. Its famous Old Quarter, with winding, labyrinthine streets dating to the 14th century, invites visitors to wander through shaded alleyways lined with weathered colonial architecture—a journey that feels like stepping back in time. Yet, Hanoi is far from frozen in history. This ancient city pulses with a vibrant energy, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity.
Today, Hanoi offers an enticing mix of chic cafes, world-class dining experiences, and thriving art galleries that showcase the city’s creative spirit. As evening falls, the city transforms again: elegant rooftop bars provide stunning views of the skyline, while bustling bia hơi (fresh beer) joints buzz with local life and lively conversation. These experiences are essential for first-time visitors, offering a taste of Hanoi’s unique charm and hospitality.
From serene ancient temples to bustling street markets, Hanoi embodies the very soul of Vietnam’s cultural vitality, standing proudly as the heartbeat of the nation.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay’s iconic seascape is often seen as the very image of Vietnam’s natural beauty. Here, graceful cruise ships navigate emerald-green waters, weaving through a stunning labyrinth of rugged limestone islands and towering islets. Along the way, visitors can explore awe-inspiring caves, their ancient stalactites and stalagmites telling stories that span centuries.
Though Ha Long Bay has long captivated travelers worldwide and earned its place on many bucket lists, it still holds hidden, tranquil corners far from the crowds. These secluded spots offer rare moments of peaceful solitude, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the bay’s mystical and timeless atmosphere.
Notable Nearby Courses
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Located 25 miles southwest of Hanoi City. The Lake course is a challenge for all levels of golfer, long straight drives are essential for this award winning championship golf course. Discover more here
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The Kings course is a Jack Nicklaus designed parkland course 1 hour east of central Hanoi.
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The natural beauty of the landscape has been used to create continuity and consistency throughout the design. Discover more here
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Less than an hours drive north of central Hanoi, this Nicklaus designed course offers a unique experience in Vietnam.
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Part of the impressive Kings Island Golf Resort, the Mountainview course has been thoughtfully crafted through the surrounding woodland.
Useful Information
Getting there
Vietnam Airlines offer a direct service from London Heathrow to both Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City. Direct services are multiple times a week, duration is aprox’ 12h. Flights are then well serviced between HAN (Hanoi) & SGN (Ho Chi Minh City) to Da Nang in central Vietnam. Worth noting is that Vietnam Airlines allow golf club carriage free of charge on flights from the UK.
Currency
VND (Vietnamese Dong) - USD (U.S Dollar) is also widely accepted
Climate
Vietnam enjoys a warm year-round climate averaging around 26 °C. Southern Vietnam generally experiences hot weather year-round, with the hottest months being from March to May, the rainfall peaks from May to November featuring short but intense afternoon downpours. In Central Vietnam the dry season typically runs from May to October, while the wet season occurs between December and February. In Northern Vietnam summer (May to October) is hot and more humid, with July and August being the hottest & wettest months. Winter (November to April) is typically cooler, with temperatures dropping as low as 8°C from December to January.