Introduction
With several golf destination award wins in its repertoire, Vietnam is your next ultimate golf destination. Not only is the country dynamic and safe, it also offers a fascinating cultural experi- ence at an affordable price. From the modern environs of Ho Chi Minh to the sea and sand in Hoi An to thousand-year-old Hanoi, the choices for a golf vacation are endless.
Ho Chi Minh City
Long Thanh Golf Club & Residential Est.
Considered the south’s No. 1 course
Built in 2001, this beautiful golf course is set on a hill in the scenic countryside and is just one hour away from Ho Chi Minh City with an amazing view of the city itself from the links. The golf course itself is spread across 7,011 yards with 36 holes that each have their own character and shape. With such a wide variety of holes, this course will satisfy both serious amateur and professional golfers. Both the Lake and Hill courses are walking courses with single/shared golf carts offered as an option. The locker and changing rooms are considered among the most luxurious in the area. As an added bonus, you can even ask for a shoe shine after your round.
Hoi An
Montgomerie Links Vietnam
Scotland comes to Vietnam
Designed by Scottish golf legend Colin Montgomerie, this stunning 7,090-yard, par-72 golf course has an amazing beach-scape combined with striking landscapes of the Vietnam East Sea and the Marble Mountains. It also has outstanding natural features and boasts classic old-world design elements. The only departure from tradition comes with the addition of several lakes and streams, a must considering the region’s seasonably high-water table. This is probably as close as you can get to true links golf, and the course caters to players of all abilities. Finally, the course is managed by high-standard golf specialists which ensures top-notch quality and superb conditions year round.
Danang Golf Club, Dunes Course
Called best new golf course in Asia in 2011
Designed by Australian golf legend Greg Norman, the Danang Golf Club opened in 2010 and immediately leapt to fame. The Dunes Course is built on the sandy grounds of Danang Beach. Boasting generous fairways and restrained use of water, this is a unique and challenging golf course that every golfer will enjoy. The wind can also be a major factor on the course, making club selection a tricky process and encouraging creative shots – which will appeal to those looking to up their game. A 43,000-square- foot clubhouse and a 300-yard driving range adds to the course’s reputation as one with first-class standards and service.
Hanoi
Phoenix Golf Resort
Halong Bay on land and largest golf course in Vietnam
Located 40 kilometers north of Hanoi, the view from this course and clubhouse is spectacular. With limestone natural carvings framing and often impacting play on many of the holes, the golf course mirrors the stunning scenery of Halong Bay’s famous natural setting. The 54-hole Phoenix Golf Resort is the largest pure-play golf facility in Vietnam and second largest in Asia. The three courses are named Phoenix, Dragon, and Master. The latter is a links-style open course, while the other two play in a more mountainous fashion.
Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club
Scenic, challenging and enjoy- able
This 27-hole course, which opened in 2003, hosted the 2004 Carlsberg Masters which was the first professional golf tournament in Vietnam’s north. The course lies in a splendid valley surrounded by rolling forested hills and a number of lakes, creeks, and natural water hazards which come into play on many of the holes. Playing conditions are maintained at a high standard year round as Tiff Eagle grass greens ensure smooth and fast putting surfaces. This course does not provide accommodation but does have an excellent golf academy and restaurant for those taking a break from the action.