Destination Guide to Vietnam
OVERVIEW
Vietnam is fast becoming a must visit destination for any golf enthusiast. With in excess of 2,000 miles of incredible coastline and gorgeous beaches, 80+ golf courses and resorts, culture and history in abundance, breath-taking scenery and world heritage sites, not to mention the welcoming hospitality of the Vietnamese and their exceptional cuisine, Vietnam holds all the ingredients for the perfect golf trip.
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
In the last 20 years Vietnam has welcomed an influx of investment which has given rise to some truly stunning and challenging golf courses. Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Colin Montgomerie are just a few of the respected architects who have designed courses in Vietnam, with spectacular results. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday interspersed with some delightful links style golf, or would prefer an intense golf frenzy, Vietnam is the perfect destination.
The courses are mostly located in 3 distinct areas of the country, the north around the capital of Hanoi, central Vietnam around Hue and Da Nang, spoilt with an incredible coastline and a plethora of incredible golf courses, and the south of the country around the area of Ho Chi Minh City.
Central Vietnam
Hue
Hue, once the capital of Vietnam, cherishes a rich heritage, boasting atmospheric temples, majestic royal palaces, and distinct cultural characteristics that set it apart. Beyond the enchanting features of the Imperial City, nestled within its fortified walls, Hue is renowned for its UNESCO-recognised cultural treasures, including the mesmerising Nhã Nhạc, Vietnamese court music, which adds a unique allure to its cultural tapestry.
Da Nang
Da Nang serves as a significant hub for the economic, cultural, educational, scientific, and technological sectors within the Central - Central Highlands regions of Vietnam. Renowned as a popular tourist destination, it also plays a vital role as a key transportation link between the northern and southern regions of the country, serving as a crucial gateway to the provinces in the north, south, and central areas alike.
Blessed with expansive beaches, delectable street cuisine, the legendary Hai Van Pass, and an expanding array of cafes, eateries, and bars. The golden shores of My Khe Beach stretch southward from the scenic Son Tra Peninsula, offering a picturesque setting. Da Nang itself is a bustling city, perfect for après-golf and to explore the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine.
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 spanning over a millennium, Vietnam's capital city boasts a wealth of historical richness, exemplified by the labyrinthine streets of its venerable Old Quarter, tracing back to the 14th century. Strolling through these shaded pathways, flanked by weathered colonial fronts, is akin to embarking on a journey through time. Nevertheless, the essence of contemporary Hanoi transcends mere nostalgia. The ancient metropolis pulsates with the vibrancy of modernity, offering an array of chic cafes, gastronomic delights at world-renowned eateries, and captivating art havens. As twilight descends, an eclectic array of watering spots awaits, ranging from elegant rooftop lounges to lively bia hơi joints. For first-time visitors to Hanoi, these encounters are indispensable, promising unforgettable experiences. From ancient temples to bustling markets, Hanoi encapsulates the essence of Vietnam's cultural vitality, serving as its very heartbeat.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay's iconic seascape is often regarded as quintessentially Vietnamese. Here, cruise ships glide through emerald waters amidst a myriad of rugged islands and islets, punctuated by stops at breath-taking caves adorned with centuries-old formations. While Ha Long Bay's enchanting allure has propelled it onto countless bucket lists, there are still secluded nooks waiting to be discovered, offering moments of solitude amidst its mystical landscape.
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
Currency: VND (Vietnamese Dong)
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 months. Winter (November to April) is typically cooler, with temperatures dropping as low as 8°C from December to January.
Guides & Ramblings on Vietnam
