An Expat's Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Vietnam 11:15, 21/06/2022

Golf may not be the first thing you think of when wondering about things to do in Vietnam. You may think of beaches, tropical scenery that’s perfect for a hike, or even trying out the amazing food. 

But golf lovers who have moved here will be pleased to find that excellent golf is always within reach in Vietnam. The sunny weather and beautiful natural surroundings make it a wonderful spot for sport! 

New residents may not know the optimal spots to play, though. This is why we’ve put together this expat’s guide to the best golf courses in Vietnam. 

Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Da Nang 

Situated in the famous Ba Na Hills mountain range on the central coast of Vietnam, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is a multi-award-winning Championship course that’s surprisingly open to the public! 

Whether you’re looking for a new home course or just want options of where to play a great round, it’s worth being on your list. 

The front nine are a forest-style layout, while the rest contours through the surrounding natural hills, making for challenging but fascinating gameplay. 

The par-3 16th is the signature hole, playing to an island green that will test your skill! Water hazards come into play on multiple holes, while the bold bunkering gives the course even more exciting. 

One of the best things about this course is that it’s fully kitted out with floodlights, allowing you to play a fully-visible round at night! If you’re close to Danang, this course, 30 minutes outside of the city, is well worth a play… Or a few. 

Hoiana Shores Golf Club, Quảng Nam

If links-style golf is your favorite, then Hoiana Shores should be the course you play first. It’s located in Hoi An, a historic town that happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as the City of Lanterns. As a tribute, the pins hold lanterns instead of flags! 

The course is carved into the natural landscape and runs through the dunes alongside the Vietnamese coast. Its links-style and coastal location make it susceptible to the elements, so come prepared for a windy game. 

Undulating fairways and curvy greens make this a more appropriate course for experienced golfers, low to mid-handicappers. 

Holes 15, 16, and 17 play close to the coastline and take the full brunt of the ocean wind. Precision is key to getting a good score here! Pro tip here! 

Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, Ba Ria – Vung Tau 

Another links golf course, Bluffs is located in Vung Tau province, 20ish miles southeast of Ho Chi Minh. Routed through seaside dunes, the course features awe-inspiring ocean views from almost every hole. 

Like the others, the prevailing wind will play with your shots, so keep that in mind when you’re considering how best to play each hole. 

The opener is gentle, but it escalates quickly into a number of dramatic holes. Exciting elevation changes and unpredictable undulations make the course tougher than it initially looks. 

To make the drive worth it, you might consider staying over at the Grand, which is a luxury experience complete with a casino and beach access. 

Chi Linh Star Golf Club, Hai Duong

On the way from Hanoi to Halong Bay, Chi Linh Star is worth a stop on your route. It’s nestled in a valley amongst rolling hills, natural water hazards, and forest scenery, it’s as beautiful as it is a challenging round of golf. 

Featuring 2 18-hole courses—the Old Course and the New Course—you’ll play on pristine fairways, be challenged by fast greens, and fight against the undulating ground on every hole. 

One thing you won’t have to contend with, though, is the wind that plagues the many coastal golf courses in Vietnam! 

Vinpearl Golf Club, Phu Quoc

Vinpearl is a must-play if you’re in Vietnam. Located on Hòn Tre island,  it’s a unique tropical haven, making you feel a million miles away from the real world. 

Contoured through the forest, you’ll experience a full round of unexpected routing, well-thought-out bunkering, doglegs, undulations, elevation changes, and of course, the to-be-expected coastal wind. 

It’s excellent for all golfers, thanks to multiple tees, but we advise working on your game with some training aidsbefore hitting these fairways! 

About the Author

Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who has played at beautiful courses across the USA. When he’s not on the course or mentoring young golfers, he’s researching and writing info-packed articles for his website, Golf Influence.