“Golf is the gateway that brings Vietnam to the world.”  04:45, 10/07/2025

If we consider golf tourism in Vietnam as a “big game,” what strategic advantage does Vietnam currently hold?

Vietnam holds a highly potential “strategic card” with its rare convergence of three key factors that create lasting appeal for a world-class golf destination: a network of internationally standardized golf courses, spectacular and diverse natural landscapes, and a distinctive local culture and cuisine.

By 2025, Vietnam will reach the milestone of 100 golf courses nationwide, many of which are designed by legends like Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, and Sir Nick Faldo. More than just venues for competition, these golf courses are often nestled within stunning natural backdrops—from mountains and rivers to sun-kissed coastlines.

Above all, it is the Vietnamese people—our friendly smiles, warm hospitality, and dedicated service culture—that form an irreplaceable element, creating a unique identity for Vietnam’s golf tourism.

In an Asia dominated by “golf giants” like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, how will Vietnam find its unique space to not only compete but also stand out?

In Asia’s highly competitive market, Vietnam can capture a unique niche that few countries can simultaneously offer by positioning itself as a destination providing a holistic experience, not just golf:

• Golf + Culture + Cuisine: Few places allow you to play golf in the morning, visit a world heritage site at noon, and stroll through a vibrant night market while enjoying street food in the evening like Vietnam.
• Eco-Luxury Golf: Developing environmentally friendly golf resorts integrated with pristine nature, UNESCO heritage sites, or ecological reserves.
• “Golf Coast of Asia”: The central coast of Vietnam, from Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An, can be positioned as the “Golf Coast of Asia,” featuring many world-class courses within just 30–60 minutes of each other.
• Asia-Pacific Hub: Its geographic location is ideal for becoming a golf transit hub for visitors from both East Asia and Oceania.
• Golf + MICE: Combining golf tournaments with conferences, corporate events, team-building, and incentive travel in integrated resorts in destinations like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Tram.

“Visit Golf Vietnam” is an ambitious initiative. Could you share the moment when this idea truly took shape?

“Visit Golf Vietnam” (VGV) was born from a core question: “Why has a country like Vietnam, with such excellent golf resources and diverse natural landscapes, not yet been properly recognized on the world’s golf map?”

From this awareness, JG Golf Vietnam launched VGV as a strategic inbound initiative to elevate Vietnam’s golf tourism. Under the patronage of the Vietnam Golf Tourism Association, JG Golf is developing this as not just a series of events but as a comprehensive, methodical program built on three pillars: top-tier golf, deep cultural and resort experiences, and professional international marketing.

If you could present “Visit Golf Vietnam” as a journey map, what would that path look like?

The VGV journey from 2025–2027 will include nine destinations spanning from North to South, representing Vietnam’s key golf regions and cultural identities. Each destination will host an event every 3–4 months, creating a year-round experience circuit:

1. Hai Phong: The starting point, a coastal city with French architecture and an island ecosystem.

2. Hanoi: The historic capital where elite golf meets millennia-old culture.

3. Ha Long: A world natural heritage site with unique coastal golf scenery.

4. Da Nang: The central golf hub with internationally awarded courses and beautiful beaches.

5. Hoi An: A UNESCO ancient town where golf and culinary experiences intersect.

6. Nha Trang: A vibrant destination with seaside golf courses and a lively nightlife.

7. Da Lat: A dreamy highland with a year-round cool climate, ideal for resort golf.

8. Ho Chi Minh City: A dynamic modern metropolis, commercial center, and hub for tech-forward golf.

9. Phu Quoc: A paradise island where luxury resorts meet seaside golf courses.

Beyond the sporting element, what ripple effects do you hope this event series will create for Vietnam’s tourism sector as a whole?

Golf tourism is not just a niche segment; it is a driver for high-quality tourism and local economic development. VGV can generate ripple effects across multiple dimensions:

• Driving investment in high-end tourism infrastructure: golf courses, five-star resorts, premium transport services.
• Creating jobs in related industries: guides, caddies, receptionists, turf management staff.
• Developing high-end domestic tourism with “Stay & Play” packages, encouraging Vietnamese travelers to discover the country through golf.
• Promoting culture and national image through events, international media, and direct tourist experiences.
• Contributing to the development of remote areas where golf courses are built, creating sustainable growth and attracting FDI.

If you could “design” an ideal golf course for inbound tours, what essential factors would it have?

1. Iconic Landscape: The course should be located in a symbolic setting—near historical sites, majestic nature, or a unique vantage point—creating an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
2. Versatile Design: The layout should be beginner-friendly while still challenging for professional golfers, balancing accessibility with competitive quality.
3. Integrated Service Ecosystem: Golf does not stand alone. The course should connect with luxury resorts, spas, restaurants, shopping areas, and convenient transport networks to optimize the customer experience.

In your role as a strategic connector at VTGA, what is your vision for the future of Vietnam’s golf tourism?

By 2030, I envision Vietnam not just as a golf destination but as a lifestyle destination where visitors can combine golf, heritage exploration, luxury relaxation, wellness, and cultural immersion.

Vietnam will be among the top favorite destinations for the global golf community—not just for its beautiful courses but for its holistic, distinctive, and sincere experiences.

If you had only 10 seconds to invite an international golfer to Vietnam, what three keywords would you use to describe the country?

Safe – Stunning – Unforgettable

Vietnam is where you can play golf amid magnificent nature, experience heartfelt hospitality, and bring home memories you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Profile

Mrs. Isabelle Diu Do
Position: Secretary General of VTGA
Initiator of the “Visit Golf Vietnam” Inbound Series
Handicap: 20
Years in the golf industry: 20 years
Favorite quote: “Golf to listen to yourself, travel to understand the world.”
Hobbies: Travel, Sports