Vietnam’s Stunning South Central Coast: Featuring Nha Trang, Binh Tien and Quy Nhon  03:44, 25/02/2026

The epicentre is Nha Trang. A modern, vibrant, and environmentally attractive city wrapped impressively around the crescent shaped bay bearing the same name. At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking of somewhere more exotic – on the Med perhaps or Queensland’s Gold Coast – but the design and presentation of the public spaces, most notably between the sprawling golden beach and six lane boulevard, Tran Phu St, are as good as any where you will find on the planet.  The panoramas from the many sleek hotels which line up along the opposite side of Tran Phu are camera ready.  Furthermore, the city’s civic pride also remains evident beyond the photogenic beachfront façade where the ‘day to day’ business of life for its c 535,000 (numbers vary with source) inhabitants hums along, albeit at a less frenetic pace than that of Vietnam’s other major metropolitan centres.

By contrast however, at night, Nha Trang becomes a party town! It entertains, it assaults your senses. It is urban ‘Surround Sound’ to the max. You can’t get away from it. You embrace it, as most tourists do. And, Nha Trang is all about tourism!

It’s one of the country’s most popular destinations with visitor numbers (including domestic and international) expected to exceed 10 million in 2025. This is up a million from 2024 and optimistic expectations are for the growth curve to be exponential over the foreseeable future. Fishing and aquaculture are also important contributors to the economy and it’s the country’s principal growing region for Mangoes. Nha Trang is also home to several important medical and marine sciences institutes.

The reasons for its popularity?  Primarily its location. A fortuitous alliance of divine providence and Mother Nature?!  Nha Trang has indeed a fortunate geography. It is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and its fourth boundary constitutes the stunning Nha Trang Bay with its pristine golden beaches. The bay is also home to a group of 19 or so islands the largest of which, Hon Tre, we will visit shortly. This cluster of marine landforms have a shielding effect reducing the city’s exposure to the major weather events that maraud from the East and frequently take swipes at the country’s 3200 km coastline and inland.  Consequently, windsurfing, sailing and other aquatic activities thrive in the relatively sheltered waters. The weather also plays its part i.e. a relatively long dry season (Jan – Aug) with the wet (monsoon) season being mostly acceptable due to its daily predictability.

In addition to an eclectic choice of other natural and cultural attractions on offer e.g. the c1200 year old Po Nagay Temple, the region has been the beneficiary of massive corporate investment in tourism with companies like the Vinpearl (The Vin Group) leading the way. The Government has chipped in too with the upgrades and expansion of nearby Cam Ranh International airport - thus becoming the fourth largest in the country by passenger number. Cruise ships are also frequent visitors but currently there are restrictions as the port facilities are undergoing upgrades.

Ok so let’s go and play some golf!

Vinpearl Golf - Nha Trang

The name Vinpearl is almost synonymous with Nha Trang. It is omnipresent. So who are they, what are they? Vinpearl is the Leisure & Hospitality Division of the multifaceted Vin Group, one of largest companies in Vietnam. They own and operate 48 variously branded properties, including 34 hotels and resorts throughout the country, many with integrated amusement and theme parks, while at five strategic locations, including the newly minted luxury facility at Cu Chi (near HCMC), premium resort quality golf courses are also a signature attraction.  In Nha Trang, Vinpearl offer six resort (Hotel) options –two on the mainland and four Five Star properties on Hon Tre. The island is also home to the remarkable VinWonders, one of the largest theme parks in Vietnam - featuring a 120mt ferris wheel ! - and Vinpearl Harbour, a multi-level retail and entertainment complex. Oh, and yes, there is a golf course, a delightful one too!  But the surprises come earlier.

To get to the island, a handy drive from the city takes you to a rather opulent reception centre, redolent of the grand old railway stations of times past, from where you can opt for a comfortable speed boat ride or experience the thrilling 2.6km gondola/cable car. Once ashore, a tuk tuk (large golf cart) completes the pleasant journey as you arrive at a functional clubhouse nestled within a thoughtfully landscaped tropical setting. Opening in 2011, the course was chiselled out of an old quarry with numerous barge loads of sand and soil, bought over from the mainland for the IMG design team to sculpt into the finished shape albeit with unavoidable limitations. Three holes were built on land reclaimed from the sea. The finished product is a 5740mts (Blue Tees) layout which certainly takes you on a journey. It meanders in all directions and transitions through constant elevation changes. Teasing views appear at almost every turn. The surrounding lush mature tropical vegetation and random geological forms give each hole its own distinct identity, all connected by corridors of multi coloured flowering Bougainvillea.  The local fauna and abundance of bird life unobtrusively keep you company. While it might initially feel a little claustrophobic, the course is actually very ‘user friendly’ even for the most part time golfer. With surprisingly generous fairways and four tee positions available, players of all skill levels are catered for. It’s fun to play. Vinpearl know their market and while their golf courses can be bought up to championship standard if required, the ‘resort’ dollar is the company’s bread and butter. Resort is the key word. There’s something here for everyone, for all occasions and at all times. Remember to take your camera!

News Update: It has been confirmed that a second 18 hole golf course will be added to Vinpearl’s portfolio of attractions on Hon Tre Island. Construction has commenced on the spectacular ‘6 Star’ property with a completion date expected to be within Q4 2027

KN Golf Links - Cam Ranh

With BRG Da Nang and The Bluffs at Ho Tram already being significant feathers tucked into his Akubra, Greg Norman’s next golf course design statement in Vietnam just reinforced his reputation as one of the best in the business. Opening in 2018, KN links quickly assumed its place amongst the country’s premier courses and by most adjudicators, has become a fixture in the Top 5.

Expertly woven into the dunescape of Cam Ranh Bay, 40 kms south of Nha Trang city and conveniently close to the airport, the 27 hole layout pitches and rolls back and forth in typical links fashion. You soon become aware that this is a serious golf course which, even off the white tees – the fourth of five tee positions – demands your full attention, notwithstanding the ambient distractions of a remarkable environment, if you aspire to a reasonable score.

While not always obvious when standing on the tee, the fairways are actually surprisingly roomy. They are also perfectly groomed (up there with the best I’ve experienced) for precision iron play to the large undulating greens - several measuring over 40mts in length - which provide deceptively inviting targets. Miss them and you have options typical of a classic links course. Once aboard however, clever pin placements and the typically grainy variably paced surfaces will invariably confound your attempts with putter. As expected, sand is ubiquitous. Bunkers and natural areas are vast and often seamlessly merge. They are to be avoided! Perfectly achievable if greed doesn’t blur your judgement. The influences of the great Alistair Mackenzie are very evident here. 

 Although it’s a not a ‘pretty’ course, links style courses seldom are but the sweeping vistas radiating out across Cam Ranh Bay from much of the course more than compensate. Holes like the 3rd and 15^th will leave indelible images and underline the thoughtful clever design. Just superb. The landscaping framing the entrance way to the property and accenting the magnificent clubhouse is suitably complimentary and pleasing to the eye. As for the golfing experience here?  It is first class.

The Anara Golf Resort – Binh Tien

This golf course has been described as a ‘hidden Emerald’ and justifiably so. Sequestered away in the southern reaches of Cam Ranh Bay, it’s a 90 minute 80km drive from Nha Trang to get there but on the way you will also encounter some of the most captivating scenery Vietnam has to offer. The reputation Binh Tien itself has for its unspoiled environmental beauty is well deserved and no doubt a compelling reason to locate a luxury ‘biospheric’ resort here- the vision incorporating 5 Star hotels, villas and various amenities with an 18 hole golf course as its centrepiece. The Anara Binh Tien was thus conceived. The ambitious project occupies 200ha extending from the lower fringes of the mountainous Niu Chua National Park to Binh Tien Beach. American firm, Golfplan, soon recognised the potential this inviting geographical transition offered and a configuration comprising two distinctly different nines subsequently evolved. The first assuming a strong connection with the dunes and the sea while the second nine gets its inspiration from the more elevated forest margins and remarkable geological forms which literally crop up everywhere!  While the golf course and stylish clubhouse became operational in early 2022, other key elements of the resort e.g. residential, remain a work in progress.

After playing a few holes it became clear that Golf Plan delivered! Ok, at the time of my visit, the presentation lacked a little ‘spit and polish’ and there was evidence dotted around of a turf issue, possibly salinity related, but the design is imaginative and fits well within its unique idyllic surroundings. There's not really a 'ho hum' hole in the entire layout. The closing nine holes in particular are super impressive, none more so than the gorgeous ‘Signature’ par three 13^th which takes your journey almost to the water’s edge. However if I was to quibble, allowing carts onto the many ultra-generously wide fairways would have saved time and energy thus making the experience even more enjoyable. A question lingered as we journeyed home – why was no one else playing there?

Diamond Bay Golf Resort – Nha Trang

Opening in 2010, Diamond Bay is not only the first golf course to be built in this part of Vietnam, but it’s probably one of the most under rated in the entire country. The reason perhaps is that’s also one of the most challenging!  The pedigree of the designer may be a clue as to why. Andy Dye, nephew of the widely acclaimed Pete Dye, has stamped the family name all over this inviting but daunting 18 hole proposition.

Located a handy 15kms from the city centre, the moderately undulating 80 ha property extends out from densely forested mountains towards Nhu Tien beach and comprises the full resort combo of accommodation, private villas, integrated amenities- including a luxury clubhouse - and an ocean front driving range.

I first visited here in 2015 when it was ravaged by drought. It was hard to love. Ten years later and it's almost unrecognisable. The dress code is now lush mature tropical. It’s a botanical wonderland. The landscaping, a perfect collaboration of nature and human artistry

Beneath its bewitching beauty however, lies is a golf course that is as demanding (of everything) as I've played. Five tee positions are offered and even off the whites (slope rating 139) at 5400mts - somehow though, it plays longer- you have work to do!. The layout mostly aligns with the prevailing wind so a succession of par fours can quickly become fives. Mr Dye has also creatively used the existing natural elements e.g. water, as well as some of his own making to keep you on the straight and narrow e.g. the intimidating but wonderful par four 17^th  The collection of par 3s, notably the 6^thand 12^th are delightful too - the latter, evidence that the designer does have a sense of humour. The smallish Dye ‘Signature’ contoured greens provide the final searching questions in the exam.  Regardless of what grade you actually finish with, this place will have provided you with an enjoyable skill test in a sublime environment.

FLC Resort (Ocean Course) – Quy Nhon 

For the final leg of this tour we head 210kms north to the coastal city of Quy Nhon and one very remarkable resort. The five hour drive featured the brand new very impressive 83 km Nha Trang - Van Phong expressway - a vital section of the new highway connecting Hanoi and HCMC. Our route also included the new 4km long Deo Ca twin tunnels. It was a fascinating journey offering a snapshot of many aspects of Vietnamese rural life - the villages, the subsistence agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture. The 2nd rice harvest (there are three annually) of the year was also well underway.

Quy Nhon has a similar population to Nha Trang and is also blessed with a swathe of perfect beaches but there are contrasts. While still very much a tourist hotspot, it seemed, on first take, less cosmopolitan with a more provincial charm.  A further 20 kms away, over a causeway and on to the eastern side of the peninsula, The FCL resort consumes you!. FLC are similar to Vinpearl. A major investor and multi facility operator in tourism. Their Quy Nhon property is immense i.e. 1300ha, much of which lies adjacent to Nhon Ly beach. To detail its offering is beyond the scope of this review but essentially, two 5 Star hotels accommodating around 3500 guests, 500 villas, a safari park and, two 18 hole golf courses - the Nicklaus designed Ocean course opening in 2016 with the curiously named Mountain course (the design work of another US firm, Schmidt Curley) the following year. Interestingly, our own Michael Campbell is/was a Brand Ambassador for the company.

I took up the Team Nicklaus challenge and yes, it was certainly that but in more ways than one!

First impressions underwhelm. Your attention being momentarily side tracked by the bland scruffy landscape but soon, all is revealed. The first nine winds, dips and rises through a mature plantation of Casuarina trees draped over a variably hilly terrain. While the odd glimpse appears, any connection with the 'Ocean' is that of a passing acquaintance. Similarly, the relationship between the cart path and actual golf course would be best described as distant! Having to adhere to it left little time and even less energy to quickly appreciate just how well the design fits with the topography. There are some excellent holes here despite the necessity of a few blind shots. It gets even better coming home. Sea views become omnipresent and spectacularly so too. e.g. the backdrop to the 13th and Signature 16th. The Casuarinas are ubiquitous but holes 10 -18 are noticeably more 'links' in character in keeping with the natural landforms. As you would expect the Nicklaus design team present you with a complete ‘though the bag’ test. You choose your tee position wisely.

Superb, nicely presented golf course (pity about the cart paths) Superb resort too. The hotel, the views from my room, the other amenities, the service etc, all top notch. Should have stayed longer!

Things You Need to Know

Getting There:

For Australian golfers it’s good news. Vietnam Airlines (VN) offer daily direct return flights from Sydney and Melbourne to HCMC (Saigon) and Hanoi and also direct flights (three days a week) to/from Perth to HCMC.  Budget carrier, Vietjet (VJ) service Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane direct from HCMC ( but not Hanoi ). Both VN and VJ offer regular connecting flights from HCMC to Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), Da Nang and Quy Nhon (Phu Cat).  

From NZ there are no direct flights to Vietnam. VN offer a connecting service (in conjunction with Air NZ) to the direct flights out of Australia, as above, however an overnight stopover may be required.  Alternatively, Malaysian Airlines (MA) have regular direct flights from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur (KL) from where budget operator Air Asia offers a direct service to Nha Trang. If you wish to stay with MA, there are connecting flights from KL to HCMC and Hanoi – VN and VJ offer plenty of choices to get you to Nha Trang from either.  There are other options to get to Vietnam e.g. with Singapore Airlines and China Southern (which also has a direct service to Nha Trang). Regardless, stopovers will likely be required somewhere. Check with your travel agent or online for schedules etc.

Best time to visit:

The south central coast has two seasons – Dry (January to August) and Wet (Sept to December) However the wet (monsoon) season can be ok to visit as it usually rains at night or from mid afternoon and usually only for a short time. Of course, that is also the low season for tourism so hotels and golf fees are usually cheaper. Temps are fairly consistent throughout the year.

Playing Golf:

Avoid weekends!  Tee time options will be fewer and green fees will be significantly higher. Early AM tee times are best but most courses are now floodlit so evening golf is a good option especially in the drier season - and it’s a little cooler at night too.  Carts are compulsory and the hire cost is usually included in the green fee. Caddies too, are compulsory. They are typically friendly, well trained and most do a great job although their level of English is variable.  Tipping them is very much expected, they usually earn it!, and it’s all part of the experience. Your local travel agent, or reception desk at each golf club will advise you on the going rates.

Planning and booking your trip:

It is strongly advised that you use the services of a reputable local inbound golf tourism operator. They can organise your itinerary to suit and negotiate preferential room rates with a selection of hotels, manage your golf bookings, and most importantly, arrange your transportation, including airport transfers etc. Resources like Google and Trip Advisor will offer ratings and most of the top operators have a regular presence on social media e.g Facebook. (You are also welcome to contact the writer through this publication or on FB for recommendations) 

Money:

It is essential to have some local currency i.e. Dong (VND).  Many small businesses e.g. street food vendors operate on a cash only basis and all tipping is in cash –although a service charge system exists at most hotels and some restaurants. It is best to change most of your AUD or NZD once you are there to get the best rates – local Money Exchanges (there’s plenty of them although not always obvious) are the best option. Airports all have currency dealers too and although convenient, you will pay more.