VIETNAM: AN EMERGING GOLF DESTINATION

Vietnam is becoming more and more popular as a golf destination. There are currently about 80 golf courses throughout the three main regions (north, central, and south) of the country. With each region having its own climate and seasons offering suitable options available year-round, planning your client’s golf holiday in Vietnam become easier.

Some quick facts about golfing in Vietnam:
• Average cost for one round of 18 Hole golf ranges from $80 to $180 including green and caddy fees and depending on location as well as time of the week (weekend vs weekday). Some will include ½ cart but it depends on the golf course.
• Caddy is always mandatory. Tipping is not included in golf price. Average tips is $15-$20/caddy/day
• Early morning tee times are highly recommened. The sun and temperature get very hot in Vietnam. Hence, play in the early morning to avoid the intense heat.
• Normally the golf courses that ITS recommend don’t require membership for foreigners
• Transfer is recommended to be included in the package
• Most golf courses have clubs for hire if golfers do not bring their own equipments. Average rental fee is $60-$80. However, for travelers flying on VNA flights from FRA or LHR, they are eligible to check 01 golf bag for free in addition to their normal luggage

In this blog, let us introduce a couple of our recommended golf courses in Vietnam. Interested in creating a tailor-made program for your specific clients? Contact us today at sm@itsvietnam.com so that we can best suggest you the appropriate golf packages.

THE BLUFF HO TRAM STRIP (Southern Vietnam)

Designed by the legendary Greg Norman, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is an international class links layout built on a coastal strip gifted to golf by Mother Nature.

Together, The Bluffs and The Grand Ho Tram Strip form Vietnam’s first 5-star fully integrated resort and casino complex offering a unique full-spectrum leisure experience.

The Bluffs welcomes members and guests from within Vietnam as well as visitors from around the world.

Rated #76 in Golf Digest’s latest rundown of the World’s Greatest Golf Courses — the third consecutive time it has featured on the prestigious bi-annual list. Often cited as the best course in Vietnam, The Bluffs is a highlight of any playing itinerary in Southeast Asia.

Greg Norman put it best when he said that The Bluffs is “one of the most special golf experiences in the world”.

Its enclosed resort, The Grand Ho Tram Resort & Casinois our recommended accommodation option for a golf trip to Ho Tram.

DALAT GOLF CLUB (Central Vietnam – Mountain)

Dalat Golf Club is a private golf club located in the heart of the “City of Eternal Spring”, at the Vietnam Highlands. Founded in 1922, Dalat Golf Club has a dynamic membership comprised of civic leaders, business owners, executives, and retirees of many local and national companies.

It is located in Dalat (central Vietnam), a short half hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City or 1.5 hours from Hanoi, and is affectionately known as ‘Petit Paris’. The course makes full use of its mountainous setting and cooler climate with breathtaking views of famous Xuan Huong Lake nestled amongst French inspired architecture.

The course underwent a multi-million dollar re-development in 1994, re-opening amid much anticipation. Measuring 7,009 yards from the tips, the course is an uninterrupted string of inventive, demanding golf holes. Its long list of awards speaks to its pedigree and our team of internationally trained and experienced Golf Professionals ensure a course of world standard at the forefront of the industry.

The Club House sets the scene for the entire course, built in 1956 and restored to its former beauty. It houses a fully equipped pro-shop, locker rooms and international standard restaurant.

At Dalat Golf Club you will find a friendly, family oriented culture, one conducive to building friendships and life-long relationships. The golf course is a challenging, meticulously-groomed tract set among rolling hills and mature pines, tucked privately onto acreage border in the centre of Dalat.

Dalat Golf Club offers two hotel options with complementary shuttle between hotel and golf course for their in-house guests at Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel (5*) and DuParc Hotel Dalat (4*)

 

SAM TUYEN LAM (Central Vietnam – Mountain)

Designed in an Anglo-Normand rural style, the international standard 18-hole golf course is 7,200 yards in length and lies along the valley central.

Also known as Sacom Golf course, SAM Tuyen Lam looks like a green pearl that charms the footsteps of golf lovers and tourists when coming to Dalat – the city of flowers. Some golf holes are located on the high terrain giving the sweeping view of the entire valley area.

Club House

The Club House serves golfers and visitors. The European-style architecture is elegant, modern and the perfect place to relax after your round of golf.

Restaurant

Situated in a central location, the restaurant is where we can see almost all of the course and panoramic view of the area. Enjoy a range of Western and Asian foods and drinks. The restaurant also has private dining rooms for special events or group of guests.

Pro shop

You can find a full range of accessories, apparel and golf equipment from famous brands like Footjoy, Titleist, etc.

Events

Sacom Golf Club is the ideal place to celebrate golf tournaments, meetings, award banquets and other events.

Locker room

Our locker room is spacious, airy and fully-equipped for the golfers. There is a sauna and massages are available for golfers to relax after playing golf.

Driving range

Fully-equipped and modern with a length of 232 yards and 20 hitting bays. There is also a separate practice putting and chipping area.

Caddy team

The caddy team is dynamic, friendly and professional and can support guests to play golf to ensure the best golf experience.

Golf rental services

We have a range of golf clubs, shoes, umbrellas, etc. to hire.

Golf lessons

There are many golf lessons available that suit all ability of golfers.

Accommodation

ITS highly recommend staying at the enclosed Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam (pictures below) for the easiest access to golf course while your clients are guaranteed quality hotel service and surrounded by amazing nature.

LAGUNA GOLF LĂNG CÔ (Central Vietnam – Ocean)

Located within the greater Laguna Lăng Cô integrated resort lays the Laguna Golf Lăng Cô, an 18-hole, par-71 championship course designed by Sir Nick Faldo. This award winning course delivers a golfing experience that can be enjoyed by the most experienced player and beginner alike. The course presents variety for players of all levels measuring just under 7,100 yards from the championship tees and a beginner friendly 5,263 yards from the front tees.

Designed by 6-time Major winner, Sir Nick Faldo brings his wealth of playing experience to the Laguna Lăng Cô golf course, which is his second design in Vietnam. In keeping with its links-like characteristics, Lang Co layout also offers a traditional out-and-back routing, presenting a host of varied shot opportunities along the way. As strategic as it is enjoyable, Laguna Golf Lăng Cô will certainly leave golfers with a unique sense of place in the rustic hinterland destination.

HILLTOP VALLEY GOLF CLUB (Northern Vietnam)

Hilltop Valley Golf Club is a 27-hole IMG designed golf course offering a unique challenge amidst the breathtaking scenery of a mountain range with views of hills, valley, and the Da River. The golf course is located about 60 kilometers west of Hanoi and is accessible by paved roads in less than 2 hours. The Hilltop Valley project is part of the multinational Geleximco conglomerate.  The first 18-holes opened for play in 2019.

The site differs from most other Vietnam golf courses as it has severe elevation changes from one point to another. With its varied terrain, plenty of green space, and beautiful views, it makes for a unique golf course and many memorable holes. The Paspalum grassed course’s lush green color contrasts with the white sand bunkers and red rocky outcrops.  As the course matures, it will develop a good reputation among Vietnam golf courses as a pleasant and well-maintained resort layout. Mini-Verde Bermuda grass greens are gently undulated and kept at reasonable playing speeds.

The front nine holes play mostly valleys have gentle and have soft contours that reflect errant shots towards the fairway centers. These holes have only minor bunker complexes and plan for many pars’ with a few birdies. The back nine holes play along the ridgeline of the mountains.

The par-five third hole is a challenging hole, with a winding river that runs through the valley being a real feature of this hole. The river comes into play off the tee down the left side, and then it must be crossed twice before arriving at the green. A golfer’s second shot offers a choice of a short hit to a small section of the fairway that leaves a close third to the green, or a much longer shot that must carry the winding river twice to leave a short pitch to the green from a better angle.

Some of the most challenging holes include the 13th and 14th. The former is a 200-yard par-3 over a ravine to water surrounded green. Anything but an entirely accurate shot will end up wet or lost. The next hole is equally challenging as the tee shot plays down to the blind fairway.

Holes 19-27 have even more severe elevation change, which offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.

The caddies are an excellent source of advice at Hilltop Valley. Many shots are like hitting into the abyss with the only prayer for a good result.

Here is a local tip. Save stamina for the last few holes. They climb up and down the slopes at the end of the round can take a lot of energy.

The modern clubhouse is well laid out and has beautiful views of the 18th green. Posh lockers, a local restaurant, and a basic pro-shop cater to most golfers’ needs. In addition to the golf courses, there will be a new city with many different sports, entertainment and commercial centers, hotels, villas, and resorts.

Hilltop Valley golf club is ideal for your client’s trip while staying overnight in Hanoi.