The golf scene divides into three clear regions. The north, centered on Hanoi, offers inland and links-style courses with cooler weather. The central coast around Da Nang and Hoi An holds the crown for world-class resort golf. The south, around Ho Chi Minh City, provides year-round play with a mix of championship layouts and more affordable options.
This guide breaks down the best courses in each region, what a round actually costs, and how to book tee times without getting ripped off.
Why Vietnam for golf?
The value proposition is simple. A round at a top-tier Vietnamese course costs between 2,500,000 and 4,500,000 VND ($100-180). The same quality of course in the United States or Europe would run $250-400. In Japan or Singapore, double that again.
The caddie system adds to the experience. Every course in Vietnam employs local caddies, mostly women, who know the greens, read putts, and manage the pace of play. A good caddie transforms a round. They carry the bag, rake bunkers, clean clubs, and offer line advice on every putt. The fee runs 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20) per round, plus a tip of 200,000-300,000 VND ($8-12) if the service was good.
The courses themselves sit in spectacular settings. Oceanfront holes along the South China Sea. Mountain backdrops near Da Lat. Rice paddy views in the Mekong Delta. The scenery alone justifies the green fee.
The best courses in northern Vietnam
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club (Hanoi)
Located about 40 minutes from Hanoi's old quarter, Sky Lake offers two 18-hole courses: the Lakes Course and the Hills Course. The Lakes Course, designed by Ross McMaster, plays through rolling terrain with water in play on half the holes. The Hills Course opened later and features more elevation changes and tighter fairways.
Green fees run 1,800,000-2,500,000 VND ($72-100) depending on the day. The course includes a driving range, practice putting green, and a clubhouse with reasonable food prices. Book through the resort website or have your hotel concierge call directly.
Kings Island Golf Resort (Hanoi)
Set on an island in the Dong Mo reservoir, Kings Island provides a different experience from the inland courses. The 36-hole facility includes the Lakeside Course and the Mountainview Course. The Mountainview offers more dramatic elevation changes and views across the water.
Getting there requires a 50-minute drive from central Hanoi. The ferry crossing to the island adds to the sense of escape. Green fees sit at 1,500,000-2,000,000 VND ($60-80). The resort has basic accommodation if you want to stay overnight, though most golfers make it a day trip.
Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club
About 90 minutes from Hanoi, Chi Linh Star offers a championship layout that hosted the 2013 Vietnam Masters. The course winds through pine forests and around lakes, with a challenging final stretch. It is less crowded than the Hanoi courses and the pace of play is faster.
Green fees run 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72). The distance from the city keeps casual golfers away, which works in your favor if you want an unhurried round.
Central Vietnam: the golf capital
The strip between Da Nang and Hoi An has become Vietnam's premier golf destination. Four world-class courses sit within a 30-minute drive of Da Nang International Airport. The weather cooperates from November through April, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Designed by Luke Donald, Ba Na Hills opened in 2016 and immediately entered the conversation for Vietnam's best course. The layout climbs the foothills of the Ba Na mountain range, with dramatic elevation changes and views over the coast. The front nine plays through valleys and around lakes. The back nine climbs higher, with several holes requiring precise carries over ravines.
This is the most expensive course in central Vietnam. Green fees run 3,500,000-4,500,000 VND ($140-180) depending on the season. The experience justifies the price. The course is immaculate, the caddies are excellent, and the setting is unlike anything else in the country.
Getting there takes about 30 minutes from Da Nang or 45 minutes from Hoi An. The road climbs into the hills, and the temperature drops noticeably at the course. Book at least three days in advance during peak season.
Montgomerie Links Vietnam
Colin Montgomerie's design sits closer to Hoi An, about 20 minutes from the ancient town. The links-style layout features wide fairways, deep bunkers, and subtle undulations that make club selection critical. The wind off the nearby ocean adds another layer of difficulty.
Green fees range from 2,500,000 to 3,500,000 VND ($100-140). The course conditions are consistently good, and the practice facilities rank among the best in Vietnam. The clubhouse restaurant serves solid Vietnamese and international food.
Danang Golf Club
The Greg Norman-designed course hugs the coastline, with several holes playing directly alongside the South China Sea. The signature par-3 6th hole requires a carry over water to a green framed by dunes. The wind is almost always a factor.
Green fees run 2,500,000-3,500,000 VND ($100-140). The course sits just 10 minutes from Da Nang's My Khe Beach, making it the most accessible option in the region. The caddies here are particularly experienced with the wind conditions.
BRG Da Nang Golf Resort
This 36-hole facility offers two distinct experiences. The Norman Course (different from Danang Golf Club) plays through dunes and along the coast. The new Colin Montgomerie course opened in 2023 and features a more inland layout with lakes and mature trees.
Green fees range from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND ($80-120). The resort has a hotel on site, which makes it convenient for golfers staying overnight.
| Course | Location | Green Fee (VND) | Green Fee (USD) | Signature Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ba Na Hills | Da Nang | 3,500,000-4,500,000 | $140-180 | Mountain views, Luke Donald design |
| Montgomerie Links | Hoi An | 2,500,000-3,500,000 | $100-140 | Links style, ocean wind |
| Danang Golf Club | Da Nang | 2,500,000-3,500,000 | $100-140 | Oceanfront holes, Greg Norman design |
| BRG Da Nang | Da Nang | 2,000,000-3,000,000 | $80-120 | 36 holes, resort amenities |
Southern Vietnam: golf year-round
The south offers the most consistent weather for golf. Temperatures stay warm throughout the year, and the dry season from December to April provides ideal playing conditions.
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip
Greg Norman designed this course on the coast about two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City. The course sits on elevated dunes above the beach, with ocean views from nearly every hole. The wind plays a major role, and the greens are fast and undulating.
Green fees run 3,000,000-4,000,000 VND ($120-160). The resort attached to the course offers luxury accommodation if you want to make it a weekend trip. Getting there from the city takes about two hours by car, so plan for a full day.
Twin Doves Golf Club (Ho Chi Minh City)
Located about 40 minutes from the city center, Twin Doves offers a modern links-style layout that opened in 2023. The course features generous fairways, strategic bunkering, and a clubhouse with excellent facilities. It has quickly become the preferred course for expats and visitors staying in the city.
Green fees run 2,000,000-2,800,000 VND ($80-112). The course is walkable, though most golfers take a cart. The caddie team here is well trained and the pace of play is brisk.
Song Be Golf Resort
About 90 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City, Song Be offers a more traditional parkland experience. The course winds through mature trees and around lakes. It is not as dramatic as the coastal courses, but the conditioning is reliable and the prices are lower.
Green fees run 1,500,000-2,200,000 VND ($60-88). This is a good option for golfers on a budget who still want a quality round. The resort has basic rooms if you want to stay overnight.
What a round actually costs
The headline green fee rarely tells the full story. Budget for these additional costs:
Caddie fee: 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20) per round, paid directly to the caddie.
Caddie tip: 200,000-300,000 VND ($8-12) if the service was good. This is expected, not optional.
Cart rental: Most courses include the cart in the green fee. Some charge an additional 400,000-600,000 VND ($16-24) if you want to ride.
Club rental: 500,000-1,000,000 VND ($20-40) for a full set. Quality varies, so serious golfers should bring their own clubs.
Shoes and gloves: 200,000-400,000 VND ($8-16) if you need to rent or buy.
A realistic total for a round at a mid-range course: 2,500,000-3,500,000 VND ($100-140) including caddie, tip, and cart. At a top-tier course, expect 4,000,000-5,500,000 VND ($160-220).
Pro tip: Weekday rates are 30-40% lower than weekend rates. If your schedule allows, play Monday through Thursday. Courses are also significantly less crowded on weekdays.
How to book tee times
Booking a tee time in Vietnam requires some planning. Most courses do not offer online booking through their own websites. The process works differently depending on where you are.
From your hotel: The easiest option. Most hotels in Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City have relationships with local courses. The concierge can book tee times, arrange transport, and sometimes secure better rates. Ask at the front desk a day or two before you want to play.
Through a golf tour operator: Companies like Vietnam Golf Tours and Golf Asia Vietnam handle all the logistics. They book tee times, arrange transport, and can bundle multiple rounds. The markup is usually 10-20%, but the convenience is worth it for complex itineraries.
Directly with the course: Call or email the course's booking office. English is widely spoken at the major courses. You will need to provide your name, handicap (or approximate skill level), and preferred tee time. Confirmation usually comes within a few hours.
Through the course's Facebook page: Many Vietnamese courses manage bookings through Facebook Messenger. This works well for last-minute requests and questions about availability.
Warning: Avoid third-party booking sites that ask for full payment upfront. Scams exist. Legitimate courses rarely require prepayment for a single round. If a site demands credit card details for a standard tee time, book elsewhere.
When to play
The best time of year depends on the region.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi area): October to March offers the best weather. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F) with lower humidity. Summer months bring heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An): November to April is ideal. Temperatures sit between 20-28°C (68-82°F) with minimal rain. The summer months can be hot and humid, though morning tee times remain playable.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City area): December to April provides the driest conditions. Temperatures stay warm year-round, but the rainy season from May to November can interrupt play with heavy afternoon downpours.
The time of day matters as much as the season. Morning tee times before 8:00 AM offer cooler temperatures and less wind. Afternoon rounds in central Vietnam can get breezy, especially near the coast.
Practical tips for golfing in Vietnam
Bring your own clubs. Rental sets at most courses are basic and often poorly maintained. The quality gap is significant. If you are traveling long-haul, most airlines allow golf bags as checked luggage for a fee. Vietnam Airlines charges around 1,000,000 VND ($40) per bag on international flights.
Dress code matters. Collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and proper golf shoes are required at all courses. Denim, cargo shorts, and t-shirts are not acceptable. Most courses rent shoes if you need them.
Pace of play is fast. Vietnamese courses move quickly. The caddie system keeps groups moving, and most rounds finish in under four hours. Do not be surprised if the group behind you plays through on a slow hole.
Book well in advance for weekends. Saturday and Sunday tee times at popular courses sell out days ahead. If you want a weekend round, book at least five days in advance. During peak tourist season (December to February), book a week or more ahead.
Transport is part of the cost. Most courses sit outside city centers. A private car with driver costs 800,000-1,500,000 VND ($32-60) for a round trip. Some courses offer shuttle services from major hotels. Factor this into your budget.
Consider staying at a golf resort. The luxury resorts in central Vietnam, like the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort mentioned in our cost guide, offer packages that include green fees and accommodation. These often work out cheaper than booking separately.
Golf and travel: combining a round with sightseeing
Golf in Vietnam rarely needs to be the sole purpose of a trip. The courses sit close to the country's major attractions.
In central Vietnam, a morning round at Montgomerie Links leaves the afternoon free for exploring Hoi An's old town. The course is 20 minutes from the ancient quarter, and the best time to visit Hoi An aligns perfectly with the golf season.
Da Nang offers the same flexibility. Play a round at Danang Golf Club in the morning, then spend the afternoon on the beach or visiting the city's bridges and mountains. The Da Nang food scene provides plenty of post-round fuel.
In the north, a round at Sky Lake pairs well with a trip to Ha Long Bay. The course is on the way to the bay, making it possible to play and continue to the coast in the same day.
The bottom line
Vietnam delivers exceptional golf value. The courses are world-class, the caddies are superb, and the prices remain well below regional competitors. The main challenges are logistics: booking tee times requires planning, and the courses sit outside city centers.
For most travelers, the central coast offers the best combination. Four top-tier courses within 30 minutes of Da Nang, excellent weather from November to April, and easy access to Hoi An's attractions. A budget of 4,000,000-6,000,000 VND ($160-240) per round, including caddie, tip, and transport, provides access to the best the country offers.
Book early, bring your own clubs, and expect a pace of play that will make you wonder why golf at home takes so long.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a handicap certificate to play golf in Vietnam? A: Most courses do not require a handicap certificate, but they will ask for your approximate skill level when booking. Very high handicap players may be asked to play with a marshal or take lessons before being allowed on the course.
Q: Can I rent golf clubs in Vietnam? A: Yes, all major courses offer rental sets for 500,000-1,000,000 VND ($20-40). Quality varies significantly, so serious golfers should bring their own clubs.
Q: Are golf caddies mandatory in Vietnam? A: Yes, caddies are mandatory at all courses. The fee is 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20) per round, plus a tip of 200,000-300,000 VND ($8-12) for good service.
Q: How far in advance should I book a tee time? A: For weekdays, 2-3 days is sufficient at most courses. For weekends and peak season (December to February), book at least 5-7 days ahead.
Q: What is the dress code for golf courses in Vietnam? A: Collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and proper golf shoes are required. Denim, cargo shorts, and t-shirts are not allowed at any course.
Q: Is it cheaper to play golf in Vietnam than in Thailand? A: Generally yes. Comparable quality courses in Thailand run 20-30% higher. Vietnam also has lower caddie fees and transport costs.
Q: Can I play golf in Vietnam without booking through a tour operator? A: Yes, direct booking is possible by calling or emailing the course. Hotel concierges can also arrange tee times, often with better rates than tour operators.