Golftripz Tournament - Pattaya, Thailand, 25th - 27th November 2010
The recently conducted Golftripz Tournament, held in Pattaya, Thailand from the 25th - 27th of November, was a resounding success. Initiated by Golftripz, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the event gave Indian amateurs the opportunity to tee off at a professionally organised and fun tournament. More than 65 golfers from different parts of India - from Coimbatore to Dibrugarh and Chandigarh to Hyderabad and Bangalore - came to compete at Pattaya.More..
Hua Hin remains unspoilt, when one compares it to the several other destinations in Thailand. Located about two and a half hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin, despite the new resort development taking place, holds its head high. This is hardly surprising given that it was discovered by one of the kings in the early 1920s and still remains a royal family and elite society favourite. With a perfect 4 mile long beach, great sea food, idyllic resorts and some nearby natural sights, it makes for the ideal destination to rejuvenate, especially if you make it in the 'cooler' season from November to February.More..
Quite simply, Prague or Praha, the capital of The Czech Republic is one of the most stunning cities in Europe. One of the few European cities to escape the onslaught of the 2nd World War, Prague is very well preserved, a fairy tale come true with medieval buildings, castles and museums. Referred to as the 'City of a Thousand Spires', there are constant praises and posts - "There is no city like Prague" ; "Prague is the most romantic city that I have come across" and other comments that leave an indelible impression on one's mind and create the desire to make the trip.More..
Exciting Golf Destinations: Garden Route, South Africa
One of the best places to explore nature at its myriad best, the Garden Route couldn't have had a better name. This slender, stunning and awe inspiring region stretches along the Southern Cape of South Africa from close to Cape Town in the west to near Port Elizabeth in the east. It comprises a virgin shoreline with beaches and bays, interspersed with densely forested mountains, winding rivers and serene inland lakes. Moreover, there really isn't a bad time to be there with a maximum of about 30 degrees in the summer months of December & January and a minimum of about 8 degrees in winter. More..
It's not only the geography of a wafer thin land bridge that connects India to Sri Lanka. India's link to the island nation is rooted in history, mythology, culture and not least of all, the game of cricket. Sri Lanka's long and bitter civil war didn't entirely succeed in dislodging its popularity as a tourist destination but with peace prevailing now, there's not a better time to visit the jewel of the Indian Ocean. More..
Turkey simply must feature amongst the best holiday destinations. This is where you can soak in the magnificent glory of the Ottomans who had their seat in Istanbul and see more Greek & Roman ruins in the cities of Troy & Ephesus than in their respective countries of association. It is also where you can see the eerie decapitated stone heads on Mt. Nemrut, or experience a unique fairy chimney landscape in Cappadocia, while you stay in a cave hotel. And if it is unique that you value, then you couldn't be closer, than at the limestone terraces of Pamukkale. Alternatively, you can just absorb the sun, sea and sand on the splendid southern Mediterranean Coast. More..
Much more than about the war which is beyond over, Vietnam has quietly emerged as amongst the fastest growing economies in Asia. But growth apart, it truly is a throbbing world with plenty to offer as history, art, culture, nature, cuisine and people. And to do justice to it as a traveller, it demands time, for much as there is to see, there is that much more to absorb and experience.More..
Golftripz Tournament - Pattaya, Thailand, 25th - 27th November 2010
The recently conducted Golftripz Tournament, held in Pattaya, Thailand from the 25th - 27th of November, was a resounding success. Initiated by Golftripz, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the event gave Indian amateurs the opportunity to tee off at a professionally organised and fun tournament. More than 65 golfers from different parts of India - from Coimbatore to Dibrugarh and Chandigarh to Hyderabad and Bangalore - came to compete at Pattaya.
Three days of the "tournament holiday" began at the Hotel Amari Orchid . With widespread lawns, an open lobby and the beach scarcely a few hundred feet away, the hotel lent a resort-style experience that was restful and comfortable.
The three selected courses, Burapha, Phoenix and Laem Chabang , which enjoy proximity to Pattaya town, were in great condition and well primed for the tournament. Golftripz's Tournament committee ensured that their choice of golf courses accommodated golfers within a wide range of Handicaps ranging from 6 to 24.
The tournament started with a practice round in Burapha ( venue of the Thailand Open 2010), followed by the singles round in Phoenix and terminating with the doubles round at the immaculate greens of Laem Chabang (designed by the great Jack Nicklaus). Golftripz Power play was introduced on the toughest holes on each course to entice the best out of the golfers.
Each day of competitive golf ended with a superb 19th hole . Participants were treated to an exclusive Ballantines' night with great sea food and a spectacular setting by the beach on the first evening. On the second, Ballantines had a swish set up at Amari's ICE bar with delectable snacks and wonderful live music. The grand finale was the awards ceremony and gala dinner at Laem Chabang Golf & Country club.
Event partners were Ballantines, Soma - India's leading infrastructure company and Amari.
Sumit Rathore , KGA Captain and a highly accomplished golfer played a flawless round to beat 65 other Golfers for the Gross winner prize. Jayant Tagore , one of Hyderabad's finest golfers, came in a close second with a solid round of Golf. The competition was close for the Net winners in all categories. The full results are displayed below.
"Thanks for a fantastic 3 days at the TAT Invitational Tournament. It was organised extremely well. I felt well-taken care of- had to just go out and play. The courses, particularly Laem Chabang, were very classy. The evenings were great too, with the 19th hole parties at different venues, each one better than the previous night!
You guys rock! Would love to go on another one as soon as I recover from this one! Cheers to that."
Rajendra Nargundkar, Director, Institute of Management Technology, Nagpur
"Wow!! That about sums up our trip to Pattaya and Bangkok. A once-in-a-life-time experience!!! And thanks to Golftripz for taking such pains to make it worthwhile. That personal touch that you people seem to specialize in makes all the difference. And thanks again for organising the extension trip. Our wives were kept busy! and didn't they enjoy it!"
Dr. Baruah, Dibrugarh
The full results
26th November, 2010 - Phoenix Golf Club - Singles Round (Format - Standard Stableford with Powerplay)
Gross Winner
Gross Runner Up
Sumit Rathore, Bangalore
Jayant Tagore, Hyderabad
HC 0 - 10 Net Winner
Net Runner Up
Srinivas Myneni, Hyderabad
Pramod Korah Kurian, Bangalore
HC 11 - 18 Net Winner
Net Runner Up
Gautham Selvaraj, Coimbatore
Sridhar Suchur Alagappar, Coimbatore
HC 19 - 24 Net Winner
Net Runner Up
Raghavendra Rao Sudhaker, Coimbatore
Satish Cheeti, Hyderabad
Longest Drive:
Mrinal K Baruah, Dibrugarh
Closest to the Pin:
D Lakshminarayanaswamy, Coimbatore
Straightest Drive:
Philip Bensen, Hyderabad
27th November, 2010 - Laem Chabang International Country Club, Doubles Round (Format - Standard Stableford with Powerplay)
Hua Hin remains unspoilt, when one compares it to the several other destinations in Thailand. Located about two and a half hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin, despite the new resort development taking place, holds its head high. This is hardly surprising given that it was discovered by one of the kings in the early 1920s and still remains a royal family and elite society favourite. With a perfect 4 mile long beach, great sea food, idyllic resorts and some nearby natural sights, it makes for the ideal destination to rejuvenate, especially if you make it in the 'cooler' season from November to February.
Apart from relaxing at the various spa resorts, there are quite a few things for one to do. The Main Beach with a sandy sea bed is ideal for swimming and generally there are quite a few spectacular sunrises that are not to be missed. About an hour away in the hills bordering Myanmar, is Kaeng Krachan National Park, one of the last few large wildernesses in Thailand that still boasts a variety of wildlife including a dwindling tiger population. Another remarkable area is the Khao Sam Roi Yot(which literally means Mountains with 300 Peaks) National Park, that has limestone peaks running along the shore of the Gulf of Thailand interspersed with two beaches. If you are lucky you can spot langurs and Irrawaddy dolphins. You can also explore the Phraya Nakhon cave system.
Another factor which is quickly differentiating Hua Hin from the rest of Thailand is the quality of golf course development that is taking place, so much so that it is not uncommon to hear of it as the Golf Capital of Thailand. And the number of golfers taking their golf holidays and golf tours in Hua Hin is steadily increasing. If you believe that you have seen the best golf courses in South East Asia and if you have not yet come to Hua Hin, then it may very well be a revelation in store. Leading the pack is the Black Mountain Golf Club that opened in 2007 - a fantastic new course with a lot of thought to risk & reward that challenges golfers of all abilities -but its best features are the creeks and rocks that seem to be in play in the design of most holes. The Banyan Golf Club is newer, as good and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The whole area is built on a hillside of pineapple plantation, but through clever use of terrain, most holes play downhill. Therefore, the length of the hole doesn't appear as scary as you'd first believe. In the true signature style of Jack Nicklaus is the Springfield Village Golf & Spa - a 27 hole design that captures the spirit and thought of the great master - several hazards including bunkers and water bodies wait to catch the club golfer's shot. Other golf choices include the Imperial Lake View Hotel and Golf Club - a 36 hole layout of which the last nine have been designed by Ronald Fream in traditional links style in an otherwise Arizona desert course kind of design.
Hua Hin gives you the perfect blend to rejuvenate - a short drive from Bangkok so it doesn't get too hectic, lots of relaxation opportunities in the form of world renowned spa resorts, an idyllic beach and finally superb golfing!!!
Golftripz can plan customised itineraries to Hua Hin based on varying budgets and themes. If there are any other parts of Thailand that you may want to include, that is possible too. Given the short duration of flights from various origins within India, it is even worthwhile to plan a trip of 3-4 nights. For more information email on info@golftripz.com or call Madhav Misra on +919920029145
Exciting Golf Destinations : Prague
Quite simply, Prague or Praha, the capital of The Czech Republic is one of the most stunning cities in Europe. One of the few European cities to escape the onslaught of the 2nd World War, Prague is very well preserved, a fairy tale come true with medieval buildings, castles and museums. Referred to as the 'City of a Thousand Spires', there are constant praises and posts - "There is no city like Prague" ; "Prague is the most romantic city that I have come across" and other comments that leave an indelible impression on one's mind and create the desire to make the trip.
The attraction to the city also stems from the contrast that one experiences. While the city centre is a melange of stunning architecture, from Gothic, Renaissance and baroque to neoclassical, art nouveau and cubist, beyond the medieval cobbled lanes of the Old Town and the Castle District, there's an entire other cosmopolitan city to explore. One can stroll through the riverside parks, hop from one lively bar to another, gulp beer at one of beer gardens in this highest in the world per capita beer consumption country, and appreciate delicate art in the various modern art galleries.
For all the good reasons to make a trip to the city, there is one more. That is the superb golfing infrastructure. It is possible to play at several world class championship golf courses, just about 30-90 minutes away from the heart of Prague. Designed by renowned designers, these golf courses are of top quality as you tee off in a backdrop of historic castles and awesome landscapes.
Across the Czech Republic there are more than 130 golf clubs and 80 golf courses, with the best found around Prague, in the West Bohemia Spa Triangle and in North Moravia. Most of these have guaranteed standards, having been designed by some of the best names in the business. It's hardly surprising therefore, that the Czech Republic was the winner of the 2007 IAGTO Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year Award.
Golf Resort Karlstejn
Just 45 minutes from downtown Prague, this 27 hole championship golf course is set in beautiful scenery with the romantic backdrop of the 14th century Karlstejn Castle, the Castle of Czech Kings, and is routed over a hill, woody landscape with limestone outcrops, ravines, two lakes and 86 bunkers. The architects designed the course as "easy bogey but difficult birdie", with the result that players with very different handicaps can play the course. This outstanding course hosted the European PGA Tour in 1997. Playing here is an unforgettable experience.
Golf Resort Konopiste
Located within an hour from Prague, this resort comprises 2 eighteen hole championship courses situated on a family property. A restored eighteenth century chateau, as well as a former park provide for an unbeatable atmosphere for golfing here, just five kilometres away from the highly acclaimed Konopiste Chateau. The Radecky course is very open, but the winds and the long rolling greens considered amongst the toughest in the Czech Republic are to be factored in. The D'Este Course on the other hand has quite a technical front none, and the back nine though more open is quite long. The other consideration is the tough rough, so its important to keep it on the fairway.
Ypsilon Golf Resort Liberec
This stunning beauty, situated in North Bohemia, about 90 minutes drive from Prague, opened in 2006 and has been consistently rated as the top golf course in the Czech Republic by readers of Golf Digest Magazine. Designed remarkably on a hilly terrain, there are no easy walks here. All holes require an accurate drive to avoid the lurking dangers of water bodies, roughs, forests, biozones and bunkers.
Albatross Golf Resort
This newly opened resort is situated just 11 km from the heart of Prague and is already receiving rave reviews for its spectacular beauty and the great golfing experience. While the course has been made to be challenging, it also allows for relatively stress free golf for beginning golfers.
Golf Park Pilsen
This course is situated 75 minutes away from Prague, in West Bohemia in the town Pilsen, from where Pilsner Beer derives its name. Set amongst the woods, this is probably the most varied course in the Czech Republic. Although, not a very long course, it is technical in nature, so accuracy is critical. Buggies are a must, if you don't care much for a mini trek, especially from the sixteenth green to the seventeenth tee. There are several other outstanding golf courses in the Czech Republic by region - in the Central Bohemia area close to Prague - there is Beroun Golf Resort which has recently opened. In & around the spa region of West Bohemia there is Golf Resort Karlovy Vary and the Astoria Golf Resort. In East Bohemia there is the spectacular and top rated course of the Golf & Spa Resort Kuneticka Hora. To the east in North Moravia, a region also known for skiing, cycling and hippo-tourism, there are two gems in the backdrop of the picturesque Beskydy mountains, the Prosper Golf Club Celadna and Golf Resort Ostravice.
Various Golf Vacation itineraries are possible within the Czech Republic. While there are no direct flights from India to Prague, Lufthansa, Emirates, Turkish Airlines amongst others all operate flights to Prague. The best season for golf in Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic is from May to September. A balanced golf vacation, being based in Prague includes 7 nights of stay at a 5 star hotel in the city centre, 5 rounds of golf in and around the city with sightseeing and private transfers included. Prices start at Rs.75,150 per golfer (without airfares, visa charges & travel insurance) for a minimum of 4 golfers travelling together. For details, or to customize, email info@golftripz.com, visit www.golftripz.com or call Madhav Misra on +91 9920029145.
Exciting Golf Destinations: Garden Route, South Africa
One of the best places to explore nature at its myriad best, the Garden Route couldn't have had a better name. This slender, stunning and awe inspiring region stretches along the Southern Cape of South Africa from close to Cape Town in the west to near Port Elizabeth in the east. It comprises a virgin shoreline with beaches and bays, interspersed with densely forested mountains, winding rivers and serene inland lakes. Moreover, there really isn't a bad time to be there with a maximum of about 30 degrees in the summer months of December & January and a minimum of about 8 degrees in winter.
Enroute, there is a series of fascinating places and opportunities for things to do. The highlights include George , the picture perfect town located on a lush plateau at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains; Oudtshoorn, off the main route, on the Grobbelaars river , with the spectacular Cango Caves ; Knysna, set on a wide lagoon that opens to the sea and home to unique marine and bird species; Tsitsikamma National Park , Africa's largest marine reserve with some dramatic hiking trails that combine land and marine attractions; Plettenberg Bay, the gateway to several attractions including watching rare bird species at the Eden Bird Sanctuary, an eye opening safari in Monkeyland and a sea adventure with a chance to see dolphins, sharks and whales if timed right. Once done with the Garden Route and in Port Elizabeth, it isn't really over , as you can make your way to the Shamwari Game Reserve, a malaria free safari environment with luxurious lodges and home to the big 5 -elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.
If you are already thinking "too much of a good thing", then stop. The Garden Route has some of the most breathtakingly beautiful golf courses that you would find in the world.
At Pinnacle Point, located near Mossel Bay designed by Peter Matkovich and pro golfer Darren Clarke, the setting is nothing short of spectacular with a 4 km coastline with dramatic cliff side holes and panoramic views of the ocean. At Herold's Bay near George, and also on the coast is the Ernie Els designed Oubaai Golf course that is laid out in traditional links style and requires one to factor in the wind and several well placed bunkers. Ernie Els considers this as the best golf course in the world. For the luxury seeking golfer there is nothing better than to stay, play and relax at Fancourt, a magnificent property located in George with 3 top Gary Player designed 18 hole golf courses - the parkland type - Outeniqua and Montagu and the third -one of the most inspiring examples of golf construction and design - The Links. Another marvel on the coast that's not to be missed is the Pezula Championship course that lies on the eastern head of Knysna town.
It's difficult to beat what the Garden Route offers, as there is something for everyone and perhaps best to explore on a self-drive trip. Cape Town is the perfect gateway to the Garden Route, while Port Elizabeth compliments very well as the other end. In between there is pure magic.
Golftripz can plan customised itineraries to the Garden Route based on varying budgets and themes. If there are any other parts of South Africa that you may want to include, that is possible too. It is best to budget at least 7 days to make it worth your while. For more information email on info@golftripz.com or call Madhav Misra on +919920029145
Exciting Golf Destinations : Sri Lanka
It's not only the geography of a wafer thin land bridge that connects India to Sri Lanka. India's link to the island nation is rooted in history, mythology, culture and not least of all, the game of cricket. Sri Lanka's long and bitter civil war didn't entirely succeed in dislodging its popularity as a tourist destination but with peace prevailing now, there's not a better time to visit the jewel of the Indian Ocean.
For a small pearl-shaped nation, Sri Lanka packs in plenty of diversity - ancient cities, white-sand beaches, Buddhist heritage, hill country, wildlife and a sumptuous cuisine.
Kandy is not far from Colombo and is set at an altitude of 500 m. This former royal residence and the capital of Sri Lanka's hill country not only enjoys great cool weather but is also cultured and quaint, with sites such as the Temple of the Tooth ( Sri Dalada Maligawa), that houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha and is considered as one of the most important Buddhist shrines all around the world. Located between Colombo and Kandy and northwest of the town of Kegalla is the unique Pinnawela Orphanage for motherless elephants, that also serves as a breeding ground for elephants. Higher up in the hills is Nuwara Eliya, where the British introduced tea and which now produces some of the world's finest teas. The setting is quiet, misty and perfect for exploring the surrounding tea plantations, learning about various types of teas as well as observing and understanding the manufacturing process in a place which will otherwise not let go off your attention.
As with the country, golf in Sri Lanka is flavoured with a lot of character. In diverse and unique settings, there are three main golf courses that can be enjoyed as you make through three different locations. The Royal Colombo Golf Club in Colombo, with a grand club house and a railway line running through it, really is perfect for a quick trip or a few hours of play before or after exploring the capital city. The picturesque Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is a jewel of the little town also known as Little Scotland. With lush tree lined fairways and a club house reminiscent of colonial times, its unlikely that you would forget golfing here easily. Combine it with a stay at the St. Andrews Hotel, another colonial masterpiece, located next to the golf course to make for a perfect short stay with golf in the land of tea. The more prominent town on a possible route from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya is Kandy, which is also home to the best golf course in the country by far. The Victoria Golf & Country Resort is truly spectacular. Well nourished by a large reservoir on one side, the golf course meanders through scenic terrain making for some breathtaking views on several holes. With resort accommodation on offer from golf course view chalets to lake side villas, this is the really the ideal getaway for the full family - with horseriding, swimming and tennis amongst the various recreational activities on offer.
Golftripz can plan customised itineraries to Sri Lanka based on varying budgets and themes. If there are any other parts of Sri Lanka that you may want to include, that is possible too. Given the short duration of flights from various origins within India, it is even worthwhile to plan a trip of 3-4 nights. For more information email on info@golftripz.com or call Madhav Misra on +919920029145
Turkey simply must feature amongst the best holiday destinations. This is where you can soak in the magnificent glory of the Ottomans who had their seat in Istanbul and see more Greek & Roman ruins in the cities of Troy & Ephesus than in their respective countries of association. It is also where you can see the eerie decapitated stone heads on Mt. Nemrut, or experience a unique fairy chimney landscape in Cappadocia, while you stay in a cave hotel. And if it is unique that you value, then you couldn't be closer, than at the limestone terraces of Pamukkale. Alternatively, you can just absorb the sun, sea and sand on the splendid southern Mediterranean Coast.
Amongst all the associations with Turkey, it is unlikely that golf is one of them. But surprise, surprise, there is some superb golfing infrastructure that has come up over the last few years. Belek, a small town just 45 minutes from the Mediterranean city of Antalya has rapidly developed into a destination that must feature on every travelling golfer's map & mind.
The Belek region has several five star hotels, all first rate facilities that provide an ideal atmosphere for families and offer various opportunities to enjoy a vacation. Most of them offer floodlit tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas, water sports and play areas besides proximity to thirteen superb golf courses that provide an experience as good if not better than anywhere else in the world
Some of the selected golf courses in the Belek region include:
The Cornelia Faldo Golf Course
Part of the Cornelia Hotels, the 27 hole Nick Faldo designed golf course plays around some unsurpassable natural beauty. The three 9 Hole courses called the King, Queen & the Prince Courses are part of a superb layout with fantastic conditions. A round of 18 holes can be combination of any two of the three 9s. But once on the course and with Faldo involved, forget relaxing; as is typical of him, he tests on skill and course management, with emphasis on the latter. The golf course also houses the David Leadbetter Academy, so one can really make this home if golf & score reduction is the focus.
The Carya Golf Club
Designed by the company founded by 5 times open winner & golf legend Peter Thomson, the Carya golf course places heavy demand on both strategy and skill. The free flowing 'English Surrey' like holes that meander between eucalyptus and pine trees and across a dramatic sand ridge, will undoubtedly leave you with some memorable moments. The holes themselves have simple yet interesting names, the 1st called "Out", since the golfer is heading out on his round, the 18th, "Home" and the 6th,"Long" -the longest hole in Turkey a 621 yard par 5.
The Antalya Golf Club
The Antalya Golf Club which is attached to the Sirene Hotel in Belek comprises 2 courses, both of which are sensational, the PGA Sultan & Pasha. The courses have been designed by David Johnson & European Golf Design and are the relatively older ones in the region, having been built in the late 1990s. The PGA Sultan is a must play. The 9th Hole is a classic and is aptly called "The Choice" as it's a choice one must make for the tee shot - The Brave One or the Safe One, the former inviting all the lurking dangers, while the latter necessitating a longer approach shot. There are some other stronger par 4s, none tougher than the 476 yard 12th - for which even the club says "Be proud of a par here".
The Lykia Links Golf Course
This is a course which is slightly removed from Belek and the other courses, but is a real test. Designed by Perry Dye, son of Pete Dye, this course is laid out on a classic links landscape with natural sand dunes and rumpled fairways, making it truly unique in the area. And tough too! With deep bunkers protecting the greens, getting the approach right is paramount or there will be a struggle to save bogey, forget par. Challenging golf aside, there are some spectacular views on this awe inspiring golf course, which truly deserves to be revered.
Papillon Montgomerie Golf Club:
Appointed by the Papillon Group of Hotels in Turkey and designed by Colin Montgomerie, this golf course opened for play in 2008. The course set in pine forest, has the feel of natural sandy ground, with a setting unique to the region - it plays by the seaside in a parkland type area. All the shots require one to be tactically alert given the large stretches of sand and the undulating fairways with several well placed bunkers.
There are other good golf courses in the Belek region and there are a couple around Istanbul too, which all put together make up for a great variety in terms of scenic value and challenge. Really, you will be spoilt for choice here.
Turkey enjoys good climate all year round. While Antalya can get a little warm in July & August, generally the conditions are very good for golf. Several itineraries are possible. A good mix is to fly into Istanbul, spend 2-3 nights and then fly to Antalya, where one can stay up to 7 nights. Choose between staying in Antalya City, with a more historic feel, and Belek, which has luxury resorts with attached golf courses and some excellent all inclusive packages. Day trips to Pamukkale, Perge & Aspendos, two ancient sites, along with the Kaleici (old Antalya, an Ottoman Turkish Centre) and of course a scrub at a 'Hamam' can be interspersed with the golf, making for a superb family experience. For more details, to enquire, or to build a customized trip, email on info@golftripz.com , visit www.golftripz.com or call Madhav Misra on +919920029145.
Exciting Golf Destinations : Vietnam
Much more than about the war which is beyond over, Vietnam has quietly emerged as amongst the fastest growing economies in Asia. But growth apart, it truly is a throbbing world with plenty to offer as history, art, culture, nature, cuisine and people. And to do justice to it as a traveller, it demands time, for much as there is to see, there is that much more to absorb and experience.
There are 3 parts to Vietnam, the north with the capital Hanoi, which has several memorials and museums, a resplendent central lake and some fine French architecture to savour. Hanoi charms you with the variety of food & restaurants, the local roadside draught beer joints or 'bia hois" and the several galleries, which showcase the emerging Vietnamese art scene. And just a couple of hours away from Hanoi is the World Heritage Site, Halong Bay , a place like no other, with thousands of hillocks cropping out of the ocean - that calls for a day cruise if not an overnighter, with the added delight of buying your own seafood from the ocean and then having it custom cooked.
Danang is in the centre of Central Vietnam, and the third largest city. It is home to a spectacular beach and one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. But equally importantly, it is the gateway to Hue & Hoi An, two towns which really are about a trip down the lane of history, culture , ancient ruins and interestingly, some sartorial delights.
Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City as it is called today is in the South and truly is the heart of Vietnam. It is the buzzing commercial centre of the country and palpably so. A city which leaves zillions of images in your head; to mention a few : the resilience of the people during the war, none better exemplified than at the Cu Chi tunnels, the beautiful French style buildings in the centre of the city, the quaintly narrow and high houses that Vietnamese live in, oddly interspersed with high rises, the gigantic restaurants and cafes which always seem to be full up, the battalion of bandit lookalike riders who seem to be coming at you from everywhere and undeniably, the superb exciting nightlife in the city centre. To add to this, is a shopping experience that is refreshingly different and provides for a unique opportunity to add to one's home decor with the silk, lacquer, handicrafts and contemporary art to choose from. And if you are the type to explore then a trip down one of the great rivers, the Mekong is warranted.
There are more and more people who are now discovering Vietnam, and all the things which make it truly an exceptional destination. And if one adds to it, the sensational golfing facilities, then for the golfer you are talking about a mix that couldn't get headier.
The golf courses in Vietnam are logically concentrated around the main cities although there are a few good ones in other parts too.
In and around Hanoi, there is the private and exclusive 18 holes Van Tri as also the "unique access by boat" 36 hole Kings Island Golf Course. For spectacular scenery and superb highland climate, nothing beats the stunning Tam Dao Resort and since a trip to Halong Bay is a given if in Hanoi, stopping for a round at the 27 Hole Chi Linh Star makes eminent sense as this is yet another Vietnam golf course with a unique landscape and a 680 yard par 5.
If one can't resist Danang for what it has to offer, then it is just as well, as the 2 newest and arguably the 2 best golf courses in Vietnam - The Montgomerie Links & The Greg Norman designed Danang Golf Club, that opened a few months ago are to be found here.
There are a couple of interesting links style choices too along the Southern Coast in Phan Thiet, including the Nick Faldo designed Ocean Dunes, whereas just 3 hours away from here, in a completely different landscape is the old yet pristine and strikingly beautiful Dalat Palace Golf Course, situated at a height of 1500 metres above sea level.
Continuing further south, in and around Ho Chi Minh City there are some top class choices. Close to the city centre is the 36 Holes Vietnam Golf & Country Club, considered amongst the most prestigious in the country. Another challenging 36 hole facility is the Long Thanh Golf Course in Baria province, about an hour's drive from the city centre with some captivating holes and dramatic landscapes including a treacherous par 3 that plays across a bend of a cliff. The other delights are the scenic 27 Hole Bo Chang Dong Nai course and the challenging 27 Hole Song Be course both about the same distance from the city centre.
Vietnam may not have the same number of golf courses as its illustrious neighbour Thailand, but there is no compromise in quality. All the courses mentioned here are top class and well spread out so that you are never too far away from some good golf courses, whichever part of the country you are holidaying in. Several itineraries are possible – depending on availability of time. To cover 2 of the above cities with golf, one should have a minimum of 8 days, to cover all the 3 cities, one should budget 11-12 days and to cover 1, at least 5 days. For more details, to enquire, or to build a customized trip, email on info@golftripz.com , visit www.golftripz.com or call Madhav Misra on +919920029145.
Africa
