The Ho Chi Minh Trail is an edgy road adventure that many take on to explore Vietnam. Any golfer amongst the adventurers would definitely harbor a thought, however fleeting, to make it a Vietnam Golf Holiday Trail. Obviously, that gives rise to the question – Are there enough golf courses on this trail? The answer to which is – Yes, and of high standards and spread throughout the trail. Don’t believe it? Here is a rough guide, split into parts, which will prove that this adventure with golf in Vietnam is real.
Start your Vietnam Golf Trail in Ho Chi Minh City (Or Saigon As They Call it)
There are ten golf courses in the Ho Chi Minh City area, 3 of which have 36-holes each. Most of these are of good standards and worthy of being included in a Ho Chi Minh City golf holiday. However, with the focus here being the Vietnam Golf Holiday Trail, some are better suited than others.
The 36-Hole Tan Son Nhat Golf Course designed by Nelson and Haworth is a definite inclusion. Its location, being just 15 minutes and 35 minutes from the airport and city center respectively is a big plus. The golf course features a fabulous layout with spectacular and challenging holes with many elevation changes. The high maintenance standards and course conditioning complemented by well-trained caddies add to the experience. But it is the enormity of the luxurious clubhouse which will leave you awestruck. The inclusive restaurant has a massive spread of Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. Locker rooms are lavish with massage chairs and a jacuzzi, the size of a pool. Everything adds up to The Tan Son Nhat is a “must do” golf experience in Saigon.
In Saigon, Soak it In
Saigon is also a good starting point in Vietnam to get a feel before you hit the road. You may just want to take it slow here to soak at least some of it in. The city offers a lot by way of character, with no dearth of exciting places to eat, drink and party. And while you are doing that, you may sense an opportunity to get another game in. Perfectly normal for the golf explorer, I’d say. And I’d add that Twin Doves about an hour and a half drive from Saigon is the best place for it.
Twin Doves is another first-class modern day design like many of the golf courses in Vietnam. It is apparent that the developers have spared no expense to ensure that the trip here is worth it. Elevated Greens on most holes add character and challenge to the inherently flat layout. It may look like a relief to see such massive greens, but the deception lies in the pin positions. Even if you hit them, the lines are not easy and if they are slick, your putter better is hot. The clubhouse, locker rooms and the restaurant are almost a given in a club like Twin Doves. You should have no cause for complaint on that count. In fact, use the opportunity to enjoy these facilities before you drive back.
A Short Detour to Long Thanh?
Having taken in the golf and the sights in Saigon, it’s time to head towards The Bluffs in Ho Tram. But, a stop may be in order. An hour’s drive on the way to Ho Tram and a short detour will bring you to Long Thanh. Whether you play at the Mountain or Lake Course, you are in for an experience of extremes. From hitting tee shots up the hill to trying to get your club right to a downhill downwind green. From avoiding the out of bounds paddy fields to hitting over gorges and ravines. Stunning doglegs and precarious approaches to the greens are the norms making for a thrilling golf outing.
One way to look at Long Thanh is being the perfect golf break on your drive to Ho Tram. This makes even more sense if you plan to spend the night at The Ho Tram resort. Just what the golfer ordered – A Golf Break within a Golf Break?
No Bluffing with The Bluffs at Ho Tram
Many consider The Bluffs designed by Greg Norman to be the best golf course in Vietnam. It is situated in Ho Tram, a beach village, 2-hour drive away from Ho Chi Minh City.
The Bluffs is as much a testimony to the natural dunes territory it occupies as to the White Shark’s imagination. In fact, Greg Norman compared the site to that of Doonbeg in Ireland –Mother Nature has given it everything. Sure enough, the course compares to the best links courses in the world. While there is no question about the challenge it offers and the frustrations that accompany, playing here is still fulfilling. Dodging the dunes and factoring the wind, all the way from tee to green, is the essence of the experience. Coming out on top here is as rewarding as you would feel at any golf course in the world.
There should be no reason to miss this one. In fact, consider playing 2 rounds here. The 5-Star Grand Hotel that adjoins the golf course seems to be just for that. Many golfers spend an indulgent night here, take in the beach and try their luck at the in-house casino. Most would agree there’s no better way to recover from one round at The Bluffs, before taking it on again.
Moving on to Mui Ne
Back on the Vietnam golf holiday trail, another two and a half hours drive will bring you to Mui Ne. If you take the back albeit rundown roads, you will see South Vietnam’s coastline from up close. There are views on offer and you also get a sneak peek at rural fishing villages and Phan Thiet town. Mui Ne itself has a bit of buzz, with tourists flocking the beaches and the resorts. The golfer in you, however, is really after the Sea Links Golf Course at Mui Ne. Most of the holes on the course play towards the East Sea with no shortage of views. But the sea, as you’d expect also brings in the wind, which on an open layout can inflict serious damage. The Sea Links may not be as popular as the aforementioned courses. But, it does fit in nicely in the Vietnam Golf Trail.
