Not too long ago, it was inconceivable that Vietnam golf would become a talking point. Yet, the quality and quantity of golf courses added in the last decade has done more than just that. Vietnam can now hold its own as a golf destination in its own right. Golf enthusiasts couldn’t be harder compelled to go on a Vietnam golf tour, such is the golf infrastructure.
Yet, amongst the many things that stand out about playing golf in Vietnam, one has to be the awe-inspiring settings. The following five golf courses in Vietnam are fine examples of that. Any golfer will be mesmerized by the surreality of their environs. The only caveat though here is – these are not the only ones by any means.
Hoiana Shores, Hoi An, near Danang
Whenever Robert Trent Jones II gets involved in a golf course design, you can’t help but take notice. That’s exactly what happened, and especially so with his first Vietnam golf course project. Built along the coast of Central Vietnam with views of the nearby Cham Islands, Hoiana Shores is quite simply a spectacle. Robert Trent Jones II himself had this to say about the site – “This property is the most perfect canvas. Alongside the beautiful coastal terrain, we have been given the ability to shape a design befitting this special region and magnificent new destination. To have a golf course in such close proximity to such a place as Hoi An makes this extra special.”
The end product could not have done more justice to the site. The design and shaping of the golf course complement the setting in ways hard to imagine. All the elements are in harmony – the fairways, greens, the bunkers, the waste areas, the ocean and the sky seem to flow into each other seamlessly. And to add to this visual delight, is the golf experience that you won’t forget. Hoiana Shores is the epitome of the experience in the Vietnam golf offering. It’s recent addition to the Danang golf scene has taken Vietnam golf to another level.
Phoenix Golf Resort ( Champion Course), Hanoi
The Korean managed Phoenix Golf Resort is situated about an hour’s drive southwest from Hanoi. As you draw nearer to the golf course you find yourself driving through rustic mountain scenery. It is hardly surprising to anticipate the golf course being in the middle of all this. It is a massive relief that it is, because anything less would be anticlimactic. Mind you, it is the stunning uniqueness of this setting, that goes beyond being just gorgeous, that takes your breath away. You may just pinch yourself to be sure it’s not all a dream. After all, it’s not everyday that you find yourself playing golf amidst a dense limestone outcrop forest, akin to a fairyland. It’s as though Halong Bay’s long lost twin missed the last boat to the sea and was left stranded landside.
The Phoenix Golf Resort comprises 3 courses of 18 holes, of which the Champion Course may well be the one to play. Superb golf layout aside, it’s impossible to find a view which isn’t dripping with raw thrilling scenery. For this aspect alone, Phoenix is a must play amongst the Hanoi golf courses.
Laguna Lang Co, Lang Co near Danang
Danang golf tours are increasingly synonymous with Vietnam golf tours, such is the appeal of the golf courses there. The natural topography that includes dense rainforest, mountain ranges and a majestic coastline are a perfect recipe for stunning golf scenery. Danang golf courses have these incorporated in their design to offer stimulating conditions to the golfers. Both visually and golf wise.
One shining example of the above is the Sir Nick Faldo designed Laguna Lang Co golf course. Situated about an hour and half drive from Danang in the direction of Hue, Lang Co is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. The golf course itself is set in a property that incorporates rainforest, mountains, paddy fields, natural streams and ocean. The ride through the golf course is full of one heavenly scene after another. To be playing golf in the middle of all that truly counts as a blessing.
Ba Na Hills, Danang
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Luke Donald lucked out with a site such as Ba Na Hills for his first golf course design. You cannot help but be captivated by the backdrop of lush forested mountains, whether you play downhill or uphill. Generous sprinkling of water bodies in the form of ponds and streams add tremendously to the visual appeal. And then there is the added incentive of playing at night, when the floodlights add on another sparkling dimension. The best of the highlights has to be on the 12th par 3, which plays downhill with an infinitely stretched dense forested backdrop.
FLC Halong Bay, Halong
While there is no excuse to miss out on Halong Bay if visiting Hanoi, as a golfer, there is in fact incentive to do so. The Schmidt-Curley designed FLC Halong Bay may not be amongst the best golf courses in Vietnam, but it’s setting is hard to beat. The four holes that directly overlook the bay with its thousands of outcrops, provide a reward that will easily outweigh any golfing disaster. Scoring well of course, will add to the bragging rights of having golfed alongside a jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage site
Vietnam is Spectacular Golf Country
This article started with a caveat that this list may not be the ultimate one as far as spectacular golf courses in Vietnam go. Given the length of the country’s absolutely mind-boggling coastline with rainforest abutting almost all of it, this shouldn’t be a surprise. Some other stunners include The Bluffs, Ho Tram; KN Golf Links, Nha Trang and FLC Quy Nhon to name a few. Let’s just part with saying that Vietnam is simply spectacular golf country and that’s only the starting point.
