Even to the most frequent visitor to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it is still fondly referred to by locals and in fact by plenty of tourists, the only thing that is constant is the change. The airport seems to get bigger as do the streets, but that doesn’t mean that they are less busy. There is no doubting the thriving scene, the increase in income and the earnestness in the people ’s faces. There’s a buzz about town with the glitzy high-rises, fancy new nightclubs, an upcoming metro line and high street fashion, to speak of a few. And the Golf! The golf in Ho Chi Minh city is definitely worth writing about, it may even rival the best in South East Asia. Read on for more on our list of Top Golf Courses in Ho Chi Minh City.
At last count, as many as eleven golf courses of 18 holes form the landscape for golf in Ho Chi Minh City. Varying between 30 minutes – 2 hours driving distance from the vibrant District 1, there are some must play layouts that will make you come back for the golf alone.
The Bluffs Ho Tram
At the top of the list, has to be The Bluffs Ho Tram, a stunning links-style course, overlooking the South China Sea. Designed by Greg Norman, the 18 hole golf course features a series of stunning and challenging holes, some of them blinded by massive dunes, adding to the thrill and the beauty. Those who have experienced it will count themselves blessed, so the 2-hour drive can only be an excuse to not get to it.
Tan Son Nhat Golf Club
But there can be no excuse to play on all the 36 holes of the Tan Son Nhat Golf Club, within 20 minutes of the airport or within 30 minutes of the city centre. The A, B, C & D courses seem to always be in the finest condition one would see, mirroring the luxuriousness of the palatial clubhouse. But the pleasure of playing golf in such fine conditions is only second to overcoming the challenges of the undulating holes and greens with water almost always in play. One visitor remarked – “This is better than Royal Melbourne”. Treat it for what it’s worth or simply ignore it – obviously, he had a great round on the course and there was a big bias on account of that.
More Top Golf Courses in Ho Chi Minh City – Twin Doves & Long Thanh
The above two courses with their 18 & 36 holes can make for 3 days of golf in Ho Chi Minh City. For the 4th round, go nowhere but to Twin Doves for any two of the three nines each of which features some absolutely delightful holes. For round 5 & 6, head to Long Thanh the oldest amongst this lot – with its stunning and challenging Hill and Lake Courses. It’s relevant to point out that many golfers consider the Hill Course at Long Thanh as their favourite in Vietnam.
As the writer goes through this piece, there is a greater sense of realization about the quality of golf in Ho Chi Minh City. There is also a sense of wonder if any other golf destination in South East Asia can match the top 6 golf courses in Ho Chi Minh City.
