We love writing about great courses, the best destinations and perfect golf holidays. But we also know that what gets holidayers’ attention the most, is value, stumping all other contenders. There’s immense merit in stretching your money as far as it could go. For some, it could mean more trips in a year, for others it’s the first golfing trip that has to fit a budget (without burning a hole for the next family holiday), for still others it means going on the trip of a lifetime without shortchanging the experience while paying a good price for it. Our best value golf destinations in Southeast Asia feature is about the best destinations to go to, the best times to go and the best things to do for the greatest value at great prices.
Thailand
Thailand’s addition to this list by itself is no surprise. It comes fully loaded – easy access, easy visa, tourist-oriented and countless options for stay and golf in Thailand. While Thailand’s an anytime destination, try the months of June to September for the best deals. It’s low season and crowds are thinner but everything else remains top notch as always. The best bet in Thailand during these months is Hua Hin. It’s drier than other parts and has the best golf courses in the country. Spend USD 500+ dollars per person, go the whole hog and treat yourself to a top class golf holiday in Thailand, playing fabulous courses like Black Mountain and Banyan and staying at 4 star properties for 4 days onwards.
Jakarta
The golf in Jakarta is immaculate, the hotels options are excellent and the party scene is aplenty and contagious. It’s also less discovered as a value destination. This is one place quality and quantity go hand in hand. There’s plenty of good golf around the city, one of the reasons prices are in check. Try weekday golf in Jakarta from the months of May to September, playing Emeralda Golf Course and Royale Jakarta Golf Club with stay at 4 star properties. Simply spend USD 300+ per person for a superb 3-day golf holiday. Jakarta’s golf is significantly cheaper during weekdays and non-peak hours so you can make the most of your holiday by planning the best & most economical schedule.
Danang & Ho Chi Minh City
For as low as USD 400+, a short 3 day golf holiday in Danang is possible. Up your budget a bit more to between USD 415+ and USD 570+ for a 4 day golf vacation in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi inclusive of 4 star stay and all transfers.
Vietnam’s a fascinating country with a strong cultural flavor reminiscent of the pre-globalized world. And the country’s vision for tourism, both golf and otherwise, has kept the crowds flowing in. The golf is very good, starting from Danang’s courses designed by top names like Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Greg Norman. Ho Chi Minh City’s 10 best golf courses are top order and Hanoi’s courses are probably the most dramatic in South East Asia.
Danang, the smaller of the 3 cities is also connected directly from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, giving golfers direct access in case they want to do just one region at a time.
Siem Reap
With the kind of awe-inspiring cultural experience it offers, you really wouldn’t mind paying more but a good Siem Reap golfing holiday can be done in USD 450 per person for a 4-day trip. The holiday is simple and straightforward, given the compact nature of the town. Stay at any of the 4 star properties on Sivatha Boulevard. From here, it’s a quick dollar or two by Tuk Tuk to the night market and the pub street for shopping, pubs, spas, restaurants and fast food outlets. Siem Reap’s golf – 3 good courses, is also just 30 minutes away. You must of course visit the magnificent Angkor Temple Complex. Siem Reap is also a popular extension from Thailand. If you’re a large group, you could travel cheaper by driving into Cambodia, than flying in. The trip is obviously longer with border crossings and immigration checks but it’s one more way to save.
