Golf in Vietnam is steadily establishing itself given the growth in golf infrastructure. Championship standard layouts designed by the biggest names have been added to various tourist destinations. This is helping put golf in Vietnam on the global golf tourism map. Consequently, the number of leisure golfers coming for a golf holiday to Vietnam is on the constant rise. The private sector which is actively leading the golf investment is obviously betting on growth in golf tourism. But, that begets another question – Are golf courses enough to drive golf tourism? Especially, if Vietnam wants to be an alternative to Thailand as a golf destination? Thailand offers much more to the golf tourist – nightlife as a natural extension after the round of golf. How about nightlife after golf in Vietnam?
Golf Destinations in Vietnam
Before we answer the question about nightlife, let us look at the various destinations for golf in Vietnam. As mentioned earlier, golf courses have sprung up all over Vietnam. While Ho Chi Minh City and the capital Hanoi have led the scene, many others are now in the mix. Danang in Central Vietnam, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Dalat in the South and Haiphong and Halong in the north. Of these, it is Danang which in recent times has been the centerpiece of Vietnam’s golf tourism story. Therefore, for now, let us focus on golf in Danang, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Golf & Nightlife in Hanoi
Hanoi’s golf courses are in stunning settings, making this reason enough to visit to play. Be it Kings Island, Phoenix, Sky Lake, Legend Hills or Van Tri, you are in for a visual treat. These outstanding golf layouts are representative of the best golf in Vietnam. And yet the golfer needs more. Hanoi does not disappoint. Stay in the Hoan Kiem district, roam around in the Old Quarter and drink local draught beer at a “bia-hoi”. After that head to one of the bars and drink some more and then head to another. Tom’s Bar in the Old Quarter may just be the place to be at before calling it a night. If you don’t mind getting on wheels, try Seventeen Saloon or head to the KTV at Fortuna or Hanoi Hotel. Who says there is no nightlife after golf in Vietnam?
Golf & Nightlife in Danang
Danang‘s golf courses unlike those of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh depend solely on golf tourism. It is no wonder then that they are the driving force for golf in Vietnam. Laguna, Ba Na Hills, Montgomerie and Danang Golf Club are right up there with the best golf courses in Vietnam. For stay, you can choose to be on Danang’s river-front or in one of the high-end resorts on the beach. The coast lends to some fine seafood restaurants, and if that is what floats your boat, Danang is the place. Nightlife in Danang is limited, but that doesn’t mean you cannot party there. For music and drink lovers, Seventeen Saloon may just do the trick. If you like a more laid-back scene, head to Bamboo 2, on the riverfront. For louder action, check out the grand New Phuong Duong nightclub with its exotic dancers and hostesses.
Golf & Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City
At first glance, the golf course supply in Ho Chi Minh City seems plentiful. However, it may be almost impossible to get a weekend tee time closer to the date of play. “Weekday golf” is the way to go with the added joy of better pace of play. You also get to take in the flavour of golf in Vietnam at your own pace. Back in the city after golf, the options for partying are endless. Choose District 1 as the location to stay and very soon, you will be discovering your own spots. For the uninitiated, endless fun awaits in the bars of Pasteur and Pham Ngu Lao streets and at Apocalypse Now. Of course, you would have a meal in the middle – there is no shortage of options of that either. Ho Chi Minh City is perfectly suited to the holidaying golfer. Golf & Nightlife at its Best!
