7 TOP TIPS FOR GOLFING IN VIETNAM

Vietnam has been developing excellent golf courses for a number of years and now with two of them being recognised in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of the lack of tourists and try out the fantastic facilities for yourself! 

Whether you’ve been playing for years or have never swung a club before, here’s 7 Top Tips for what to expect when Golfing in Vietnam. 

1) All golf courses in Vietnam are of top quality

There are now around 80 courses across the country, most being semi private and designed by the best golf architects in the world. The Bluffs in Ho Tram, was designed by Greg Norman and is generally considered to be the best courses in the country. However, Cam Ranh Links, another course designed by Norman, is building an excellent reputation for being a fabulous course in the south of the country, whilst BRG Kings Island Golf Resort near Hanoi is considered one of the most beautiful courses in South East Asia.

2) The Caddies are wonderful! 

At Vietnamese golf courses, caddies are mandatory, so make the best use of them. Most will speak English and want you to enjoy them, plus learn more about you. Don’t forget to give them a tip at the end of the round, because their salaries are low and they rely on tips to supplement their income. A minimum of $10 (220.000 VND) is the norm and more if they have done well. They will point out hazards and other places not to hit the ball and they will be disappointed if you hit off line or miss a putt.

3) Timing is Everything

The best time to book tee times is early in the week, or after 2pm. As the golf clubs are members clubs, they will be really busy at weekends or there may be a tournament being played. It pays to check with the golf club or their website to see what offers they have. It also gets incredibly hot, especially around 12 noon, so make sure you have lots of water and put on plenty of sun cream.

4) Try Before You Buy

All golf clubs will have rental clubs and shoes. Some clubs will offer premium sets at a higher price. As most courses have a driving range, it is also advisable to hit some balls before you tee off. Diamond Bay, Nha Trang, has a range where you hit golf balls to the sea and it is well worth the experience of trying this out.

5) Dress to Impress

There are no municipal golf courses in Vietnam available yet, therefore, strict dress codes are in force. This means no tee shirts and proper tailored shorts; each golfer must have their own set of clubs – no sharing – and soft spike golf shoes. Being aware of these rules saves embarrassment and extra costs. However, it is well worth shopping at the golf shops, as they will have a great supply of logoed shirts for sale. They will also stock golf balls, tees, gloves and golf balls.

6) Make the Most of All of the Facilities

The clubhouse (or 19th hole as it is often termed) is a great place to relax, drink and eat after your round of golf. There is nothing nicer than an ice-cold drink after your game. Golf clubs will also have changing and shower facilities and some will offer Jacuzzi and steam rooms and even a spa. The restaurants will offer local and international food at very reasonable prices.

7) Enjoy Yourself and Take It All In

Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, make sure you take time to just enjoy playing on Vietnam’s spectacular golf courses. Most courses are very playable and situated in wonderful locations so each round gives you an opportunity to take in some of the sights of this wonderful country.

Danang has three golf courses near the sea and at Vinpearl, Nha Trang, every hole boasts stunning ocean views. Other inland courses are surrounded by forests and mountains where there may be exotic wildlife to be seen. Royal Golf Course in Ninh Binh province is the home of many hunting birds, with hawks and eagles soaring around in the breeze.

There are snakes on most courses but they will not bother you, as they tend to hide away in the deep undergrowth. If you hit your ball offline, then send the caddie to look for it!

Prices (USD)/ per person

• Our Golf Tour Includes:

  • All green fees, caddy and sharing buggy(you may be charged an extra fee for buggy if your group is an odd group).
  • Staying 3 nights at A&Em Signature 4-star (Deluxe room/ 2 people, have breakfast).
  • Welcome gift for honeymoon couple
  • Massage therapy for 40 minutes.
  • All airports, land, and golf course transfers.
  • Transfer by high-quality cars(7 seats) which have air-conditioners and wifi.
  • 24/7 golf hotline staffed by knowledgeable service personnel.
  • All taxes and service charges.
  • Guests will have mineral water and a cold towel.
  • Travel insurance: 10,000 USD/person/case

  Our Golf Tour Includes:

  • International/domestic airfare, airport taxes, visa fee.
  • Accommodation costs at the hotel.
  • Tour guides accompany your group.
  • Entrance fees for outside visiting.
  • Personal items, outside meals, tips.
  • Gratuity Tips to Caddie, Guide, and Driver.
  • Personal items, drinks, and gratuities.
  • Golf set & rental shoes.
  • Credit card payment fee.

GOLF LIST: 

• Long Thanh Golf Club & Residential Estate

The Long Thanh Golf Club offers 36 holes of golf in the former rice paddies and scenic countryside surrounding Saigon. The Ho Chi Minh City golf course is located 30 kilometers north of the city on a bluff with unobstructed views back towards the Vietnamese capital.

Both the Hill and Lake course are well maintained throughout the year and the golf courses are a longtime favorite among locals. Many expatriates and Vietnam golf visitors prefer Long Thanh Golf Club over its more famous neighbor Vietnam Golf & Country Club.

The Hill Course features rolling fairways and large undulating greens. Large oil palms frame each hole. The Lake Course is characterized by many high lipped bunkers and water hazards on almost every hole to catch errant shots. Both courses feature Paspalum grassed fairways and tee boxes. Putting greens use Tifdwarf Bermuda grass which can roll anywhere from 8 to 10. This combination of grasses matches other top courses in the region. The rough at Long Thanh is cut relatively short and poses no real challenge.

• Tan Son Nhat Golf Course:

Tan Son Nhat Golf Course is a public golf course located 4 kilometers from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Built across 156 hectares, the 36-hole Tan Son Nhat Golf Course borders the Tan Son Nhat Airport – the busiest in Vietnam.

Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects designed a top course out of the surrounding flattish land. Significant earth mounding, many water hazards, large bunkers, and undulating greens characterize every hole. Paspalum turf used on the tees, fairway, rough, and greens ensure top year-round playing conditions. The Saigon golf course is a modern city layout, and Vietnam's most populated city's skyline is viewable from practically every hole.

Course A plays away from the clubhouse and in an area designated for apartments, villas and an on-site hotel. Course B, C, and D all start at the clubhouse. Each nine is equally challenging and well-maintained the par-5’s play long and mostly into the wind. Avoid the greenside bunkers on the par-3’s for good par opportunities.

The Tan Son Nhat clubhouse is one of the largest in Asia and can accommodate not only golfers, but large banquets weddings, and other official functions for up to 5,000 guests at a time. The on-site restaurant serves tasty Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and western dishes at very reasonable prices, with Korea dishes the specialties.

Other faculties including pro shop, driving range, chipping and putting areas, locker rooms, and changing areas are all first rate. Tan Son Nhat Golf Club runs under the supervision of the Vietnam Ministry of Defense. Golf carts are mandatory and relegated to cart paths only, although prices are reasonable and golfers can still choose to walk the fairways while caddies drive. Speaking of caddies, they are all male army recruits with an excellent service mindset, though limited English skills.

Policies

Flexibility is our strongest point. You can amend your booking when it is made. Just contact us at info@vietgreentravel.com or golf@vietgreentravel.com  with your booking number. Our reservations team is glad to amend your booking accordingly.