Complete Guide to Vietnam Golf 2026: Beautiful Courses, Costs & Handbook

Time 27/08/2026

Vietnam is emerging as one of the most attractive golf destinations in Asia with more than 80 active golf courses, most of which meet international design standards and offer surprisingly competitive costs. From the coastal links courses of Da Nang and Hoi An to the mountain and forest courses of the North or the cool highlands of Da Lat, each region offers a completely different experience. This comprehensive guide provides a full picture of playing golf in Vietnam: a list of the most beautiful golf courses in the three regions, reference green fee costs for 2026, ideal playing seasons by region, visa regulations, and airline baggage rules — helping you plan a complete golf trip starting today.

Looking to book a course? Explore all-inclusive golf tours or book tee times online at more than 70 golf courses nationwide — agency prices better than published rates, with quick same-day confirmation.

1. Overview of the Golf Landscape in Vietnam

Vietnam has transformed from a cultural tourism destination into one of the world's fastest-growing "golf paradises." According to data from the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) and the National Golf Foundation, as of the 2024–2026 period, the country has approximately 80–100 active golf courses — and this number is just the beginning. Local sports and tourism development plans project this figure could exceed 400–500 courses by 2030.

Alongside the infrastructure is the booming community of players: over 100,000 Vietnamese golfers in 2025 and a system of more than 32 courses meeting international 5-star standards, satisfying the strict design criteria of world-leading architects such as Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Jack Nicklaus, and Luke Donald. International tournaments (LPGA, expanded PGA Tour) continuously choose Vietnam as a host venue, confirming that course quality and services meet international standards.

The world has also recognized this: Vietnam has been honored as the World's Best Golf Destination at the World Golf Awards in 2019 and 2021, and has also won the title of Asia's Best Golf Destination for many consecutive years — voted by industry experts and international golfers. From an emerging market, Vietnamese golf is now a leading choice for Southeast Asian golf holidays.

About Handicap & WHS standards: Most resort golf courses in Vietnam do NOT require a handicap card when booking a regular round — it is only strictly applied at premium private clubs or professional tournaments. The World Handicap System (WHS) is supported at most standard courses.

2. Main Golf Regions & Featured Courses

The terrain stretching over 3,200 km from North to South creates three completely distinct golf regions: beautiful valley and lake courses in the North, the world-famous coastal links strip in Central Vietnam, and a system of convenient urban courses plus cool highlands in the South. This clear regional division helps you choose the right experience for your trip.

Northern Region: Hill and Mountain Courses, Natural Lakes & Heritage

The Northern region stands out with its mountainous terrain and vast freshwater lakes, providing the foundation for valley-style and parkland golf courses. It is especially convenient for international travelers thanks to Noi Bai Airport, the country's largest aviation gateway.

• BRG Kings Island Golf Resort (Hanoi): a 54-hole complex designed by Robert McFarland and Jack Nicklaus II, about 45 minutes from Hanoi's city center. Highlight: traveling by boat across Dong Mo Lake to reach the courses — a rare experience. Reference price via Wingolf ~2,980,000 VND.
• Thanh Lanh Valley Golf & Resort (Vinh Phuc): an 18-hole masterpiece designed by Nick Faldo (opened 2021), located at an altitude of 1,000m, just 30–45 minutes from Noi Bai. European-style clubhouse architecture, valley lake scenery. Reference price 1,950,000–3,050,000 VND.
• Dragon Golf Links (Hai Phong): a 27-hole complex designed by Greg Norman in links style with coastal sand dunes, 45 minutes from Cat Bi Airport — a convenient choice for golfers flying directly to Hai Phong.
• Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club (Hanoi): 36 holes including the Sky Course and Lake Course (designed by Ahn Moon Hwan), renowned for high technical difficulty and excellent turf quality.

Central Region: Asia's Coastal Links Capital

The coastal strip from Hue to Quang Nam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Lang Co) is considered one of the most golf-dense areas on the planet. With more than 10 internationally standard courses within a 60 km radius, the Central region is an unmissable destination for any golfer visiting Vietnam.

• Ba Na Hills Golf Club (Da Nang): Luke Donald's 18-hole masterpiece winding along the Ba Na mountain slopes, with full-course lighting system allowing unique night golf. Reference price 2,750,000–3,950,000 VND.
• Hoiana Shores Golf Club (South Hoi An): one of Asia's most prestigious links courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. — sea winds and natural sand dunes punish every inaccurate shot. Ultra-luxury segment, all-inclusive green fee 7,500,000 VND.
• Montgomerie Links Vietnam and BRG Da Nang Golf Resort: two iconic links courses right next to Da Nang, offering pure links experience at 2,280,000–4,455,000 VND — among the best quality/price ratios in Central Vietnam.
• Laguna Golf Lang Co (Hue): Nick Faldo's 18 holes interwoven with tropical forests, rice paddies, and pristine beaches, just over 1 hour from Da Nang; reference price 1,300,000–2,700,000 VND.

Southern Vietnam & Highlands: Urban convenience and temperate climate

Ho Chi Minh City has the busiest urban golf course system in the country with year-round playable rounds thanks to its tropical climate. Just a short flight away, the cool Da Lat highlands and the pearl island of Phu Quoc offer completely different experiences.

• Tan Son Nhat Golf Course (Ho Chi Minh City): 36 holes designed by Nelson & Haworth located right next to Tan Son Nhat Airport — a choice for short-term golf rounds, reference price 2,250,000–3,584,000 VND.
• Vietnam Golf & Country Club (Ho Chi Minh City): a long-standing 36-hole parkland course designed by Lee Trevino and Ronald Fream, attracting the business community; price 2,290,000–5,500,000 VND.
• The Bluffs Ho Tram (Ba Ria – Vung Tau): Greg Norman's magnificent links on a massive rocky dune, within a resort complex; price 5,850,000–6,760,000 VND.
• KN Golf Links Cam Ranh: Greg Norman's 27 holes just a 5-minute drive from Cam Ranh Airport — convenient for Nha Trang – Cam Ranh trips.
• Vinpearl Golf Phú Quốc: the course is located in a pristine forest, offering an experience amidst the nature of the pearl island; price 1,850,000–4,050,000 VND.
• Dalat Palace Golf Club: a classic course at an altitude of 1,500 m, with cool weather year-round — an ideal destination for playing golf in the coffee capital.

Region	Featured Course	Number of Holes	Architect	Reference Price (VND)	Distance from Airport
Northern Region	Thanh Lanh Valley	18	Nick Faldo	1,950,000 – 3,050,000	30–45 minutes (Nội Bài)
Northern Region	Dragon Golf Links	27	Greg Norman	1,350,000 – 5,100,000	45 minutes (Cát Bi)
Central Region	Ba Na Hills Golf Club	18	Luke Donald	2,750,000 – 3,950,000	45 minutes (Đà Nẵng)
Central Region	Hoiana Shores	18	R. Trent Jones Jr.	7,500,000 (all-inclusive)	45 minutes (Đà Nẵng)
Southern Region	The Bluffs Ho Tram	18	Greg Norman	5,850,000 – 6,760,000	2.5 hours (Tân Sơn Nhất)
Southern Region	Tan Son Nhat Golf	36	Nelson & Haworth	2,250,000 – 3,584,000	5 minutes (Tân Sơn Nhất)

Prices in the table are reference prices through Wingolf dealers at the time of writing and may vary depending on playing day, time slot, and promotional programs. See more golf playing costs in detail and the latest list of courses at golf course list.

3. Ideal Golf Season by Region

Unlike many Southeast Asian countries that have only one season, Vietnam's climate varies significantly by latitude — each region has its own golden time frame. Choosing the right season directly determines the quality of the turf, the ball's flight trajectory, and your comfort on the course.

Monthly weather table for the three regions

The table below summarizes typical weather conditions across all three regions — use it to match your trip timing with the most suitable destination:

Month	Northern Region (Hanoi, Hai Phong)	Central Region (Da Nang, Hoi An)	Southern Region (HCMC, Ho Tram, Phu Quoc)
Jan	Cold & dry (14–20°C), pleasantly chilly	Cool (20–25°C), light sea breeze	Peak season: dry sunshine (26–30°C)
Feb	Cool (16–22°C); late month may have drizzly humid weather	Golden season begins: dry, pleasant sunshine	Ideal weather, clear skies
Mar	Warming up (20–26°C), beautiful mornings for golf	Prime window: clear skies, dry greens	Hot and dry (28–32°C); book early morning tee times
Apr	Warm (24–30°C), nice before the hot season	Excellent: beautiful sunshine, calm seas	Hot and dry (30–35°C)
May	Hot and humid (28–34°C); afternoon thunderstorms	Beautiful sunshine, fewer crowds	Rainy season begins; short afternoon showers
Jun	Hot sunshine (30–36°C); play early or under lights	Dry and warm, sea breeze tempers the heat	Afternoon rain 30–45 minutes; courses drain quickly
Jul	Hot with lots of rain; deep seasonal discounts	Dry sunshine; beautiful early morning/evening play	Daily rain; many green fee promotions
Aug	Summer rains; possible tropical depressions	Early month dry and warm, late month winds pick up	Afternoon rain; early morning slots still available
Sep	Transition to autumn (25–30°C), rain decreases	Typhoon risk increases; wettest months ahead	Good morning play; frequent afternoon rain
Oct	Peak golden autumn: clear skies, crisp cool (22–28°C)	High typhoon risk: heavy rain, prone to flooding	Rain gradually decreases, conditions improve
Nov	Excellent: dry, cool (18–24°C), peak inbound season	Monsoon window: major storms in Hue & Da Nang	Main season begins: beautiful sunshine, low humidity
Dec	Busy golf season, chilly (15–20°C), dry	Late month rain ends; large ocean waves	Excellent: almost no rain (25–29°C)

Daylight hours are also worth noting. In the North, winter sunsets come early (around 5:15 PM in December) — groups teeing off after 12:30 PM should play quickly or choose a course with floodlights to complete all 18 holes. Central and Southern Vietnam enjoy a stable 12-hour daylight window year-round. And one point worth repeating: October–November is the storm season along the Central coast — the common belief that "Vietnam is ideal for golf year-round everywhere" is wrong; matching the region to the month is the most important planning decision.

Prime time in the North: October – April

During this period, the weather is cool, humidity is low, and rainfall is negligible — the most ideal conditions for enjoying valley courses. Conversely, from May to September, summer heat combined with sudden downpours can disrupt play; golfers should book early morning tee times if playing during this period.

Central coast: February – August

The Central region's dry season (February–August) brings clear skies and moderate sea breezes — perfect conditions for tackling links courses like Hoiana Shores or Montgomerie. In contrast, the September–November period is the characteristic rainy and stormy season, limiting outdoor golf activities; if traveling during this time, always check forecasts and arrange backup plans.

Tropical South: year-round, best from December – April

Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc enjoy a stable tropical climate. The dry season (December–April) is the most vibrant time; the rainy season (May–November) is still entirely playable because southern showers typically arrive quickly in the afternoon and clear up fast — smart golfers book early morning rounds to make the most of it. And if you want to escape the sun, the best golf season in the Da Lat highlands is a separate consideration.

4. Golf Costs in Vietnam in 2026

The special feature that makes Vietnam attractive to international golfers is its "all-inclusive" pricing structure: the green fee typically already includes caddie fees and electric cart (2-person buggy). Unlike Western countries, carrying your own bag is not common — using a caddie is nearly mandatory in Vietnam. The 2026 price levels are tiered as follows:

Caddie fees, electric carts & tipping culture

Caddie and electric cart fees are already included in the green fee. However, Vietnamese culture requires tipping the caddie directly in cash after 18 holes — the current standard rate is 400,000 – 500,000 VND (about 15–20 USD). If you play 27 holes or the caddie provides excellent green-reading support and service, 600,000 – 700,000 VND is common. Prepare cash before teeing off — there are no card readers on the course.

Single cart surcharge & additional costs

The green fee only includes a shared electric cart for 2 people. Golfers playing in odd numbers (1, 3, or 5 people) who want a cart each will pay a single cart surcharge of 300,000 – 450,000 VND (12–18 USD)/round — factor this into your budget when planning for small groups.

Professional club rental

International golfers who don't want to bring their own clubs can rent top-tier sets (Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway) right at the course for ~1,000,000 – 1,300,000 VND (35–50 USD) per round — a small cost to avoid the risk of damaged clubs on long flights. Golf shoe rental is 200,000–300,000 VND, sun umbrellas 100,000–150,000 VND, and a bucket of 50 practice balls 100,000–200,000 VND at courses that don't include practice balls.

Rain check & weather interruptions

Brief tropical downpours rarely stop the game — play is only suspended when the lightning siren is activated. If extreme weather forces the course to close before you finish 9 holes, most courses issue rain check vouchers valid for 30–90 days, equivalent to a half or full round. Cash refunds are almost non-existent; booking through a tour operator gives you additional flexible rescheduling benefits that direct bookings do not.

5. How to Book Tee Times from Abroad

Booking golf courses in Vietnam from abroad is simpler than many people think, but the booking method directly affects the price you pay. There are two main routes:

Via local agents vs. direct booking

Booking directly through resort websites or international platforms usually means paying the published rack rate — the highest price. Meanwhile, booking through domestic golf agents (like Wingolf) benefits from bulk distribution contracts, resulting in significantly better prices, along with a service ecosystem: shuttle transportation, flexible course change support during bad weather, and advice on choosing courses that match your handicap and budget.

Information to prepare

When booking a course, you need to provide: full name, number of golfers, desired date and time, and (if applicable) handicap information. The booking lead time depends on the season: during the peak season from November to April, prime morning slots (06:30–08:30) and weekends should be confirmed 30–60 days in advance; in the low season, booking 10–14 days ahead is safe enough. Most resort courses do not require a handicap card, but pace of play is strictly monitored — the standard is 4 hours to 4 hours 20 minutes for 18 holes.

6. Logistics Guide: Visa & Golf Luggage

Dress code & on-course rules

Golf courses in Vietnam enforce a very strict dress code — wearing the wrong attire can result in being denied access to the course:

• Shirts: collared polo shirts are mandatory. Round-neck t-shirts, collarless athletic shirts, and sleeveless shirts (for men) are prohibited; golf mock neck shirts are only accepted at some courses.
• Trousers: long dress pants or knee-length Bermuda shorts. Jeans, cargo pants, and swimwear are all rejected.
• Shoes: only soft spikes or rubber spiked soles are allowed — metal spikes are banned nationwide to protect the turf.

2026 visa policy

The Vietnamese government has opened its doors wide to international golfers with Resolutions 44 and 229: visa exemption for 45 days for citizens of 25 countries (Japan, South Korea, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Nordic countries...). Meanwhile, citizens of the United States, Australia, and China need to apply for a 90-day e-Visa (multiple entry) online, with processing taking about 3 working days and a fee of $25 USD — register at the National Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security. Notably, the pearl island of Phu Quoc has a 30-day visa exemption for all nationalities if flying directly to the island (please re-check the latest regulations on the immigration portal before your trip).

Airline policies for golf club sets

Domestic airlines have completely different policies for golf bags — choosing the right airline can save you significantly:

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8. Plan Your 2026 Vietnam Golf Trip Today

With over 100 international-standard golf courses, reasonable prices, and relaxed visa policies, playing golf in Vietnam has never been easier. From urban courses just 5 minutes from the airport to world-class coastal links — every golfer can find the right course for themselves. Whether you are planning a solo trip or looking for full holiday packages, explore our curated guide on Vietnam golf holidays and sample itineraries for detailed regional schedules and estimated costs.

Disclaimer: Prices, airline regulations, and visa policies reflect 2026 data and may change at the discretion of relevant authorities. Please verify directly with Wingolf before booking.