Ten years ago, if you asked a serious Australian golfer about Vietnam, golf wouldn't have entered the conversation. Today, Da Nang is being mentioned in the same breath as Phuket and Pattaya - and in some respects it's leaving them behind.
The transformation has been remarkable. In a relatively short time, a cluster of genuinely world-class courses has appeared along Vietnam's central coast, set against a backdrop of white sand beaches, dramatic mountains and a food scene that keeps people talking long after they get home. This is not a destination for golfers who are happy with average. It's a destination for golfers who want something special.
The Courses That Are Making the Noise
The jewel in Da Nang's golfing crown is Hoiana Shores. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II and stretching along a spectacular stretch of coastline, it's a course that would turn heads anywhere in the world. The ocean holes are genuinely memorable. You'll be taking photos as well as scorecards. Greens are fast and true, fairways are immaculate and the design rewards both power and precision.
BRG Da Nang Golf Resort, designed by Luke Donald, is another course that deserves serious attention. It runs along the coast with the Marble Mountains visible from multiple holes - a visual backdrop you simply won't find anywhere else. The design is challenging without being punishing, and the conditioning is first-rate.
Montgomerie Links Vietnam, designed by Colin Montgomerie and Mark Parsinen, offers a more links-style experience. The wind off the sea is a factor here, which makes club selection interesting and keeps even experienced players honest. It's a thinking golfer's course.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club is inland and elevated, offering a completely different character. The cooler temperatures and mountain scenery make it a genuine contrast to the coastal courses, and the design by Luke Donald is genuinely exceptional.
Why the Timing Is Right
Vietnam's golf industry is still developing its international profile, which means two things for Australian golfers right now: prices are lower than they will eventually become, and courses are quieter than they'll eventually get. The window where you can play Hoiana Shores on a Tuesday morning without feeling crowded won't stay open indefinitely.
Da Nang International Airport has direct connections from several Australian cities and is an easy transit through Singapore or Bangkok. Once you're there, everything is within striking distance. The coastal strip between Da Nang and Hoi An - one of Vietnam's most charming heritage towns - is only 30 kilometres long, and it contains some of the finest golf courses in all of Asia.
What's Da Nang Like to Visit?
The city itself has changed dramatically. Modern hotels line the beachfront on My Khe Beach, and the standard of accommodation is genuinely impressive for the price. You can stay somewhere excellent for $80 to $120 a night - less in groups - and the city has a thriving food and restaurant scene that's worth exploring.
Hoi An, just half an hour south, is one of the most charming towns in Southeast Asia. The ancient town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the food is extraordinary and the pace of life is a welcome contrast to the golf course intensity. Any Vietnam trip that includes Da Nang should include at least a couple of hours in Hoi An.
Caddies in Vietnam are a similar setup to Thailand - included, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful. Tips of around 200,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese Dong (roughly $12 to $18 AUD) are standard and appreciated.
How It Compares to Thailand
This is the question I get asked most. Vietnam's top courses are newer and, in some cases, better designed than Thailand's equivalent. They're also a little more expensive at the premium end. Where Thailand has the advantage is in sheer volume - Pattaya alone has over 25 courses within an hour's drive. Vietnam's coastal corridor has fewer options, but the quality-per-course ratio is exceptional.
For golfers who have done Thailand multiple times and want something fresh, Vietnam is the obvious next step. For first-timers who want the best possible introduction to golf in Asia, Vietnam is a compelling option from day one.
Our Da Nang Vietnam golf tour has been one of the most popular trips we run, and for good reason. If you're keen to understand what the itinerary looks like, drop me an email and I'll walk you through it.