Five great things about golf and travel in Vietnam

If you haven’t already heard, Vietnam is now open to international travelers! No quarantine is required if you’re fully vaccinated and there is no requirement for testing on arrival. Further information about testing requirements can be found here. Vietnam has already established itself as a destination of choice for golf travelers in the know, and as travel picks up pace this year, is poised to again provide astute golfers an impressive array of choices. As noted in the R&A’s Golf Around the World report, Vietnam is host to 78 courses. And this was in 2019! The report notes that back then another 43 courses were in development, reflecting the strong interest in and commitment to golf in the country. Read on for our rundown of five great things about golf and travel in Vietnam:

• Beaches – Vietnam is known for its spectacular coastline, where powdery white sand meets crystal-clear water. From Hoi An, to Da Nang, to Ha Long Bay, there are a range of simply stunning beachside destinations to choose from. If you’re keen to mix your golf with some quality beach-time, Vietnam should be near the top of your list. And, in addition to this, these beachside locations are set up to cater for golf travelers, offering plenty by the way of top-quality course options.
• Food – know your pho from your banh mi? Ever tried goi cuon or nem ran? What about thit nuong or rau muong? Vietnamese food provides plenty of variety, spanning an array of interesting choices, with fresh ingredients and strong flavors a key feature of traditional Vietnamese dishes. The French influence is evident in the baguettes on offer (banh mi), stuffed with a variety of local ingredients, and the strong coffee that will get you going ahead of a round of golf first thing in the morning.
• Big city color – from the ancient capital of Hanoi in the north, to humming Ho Chi Minh City in the south, Vietnam has options for you if you like the big city hustle and bustle. Both cities are replete with a range of activities to participate in, be it simply wandering the streets and absorbing the local sights and sounds, exploring the local markets and shopping districts, or checking out the many restaurants, cafes and bars. If you’re keen to delve further into the local culture and history, it will be worthwhile taking a guided tour.
• Nightlife and entertainment – Vietnam has a vibrant nightlife, with entertainment options aplenty. There’s lots of bars and pubs in the major centers, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, along with the larger beachside destinations that dot the coast, such as Hoi An, Da Nang and Ha Long Bay. From chilling out barefoot with a beer by the beachside in Hoi An, to taking in the cityscape from a sky lounge in Hanoi, to enjoying a dinner cruise along the Saigon River, you certainly won’t be short of options in the tourist hotspots.
• Golf – did we mention the golf? Vietnam’s golf scene has been evolving at pace and it has certainly earned its stripes in recent times as one of the world’s real up-and-coming golf destinations. As R&A notes, Vietnam has become a major market, emerging as the fastest growing Asian destination, with many new courses being developed on the country’s sandy, dune-laden coast along the South China Sea. When arranging a golf holiday, there is certainly plenty of scope to mix and match, and take in the breadth of this wonderful country.

You can find further information on Vietnam and the range of course options available here.