Vung Tau – A Destination Review by Gary Dixon

General Manager of The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, Gary Dixon, on why he thinks Vung Tau should be your next golf holiday destination

Having been a PGA Golf Professional for over 30 years I have been very privileged to have traveled the world experiencing some of the best that the world has to offer in Golf Courses both as a Touring Professional and as a Club Manager. My new appointment at the Bluffs Ho Tram Strip finds me again at one of the most beautiful seaside locations you will find in Asia rich in local Vietnamese culture and history. The Grand Ho Tram Resort and The Bluffs Ho Tram Golf Course is in my opinion one of the finest Stay and Play experiences on earth with something to do for everybody! Set along the beach line which is known as Ho Tram Strip which is the coastline between Long Hai and Binh Chau in Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (about 120 km south from Ho Chi Minh City). The nearby town of Vung Tau is where my wife and I reside and it is a popular seaside weekend escape from Ho Chi Minh City. Vung Tau explodes at weekends when beach-starved locals and expats descend in numbers, but it is relatively quiet during the week which makes for a peaceful life. The city enjoys a spectacular location on a peninsula, with ocean on three sides where the oil and gas industry have played a major part of its recent history. The light and sea air make it a refreshing break for those coming from larger cities or finalizing their Vietnam Travel journeys. Vung Tau is a remarkably civilized-looking city of broad boulevards and imposing colonial-era buildings, full of wonderful restaurants and some of the finest seafood you will find anywhere on earth. Whilst we haven’t lived here all that long, the quality of life here seems to be very relaxed and easy going with all of the amenities and attractions one could need to lead a full and fulfilling life. There is so much to do for the whole family you will definitely need a few days to see it all. The 18-hole, Greg Norman designed Bluffs Championship Golf Course on the Ho Tram Strip in Southern Vietnam is one of the finest Links Golf Experiences you will find in the Asia Pacific Region. This combined with the Grand Resort providing a 5 star experience for individuals and families alike makes it the perfect destination to unwind for a long break or for that weekend getaway we all crave and work towards. Mother Nature has provided this wonderful Links Land which has provided for what is now a truly world class golf experience and I can say that there is something for every golfer of all levels and is definitely a “must play” for all of the “bucket list” enthusiasts. Having been based here for 2 months now, I feel very fortunate to call Southern Vietnam our new home and I can see why so many people find this part of Vietnam so desirable to travel to. Even though it is currently the wet season, the climate is cooler and less humid than other parts of Vietnam where we have lived before and the sea breeze is always refreshing to keep your temperature down. I have no doubt that whether you’re coming for a round of golf, a day at the beach or just to try the local seafood, you will enjoy the experience and all that Vung Tau has to offer!