|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to the August 2023 issue of the Asian Golf Traveler, the source for information about golf travel in Asia. Also, unique golf playing tips for Indochina's tropical environment, announcements of golf travel promotions, and our latest subscription offer are all integral parts of today's newsletter.
You may have read about Thailand's tourism numbers increasing over the past few months. The major tourist areas like Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai are booming, even considering it's usually slow during the low season. The reasons for the increase in tourists are complicated, but the great values at this time of year certainly help.
For golfers, this may sound like a good reason to delay travel, but as I see, there is a positive spin too. There is an oversupply of Thai hotels and tee times. Not a day goes by when we hear about great deals with price rollbacks to levels of what they were pre Covid-19. The offers are hard to resist, especially with golf and extras like meals and massages. Also, this opens up some of the higher-end accommodations and golf courses to golfers who otherwise might choose to economize.
Secondly, smaller group travelers mean better service and availability, especially around town and at clubs. Finally, while not specifically related to tourism levels, now is the golf festival time of the year. Green fees are always the lowest in July and August, and these two months are fantastic for golf. The courses are green, skies overcast, and whatever rains we get this time of year come later in the day when my after-golf massages and kips are underway.
What about countries besides Thailand? Prices in other SE Asia countries are up due to solid domestic demand, especially on weekends. An excellent golf travel option is Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). New courses, like the 36-hole PGA Nova World Phan Thiet, and integrated resorts, such as Holiday Inn Ho Tram, offer great stay and play values during the week.
Nowadays, everyone is looking for that special golf trip, and I believe quality experiences don't have to be expensive to be great. Our team understands that matching your interests and budgets in the golfing destinations we serve matters most, and we are committed to creating a trip that works for you!
Finally, we are thrilled to announce the release of the second Asia Golf Guide, your essential companion for golf travel across the vibrant landscapes of Asia. Building on the success of our first edition, this comprehensive guide is packed with useful tips, insider insights, and detailed information tailored to elevate your golfing experience in the region. From the lush greens of Thailand to the coastlines of Vietnam, the second Asia Golf Guide covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned golfer seeking new challenges or a traveler looking to combine golf with unique cultural experiences, this guide serves as a roadmap to Asia's finest golf destinations. Get your copy now and swing your way through Asia with confidence and style!
As always, there are many other golf 'happenings' around the region. With that, I invite you to enjoy this edition of the Asian Golf Traveller.
Our specialty is complete full-service itineraries created for your specific travel preferences, expectations, group size, and budgetary requirements. Don't hesitate to contact us anytime for a competitive quote.
|
|
|
Mark Siegel, Managing Director
|
|
|
|
|
ASIA GOLF EVENT CALENDAR 2022/2023
Golfasian Golf Events:
Pattaya Mens Open Golf Week 3 - 9 Sep. 2023, Pattaya, Thailand
Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship 10 - 16 Sep. 2023, Danang, Vietnam
Danang 4 Ball Golf Championship 16 - 21 Sep. 2023, Danang, Vietnam
Pullman Pattaya Invitational Series 21 - 25 Nov. 2023, Pattaya, Thailand
Amari Hua Hin Skins Golf Week 24 - 29 Mar. 2024, Hua Hin, Thailand
Centara World Masters 9 - 15 Jun. 2024, Hua Hin, Thailand (DEAL)
AVANI Pattaya 2 Ball Golf Champ. 16 - 22 Jun. 2024, Pattaya, Thailand (DEAL)
|
|
|
|
|
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH: Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, a city shaped by history, commerce, and culture, thrived as a strategic trading hub in the late 1700s. The mid-19th-century French invasion ignited a fierce struggle, culminating in French defeat in 1954. A blend of French provincial charm with Vietnamese spirit, Saigon's bustling commerce turned it into South Vietnam's cultural and capital city in the 1960s and '70s. Renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, the heart of Saigon beats strongly within its 5-million-strong population. Its nighttime vitality distinguishes it from other Vietnamese cities, with lively sidewalk cafes, pubs, and restaurants that stay awake into the wee hours.
For golf enthusiasts, Ho Chi Minh City is a treasure trove. Championship golf courses like Long Thanh, Vietnam Golf & Country Club, and Twin Doves, though typically reserved for members, welcome visitors through specialized golf travel agents. These clubs, paired with Saigon's historical and cultural attractions, make the city a prime destination for a Vietnamese golf holiday.
Whether indulging in the vibrant nightlife or teeing off at some of Vietnam's best golf courses, a Saigon golf vacation offers a blend of the old and new, a city steeped in history yet vibrant with modern life. It's not just a city; it's an experience waiting to unfold.
To book your tailored travel package and find out more information, please email us.
|
|
|
|
|
COURSE OF THE MONTH:
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip
The Greg Norman-designed Bluffs Ho Tram Strip golf course is located 80 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on the southern Vietnamese coastline. It takes around 2 hours to reach a mix of highway and local roads from Ho Chi Minh City. The Bluffs Ho Tram is a unique links-style par-71 golf course on a rugged site often accompanied by strong onshore breezes.
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip has some of the best geographical traits for a top golf course layout. For example, the whole site sits on a coastal plateau with 50-meter elevation changes from the highest to lowest point with hole routing among towering seaside dunes. The course built on sandy loam soil has native crawling vegetation. This creates excellent drainage and turf conditions. Next, being exposed to high sea winds at specific times through the year plays havoc and creates an exciting challenge for even the best seasoned golfers. The links course also makes for a golf experience as much a feast for the eyes as challenging.
To book your tailored travel package and find out more information, please email us.
|
|
|
|
|
ACCOMMODATION OF THE MONTH:
Sofitel Plaza Saigon
Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel, situated in the vibrant heart of Saigon, offers a serene golf traveler's retreat amidst the city's buzz. Nestled on the tranquil, tree-lined Le Duan Blvd, the hotel's central location puts you just steps away from excellent shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks like Notre Dame Church and Reunification Palace.
But it's the golfer in you that will truly feel at home. Each of the hotel's contemporary rooms offers stunning city views, perfect for relaxing after a day on the fairways. The outdoor rooftop pool, with its breathtaking urban panorama, provides a refreshing way to unwind as you reminisce about your rounds.
Stay connected with complimentary internet and enjoy international television programs as you plan your next day's golf adventure. With its blend of comfort, elegance, and prime location, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel ensures that your golf vacation in Saigon is as spectacular off the course as it is on. Whether you're here to challenge yourself on Vietnam's world-class golf courses or explore the rich culture of Saigon, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel is your ideal home away from home.
To book your tailored travel package and find out more information, please email us.
|
|
|
|
|
GOLF PACKAGE OF THE MONTH:
Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City Golf Package
Explore the best of golf and culture with the One-Week Hanoi-Saigon Vietnam Golf Package. This seven-day adventure takes you to premier golf courses like King's Island Golf Resort and The Bluffs, offering challenging play amidst stunning landscapes.
Stay in luxurious hotels and resorts in Hanoi and Saigon, selected for comfort and style. Off the greens, delve into Vietnam's rich heritage through guided tours of Hanoi's historic sites and Saigon's Cu Chi Tunnels.
Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine through specially curated dining experiences, and enjoy the flexibility to tailor the package to your preferences. The package includes green fees, caddie fees, shared golf carts, accommodations, guided tours, airport transfers, and daily breakfast.
The One-Week Hanoi-Saigon Vietnam Golf Package is more than a golf holiday; it's a blend of golfing excitement and cultural exploration. From teeing off at renowned courses to exploring Vietnam's vibrant cities, this package is a gateway to an unforgettable golfing experience. Experience golf as never before in the Land of the Blue Dragon! [View the full itinerary]
To book your tailored travel package and find out more information, please email us.
|
|
|
MEET OUR TEAM - Chris
Meet Chris, Golfasian's multi-talented maestro orchestrating our golf tournaments and deftly handling the Austrian and Swiss markets with the finesse of a seasoned golfer avoiding a sand trap. With roots in both Thailand and Austria, Chris is the living embodiment of "East meets West," and the result is an intriguing blend that's as complex and rewarding as a perfectly executed hole-in-one.
A lover of the links, Chris's passion for golf transcends mere hobby; it's a way of life. He's as comfortable discussing market trends as he is swinging a nine-iron, and rumor has it, he once closed a business deal while sinking a putt on the 18th hole!
Hua Hin, Thailand's seaside resort town, is Chris's sanctuary, a place where he can embrace his Thai heritage, one golf course at a time. After all, why meditate when you can tee off?
With a linguistic arsenal that includes Thai, German, and English, Chris's conversations are as colorful as his wardrobe on the golf course. His multicultural background allows him to navigate the global stage as smoothly as he navigates the fairways.
If you find yourself participating in one of our golf tournaments, or engaging with our Austrian or Swiss markets, brace yourself for a delightful encounter with Chris. He's a fusion of charm, wit, and wisdom, with a sprinkling of humor that's as refreshing as finding the clubhouse after a round in the rain. Whether you're looking to talk birdies, business, or bratwurst, Chris is your man, a veritable hole-in-one in the game of life!
Contact our team of golf travel experts to start planning your next golf holiday!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two South Africans plus an Ausi golfer on their Thai Caddies
We recently caught up with these overseas golfers in Pattaya and they were telling us about the Thai caddies. Seems they did rather well and if you haven’t experienced playing a round of golf in the land of the smiles, Thai caddies are the country’s secret weapon. Now is the time to book a golf holiday there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DOWNLOAD THE ASIA GOLF GUIDE
|
|
|
As a Golfasian newsletter subscriber, you are entitled to a complimentary copy of our all new Asia Golf Guide.
The Asia Golf Guide showcases the best golf course and hotels in all destinations Golfasian covers.
Download the Asia Golf Guide today to start planning your next golf holiday in Asia.
|
|
|
ABOUT GOLFASIAN / CONTACT US
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Follow us on social media
|
|
|
|
|
