Golf in Vietnam vs in Thailand: Where Should You Play?
Vietnam and Thailand are both top choices for golf holidays in Southeast Asia, but each offers a very different experience. Over the past two decades, Thailand has built an image as Asia’s golf paradise with its long-established courses, comprehensive services, and high stability. Meanwhile, Vietnam has emerged strongly in the last 10 years with a host of new, impressively designed golf courses and competitive pricing.
For international golfers, the question is no longer whether to play golf in Southeast Asia, but rather whether to choose golf in Vietnam vs in Thailand for their next golf holiday. This article focuses on comparing the two countries from a practical golf holiday perspective, from course quality and recommended courses to costs and which destination best suits different types of golfers.
Golf Course Quality and Design
Both Vietnam and Thailand possess internationally standard golf courses, but the difference lies in their newness, design style, and the overall experience golfers receive.
Vietnam
A major advantage of golf in Vietnam is the natural landscape. Coastal, hilly, and mixed-terrain golf courses are densely populated, offering diverse experiences on a single trip. Many courses utilize the original terrain instead of completely leveling it, creating distinct and unique layouts.
Vietnam also attracts many leading golf course architects worldwide, such as Nicklaus Design, Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Robert Trent Jones Jr., and IMG. This helps golf courses in Vietnam not only have beautiful scenery but also strategic depth.
The golf industry in Vietnam has developed rapidly in a short period, with many golf courses built and operated to international standards from the outset. Most of the prominent golf courses in Vietnam have been established within the last 10 to 15 years, resulting in relatively new and modern infrastructure, clubhouses, and course surfaces.
Thailand
The greatest strength of golf in Thailand lies in its consistency. The courses are well-maintained year-round, the services run smoothly, the caddies are experienced, and the pace of play is effectively controlled. Golfers who return to Thailand often know exactly what kind of experience they can expect.
In terms of design, Thailand offers a variety of styles, from classic parklands and challenging water courses to hill courses. However, because many courses are older, the architectural novelty isn’t always as prominent as in Vietnam.
Thailand is a long-established golf destination in Asia, with a history of golf development spanning decades. The golf course system here is very diverse, ranging from high-end golf resorts to courses for local golfers and regular players.
Where to Play Golf in Vietnam vs in Thailand
While Vietnam offers dramatic mountain and seaside layouts, distinctive cultural blends and frequently lowers fees and emerging hotspot like Da Nang, Thailand offers well-established golf infrastructure, frequently flatter courses with world-class service (Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin).
Vietnam
BRG Kings Island Golf Resort (Hanoi)
BRG Kings Island is a large golf complex in northern Vietnam, located on a peninsula in the middle of a large lake. The complex has many courses with different styles, suitable for both beginner and experienced golfers.
The advantages of Kings Island are its convenient location from Hanoi, its tranquil atmosphere, and the ability to play many consecutive rounds without repeating the experience, a strong example of diversity found in golf courses in Vietnam.
BRG Kings Island Golf Resort
Ba Na Hills Golf Club (Da Nang)
Ba Na Hills Golf Club is one of the most famous hill golf courses in Vietnam. Located at a relatively high altitude above sea level, the course offers a cooler climate compared to coastal courses in Central Vietnam. The natural hilly terrain creates undulating fairways, greens with moderate slopes, and many holes requiring strategic thinking.
The course is suitable for intermediate and advanced golfers, especially those who want to experience golf in a different natural setting compared to coastal links courses. It is also one of the few courses in Vietnam that allows night golf with a modern lighting system.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Quang Nam)
Hoiana Shores is a typical coastal links-style course in Vietnam, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Situated close to the coast, it has few trees, is windy, and demands good ball control. The fairways are wide but challenging, and the greens are large but heavily affected by sea breezes.
It is suitable for intermediate and high-handicap golfers who want to challenge themselves in natural wind conditions. Hoiana Shores is often praised for its turf quality and its pure links layout, a rarity among golf courses in Vietnam and across Asia.
>>> Explore Hoiana Shore Golf Club Stay & Play Package, an ideal option for golfers who want to combine a challenging coastal links experience with comfortable on-site accommodation and well-arranged tee times.
Hoiana Shores Golf Club
Laguna Golf Lang Co (Hue)
Laguna Golf Lang Co offers a rare multi-terrain golf experience. In a round, players traverse coastal areas, rice paddies, streams, and hills. Nick Faldo’s design makes the course both accessible to casual golfers and challenging enough for experienced players.
The course is particularly suitable for long golf holidays, where golfers want to combine relaxation and playing golf in various terrains without having to travel far.
Laguna Lang Co Golf Club
The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip (Vung Tau)
The Bluffs is considered a leading links course in Vietnam. Designed by Greg Norman, the course sits atop high sand dunes, heavily influenced by sea breezes. Many holes have significant elevation differences, creating visually impressive shots onto the green.
This course is for technically skilled golfers who enjoy challenges and are not afraid of strong winds. For many international golfers, The Bluffs is the main reason to choose Vietnam for a short golf holiday.
>>> For a seamless experience, consider the Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip Stay & Play Package, designed for golfers looking to enjoy this iconic links course while staying close to the action with convenient lodging.
The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip
Thailand
Black Mountain Golf Club (Hua Hin)
Black Mountain is one of the most highly rated golf courses in Thailand and Asia. The course has hosted many international tournaments, with a layout that balances challenge and accessibility.
The gently hilly terrain, moderately wide fairways, and well-maintained greens make Black Mountain suitable for most golfers and is often on the must-play list for golf holidays in Thailand.
>>> For those planning a longer golf getaway, check out the Hua Hin 4 Days 3 Night Golf Escape, a great way to play multiple golf courses in Thailand while enjoying relaxed seaside stays.
Black Mountain Golf Club
Siam Country Club (Pattaya)
Siam Country Club is a complex of several famous golf courses, with the Old Course and Plantation Course considered iconic. The courses here meet tournament standards, featuring sophisticated design and high precision requirements.
Siam Country Club is suitable for professional golfers, low-handicap golfers, or high-level groups seeking a real golf experience. It is also a familiar destination for LPGA and Asian Tour tournaments.
Siam Country Club
Alpine Golf and Sports Club (Bangkok)
Alpine Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the Bangkok area. The course features many water holes, narrow fairways, and greens requiring good line reading skills.
Its proximity to the city center makes Alpine a popular choice for golfers on short trips in Thailand, easily combined with hotels and high-end services.
Alpine Golf and Sports Club
Red Mountain Golf Club (Phuket)
Red Mountain stands out due to its old volcanic terrain, creating significant elevation differences and a very impressive landscape. This is one of the most photographed courses in Phuket and is often considered a must-see experience for golfers visiting the area.
The course is suitable for golfers who enjoy a visually stunning experience and a layout different from traditional courses.
Red Mountain Golf Club
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
Chiang Mai Highlands offers a tranquil atmosphere, pleasant climate, and a golf experience combined with relaxation. The course is not overcrowded, has a friendly layout, and highly personalized service.
This is a suitable choice for golfers who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of major tourist centers while still enjoying high-quality golf courses in Thailand.
>>> If you prefer a slower-paced golf holiday surrounded by nature, the Chiang Mai Golf Package 5 Days offers a well-balanced journey through some of the most scenic golf courses in Thailand, combined with fresh mountain air and a relaxed northern atmosphere.
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
Which Offers better Value for s Golf Holiday?
Vietnam generally offers more accessible costs, while Thailand has a wide range of options from mid-range to high-end.
Green Fees
In Vietnam, the average green fees for international golfers usually ranges from $30 to $70 for 18 holes, depending on the course and season. Some high-end courses like The Bluffs or Hoiana Shores can cost up to $120 to $170.
In Thailand, the average green fees is typically between $50 and $95 for 18 holes. Top-tier golf courses in Thailand like Siam Country Club or Alpine Golf Club can reach $150 to $180 during peak season. However, Thailand also has many mid-range courses at affordable prices for golfers who play multiple rounds.
Which Destination Is Right for You: Vietnam or Thailand
The right choice depends on personal expectations for the experience, budget, and convenience.
- Vietnam is suitable for golfers seeking new, less crowded courses, strong natural scenery, and reasonable costs. It’s a good choice for golfers wanting to explore new destinations or combine golf with cultural experiences and relaxation.
- Thailand is suitable for golfers wanting a full-service golf experience, professional service, a wide selection of courses, and high stability. It’s an ideal destination for repeat players, large groups, or golfers who prioritize convenience.
There is no single better destination, only one that is more suitable for each golfer. Vietnam represents novelty, scenery, and value for money. Thailand represents stability, diversity, and excellent service. When choosing golf in Vietnam vs in Thailand, the decision ultimately comes down to whether you seek discovery or familiarity, a new challenge or a trusted experience.
Let your next golf journey begin? Explore curated golf holidays in Vietnam and Thailand to find the destination that fits your playing style, travel expectations and budget.
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