Hai Duong is not usually the first name that comes up in North Vietnam golf travel, but it remains a practical and worthwhile stop for golfers moving between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. The province sits about 70 kilometers from Hanoi, or roughly 90 minutes by car, and it works especially well for day trips or short golf breaks. What makes Hai Duong stand out is not the number of courses, but the setting. Compared with flatter areas closer to Hanoi, the Chi Linh area offers more wooded valleys and rolling hills, creating a quieter and more scenic golfing experience.
Another important point is the administrative change that took effect in July 2025. According to GolfLux, Hai Duong is now part of Hai Phong Province. In practical terms, that gives golfers more flexibility when planning trips, because inland golf in the former Hai Duong area can now be combined more easily with Hai Phong’s coastal and island courses. Hai Duong also works naturally as a stopover on the Hanoi–Ha Long route, which is why it appears in many northern Vietnam golf itineraries.
Best Golf Course in Hai Duong
Hai Duong is currently represented mainly by one course on GolfLux.
1. Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club
Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club is the main golf course featured for Hai Duong. GolfLux lists it as a 27-hole course, par 108, with a length of 7,038 yards. The course is located in Chu Van An and is set in a wooded valley around 90 minutes from Hanoi. It is also described as a popular stop when traveling between Hanoi and Ha Long.
What defines Chi Linh is its natural terrain. The course runs through rolling hills, lakes, sand traps, and winding fairways, giving it a more landscape-driven character than many urban-access golf layouts. In GolfLux’s FAQ section, it is described as “the most beautiful golf course in the North,” and while that is clearly a promotional claim, it reflects the course’s strong reputation for scenery and setting.
Which course is better?
If you are choosing strictly within Hai Duong, Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club is the clear main option because GolfLux currently lists only one featured course in the destination itself. If you want more variety, the better comparison is not within Hai Duong, but between Hai Duong and nearby courses in Hai Phong and Ha Long. GolfLux highlights nearby options such as Dragon Golf Links, Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong, Sono Belle Hai Phong Golf & Resort, BRG Ruby Tree Golf Resort, and FLC Ha Long Golf Club & Luxury Resort, all of which can be combined with a Hai Duong round in a broader northern Vietnam golf itinerary.
Best Time to Play Golf in Hai Duong
Hai Duong’s weather follows the same patterns as Hanoi and the rest of northern Vietnam. Vietnam’s official tourism website notes that the region has a wet season from May to September and a dry, cooler season from October to April.
October to December. The best window for golf in Hai Duong. Temperatures settle around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, humidity drops, and rain becomes infrequent. This period works well for full-day outings or combined itineraries that include Hanoi, Hai Phong, or Ha Long. Course conditions are typically at their best after the summer rains.
January to April. Still a good season overall. January and February can be cool and occasionally misty, with temperatures dipping below 15 degrees on some days. March and April warm up nicely, with clearer skies and comfortable playing conditions. Spring is a strong choice for golfers who also want pleasant weather for sightseeing in Hanoi or Ha Long Bay.
May to September. Hot and humid, with temperatures regularly above 30 degrees and frequent afternoon rain. Golf is still possible, but morning tee times are the safer option. Green fees may be lower and courses less crowded during this period, which can appeal to budget-conscious golfers who do not mind the heat. Keep your schedule flexible in case of heavy downpours.
Hai Duong Golf Holidays and Package Tours
Hai Duong works well as a golf stop within a Hanoi-based itinerary rather than a standalone destination. The province is about 90 minutes east of Hanoi, on the route toward Ha Long Bay, which makes it a natural addition to trips that connect the two. The most practical formats are usually:
Hanoi Golf Package 7 Days with rounds at Chi Linh Star Golf and other top northern Vietnam courses, plus Hanoi city sightseeing and spa sessions between rounds.
Hanoi to Ha Long Golf Tour Package 7 Days combining golf from Hanoi through Hai Duong to Ha Long, with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay and Vietnam’s ancient capital.
You only need to plan your trip, and we handle everything else: transfers, hotels, tee times, and whatever details keep the holiday running smoothly.
Hai Duong’s position between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay gives it a geographic advantage. Rather than backtracking from Hanoi for a round, you can play Chi Linh on the way to Ha Long and keep the itinerary moving in one direction. That makes it especially useful for golfers building a 5 to 7 day northern Vietnam program.
Golf Travel Combinations Near Hai Duong
This is where Hai Duong becomes more useful than it may first appear. Because of its location and the recent administrative change, the destination now fits naturally into a wider golf route that includes Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ha Long. A practical itinerary could be Hanoi in the morning, golf at Chi Linh Star, then onward travel to Ha Long or Hai Phong. For golfers who prefer multiple rounds over several days, Hai Duong serves as an inland contrast to the more coastal settings nearby.
Book Tee Times in Hai Duong
If you are planning to play in Hai Duong, Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club is the key course to arrange in advance. When making your booking, check the date, preferred tee time, transport options from Hanoi, and any club rental requirements. It is also worth deciding early whether the round will be a standalone day trip or part of a wider itinerary extending to Hai Phong or Ha Long. From June to August, morning tee times are usually the more comfortable choice due to the warmer and more humid conditions. Because of its location between Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ha Long, Hai Duong works best as a well-timed stop within a broader northern Vietnam golf journey rather than as a separate destination on its own.