English Golf Courses

Golf in Vietnam

British golfers are now realising that there is much more to Vietnam than just the miles of paddy fields shown in the many war films. The truth is that as a travelling golfer you will struggle to find a country and people offering such a warm welcome with excellent hospitality.

Golf in Vietnam is changing rapidly. After being virtually non existent for nearly 20 years (between 1975 - 1994) the country now boasts eight top-quality courses with facilities that are second to none.In reality the Vietnam of today is where Thailand was 15 years ago - ready to take off when it comes to offering a golf holiday with a difference.

Around Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon - in the south of the country there are four excellent courses to choose from each with superb facilities and within easy reach of the city centre. Being based here gives you the luxury of superb golf, plenty of exciting sight seeing and local tours - plus of course shopping for untold bargains.

There are plenty of excellent four and five-star International hotels (www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm ) in the city plus a vibrant nightlife and varied cuisine to enjoy. Sample the delights of Pho (beef noodle soup) for breakfast which will set you up for the rest of the day whether you're golfing or taking in the local sights. A round of golf in Vietnam will normally include a caddie who's local knowledge is invaluable.

The Vietnam Golf and Country Club just outside the city was designed by Lee Trevino and offers two superb courses. With spa and massage facilities to be enjoyed after your round and an internationally acclaimed club restaurant, the golf isn't the only reason to visit here.

Other 18-hole championship courses near to the city centre are Bochang Dong Nai - recognised as one of the top 10 most beautiful and challenging courses in Indo-China - and Song Be - Vietnam's first championship standard course.

Just a two hour drive north east of Ho Chi Minh City through wondrous countryside is Phan Thiet on the east coast which is home to the luxurious Ocean Dunes Novotel Coralia www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm golf complex.

The courses www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm here was designed by Nick Faldo and its signature 9th hole features prominently in the 'best 500 holes in the world' publication of well respected US golf magazine. A championship links with a par 72 and measuring 6,749 yards, the course winds its way through seaside dunes with coastal breezes shaping the character from day to day.

'Ocean Dunes is an outstanding natural site with the sand dunes, sea breezes, beach vegetation and sea views,' says Faldo. 'It has the feel and playability of the early seaside courses but with a tropical climate.' Facilities offered at the Ocean Dunes complex are excellent including private beach, tennis courts, swimming pools and beauty salons. The resort is ideal if you want to take a few days to chill out by the sea and enjoy some of the wonderful seafood that Vietnam is justly famous for providing. The 122 room hotel www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm features stylish accommodation and tasteful suites with the latest in-room amenities. Each room is complete with its own balcony, offering magnificent views and stunning sunset panoramas across the delightful Phan Thiet coastline.

After relaxing at Ocean Dunes take time and head up to Dalat where you will find the stunning Dalat Palace Golf Club www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm which is set in idyllic surroundings. Dalat - known as the City of Eternal Spring - has a superb temperate climate from a lofty position some 5,000 feet above sea level.

Staying at the five-star Sofitel Dalat Palace www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm , which dates back to 1922, is nothing short of total luxury. Fully operational since early 1994, the Dalat Palace Golf Club is a masterpiece in design. Gently crafted into the rolling hills and overlooking the majestic Xuan Huong lake, the course weaves its way through stately pine tress to over-sized and delicately manicured greens. At 7,009 yards in length, the par 72 course is an enjoyable challenge for players of all levels and a thorough test for the expert. After an enjoyable visit to Dalat you can travel down to Nha Trang on the east coast with its superb beaches on the South China Sea and enjoy the facilities of five-star hotels.

A two-hour flight from Nha Trang will take you to Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam - which offers a total contrast to the cosmopolitan south. Around Hanoi there are several good courses to choose from and the recently opened Chi Linh Star www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm course recently hosted an event on the Asian PGA Tour. After enjoying golf at Chi Linh Star, a short drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta will bring you to Ha Long Bay where you can enjoy a cruise in a junk on the emerald green waters and view the spectacular limestone islands.

There are so many good reasons to sample the wonders that Vietnam has to offer from the breathtaking scenery and safe travel especially for women to the excellent value for money and un crowded golf courses.Vietnam really is the undiscovered jewel of world golf.

One UK-based golf tour company to see the potential of Vietnam as a new and exciting golfing destination is Vietnam Golf and Travel run by partners Jeremy Knight and Hai Ngan.

Examples of some of the golf tours available together with accommodation details can be found at www.vietnamgolf.co.uk www.vietnamgolf.co.uk/golf/accommodation.htm or by calling +44 (0) 1296 615 714.