Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Hanoi and Surround - Should You Try to Perfect Your Golf Swing?
In the verdant embrace of Hanoi, where history whispers through the age-old pagodas and vibrant life pulses in the streets, a new accolade has emerged, crowning this city as the World’s Best City for Golf in 2023. This honor, bestowed by the World Golf Awards, is not just a title but a testament to Hanoi’s extraordinary evolution into a haven for golf enthusiasts.
Must-Play Golf Courses in Hanoi
- Chi Linh Golf Course
- FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club
- Long Bien Golf Course
- BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort
- Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club
- BRG King’s Island Golf Resort
- Legend Golf Valley Golf Club
- Thanh Lanh – Serena Valley Resort Golf & Club
- Hilltop Valley Golf Club
- Phoenix Golf Resort
Imagine a city where each dawn ushers in mist-laden mornings over manicured greens and fairways, where golf courses are not mere sporting venues but canvases of natural beauty. In Hanoi, more than 10 18-hole courses lay sprawled across the landscape, each a masterpiece harmonizing the art of golf course design with the innate splendor of Vietnam’s terrain. These courses, adhering to international standards, offer challenges that thrill and landscapes that awe, appealing to golfers of every skill level.
Every golf course in Hanoi has its tale to tell. Some are so seamlessly integrated into the landscape, that it seems as if they have always been part of it, with fairways that meander along the natural undulations of the land. Others are marvels of design, offering strategic complexities that captivate the mind and challenge one’s golfing prowess. Elements like water hazards, cleverly placed bunkers, and rolling greens bring added depth and thrill to each round.
As evening descends and Hanoi is bathed in a soft, golden light, there’s a sense of being connected to something truly remarkable. These golfing havens are more than sporting venues; they are sanctuaries where the essence of nature, the richness of culture, and the fervor for golf merge. Here, each swing is set against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, every hole weaves a narrative, and each game is more than a play; it’s a voyage into the heart of a city that celebrates golf as a manifestation of its enchanting character and spirit.
In the following article, we’re thrilled to take you on a journey through the best Hanoi golf courses, meticulously selected to enhance your Hanoi golf holidays in 2024/2025. Our guide will delve into the most exquisite golfing destinations in Hanoi, each renowned for its exceptional design, breathtaking scenery, and top-notch facilities. From challenging layouts that test your skills to tranquil settings that offer a serene golfing experience, our list encompasses a variety of courses to suit every golfer’s preference. Get ready to explore these premier golfing havens that stand out as the pinnacle of Hanoi’s golf offerings, ensuring your golf holiday in this vibrant city is nothing short of spectacular.
Long Bien Golf Club stands as one of the best golf courses in Hanoi, showcasing a harmonious blend of modern design and natural beauty. Nestled amidst the vibrant cityscape, this 27-hole golf course is a masterpiece designed by the renowned golf architect, Nelson & Haworth. It spans over a vast area, offering golfers of all skill levels a challenging and enjoyable experience.
The course is distinguished by its well-maintained fairways and greens, which are laid out thoughtfully to complement the natural terrain. The unique landscape features rolling hills, serene lakes, and strategic bunkering, which add to the course’s aesthetic appeal and tactical complexity. Moreover, its location near the Red River provides a tranquil backdrop, enhancing the golfing experience with picturesque views.
Long Bien Golf Course is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a spacious clubhouse, pro shop, and practice areas. It’s a destination not just for golf enthusiasts but also for those seeking a lush, green escape within the city’s bounds.
BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort, a gem in the crown of Vietnam’s golf courses, boasts a significant first. As the inaugural course in the country designed by the renowned Nicklaus Design from the United States, it firmly establishes itself as a top contender among Hanoi’s most picturesque golfing destinations. Opened in 2015 and sprawling over a generous expanse of more than 7000 yards, this golf haven is strategically situated in the northeast of Hanoi, nestled in the picturesque Soc Son mountain region. Its proximity, just a 20-minute journey from the airport, adds to its appeal.
What sets BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort apart is its innovative adoption of the “twin greens” concept. This approach is both stimulating and demanding, offering a distinctive twist that challenges even the most seasoned golfers. This resort is truly a standout, providing an unparalleled golfing experience where players have the rare opportunity to engage with an 18-hole course that boasts an impressive 36 green complexes. This feature alone makes it a unique offering in Vietnam, providing unmatched variability in play.
The course’s design is a masterful blend of nature and challenge. Encircled by majestic mountains, with palm trees elegantly lining the course and resort, the layout of the yards and the presence of serene water bodies create a harmonious balance. This synergy not only enhances the natural beauty of the landscape but also introduces diverse challenges for golfers. Every element, from the strategic placement of greens to the natural contours of the land, works in unison to offer an experience that is as visually stunning as it is engaging in play.
In essence, BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort is more than just a golf course; it’s a symphony of natural beauty, innovative design, and golfing challenge, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts visiting Hanoi.
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam, is a stunning golfing paradise that offers an exceptional experience to golfers of all levels. This exclusive golf resort boasts two distinct courses: the Sky Course and the Lake Course, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking scenery.
Designed by the renowned Korean architect, Ahn Moon Hwan of Bori Golf Design, both courses harmoniously blend with the natural landscape of the region. The Sky Course is known for its elevation changes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, providing a challenging yet visually rewarding experience. On the other hand, the Lake Course weaves around a series of natural lakes, demanding strategic play and precision.
Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club’s facilities are top-notch, featuring a modern clubhouse, luxurious accommodations, and excellent dining options. It’s not just a golfing destination but a retreat where one can unwind amidst nature, making it a popular choice for both local and international golfers.
BRG Kings Island Golf Club
BRG Kings Island Golf Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Hanoi. The uniqueness is that it has two modes or types of course that are spread over 350 hectares of land and 1500 hectares of waterfronts. The players can choose to play at the King’s Course, the Lakeside, or the Mountainview side course. The King’s course is the best out of the three. The Lakeside layout was designed in 1993 by Robert McFarland and is a beautiful ground with an 18-hole, 72-par stretch. The Mountainview course, on the other hand, is a wooded 18-hole, 72-par arena. This was designed by Pacific Coast developers (PCD) and is located in Vietnam’s Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village. The vastness of the course and the different levels of difficulty will provide an excellent time for golfers while playing here.
Thanh Lanh Valley Golf & Resort
Thanh Lanh Valley Golf & Resort (Serena Valley Resort Golf & Club) located at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, has a cool climate all year round, with an average temperature of 18-25 degrees Celsius. This course is about a two-hour drive from Hanoi. A bypass road connecting Tam Dao, Thanh Lanh, and Dai Lai golf areas makes several excellent golf clubs easily reachable.
Thanh Lanh Golf Club is a Vietnam masterpiece of famous designer Sir Nick Faldo. Nick Faldo and his team incorporated the local natural terrain of Thanh Lanh Lake and the surrounding valley of the Tam Dao mountains. At Thanh Lanh, golfers can play distinct sections, including water surrounded, hillside, parkland, and a short section of Links golf. A peninsula over Thanh Lanh Lake houses the most specular holes. Returning nines both play out and back and share in the beauty of the site. The finishing holes play along the lake’s shoreline to the clubhouse with a magnificent mountain backdrop.
The Serena Valley Resort clubhouse resembles a middle-aged castle looking out over the finishing holes at Thanh Lanh. Modern elements such as accent lighting, well-stocked VIP areas, and a complete pro shop are included but hidden from the external view. Private resort villas are behind the clubhouse and available for rent on both short and long-term tenures.
Phoenix Golf Resort
Phoenix Golf Resort is located 40 kilometers north of Hanoi in Ninh Binh – an area referred to as “Halong Bay on Land”. The view from the course and clubhouse is spectacular as the limestone outcroppings that frame and come into play on many of the holes resemble those most people only expect to see in the famous Halong Bay. The 54-hole Phoenix Golf Resort is the largest pure-play golf facility in Vietnam and the second largest in Asia, only after Mission Hills China.
Designed by Ronald Fream, each of the three courses at Phoenix Golf Resort makes use of severe fairway and green undulations as well as clever routing through and around the unique-looking limestone cliffs. Additional Japanese and Korean design inputs ensure that the surrounding environment is both well-protected and stunning at the same time. The three courses are named Phoenix, Dragon, and Champion Courses.
The huge European-styled clubhouse is on-site with the intent to offer every modern convenience to those Hanoi golfers making their way to Phoenix Golf Resort. Unfortunately, despite the use of imported materials the facilities fall short due to a lack of maintenance, poor staff service, and a general feeling of incompleteness. Therefore, it is recommended to golf and get back to Hanoi before enjoying any after-round relaxation, food, or entertainment.
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club, situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, is a world-class golfing destination that offers a unique blend of challenging gameplay and spectacular natural beauty. Designed by the renowned Schmidt-Curley Design, this 18-hole championship golf course is renowned for its stunning location, perched high above the bay, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the limestone karsts, islets, and the sea.
The course’s layout is both challenging and visually captivating. It features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and large, fast greens that cater to golfers of all skill levels. The signature hole, offering a cliff-edge tee shot, is a highlight that leaves a lasting impression.
Hilltop Valley Golf Club
Hilltop Valley Golf Club, located in the serene Hoa Binh province is also a wonderful destination for a day of golf from Hanoi. It is a splendid golfing venue that captivates with its natural beauty and challenging design. Created by IMG Golf Course Design, one of the leading golf course architects, this 27-hole golf facility is set in a dramatic landscape, surrounded by mountains and lush valleys, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
The course is divided into three nines – A, B, and C, each presenting unique challenges and characteristics. Its layout is a true test of skill, featuring rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and diverse hole designs that cater to golfers of all abilities. The elevation changes and natural water hazards add to the course’s complexity and visual appeal.
Above, we have introduced to you the 10 most thrilling golf courses in Hanoi for your 2024/2025 golf holidays. Some are located right in Hanoi city center while some are in the surrounding provinces, just about 1-hour drive from your accommodation in Hanoi. Please do feel free to contact me if you need help planning a Hanoi golf package.
