A thousand year old capital, lakeside and mountain courses by Nicklaus and his son, caddies on every bag and value that still surprises. Northern Vietnam is one of golf's great emerging trips.
Photograph: Teck Hooi Gan via Google
Hanoi suits the golfer who wants culture and adventure wrapped around the golf, not just resort and range. The courses sit in dramatic settings, on islands in Dong Mo Lake, against limestone hills, beside Van Son reservoir, and the city itself, with its Old Quarter, street food and French colonial grandeur, is one of the most atmospheric stops in Asia. The exchange rate means a high standard of golf, hotels and dining costs far less than the equivalent in Europe or the Gulf.
It works for a buddies group chasing value and variety, and for the more adventurous couple happy to balance golf with sightseeing and a side trip to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. Caddies are standard, carts are common given the heat, and the welcome is warm. This is a trip for travellers as much as golfers.
A 54 hole resort spread across islands and shores of Dong Mo Lake, about 36 kilometers from central Hanoi. The Lakeside and Mountain View courses are joined by the Kings Course from Jack Nicklaus II, set on its own island. Scenic, varied and the obvious anchor for a northern trip.
The first golf course in Vietnam designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, laid through rolling hills only about twenty minutes from Noi Bai airport. Strong conditioning, bold bunkering and a convenient location make it an easy first or last round on a Hanoi trip.
Two championship courses, the Sky and the Lake, carved into hills beside Van Son reservoir about 45 minutes from central Hanoi. The Lake course in particular is a dramatic, water and elevation heavy test that has hosted professional events, and it ranks among the best in the north.
Course designers, hole counts and locations verified June 2026 from the resorts and leading course databases. Green fees are indicative third party figures for the 2026 season and change with day and demand. Always confirm directly before booking.
Land at Noi Bai, transfer into the city. An evening in the Old Quarter, a bowl of pho and an early night to beat the jet lag before golf.
An easy first round close to the airport, then back to the city for the Temple of Literature and a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
A full day on Dong Mo Lake, ferrying to the Kings Course island, lunch at the clubhouse and a scenic afternoon round.
The dramatic Lake course in the morning, then a spa afternoon or a cooking class in the city.
Swap the clubs for a day trip, a cruise on Halong Bay or the karst rivers of Ninh Binh, before a final night in Hanoi.
Most northern courses sit thirty minutes to an hour from central Hanoi. Halong Bay is roughly two and a half hours by road, and Ninh Binh about two hours, both popular non golf days on a longer trip.
| Style | Per person, 2026 | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Value golf week | From around $1,200 to $1,800 | 5 nights 4 star, 3 to 4 rounds, caddies, transfers |
| Five star Hanoi stay | From around $1,800 to $2,800 | 5 to 7 nights 5 star, 4 rounds, private transfers |
| North Vietnam grand tour | From around $2,800 upward | 7 to 10 nights with Halong Bay, 4 to 5 rounds |
Indicative third party operator ranges for the 2026 season, shown to set expectations only. Caddies and carts add to the on course cost in Vietnam. We are a guide, not an operator, and never quote our own pricing. Always confirm directly before booking.
The northern Vietnam golf season runs October to April, when the air is cooler and drier. Spring, March and April, is comfortable, while December and January can be cool and misty. From May to September it is hot and humid with heavy afternoon rain, so early tee times are essential in summer.
Weekday golf is cheaper and quieter than weekends across the north. Book the marquee courses a few weeks ahead and let us arrange caddies, carts and the Halong Bay or Ninh Binh side trip in one plan.
Tell us how long you have and whether you want to add Halong Bay or central Vietnam. One concierge costs the whole trip to the head and replies within one working day, with no obligation.
October to April, when the air is cooler and drier. Spring is comfortable; December and January can be cool and misty. May to September is hot, humid and wet, so play early in summer.
BRG Kings Island on Dong Mo Lake, BRG Legend Hill, the first Jack Nicklaus design in Vietnam, and the dramatic Sky Lake courses are the standouts within an hour of the city.
Indicative green fees run from around 80 to 200 US dollars per round depending on the course and the day, with weekdays cheaper. Caddies and carts add to the cost. Always confirm directly before booking.
Yes. Halong Bay is about two and a half hours from the city and Ninh Binh about two hours, both popular non golf days. Tell us in your brief and we will build them into the itinerary.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course designers, tournament history and indicative third party green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.