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Greg Norman's ultimate Vietnam itinerary
All photography by Christian Berg
Planning your first golf getaway in Vietnam? Take your cues from World Golf Hall of Famer and Vietnam Tourism Ambassador Greg Norman, who has visited the country countless times and knows its best courses by heart. In this itinerary, Greg highlights four must-visit Vietnamese destinations for golf enthusiasts, and shares his own preferences on where to stay, what to see, and of course, where to play golf.
Historical corners in Hanoi
The heart of the Vietnamese capital is a melange of scenic lakes, tree-lined streets, and graceful mansions. Just a few hours outside, you have access to striking golf courses and a number of UNESCO-listed Heritage Sites.
“When I travel to Hanoi, staying at the Sofitel Legend Metropole is a must. The hotel was built in the early 1900’s and the architecture and layout is magnificent. It’s also very close to the Old Quarter and many other national treasures, so you can truly immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Vietnam.”
“The golf course at FLC Ha Long Bay is probably one of the most scenic courses in the world. It’s not every day you have the opportunity to play a course that is built adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so this one should definitely be on your bucket list when visiting Vietnam. You can get even more up close and personal with a boat tour of Ha Long Bay after your round. I recently did this on my last trip to Vietnam and it was unforgettable.”
Play: BRG Kings Island, FLC Ha Long Bay
Stay: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
See: Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial Citadel, Ha Long Bay
Eat: Club De L’Oriental, El Gaucho
Landscapes and luxury in Da Nang
Once a quiet fishing village, today Da Nang is a city on the up and up. Sprinkled along the coastline from the former Imperial capital of Hue to the ancient port town of Hoi An, you’ll find a string of designer golf courses and five-star retreats.
“What I love most about Da Nang is the diversity of the landscape. The area has some of the most stunning coastlines in Vietnam bordered by a spectacular mountain range. And there is a collection of golf courses there that are among the most modern and best conditioned in the country, including our course at BRG Danang. It’s a destination where you want to plan on spending several days in order to take it all in.”
Play: BRG Danang, Hoiana Shores, Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Montgomerie Links, Laguna Lang Co
Stay: Sheraton Grand Danang Resort
See: Marble Mountains, Golden Hands Bridge, Hue City, Hoi An Ancient Town
Eat: Nen, Olivia’s Prime
Beaches for days in Nha Trang
Nha Trang sees more days of sunshine each year than anywhere else in Vietnam. Visitors come to Nha Trang to snorkel, swim, and sail off sparkling beaches and nearby islands, as well as to hit the city’s buzzing beach bars.
“Having grown up in Australia, I have a deep appreciation for pristine beaches and clean water, and that’s exactly what you will find in Nha Trang. There are also a few relatively small boutique resorts along the corridor from the airport to the city. I always stay at Mia Nha Trang where you can completely relax and unwind on an isolated beach and have a traditional Vietnamese massage in the luxurious spa. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all.”
“Our latest course at KN Golf Links in Cam Ranh Bay is truly one of a kind. The championship Links Course is strategically routed throughout the natural sand dunes and will test every club in your bag. Alternatively, we designed the Oasis Course to be a more forgiving, parkland-style course, so there’s an option for every level of golfer to enjoy. When the remaining development around the courses is completed, it will be one of the largest and most exclusive destinations in Asia.”
Play: KN Golf Links, Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang
Stay: Mia Resort
See: Do Dien Khanh Gallery, Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
Eat: Sandals @Sailing Club, Chef’s Club @Skylight
Contemporary charms in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a long history of welcoming ideas, trade, and trends from overseas. The city’s vibrant energy can be felt on its streets and sidewalks — which are teeming with motorcycles and cafes of every stripe.
“District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is a great location for mixing business with pleasure. We typically stay at the Park Hyatt or Intercontinental so we can schedule business meetings during the day and still have time for dinner at one of the many great restaurants nearby. It’s also a fairly short trip from District 1 down to Ho Tram to play our course, The Bluffs, which is consistently ranked among the best in the world and one of my personal favorites.”
Play: The Bluffs Ho Tram, Tan Son Nhat Golf Course
Stay: Park Hyatt Saigon
See: War Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral
Eat: Anan Saigon, Prime XXI
