Best Places to Play Golf During Your Hanoi Getaway

Why Hanoi Is a Great Base for a Golf and Travel Holiday

Hanoi offers the best of both worlds for tourists who want to combine golf with cultural exploration. Spend the day playing at a scenic golf course on the outskirts of the capital, then return to the city to enjoy a bowl of bun cha, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, or explore the lively Old Quarter after sunset. This balance of outdoor leisure, local cuisine, and cultural experiences makes Hanoi an appealing base for a golf holiday in Northern Vietnam.

However, planning your itinerary requires some attention to distance. Many golf courses are located outside the city center, so travel time can add up, especially during peak traffic hours. It is best to make each golf session the main activity of the day, leaving enough time to travel between the course and your hotel without rushing. You can then enjoy Hanoi’s attractions at a more relaxed pace in the late afternoon or evening.

Best Golf Courses Near Hanoi for Every Type of Golf Holiday

Kings Island Golf Course

Located approximately 40 km southwest of central Hanoi, Sky Lake Golf Course is a popular destination for golfers seeking a combination of challenging play and beautiful natural scenery. Set amid rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery near Ba Vi National Park, the resort offers a refreshing escape from the busy streets of the capital. Its peaceful surroundings also make it an appealing stop for tourists who want to enjoy outdoor activities while exploring Northern Vietnam.

The resort features two 18-hole courses, The Sky Course and The Lake Course, offering different playing experiences against a backdrop of hills and water. The varied terrain provides an engaging challenge for golfers, while the surrounding landscape adds to the appeal of a day on the greens. For visitors planning a golf holiday near Hanoi, Sky Lake can easily become the main activity of a day trip, followed by an evening back in the capital to sample local specialties such as bun cha, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, or explore the Old Quarter.

Sky Lake Golf Course

Located approximately 40 km southwest of central Hanoi, Sky Lake Golf Course is a scenic golf destination surrounded by rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery near Ba Vi National Park. The natural setting creates a peaceful escape from the busy capital, making it an appealing stop for tourists who want to combine outdoor recreation with a broader Northern Vietnam itinerary.

The resort features two 18-hole courses, The Sky Course and The Lake Course, offering distinct challenges for golfers with different preferences. The Sky Course is known for its demanding layout and challenging terrain, while The Lake Course features a picturesque setting with water hazards that require careful shot selection. Together, they provide a varied golfing experience in a landscape shaped by hills and lakes.

For tourists planning a golf holiday near Hanoi, Sky Lake is well suited to a full-day excursion. You can spend the morning or afternoon on the course, then return to the city to enjoy Hanoi’s culinary scene, explore the Old Quarter, or unwind at your hotel. As the course lies outside the city center, arranging private transportation and reserving sufficient travel time will help make the day more comfortable.

Long Bien Golf Course 

Located near central Hanoi along the Red River, Long Bien Golf Course is one of the most convenient options for tourists looking to fit a round of golf into their Hanoi itinerary. Unlike courses farther out in the suburbs, its accessible location makes it easier to combine golfing with sightseeing, dining, and other city experiences without spending too much time on the road.

The course features 27 holes designed by renowned golf course architect Nelson & Haworth, offering a varied layout suitable for both experienced golfers and those newer to the sport. Its well-maintained fairways, strategic bunkers, and water hazards provide an engaging challenge, while the modern facilities create a comfortable environment for visitors. For tourists with limited time in Hanoi, Long Bien Golf Course is an ideal choice for a golf session followed by an afternoon exploring the capital’s historic landmarks or an evening sampling Vietnamese cuisine in the Old Quarter.

Van Tri Golf Course

Located approximately 20 minutes from central Hanoi, Van Tri Golf Course offers a convenient escape for tourists who want to enjoy a round of golf without travelling far from the capital. Designed by renowned golf course architect Peter Rousseau, this 18-hole course blends thoughtfully planned fairways with lush greenery, natural water features, and carefully maintained landscapes. Its peaceful surroundings provide a welcome contrast to Hanoi’s busy streets, making it an attractive choice for a golf break during a city holiday.

Beyond the course itself, Van Tri is known for its high-quality facilities and exclusive atmosphere, providing a comfortable setting for golfers seeking a more refined experience. The course layout combines strategic challenges with scenic views, appealing to players who appreciate both technical play and beautiful surroundings. Its proximity to Hanoi also makes it easier to plan a flexible itinerary, with time for golf during the day and opportunities to discover the capital’s historic sites, traditional cuisine, and vibrant nightlife later on.

BRG Legend Hill Golf Course

Located in the northern outskirts of Hanoi, BRG Legend Hill Golf Course offers a distinctive golfing experience surrounded by rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and lush woodland. As the first golf course in Vietnam designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus and his design team, the course stands out for its innovative layout and scenic natural setting. Its location away from the busy city center makes it an appealing destination for tourists seeking a peaceful outdoor escape during their Hanoi holiday.

The 18-hole course is particularly known for its unique twin-green concept, which provides two different green options for each hole and creates greater variety in how golfers approach their game. Combined with the undulating terrain and carefully designed hazards, this layout offers an engaging challenge for both strategic thinkers and experienced players. For tourists planning a golf tour near Hanoi, Legend Hill can be the centerpiece of a day trip, with the rest of the itinerary reserved for exploring the capital’s cultural landmarks, sampling local specialties, or relaxing at their hotel after a day on the course.

Tam Dao Golf Course

Located approximately 70 km north of Hanoi, Tam Dao Golf Course sits amid the scenic Tam Dao mountain range, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and bustle of the capital. Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and expansive mountain views, the 18-hole course is known for its cool, fresh air and picturesque setting. The higher elevation creates a different atmosphere from the golf courses closer to Hanoi, making it an appealing destination for tourists who want to combine outdoor recreation with a relaxing mountain getaway.

The course features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that challenge golfers to balance accuracy with distance. Its natural terrain adds variety to each round, while the surrounding valleys and mountain scenery make the experience rewarding beyond the game itself. For a more complete golf holiday, tourists can combine a round at Tam Dao Golf Course with an overnight stay in Tam Dao town, where they can enjoy the cooler climate, explore scenic viewpoints, sample local specialties, and experience a quieter side of Northern Vietnam before returning to Hanoi.

Plan Your Hanoi Golf Tour: What to Know Before You Go

Autumn, from September to November, is generally one of the most pleasant times for a golf trip in Hanoi, thanks to its milder temperatures and relatively comfortable outdoor conditions. However, occasional rain may still occur, particularly in early autumn, so checking the weather forecast before your round is recommended. Summer in Northern Vietnam is typically hot, humid, and rainy, while winter can bring cold spells and dense fog that affects visibility. If you plan to play during these seasons, check local conditions in advance and confirm your tee time with the golf course.

Before booking your Hanoi golf tour, request a detailed quotation from the golf course or tour operator to understand the total cost. The quotation should clearly include green fees, caddie fees, buggy rental, golf club hire if needed, and private transportation between your hotel and the course. Check whether weekend or public holiday surcharges and applicable taxes are included, and clarify the deposit, payment deadlines, and cancellation or rescheduling policies, especially in cases of severe weather. If you plan to combine golf with sightseeing or an overnight stay, confirm whether accommodation, meals, and other activities are covered. With these details arranged in advance, you can enjoy a smoother golf holiday while keeping your budget under control.

A golf holiday in Hanoi offers more than time on the greens. From peaceful lakeside fairways to scenic mountain courses, the region gives tourists plenty of opportunities to enjoy their favorite sport while discovering Northern Vietnam’s landscapes, cuisine, and cultural heritage. Whether you are planning a short golf getaway or a longer holiday, choosing the right courses and itinerary can make your trip even more rewarding.

Ready to plan your next golf adventure? ACT Travel can help you create a tailor-made Vietnam golf tour, combining your preferred golf courses with private transportation, comfortable accommodation, and memorable sightseeing experiences. Let’s design a golf holiday that brings together the best of the game and the beauty of Vietnam!