Golf Holidays in Hoi An, Da Nang, Vietnam: Why It’s More Than Just a Stopover
I used to think Danang was just a convenient layover between Hanoi and Saigon. You know, a quick beach break or a stop before heading to Hoi An. But then I spent a week here, golf clubs in tow, and realized—this place isn’t just a pitstop. It’s the whole damn trip.
Let’s get this straight: Danang isn’t trying to compete with the chaos of Ho Chi Minh or the historic buzz of Hanoi. It’s carving out its own vibe. Clean, organized, chill. And when it comes to golf? Quietly brilliant.
Getting There (and Around) Without the Fuss
Danang’s got one of Vietnam’s three international airports. Easy flights in from Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, or even a one-stop route from Europe. If you’re already in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you’re looking at a quick 1.5-hour flight. Taxis from the airport are everywhere. Just make sure you’ve got some cash for the local surcharge at drop-off—nothing huge, maybe 10,000 to 20,000 VND.
If you’re not keen on renting a car, grab a metered taxi or ask your hotel to sort transport to and from the golf courses. Most of them will even help you pre-book a return pickup. Danang’s bus network has gotten a facelift lately too—air-conditioned and reasonably reliable if you’re up for a little local flavor.
Where to Stay: Beach, River, or City Buzz?
I stayed at a beachside resort one time—Cicilia, mid-range with ocean views and solid breakfasts. Perfect if you’re the type who wants to unwind with some sea breeze after 18 holes. The stretch along My Khe Beach is full of resorts, from the flashy (like the InterContinental) to the cozy.
Prefer city energy? Stay around the Han River. Places like Brilliant Hotel or Vanda put you close to local markets, cafes, and Danang’s quieter nightlife scene. Walking across Dragon Bridge at night, lights dancing off the water—worth it.
Honestly, it doesn’t really matter where you stay. The golf courses are spaced out enough that you’ll need a ride either way.
When to Go: Timing is Everything
If you hate playing in the rain, avoid September to November. That’s typhoon season—sticky, windy, soggy. From late December to April, things cool down a bit and the skies clear up. February to April? Prime golf weather. Cooler mornings, light breezes, and barely a drop of rain.
That said, I played Ba Na Hills once in mid-July—yes, it was hot, but teeing off at 6:30 AM with the mist lifting off the fairways? Unreal. Just hydrate and book early morning slots.
The Courses That Make Da Nang a Golf Destination
BRG Danang Golf Club – Greg Norman’s Beast
This one’s right along the coast, and it plays like a true links course. Wind’s a constant factor. No out-of-bounds here—just massive fairways and natural sand waste areas that’ll punish any lazy shot. I played here twice on my last trip. Once early in the week, then again on my last day because I couldn’t get it out of my head.
The course sits on the exact beach where American troops first landed in the ‘60s. Adds a weird, surreal layer to the whole experience.
Montgomerie Links – Scotland Vibes, Vietnam Heat
Fifteen minutes from the airport. You’ve got views of the Marble Mountains and the sea. Colin Montgomerie designed this one, and while it’s less punishing than BRG, it’s no walk in the park either. Thick rough, rolling fairways, big greens—you need to be smart around the chipping areas.
The clubhouse here is sleek, with great food. Try the bánh xèo after your round.
Laguna Lang Co Golf Club – Faldo’s Mountain + Sea Combo
This one’s a bit of a trek—about 90 minutes north—but totally worth it if you can swing a night or two at the resort. I stayed here once in October, and even though it rained one afternoon, the morning round was pure magic. Tee boxes for every level. Rice paddies, creeks, beachfront holes. Faldo designed this to blend into the landscape, and it really does.
Bonus: the on-site spa and beach bar make it ideal for a chill golf getaway.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club – Luke Donald’s Only Course (Yep, Really)
Just 25 minutes from downtown, this is the most dramatic layout in Danang. Elevation changes, pine forests, hilltop views—it’s got character. The front nine snakes through the forest, while the back nine climbs and dips along ridges with doglegs and blind shots that keep you guessing.
I remember hole 14 clearly—par 3 with a crosswind and bunkers hidden behind tall grass. A 7-iron that should’ve been a soft 8. Learned the hard way.
Off the Course: Because You’re Not Just Here to Swing
Danang’s not just golf. Rent a scooter or hop on a tour and hit:
- Marble Mountains – Buddhist temples carved into caves. Climb up Am Phu Cave around sunset.
- My Son Sanctuary – A bit of a drive but worth it if you’re into ancient ruins and old-world vibes.
- Cham Museum – Small but fascinating if you’re into sculpture and history.
- Non Nuoc Beach – Chill, clean, fewer crowds than you’d expect.
Markets – Han Market for daily buzz, Con Market if you want something grittier. Or check out Non Nuoc Fine Arts Village for marble statues and crafts.
Food? Everywhere. Try Quan Com Hue Ngon for home-style central Vietnamese dishes. Or splurge at La Maison 1888—pricey but unforgettable.
You could spend a week here and still feel like there’s more to see, more to play. That’s Danang. It’s not loud about it, but it gets under your skin. One round at BRG, a beach walk at dusk, dinner by the river—and suddenly you’re planning your next trip before the current one’s even over.
If you’re into golf, Danang isn’t a detour. It’s the destination.
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