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Golfing experience at Ba Na Hills Golf Club in Da Nang from someone who’s actually played there

Bà Nà Hills Golf Club isn’t just another course that popped up in Đà Nẵng. It’s a whole different vibe. If you’ve already played the coastal ones like BRG or Montgomerie Links, this place gives you a shift in scenery — and in challenge. Tucked right below the Bà Nà Hills resort area, about 30 minutes from the city center, the course trades ocean breeze for misty mountain air. And honestly, that switch-up feels good after a few rounds on the beachside layouts.

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This is Luke Donald’s first go at course design, which, to be real, I was curious (and a little skeptical) about. But he nailed it. It’s not flashy for the sake of being flashy. It plays smart. The layout makes the most of the terrain — hills, valleys, unexpected lies — so even if you’re playing from the shorter tees, you still have to think your way through the round. IMG is managing it, so maintenance and service are solid. Greens were rolling true when I was there in May 2025, and the fairways were in great shape despite some rain earlier in the week.

Let’s talk holes. The 2nd — a downhill par-3 — plays 260 yards from the tips. That’s nuts. But the green’s wide and receptive. Still, you mess up your tee shot, and you’re scrambling early. Hole 5 is a monster. A 708-yard par-5. Yes, really. It snakes its way up with a mix of risk and grind, and if you’re not plotting your shots well, it can eat up your scorecard.

Now, the 7th is where things get interesting. Short-ish par-4, but if you get greedy and go for it, there’s water lurking around 290 yards out. Safer play is a mid-iron or hybrid layup between bunkers, then a clean wedge in. But if you’re feeling bold and manage to carry the trap, it’s a real shot at birdie.

The back nine doesn’t let up. Hole 10 gives you a breather — short par-4 — but the green sits elevated, and those front bunkers aren’t just decoration. The 11th is brutal: water on one side, jungle on the other. You miss your line, and good luck finding your ball. But the 12th tee — that’s a moment. From there, you can see the whole valley stretch out. It’s a 50-meter drop to the green on this long par-3, so adjust your club choice. Two clubs less at least.

Then comes the 16th. Elevated tee again, but this time to an island green. Surprisingly spacious green, but still… one bad swing and you’re in the drink. Hole 17’s just fun — a short, sharp dogleg with water hugging the green. It’s one of those holes where you stand over your shot and know exactly what you need to do. You just gotta execute.

As for booking a tee time — easy enough. Green fees hover around 2,000,000 VND ($80 USD) for visitors, but deals pop up often, especially on weekdays. If you’re staying in Đà Nẵng, it’s worth waking up a little early for the cooler mountain air and quieter pace up there.

Also — pro tip — go early in the morning. By 10 a.m., clouds start rolling in and things get misty. It adds drama to the views but messes with visibility a bit. Bring a light jacket too. Not kidding, it can be 5–7 degrees cooler than downtown Đà Nẵng.

If you’re planning a golf trip to central Vietnam and want something that feels different — something with elevation changes, cooler temps, and a bit of drama — Bà Nà Hills should be on your list. It’s not perfect yet. The roughs can be patchy in places, and some areas still feel like they’re settling in. But it’s one of the more interesting rounds I’ve played in Vietnam — not just because it’s pretty, but because it makes you work for a good score.