Vietnam’s golf industry has experienced impressive growth, positioning the country as one of Asia’s emerging golfing destinations. With its diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, Vietnam offers a variety of world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects, attracting both domestic players and international tourists. Key golfing hubs include Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi, where luxurious resorts and championship courses have been developed.
The rapid rise in golf’s popularity is largely attributed to Vietnam’s expanding middle and upper classes, who view the sport as a status symbol and a recreational activity. Golf tourism is also thriving, with many visitors from nearby countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China. Vietnam’s government has been supportive of the sector’s development, recognising its potential for boosting tourism and local economies.
However, the industry faces challenges, including the need for continued investment in infrastructure, particularly in areas like maintenance and accessibility. Additionally, golf is still considered a sport for the elite, limiting its reach within the broader population. Despite these hurdles, Vietnam’s golf industry is set for further growth, supported by a combination of natural beauty, strategic investment, and rising interest from both local and international players.
Box 1: Vietnam’s tourism industry still recovering from COVID
As Vietnam attracts more visitors, particularly affluent tourists from countries like South Korea, Japan, and Australia—where golf is popular—there is a growing opportunity for the development of golf resorts and courses. These high-end tourists often seek luxury experiences, and golf is a prime offering that can enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a premium destination.
That said, Vietnam’s tourist arrivals are still below where they were in 2019 and there may still be some time before they fully recover. Vietnam’s tourism industry, however, has improved markedly this year over last.
Vietnam’s golf industry in numbers
As of 2024, Vietnam has around 100 operational golf courses, with several more under development. The country has become a popular golfing destination in Asia, with courses designed by internationally renowned architects. These courses are spread across various regions, including popular golf hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and coastal areas such as Nha Trang and Phan Thiet.
The rise of golf tourism and the growing interest in the sport among locals have contributed to the steady increase in the number of golf courses in Vietnam over the past decade.
Golf equipment manufacturing
In 2023, Vietnam’s golf equipment exports totalled US$796.4 million, reflecting growth across several key product categories, including golf equipment (excluding balls and complete clubs), complete golf clubs, and golf balls. These categories contributed to the country’s increasing presence in the global golf equipment market.
Golf equipment, excluding balls and complete clubs, generated US$411.1 million in export revenue, showing a 14.9 percent growth compared to the previous year, with 10,384 units exported. Complete golf clubs accounted for US$322.4 million, marking a 15 percent increase from 2022, with 10,518 units shipped.
Golf ball exports also saw a rise, reaching US$62.9 million in 2023, a 7 percent increase over the previous year. A total of 9,735 units were exported in this category.
Vietnam’s golf industry: key players
BRG Group
BRG Group is one of the leading players in Vietnam’s golf industry, operating a number of high-end golf courses across the country. The group owns and manages several prestigious courses, including BRG Kings Island Golf Resort in Hanoi and BRG Da Nang Golf Resort. BRG Group is known for partnering with world-renowned course designers like Jack Nicklaus, providing international-standard facilities and services.
Vingroup
Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, has made a strong presence in the golf industry through its Vinpearl brand. The company operates luxury golf resorts, such as Vinpearl Golf in Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. These courses are part of larger integrated resort complexes, catering to both golf enthusiasts and tourists seeking a comprehensive leisure experience.
FLC Group
FLC Group is another major player, operating a number of golf courses under the FLC Golf brand. The group’s most notable developments include FLC Ha Long Golf Club and FLC Quy Nhon Golf Links, both of which are part of large resort projects. FLC focuses on creating destinations that combine luxury accommodation with world-class golfing facilities.
KN Golf Links
KN Golf Links is a prominent golf course in Cam Ranh, designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman. KN Golf Links is part of a broader resort and real estate project, reflecting the trend of golf being integrated into large-scale tourism and real estate developments. The course is known for its coastal layout and challenging design, attracting both local and international players.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Ba Na Hills Golf Club, located near Da Nang, is another key player in Vietnam’s golf industry. Designed by former world number one golfer Luke Donald, this course has gained recognition for its stunning mountain views and challenging layout. The club has won numerous awards and is a popular destination for golf tourists visiting central Vietnam.
These key players, with their investment in world-class golf facilities and partnerships with renowned designers, are driving the growth of Vietnam’s golf industry, making it a significant part of the country’s tourism and leisure sector.
Vietnam’s golf industry: main courses
These main golf courses in Vietnam offer a mix of luxury, challenge, and scenic beauty, solidifying the country’s position as a growing golf destination in Asia.
BRG Kings Island Golf Resort
Located near Hanoi, BRG Kings Island Golf Resort is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Vietnam. Set on an island in Dong Mo Lake, this 54-hole course is known for its scenic views and challenging layouts. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the resort features both mountain and lake views, offering diverse playing conditions that attract both local and international golfers.
Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang
Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang is part of the Vinpearl resort complex on Hon Tre Island, a major tourist destination. The 18-hole, par-71 course is located along the coastline, offering stunning ocean views and a tropical setting. Known for its well-maintained fairways and luxury facilities, it is a popular destination for golf tourists seeking a mix of relaxation and sport.
FLC Ha Long Golf Club
FLC Ha Long Golf Club is part of the FLC resort development overlooking the famous Ha Long Bay. This 18-hole course, designed by Schmidt-Curley Design, is known for its dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the bay. It’s a favourite among both professional and amateur golfers who appreciate the unique scenery and challenging design.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Located in central Vietnam near Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is one of the most highly acclaimed courses in the country. Designed by former world number one golfer Luke Donald, this 18-hole course is set in the mountains and features lush, rolling fairways. It has been recognised for its beautiful layout and top-notch facilities, making it a key destination for golf tourism in Vietnam.
KN Golf Links Cam Ranh
KN Golf Links, designed by Greg Norman, is located in the coastal city of Cam Ranh. The course is renowned for its links-style design, set amidst sand dunes and offering views of the South China Sea. It provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience, drawing both local golfers and international visitors looking for a premier golf destination.
Laguna Golf Lang Co
Situated near Hue, Laguna Golf Lang Co is part of the Laguna Lang Co resort complex. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, this 18-hole, par-71 course is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rice fields, providing a picturesque backdrop. The course is well known for its eco-friendly design and integration with the natural landscape, attracting eco-conscious golfers.
With world-class designs and facilities, they cater to both domestic players and international tourists, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s golf industry.
Box 2: Opening a hotel in Vietnam
Opening a hotel or resort in Vietnam for foreign firms or individuals, however, is not always easy. Not only are there several technical and licensing requirements that need to be met, but Vietnam also has its own unique travel culture.
Understanding the nuances of Vietnamese travel culture and the complexities of business establishment procedures in advance of entering the market can therefore be crucial to the success of a new hotel or resort in Vietnam.
What’s next?
Vietnam’s golf industry has experienced significant growth, emerging as a key player in Asia’s golfing scene. The country’s diverse landscapes have attracted international interest, leading to the development of numerous world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Key golfing hubs include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and coastal regions like Nha Trang and Cam Ranh.
The industry’s growth is fuelled by the rising middle and upper classes, who view golf as a prestigious recreational activity, as well as the booming golf tourism sector, with visitors from countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China. Major players like BRG Group, Vingroup, and FLC Group have heavily invested in luxury golf courses and resorts, further promoting Vietnam as a premier golf destination.
Despite its rapid development, the industry faces challenges, including high capital requirements for course development and the perception of golf as an elite sport, limiting its broader appeal. Nevertheless, with continued investment and government support, Vietnam’s golf industry is set to expand, providing opportunities for both local and international investors.
That said, Vietnam’s business environment is dynamic and can turn on a dime. With this in mind, foreign firms considering entering the golf space in Vietnam should make sure to keep up to date with the latest developments by subscribing to the-shiv.
First published October 16, 2024. Last updated April 28, 2025.