Vietnam is one of the world's best golf destinations. The courses are exceptional, the value is remarkable, the country surrounding the fairways is endlessly interesting, and the experience of playing here — with a caddie, in tropical morning light, on layouts designed by some of the game's greatest names — is unlike golf at home in ways that are genuinely difficult to anticipate until you have done it. This guide covers everything a first-time Vietnam golfer needs to know before they arrive.

Best Time to Visit

Vietnam's geography means different regions have different optimal windows. For the central coast — Da Nang and Hoi An — the dry season runs from February through August, with the February-April period offering ideal conditions: warm but not oppressively hot, low humidity, and the coastal breeze that gives the links-style courses their character without becoming unplayable. The ASEAN Links tours depart in February-March specifically to catch this window.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi) has a slightly different pattern — the dry season aligns broadly, but winters can be grey and cool. February and March are generally good but can occasionally produce misty, overcast days. This is rarely a problem for golf but worth knowing.

Avoid the central coast from October to January — typhoon season and the northeast monsoon bring heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions that make the coastal courses significantly less enjoyable.

What the Courses Are Like

Vietnam's championship courses — particularly the Da Nang circuit — are maintained to a high international standard. Fairways are typically lush and consistent. Greens are well-kept and, on the better courses, run true and fast. The bunkers at premium venues like Hoiana Shores and Laguna Lang Co are properly maintained with good sand. Course signage and distance markers are clear, and pro shops are stocked with basic equipment needs.

The standard of conditioning varies between venues. The top-tier courses — Montgomerie Links, Ba Na Hills, Laguna Lang Co, Hoiana Shores — are presented to resort quality consistently. Some of the smaller or lower-profile venues can be more variable. The ASEAN Links team plays only the top-tier venues and conducts pre-tour inspections to confirm conditions.

Caddies: The Central Feature of Vietnamese Golf

Caddies are standard at every course on the Vietnam circuit and are included in the ASEAN Links tour package. This is not a luxury add-on — caddies are the norm here, and playing without one is the unusual choice.

What does a Vietnamese golf caddie actually do? They carry your bag, clean your clubs after every shot, rake bunkers, tend the flag, hand you water, and provide local course knowledge on demand. On courses they know well, a good caddie will tell you the break on the greens before you ask, point out the actual landing zone for a blind tee shot that differs from where the marker suggests, and quietly note that the wind direction on a particular hole is misleading because of the tree line. Their English is generally functional-to-good at the premium venues.

Insider Tip: Tip your caddie in cash at the end of the round — US dollars or Vietnamese dong, both are accepted. A fair tip is $5-10 USD per round, or slightly more if they were particularly helpful with course knowledge or read your game well. This tipping is expected as part of the caddie's income structure, and it is an important part of participating properly in the local golf economy.

Dress Codes and What to Bring

Dress codes at Vietnam's premium golf venues are straightforward: collared shirts (polo or button-front), tailored shorts or trousers, soft spikes or spikeless golf shoes. Denim and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. Pro shops carry basic apparel if you need it on arrival, but bringing your own selection is recommended.

For packing, consider the climate: February-March on the central coast is warm (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius) and can have a significant breeze on the coastal courses. Bring:

Currency, Tipping and Getting Around

Vietnam's currency is the dong (VND), and while US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, golf courses, and tourist-facing restaurants, having local currency for markets, street food, and smaller transactions is useful. ATMs are available in all major cities and golf resort areas. Exchange rates at airport banks are less favourable than city centre exchange offices — the ASEAN Links team will advise on this on arrival.

Getting between golf courses and accommodation in Vietnam without a local guide involves taxis, ride-share apps (Grab is the dominant platform), or pre-arranged private transfers. All of these work. The advantage of a guided tour is that transfers are pre-arranged, vehicles are confirmed, and there is no logistical improvisation required.

Pace of Play: What to Expect

Pace of play on Vietnam's championship courses varies. In the early morning, with a group that has well-briefed caddies and efficient ready-golf mentality, a round of 18 holes can be completed in 3.5 to 4 hours. Later tee times and busy periods can extend this. On a guided ASEAN Links tour, pace management is part of the guide's job — they ensure the group moves efficiently without losing the enjoyment of the round.

One practical note: Vietnamese courses often start the day's schedule earlier than golfers from Australia or New Zealand are accustomed to. 6:30am or 7am tee times are common, and the ASEAN Links guides schedule these specifically to benefit from the best morning conditions and avoid afternoon heat and wind.

Insider Tip: Brief your group before the first round about ready-golf conventions — hit when ready, keep up with the group ahead, repair pitch marks and rake bunkers promptly. A well-briefed group plays faster, enjoys the round more, and creates a better experience for everyone on the course. The ASEAN Links guides do this briefing at the first tee, but being mentally prepared before you arrive helps.

For first-time Vietnam golfers joining a guided group, the Vietnam: North to Coast tour (10 days, Mar 2-12, 2027, AUD $5,499) offers the best introduction to the country's range — from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north to the championship courses of central Vietnam. The Da Nang Dragon and Dunes tour is a focused central-coast option for golfers who want maximum fairway time with the Da Nang circuit specifically.

Contact the team on WhatsApp (+84 70 327 1844) or at aseanlinksgolf@gmail.com to discuss which itinerary suits your goals.