Home » TOURISM NEWS » Vietnam Emerges As A Premier Golf Tourism Destination With One Billion Dollars Target By 2025 And World-Class Courses Driving Global Growth
Published on
September 2, 2025
Vietnam is rapidly distinguishing itself as a foremost golf tourism hub, aiming to generate one billion U.S. dollars in revenue by 2025. This objective is anchored in a portfolio of globally lauded golf courses, renowned for masterfully conceived routing and consistently high standards of play. The nation’s varied topography—stretching from oceanfront dunes to highland ridges—delivers a distinctive, visually arresting round that appeals to avid players. Concurrent enhancements to transportation networks, targeted capital allocation, and a commitment to eco-friendly development reinforce Vietnam’s trajectory, aligning the sector with prevailing global expectations and assuring sustained attractiveness to the international golf market.
Vietnam is quickly establishing itself as a premier golf tourism destination, with significant investments in its golf infrastructure and growing interest from international golfers. Through its tourism development strategy, which extends through 2030, the country has identified golf tourism as a key product to boost its global competitiveness, targeting high-end markets and ensuring sustainable growth within the sector. This strategic focus highlights the country’s vision to not only diversify its tourism offerings but also to enhance its position on the world stage as a top golf destination.
Vietnam’s Golf Tourism Boom
Golf tourism in Vietnam is flourishing, with projections for the sector to reach impressive figures in the coming years. In 2022, the revenue from golf tourism was estimated at around US$600 million, but by 2025, this number is expected to grow to $1 billion. This surge is a testament to the rapid growth of the sector, which is set to contribute 8-10 percent to the national tourism revenue. The increasing number of golf tourists visiting Vietnam highlights the sector’s potential to become one of the most lucrative segments of the country’s tourism industry.
A Premier Golf Destination
Vietnam’s natural landscapes, which include vast coastlines, rugged mountains, and lush greenery, offer ideal conditions for golf. The country is often referred to as “Asia’s Golf Paradise” due to its unique combination of tropical climate, diverse terrain, and well-maintained golf courses. Vietnam boasts over 80 18-hole golf courses, many of which are set in breathtaking locations, from coastal fairways to scenic mountain layouts.
Golf enthusiasts flock to renowned courses such as The Bluffs Grand Hồ Tràm Strip, Laguna Lăng Cô, Hoiana Shores, and Bà Nà Hills Golf Club, all of which are acclaimed for their world-class designs and picturesque settings. These golf courses not only provide a challenging experience for players but also elevate Vietnam’s reputation as a prime destination for global golf tourism.
The country’s diverse offerings attract millions of golfers annually, with international tourists seeking the opportunity to play on some of Asia’s best courses while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. The golf tourism sector is now one of the fastest-growing parts of the country’s tourism industry, with golfers typically spending six times more than the average tourist.
Award-Winning Recognition
Vietnam’s efforts to develop its golf tourism sector have not gone unnoticed. The country has been named “Asia’s Best Golf Destination” for eight consecutive years, from 2017 to 2024. It has also been awarded the prestigious title of “World’s Best Golf Destination” twice, further solidifying its status as a top-tier golf tourism destination. Hanoi, in particular, has been recognized as the “World’s Best Golf City Destination” for two years in a row (2023 and 2024), showcasing the city’s growing prominence as a golf tourism hub.
These accolades not only increase Vietnam’s appeal to international golf tourists but also boost its image as a premium and sustainable destination for leisure and sport.
Diversifying the Golf Tourism Experience
In an effort to remain competitive and continue growing its golf tourism market, Vietnam is actively diversifying its offerings. Various regions are combining golf experiences with other luxury services to create an all-encompassing leisure experience. For instance, Hanoi, located within 60 kilometers of more than 10 international golf courses, has developed golf tourism packages that blend the sport with luxury resorts, gourmet dining, and cultural exploration. Tourists can enjoy a round of golf followed by visits to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, street food tours, or relaxing spa treatments, enhancing the overall experience.
The Central Highlands and coastal regions of Vietnam are making notable strides in developing golf tourism. Gia Lai Province, for example, is promoting its “sea to highlands” tourism experience, combining coastal beauty with mountainous landscapes. The region is set to host the prestigious Vietnam National Golf Championship 2025 – VinFast Cup at the FLC Golf Links Quy Nhơn, adding to the area’s appeal as a golf destination.
Similarly, in Đắk Lắk, plans for a golf and villa project at Ea Kao Lake are underway, with the project spanning 110 hectares. This venture aims to connect premium leisure experiences with urban development, creating an integrated destination for both golf enthusiasts and tourists looking for an all-inclusive vacation.
International Investment and Development
Foreign investment in Vietnam’s golf tourism sector is also on the rise, with Korean investors proposing new golf resort projects in the country. These proposals include two major developments covering 550 hectares, with a total investment of $60 million. Such investments are a clear indicator of the growing interest in Vietnam as a prime location for golf tourism and resort development. These new projects are expected to further enhance the country’s appeal to international golfers, offering top-tier facilities and services.
As the golf tourism sector expands, there is a growing recognition of the importance of strengthening the connections between golf operators, travel agencies, and local service providers. This collaboration is key to creating a seamless experience for visitors and ensuring the sector’s continued growth.
The Role of Partnerships and Specialized Packages
Experts in the industry stress the need to strengthen collaborations between golf operators and travel agencies to establish a more professional ecosystem. By forging partnerships within the golf sector, Vietnam can enhance local branding, broaden service offerings, and draw more international tournaments. These partnerships will not only enhance the quality of service but also broaden the appeal of golf tourism to a wider range of visitors.
In addition, the development of specialized golf tourism packages is essential to attract diverse groups of tourists. Packages that combine golf with other experiences, such as spa treatments, cultural tours, or visits to local craft villages, are becoming increasingly popular. These tailored offerings provide tourists with more than just a golf experience, giving them the opportunity to explore Vietnam’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Vietnam’s Vision for the Future
Vietnam’s national tourism plan for 2030 presents a well-defined roadmap for the growth of the country’s golf tourism industry. By capitalizing on its natural advantages, expanding infrastructure, and fostering cross-sector cooperation, the country is positioning itself for a breakthrough in global golf tourism. The government has set ambitious goals to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry, with golf tourism playing a central role in this plan.
The long-term success of Vietnam’s golf tourism will depend on the continued diversification of products and services, as well as the development of high-quality, top-tier experiences that meet the expectations of international golfers. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, Vietnam is set to secure its place on the global golf map and continue attracting high-end tourists seeking unique and memorable experiences.
Vietnam’s growing golf tourism sector is a shining example of how a country can leverage its natural resources and strategic planning to position itself as a leader in a specific niche of the global tourism market. With its diverse landscapes, world-class golf courses, and commitment to sustainable growth, Vietnam is set to remain a top destination for golf enthusiasts. As the sector continues to expand, the country’s golf tourism industry will undoubtedly play a significant role in boosting its economy and enhancing its international reputation.
Vietnam is emerging as a premier global golf tourism hub, targeting $1 billion in revenues by 2025, propelled by a portfolio of championship-caliber courses and breathtaking scenery that captivates international golfers. Ongoing and strategic investment in physical and digital infrastructure positions the nation for sustained competitive advantage and expanded market penetration. Through the intentional diversification of golf-related products—ranging from bespoke travel packages to ancillary luxury and wellness experiences—and by forging effective alliances among tourism boards, course developers, hoteliers, and regional transport partners, Vietnam creates a robust ecosystem that continuously offers compelling and authentic immersive experiences, ensuring sustained draw and loyalty among global travelers.
