Home » TOURISM NEWS » Vietnam Positions Itself as a Leading Golf Tourism Destination in Asia
Published on
August 20, 2025
Vietnam’s golf tourism industry is quickly becoming an important contributor to the nation’s travel and tourism sector, supported by more than 80 international-standard golf courses spread throughout its scenic country. From oceanfront fairways to demanding mountain tracks, Vietnam’s varied terrain provides distinctive golf experiences suitable for upscale tourists.
With the nation welcoming more and more foreign golfers, golf tourism revenue is expected to surge from USD 600 million in 2022 to USD 1 billion by 2025. This increase accounts for approximately 8-10% of overall tourism revenue, indicating the significance of golf tourism within Vietnam’s overall economic growth strategy.
Global Recognition and Excellence in Golf Tourism
Vietnam’s appeal as a premier golfing destination is reinforced by its consistent global recognition. For the past eight years (2017-2024), Vietnam has been crowned Asia’s Best Golf Destination and twice awarded World’s Best Golf Destination. In 2023 and 2024, Hanoi was named the World’s Best Golf City Destination, further solidifying the country’s reputation as a world-class golf hub.
Notable golf courses such as The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip, Laguna Lang Co, Hoiana Shores, and Ba Na Hills Golf Club attract millions of golfers annually, contributing to Vietnam’s rise as a leading golf tourism destination in Asia. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) emphasizes that these accolades demonstrate Vietnam’s capability to host global golf tournaments while meeting the demands of discerning golf tourists worldwide.
Vietnam’s Strategic Focus on Expanding Golf Tourism
In line with its growing recognition in the global tourism market, Vietnam has appointed golf legend Greg Norman as the country’s Tourism Ambassador for the period of 2025–2030. This collaboration is expected to elevate Vietnam’s image globally and attract a greater influx of high-end tourists.
Local tourism authorities in regions such as Hanoi and the Central Highlands are capitalizing on the golf tourism boom. Hanoi, located within a short distance from over 10 international golf courses, has combined golfing experiences with luxury resorts, gastronomy, and cultural tours. This mix of activities, including spa services, Old Quarter exploration, and street food, offers tourists a well-rounded travel experience.
Developing Golf Tourism Beyond Traditional Boundaries
Efforts to diversify golf tourism are seen in Gia Lai, where plans are underway to host the Vietnam National Golf Championship 2025 at FLC Golf Links Quy Nhon. Additionally, Korean investors have proposed building two large-scale golf resort projects spanning 550 hectares with an estimated USD 60 million investment.
In Dak Lak, authorities are reviewing a potential golf and villa project at Ea Kao Lake that integrates premium leisure with urban development. These initiatives are part of Vietnam’s strategy to develop integrated golf tourism offerings, combining golf with spa retreats, cultural experiences, and craft village visits.
Challenges and the Path Forward for Golf Tourism in Vietnam
Despite the promising growth, Vietnam’s golf tourism still faces challenges in integration with other sectors such as culture, MICE tourism, and long-stay packages. VNAT Vice Director Ha Van Sieu pointed out that there is a need for stronger collaborations between golf operators and travel agencies to create a more professional tourism ecosystem that can host international golf tournaments and expand Vietnam’s tourism product offerings.
Golf Tourism as a Key Element of Vietnam’s Long-Term Strategy
Vietnam’s national tourism plan for 2030 identifies golf tourism as the key area for future development, aiming to establish the nation as a top global golf destination. By tapping its natural strengths, developing golf infrastructure, and encouraging cross-industry collaboration, Vietnam is set on the course to become a global golf tourism leader.
The success of the country in attracting tourists and foreign golfers will be fueled by the introduction of new golf experiences that are a mix of luxury, adventure, and cultural depth, cementing its place in Southeast Asia’s tourism industry.
