Vietnam - Golf trail tours

 

Day 1 - Arrival Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure (private car and guide at disposal).  

 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 - Hanoi - Tam Dao Golf Club - Hanoi (B)

This morning leave Hanoi for the 2-hour drive to Vinh Phuc Province to play your first round of golf (18 holes) at Tam Dao Golf Club. Set against the spectacular scenery of Tam Dao Mountain, the course features lakes, running streams and strategic bunkers which provide a challenge for golfers. A variety of tee boxes on every hole will cater for players of all levels from the championship tees, measuring over 7,200 yards (6,600 meters), amateurs and professionals alike may be required to use every club in the bag to conquer the challenging par 72 layout. In addition to the golf course design, Salam Paspalum grassed fairways and Sea Isle 2000 Paspalum greens ensure an ideal playing surface year round. At the end of the afternoon return to Hanoi. 

 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 - Hanoi (B)

This morning depart for the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov). Then it’s on to a wooden ethnic minority style house which was his temporary residence from 1954 – 1969. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.

 

Your next stop will be the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.  Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Continue to West Lake and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc. 

 

In the afternoon take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It"s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around. 

 

In the afternoon, choose to visit the Ethnology, Army or National Fine Arts Museum. Time will only allow for one to be visited so decide which one you would most like to see. 

 

Finish the day with a Water Puppet show, if tickets are available. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. 

Overnight in Hanoi.  

Day 4 - Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)

After breakfast leave Hanoi for an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive in Halong City late morning and board your traditional wooden junk or The Emeraude, a classic replica steamship of the colonial era for the overnight journey into the Bay. En-route lunch will be served. Cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits.

 

Overnight on Halong Bay 

Day 5 - Halong Bay - Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club - Hanoi (B)

On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch (breakfast on some boats) as your boat wends through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the 2-hour transfer to the 18-hole Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club. The facility is spread over 324 hectares on a magnificent valley nestled next to a large lake surrounded by a hundred hectares of rolling forest hills. Opened in 2003, the Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club has established a name for itself as the premier golf club in northern Vietnam. Designed by the leading Australian Independent Golf Course Services, using the latest technologies and Turf grass, the golf course is indeed a worthy masterpiece. The club house sits on the top of a hill, capturing a panoramic view over the golf course. With immaculately groomed fairways, fast greens, strategic bunkers, partnered with the large lake and rolling hills, this golf experience will leave you with an everlasting impression. Transfer back to Hanoi upon completion of your golfing experience.

 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6 - Hanoi - King"s Island Golf Club - Hanoi (B)

This morning drive 1.5 hours to King’s Island Golf Club for a days play (18 holes) at King’s Island. Opened in 1994, Kings’ Island Golf Club pioneered the game in the environs of Hanoi, and from the moment it opened Kings’ Island was not only something new, but something unique — from its location on this comely chain of lakes, to the shore-side parking lot, to the high-speed motorboats that ferry golfers back and forth to the club’s two superb, peninsular courses. The 18-hole Lakeside track, designed by Robert McFarland, came first — gently sloped and always flirting with the shores and inlets of the surrounding waters. Another American architect, Phillip Rodgers (designer of the famed Alpine GC in Bangkok), would later complement the 6,454-yard Lakeside track with the muscular, 7,100-yard Mountain-view course. At the end of the afternoon return Hanoi. 

 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7 - Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for the 2-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure (private car and guide at disposal for any city sites visit).

 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8 - Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam Golf & Country Club (B)

Your first round of golf in Ho Chi Minh will be at Vietnam Golf & Country Club to play 1 round of golf (18 holes).  

 

Considered one of Vietnam "s top golf courses, Vietnam Golf & Country Club is located in the municipality of Thu Duc , just 1-hour from Ho Chi Minh City . The 6400 meters of the West Course were designed by Cheng King Shih, a renowned Taiwanese designer. In 1994, its inaugural year, the West Course hosted the first Amateur Championship in Vietnam . Its fairways are narrow and lined by trees. Its greens are mild but quick. The 6200 meter East Course was designed by the legendary golfer Lee Trevino of the USPGA. 

 

At the end of your game return to Ho Chi Minh City. The remainder of the day is at leisure. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City - Song Be Golf - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

This morning transfer 1-hour to Song Be golf course to play 18 holes. Song Be Golf Resort is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and stimulating in the country. The 18 hole resort style layout features at least 10 lakes with tree-lined fairways. Water comes into play in eight of the 18 holes. Playing off from the blue tees is a challenge as the total length measures a whopping 6,384 meters. At the end of your game return to Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Afternoon half-day city tour if desired: Your program includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace it was towards this modern building that North Vietnamese tanks seized on the morning of April 30 1975, as Saigon fell. This fascinating building is filled with history still fresh in the minds of many. From there stroll (your vehicle will be available at all times) to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. After this historical visit continue to the War Remnants Museum where exhibition halls display imagery of both the French and ‘American’ wars. Continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda located on the fringes of district 1. Dating from 1909 and built by Cantonese Buddhists this quiet oasis was designed using feng shui principals showcasing ornate statues and effigies.

 

Note: this half-day tour can be taken at any time during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City as time allows.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City - Dalat by Flight (B)

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City domestic airport for the 40-minute flight to Dalat. Dalat is located 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Established as a hill station at the beginning of the century, Dalat is reminiscent of an alpine town with its French chalets and pine forests.

 

An afternoon of sightseeing in Dalat takes in Bao Dai"s Summer Palace that sits on a hill just outside the main centre. Bao Dai was the Last Emperor of Vietnam and the Palace has been preserved exactly as he left it in 1954. It is a classic example of art deco that is a tourist attraction in itself. Continue the tour with the former Railway Station (in use only for an optional steam train ride) which is remarkable with its architecture and its old steam locomotive. Your will end the tour at the town"s bustling central market, renowned for its fresh vegetables and fruit that is rarely found in a tropical country.

 

Overnight in Dalat.

Day 11 - Dalat - Dalat Palace Golf Club (B)

Todays 18-rounds of golf will be at the oldest course in Indochina the Dalat Palace Golf Club. Built in 1922 but expanded and restored in 1994, the Dalat Palace Golf Club is a masterpiece in design. Gently crafted into the rolling hills of Dalat and overlooking the majestic Xuan Huong Lake, the course weaves its way through stately pine trees to oversized and delicately manicured bent grass greens. In 2003, Golf Digest ranked the Dalat Palace Golf Club as the #1 golf course in Vietnam Patrick J. Rielly, the former President of the PGA of America, described the golf course as ‘one of the most beautiful courses in Asia ." At 7,009 yards in length, the par-72 Dalat Palace Golf Club is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels.

 

Overnight in Dalat.

Day 12 - Dalat - Phan Thiet (B)

This day drive the panoramic route down the Langian Pass to Phan Thiet (4-5 hours). This area features a string of resorts between the fishing towns of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet offering a genuine taste of coastal life in Vietnam. Mui Ne is characterised by small, independent low-rise resorts and is an ideal destination for escape and relaxation. There are plenty of activities available both on the water and off, with a vibrant and dynamic kite surfing scene, great sailing courtesy of the brisk sea breeze, and the Sahara-like red sand dunes at Hon Rom to explore. Today, Phan Thiet is the home of many luxury beach resorts and of an international class golf course.

 

This afternoon is yours to explore Phan Thiet and the nearby beach of Mui Ne. 

Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 13 - Phan Thiet - Ocean Dunes Golf Club Phan Thiet (B)

Today play 1 round of golf (18 holes) at Ocean Dunes Golf Club Phan Thiet. Designed by Nick Faldo, the 6749-yard, par-72 course at the Ocean Dunes Golf Club winds through seaside dunes, with the coastal breezes shaping its character from day-to-day. It is an engaging and playable course for higher handicap players who will enjoy the openness of the links course, yet offers exciting opportunities for more experienced players who will appreciate the challenges posed by the winds. “Ocean Dunes Golf Club is an outstanding natural site with sand dunes, sea breezes, beach vegetation and sea views. We have let the dunes determine the routing and the look of the golf course. It should have the feel and the playability of the early seaside courses, but with a tropical climate,” says Nick Faldo.

 

Return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. As always, your tour guide and driver are available to take you to see the local sites, like the local fish sauce cottage industry style factories, where Phan Thiet"s signature nuoc mam is produced.

 

Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 14 - Phan Thiet - Ocean Dunes Golf Club Phan Thiet (B)

Today return to Ocean Dunes Golf Club Phan Theit for 1 another round of golf (18 holes). The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

 

Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 15 - Phan Thiet - Dong Nai - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

This morning return to Ho Chi Minh City.  Spend the day at leisure for some last minute shopping. Optional tours can be set up for those inclined to sightsee more.

 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 16 - Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)

After breakfast, free at leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight out. Car and guide at disposal (for inner city area only).

 

Registration code : 0311860255
International Travel Registration code : GP 79-398/2012/TCDL-GPLHQT