Vietnam’s Hoiana Shores and Da Nang’s Best Golf Courses
All Square 4min read •
1 Apr
There are golf destinations you visit — and then there are those you build a trip around. In recent years, Da Nang has quietly evolved into one of Asia’s most exciting golf hubs, often referred to as the Vietnam Golf Coast. At the center of that story sits Hoiana Shores Golf Club, a course that doesn’t just join the lineup — it elevates it.
But what truly makes a golf trip here special is not just one course. It’s the cluster of world-class layouts within a one-hour radius, each offering a completely different experience.
Let’s start with the newest benchmark — and then explore the courses that make Da Nang unforgettable.
Hoiana Shores: The New Benchmark of Coastal Golf
Opened in 2019 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Hoiana Shores Golf Club is still considered the newest major addition to Da Nang’s golf scene, and arguably the most refined.
Built on untouched coastline near Hoi An, the course stretches over 7,000 yards of links-style terrain, with rolling dunes, firm fairways, and constant coastal winds shaping every shot.
What makes Hoiana Shores stand out isn’t just its beauty — it’s its philosophy. The course was created with minimal earth movement, preserving natural dunes and native vegetation. Conditions are firm and fast, which is rare in Southeast Asia, and the layout rewards creativity over power.
It’s a course where you don’t just play — you adapt. The front nine encourages low, controlled shots, while the back nine brings the ocean into play more dramatically.
Shortly after opening, it was recognised as one of the best new courses in the Asia-Pacific region, and it continues to feature in top golf travel itineraries.
The Power of the Destination: Da Nang’s Golf Ecosystem
What transforms a round at Hoiana Shores into a world-class golf trip is what surrounds it.
The Da Nang–Hoi An region now features multiple championship courses designed by globally recognised architects. What makes this destination special is not just quality, but density and diversity. Within a short drive, golfers can experience completely different styles of play.
Must-Play Golf Courses in Da Nang
Ba Na Hills Golf Club offers a completely different experience from the coastal layouts. Designed by Luke Donald, it is set inland among forested hills and features elevation changes, cooler temperatures, and a more dramatic landscape. It has received multiple awards as one of Asia’s top golf courses and is also known for offering night golf, which adds a unique dimension to the experience.
Montgomerie Links Golf Club, designed by Colin Montgomerie, was one of the first international-standard courses in the region. It features a classic layout with wide fairways and strategic bunkering, making it both challenging and enjoyable for a wide range of players. Its balance and playability make it a staple on most golf itineraries.
BRG Da Nang Golf Resort stands out for offering two distinct courses in one location. The Norman Course, designed by Greg Norman, embraces a rugged, links-style aesthetic with sandy dunes and natural contours. In contrast, the Nicklaus Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, introduces more water hazards and requires a more structured, strategic approach. Together, they provide a variety that few destinations can match.
Laguna Golf Lăng Cô, designed by Nick Faldo and located slightly north of Hue, is one of the most visually diverse courses in Vietnam. The layout weaves through rice paddies, lagoons, jungle, and coastline, offering a unique blend of traditional landscapes and championship golf. It’s as much about the scenery as it is about the challenge.
Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An offers a more relaxed, resort-style experience. With wider fairways and a slightly more forgiving design, it is ideal for mixed-ability groups or those looking to enjoy a less demanding round without compromising on quality.
Why This Region Works So Well
What makes a golf trip to Da Nang truly special is the variety within such close proximity. Golfers can play links-style courses by the sea, parkland layouts in the hills, and hybrid courses that blend natural landscapes — all within about an hour’s drive.
Beyond the golf, the region offers rich cultural and travel experiences. Hoi An’s historic old town, long stretches of coastline, and a growing selection of luxury resorts all contribute to a destination that feels both sophisticated and authentic.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just One Course
Hoiana Shores may be the headline act — the newest expression of Vietnam’s golfing ambition — but it’s the surrounding courses that complete the experience.
A golf trip to Da Nang isn’t about playing just one great course. It’s about discovering a collection of them, each offering something different, and together creating one of the most compelling golf destinations in the world today.
