As we take a moment to reflect on our Vietnam Golf Tour, we are filled with an immense sense of gratitude. What started as a simple golf tour became so much more—a journey through stunning landscapes, world-class courses, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments shared with an incredible group of fellow travelers.

From coastal links to lush fairways, vibrant city streets to tranquil bays, every step of this adventure left its mark. And now, it’s time to relive the highlights of an experience we’ll never forget.

Let’s take a walk through the journey…

Arrival in Hanoi: A Step Into Old-World Elegance

From the moment we stepped off the plane in Hanoi, we knew we were in for something special. The energy of the city was palpable—the hum of scooters, the scent of street food wafting through the air, and the sight of towering French-colonial buildings lining the bustling streets.

But then, we stepped into the Apricot Hotel, and suddenly, the chaos of the city melted away. The lobby was grand, adorned with chandeliers that cast a warm golden glow, polished marble floors that reflected the soft light, and a sense of old-world elegance that made you want to stand a little taller. A piano and violinist played in the background, their melodies floating through the space, adding to the refined atmosphere. The staff, dressed in sharp suits or the traditional Ao Dai for the ladies, greeted us with warmth and grace.

There’s something special about staying in a place like this—a hotel that doesn’t just house guests, but welcomes them into a bygone era of timeless charm.

That evening, we gathered at the rooftop for a welcome dinner, soaking in the Hanoi skyline while toasting to the adventures ahead.

The next morning, the golf portion of our journey began, and Hanoi did not disappoint. The courses here are exclusive, private sanctuaries, where stepping into the grand clubhouses felt like entering a world of luxury—polished mahogany wood, the soft glow of chandeliers, and an atmosphere of pure elegance.

At King’s Island Golf Club, we took a boat ride across the lake to reach the Kings Course, a layout that demanded precision and rewarded patience. The greens were lightning-fast, the fairways pristine, and the caddies—always smiling—offered invaluable reads. Thanh Lanh Golf Resort, tucked away in the lush countryside, was another masterpiece, with fairways that rolled seamlessly into the natural landscape.

For the non-golfers, Hanoi’s treasures awaited—a guided tour through its historic sites, a stroll down the bustling Train Street, and an immersive cultural experience in the heart of the city.

The Magic (and Madness) of Halong Bay

Our next adventure took us to the famed Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its towering limestone cliffs rising from emerald-green waters.

Halong Bay is breathtaking, but it is also busy—very, very busy. Every man and his dog was out that day, with countless boats ferrying tourists through the waters. While most of the group made the sensible decision to relax on the boat, the adventurers at heart—including us—set off to explore.

Our excursions were as lively as the bay itself:

• Bamboo boat rides, weaving through the maze of floating villages.
• Kayaking, dodging boats as we paddled between towering rock formations.
• A hike up Titov Island, where we had to time our steps perfectly among the endless wave of people scrambling up the steep staircase.
• And finally, a cave system far larger than we ever expected, with chambers so vast they felt like underground cathedrals.

But while the adventures were exhilarating, the real luxury of Halong Bay was found back onboard the cruise.

Before dinner, we gathered on the top deck with drinks in hand, watching the sun dip below the limestone cliffs. The golden light reflected off the still waters, casting an almost dreamlike glow over the bay. It was a moment of pure tranquility—good company, good wine, and a view that will stay with us forever.

Danang: Golf, Culture, and a Bit of Fire

Arriving in Danang felt like stepping into paradise. The Pullman Danang Beach Resort, nestled on a pristine white-sand beach, welcomed us with open arms.

Our first round was at Montgomerie Links, a course that demanded precision with its rolling dunes and deep bunkers. After a rewarding round, we headed straight to Hoi An, where a night of indulgence awaited us. Dinner at Mango Mango, one of the best restaurants in town, was an experience in itself. The flavors, the drinks, and the company made for an unforgettable evening—so much so that the fun carried over to the bus ride back, where a little impromptu dancing broke out.

The next day, we played Ba Na Hills Golf Club, a stunning course designed by Luke Donald. Carved into the mountains, the elevation changes made for thrilling tee shots, and the lush jungle backdrop made every hole feel like a postcard.

On the following day, instead of lining up with the crowds, we took the best seat in the house—dining on the waterfront overlooking the Dragon Bridge. At exactly 9 PM, the massive dragon sculpture came to life, breathing fire into the night sky. From our table, we had a perfect view of the spectacle, comfortably away from the masses, enjoying one final feast together.

Then came Legend Danang Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus design that was as visually stunning as it was challenging. Its signature wooden bulkheads lining the water hazards added a touch of drama, while the fairways demanded nothing short of precision. Once again, our caddies stole the show—friendly, knowledgeable, and always eager to celebrate a good shot with us.

For our final round, we teed it up at Hoiana Shores, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Just weeks ago, this course hosted the prestigious Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship, meaning we were playing it in absolute tournament condition. It was a fitting finale to our golfing adventure.

Celebrating Our Champions

No golf journey would be complete without a little competition, and this tour was no exception. Over the course of the trip, we witnessed some truly spectacular golf, with clutch putts, booming drives, and incredible up-and-downs that will be talked about for years to come.

At our farewell presentation dinner, we gathered to celebrate those who rose to the challenge and walked away with top honors. Trophies were handed out, laughs were shared, and the room erupted in cheers for our champions.

🏆 Vietnam Golf Tour - Final Leaderboard 🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️

Men’s Division

🥇 Mark Anderson
📊 Scores: 40 | 38 | 38 | 32 | 30 | 43
🔢 Total Points: 221

Ladies Division 1

🥇 Carol Netscher
📊 Scores: 27 | 35 | 26 | 32 | 33 | 36
🔢 Total Points: 189

Ladies Division 2

🥇 Belinda Doff
📊 Scores: 36 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 33 | 31
🔢 Total Points: 179

‍Congratulations to all our winners! Whether you took home a trophy or simply had your best round ever, we all walked away with something far more valuable—unforgettable memories.

As we reflected on the last ten days—memorable shots, near misses, and friendships forged over rounds of golf and glasses of wine—we knew this was more than just a tour.

It was an experience. A collection of moments we’ll carry with us long after the final putt dropped.

Vietnam gave us more than we ever expected—a seamless blend of sport, culture, and adventure. We arrived as travelers, but we left as friends, connected by the memories we made on this incredible journey.