When you think of Vietnam, images of the country’s stunning coastal vistas and lush, green highlands are instantly conjured up, though the land of the “Ascending Dragon” has also been on the rise as an in-demand destination for international golfers.
The dramatic scenery and beautiful weather provide the perfect backdrop for playing the links, some of which are among the best golfing venues in Asia. The Hoiana Resort & Golf, located near the historic town of Hoi Ain in central Vietnam, falls into that category.
Hugging the beachfront, this world-class facility delivers an 18-hole championship-level course to complement the exceptional accommodation that sits right alongside.
In addition, an exclusive casino, complete with 140 tables and more than 250 machines, adds to the resort’s overall attraction. Any golfer looking for a unique experience in the lap of Vietnamese luxury needs to add a visit to their bucket list.
They aren’t done quite yet however, and as detailed by the casino comparison and review site Casino.com, expansion plans are already in the works to make Hoiana an even more incredible haven.
Experience the high life at Hoiana
First opened amid great fanfare in 2020 as a billion-dollar mega project, the 1,200+ room hotel and picturesque golf course were built to attract a certain class of traveller.
The developers spared no expense (and it shows) and drafted in renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. to oversee the design of the Hoiana Shores Golf Club.
Trent Jones Jr. has a catalogue of over 250 golf courses in his portfolio, though his work at Hoiana is easily some of his best. In fact, he said so himself:
“I’ve been working in Asia all of my adult life. We’ve worked all over the region and looked at projects in Vietnam. But it does feel as though the best site has been saved for us. It’s been a lovely treasure hunt that ends with us finding a golf course project hard by the sea. Where great land meets the sea, great golf can happen.”
This is a true links design in every sense, featuring wide fairways framed by towering dunes, firm but fair fescue grasses, which are tickled by coastal breezes from the Eastern Sea.
Playing at the Hoiana Shores Golf Club is akin to the experience golfers have at famous seaside courses in Scotland and Ireland, albeit with much more sunshine than its Celtic counterparts.
Spanning around 7,000 yards from front to back, golfers must navigate elevation changes, tricky bunkers and holes that demand a balance between risk and reward right from tee off.
The conditioning of the course is regarded by most as outstanding, with greens that carry true and meticulous presentation all year round.
Luxury Accommodation and Other Amenities on Offer
Of course, Hoiana isn’t just about hitting the links. They go well beyond golfing pursuits to provide a complete resort escape.
Guests can choose between several high-end accommodation options, including the elegant Hoiana Hotel & Suites and the more family-friendly New World Hoiana Beach Resort. There is something there to suit all palates.
Both offer direct beach access, multiple swimming pools, award-winning spas and, of course, an array of dining venues, giving guests ample variety for dining each day. You can tuck into some authentic Vietnamese specialities or sample something with a more international flavour.
For the non-golfers, there is so much to explore, with wellness programmes, kids’ activities and entertainment all on offer for those who don’t want to pick up the clubs every day.
Indeed, one of Hoiana’s biggest plus points is its location. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town is just a short hop away by car, and has lantern-lit streets, historic significance and vibrant local markets to experience.
Many guests like to hit the golf course early before spending afternoons in exploration mode for a more balanced holiday.
Practical Details for Interested Parties
If the prospect of visiting Hoiana appeals, there are numerous packages to consider. With various price points to suit different budgets, deals typically include accommodation, multiple rounds of golf, expert coaching classes and caddie fees alongside access to practice facilities and other amenities.
Golf resorts have been springing up all across Southeast Asia in recent years, however, Hoiana stands apart from the competition, blending authentic links-style play with five-star comforts.
Independent reviews, like those found at Top 100 Golf Courses and other leading travel publications and outlets, consistently place it among the best venues in that corner of the world. Any golfers planning an international trip this year should consider the Hoiana Resort & Golf as their next destination.
