Asia has become one of the most rewarding destinations for golf travel as it hosts world class courses, maintains exceptional hospitality and warm climates, while the rich culture means there is so much to explore beyond golf. For those willing to look beyond the traditional European circuit, here’s a guide to Asia’s top golf spots, exploring Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia and what they all have to offer.
Thailand - Variety, Quality & A Base For Every Golfer
Thailand is one of Asia’s most recognised golf destinations and the appeal is simple, its home to great courses, reliable weather and a flexible base regardless of whether you prefer beach, city or something in between.
Hua Hin is a particular highlight, the seaside resort is home to award-winning courses including Black Mountain, Army Sea Pines and the Banyan Golf Course. It also sits just a two hour drive from Bangkok – making it easy to combine a few days on the fairways with time in the capital.
However, Bangkok is more than a multi-stop trip, it is also home to its own, well established golf scene. Phuket delivers its own strong lineup with Blue Canyon Country Club and Red Mountain Golf Club among the most popular choices for visiting golfers. Pattaya adds a livelier atmosphere, while Koh Samui’s Santiburi course offers a quieter, island-based alternative.
Thailand suits golfers at every level and its range of resort styles means it works well for a focused golf trip or a mixed holiday with non-golfing companions.
Vietnam - Signature Courses From Legends Of The Game
Vietnam has built an impressive reputation in golf circles and with good reason, with signature courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie spread across the country from north to south, giving golfers a variety of challenges to work through.
Da Nang is the heartland of Vietnamese golf, with the Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort providing a well located base close to several top courses. The capital Hanoi and the nearby Ha Long Bay offer a more culturally immersive experience for those who want to combine their rounds with sightseeing, while Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) rounds out the itinerary as the country’s energetic southern hub. The Majestic Saigon Hotel, a five star heritage property on the banks of the Saigon River, is a popular stay for golfers passing through.
Vietnam also makes for a natural pairing with Thailand in a multi-country itinerary – something Chaka Travel’s South East Golf Tour does particularly well, taking in eight rounds of championship golf across Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in a single trip.
Malaysia - Tropical Golf With A Cultural Dimension
Malaysia is perhaps the most underrated of the three but it rewards those who make the trip. Kuala Lumpur is the obvious starting point, with a strong cluster of well-designed courses set within a lush tropical environment that holds its own against anywhere in the region.
Beyond the capital, Penang, Langkawi and Sabah each offer a markedly different experience:
- Penang blends urban culture with rolling, tree lined courses
- Langkawi brings coastal scenery & a more relaxed pace of play
- Sabah, Borneo, provides a remote setting for golfers who want something off the beaten track
Malaysia’s diversity across food, culture, landscape and course design makes it particularly well suited to golfers who want the trip to amount to more than just the rounds themselves.
Planning Your Asian Golf Trip
Each of these three destinations has its own strengths and they work well individually or combined into a longer multi-country tour. A few practical points worth keeping in mind:
- Thailand & Vietnam are generally at their best November-April
- Malaysia offers good conditions all year round
- Caddies are standard at most premium courses & are typically included in the green fee
- A valid handicapcertificate is required at some venues - have yours to hand
- Multi destination tours covering two+ countries are a popular choice & worth considering
Our team at Chaka Travel has over 20 years of experience arranging golf holidays across Asia. Every itinerary is built around your preferences – from tee times and transfers to hotel choice and travel dates, with no detail left to chance. Get in touch with us to plan your Asian golf trip today.