One of the most popular niche tourism segments today is golf tourism, which attracts a wide range of travellers.
Picking up on this, destinations are now creating interesting tour packages that not only focuses on golfing, but on other activities like sightseeing, shopping and cultural immersion.
In Malaysia itself, there are more than 200 golf courses where both domestic and international tourists are welcome to play. Golf holiday packages in this country usually include visits to popular nearby sites, meals at local establishments and other experiences unique to the area.
While Malaysia is certainly on its way to becoming one of Asia’s golf tourism powerhouses, another South-East Asian country is fast positioning itself as a major golf destination too.
Prompted in part by the increase in fuel prices globally, Vietnam is a hot holiday option this summer, especially for golf enthusiasts.
More accurately, it is Central Vietnam that is proving to be a hit with golfers these days, particularly in areas along the 80km-long coast that covers popular tourist spots like Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue.
Within the coast, you will find several world-renown courses, including the Montgomerie Links, Ba Na Hills Golf Club and Laguna Lang Co. Some of the courses were designed by golfing legends like Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo.
The clubs are professionally managed, and are marketed by the Vietnam Golf Coast, a destination marketing initiative. The initiative promotes Central Vietnam through golf tourism in key international markets, including Malaysia.
“We see positive growth in tourism products in Central Vietnam, both in terms of quantity and quality. In the golf sector alone, golfers have eight nearby courses to choose from during a single visit.
“The courses have been thoughtfully developed alongside established hotels and resorts, creating a destination that delivers a signature collection of golf experiences unlike anywhere else in Vietnam,” said Montgomerie Links club manager Alice Le, during an event held recently at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Montgomerie Links is located close to the beaches in Da Nang, while Ba Na Hills Golf Club is set in the highlands.
Of course, from its name you can probably tell that the latter course is located near the famous tourist attraction, Ba Na Hills. This “viral” spot has been making its rounds on social media for some years (it officially opened in 2018) thanks to the sculpture of the giant stone hands “holding” the Golden Bridge.
If you’re planning a golf holiday in Da Nang, make sure to include a trip to the hills not just to see the bridge, but to also experience the cable car ride.
Of course, those who prefer the beach can opt to play their rounds at Montgomerie Links instead.
“Summer is a particularly rewarding time to experience Montgomerie Links,” said Le.
This is because the timing coincides with one of Danang’s biggest annual draws: The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2026 which started last weekend and will run until July 11. This year’s theme is “Da Nang – United Horizons”.
The event brings 10 teams from nine countries to the Han River, with displays staged across five qualifying nights and a grand finale, alongside street performances, music, dancing, and riverfront festivities across the city.
“With coastal play, mountain golf, strong-value promotions, and a packed summer events calendar, Vietnam Golf Coast is positioning the season as one of the most rewarding times of year to visit,” said Le.
