Golf
Dong Nai Golf Resort. It takes about an hour to reach this scenic course, about 50 km (30 miles) outside of Ho Chi Minh City. Designed by Ward W. Northrup, it's considered one of the most challenging courses in Southeast Asia, with hills and natural ponds. The location, at the bottom of a valley, ensures stable playing conditions year-round, with little wind. Off National Hwy. 1A, Trang Bom District, Dong Nai. 061/386–6288; dongnaigolf.com.vn. From 1,000,000d on weekdays.
Long Thanh Golf Club. About 36 km (22 miles) east of Ho Chi Minh City, near Bien Hoa City—about 50 minutes from downtown when traffic is light—the two courses here, designed by Ron Fream, have rolling fairways, undulating greens, and several artificial lakes. The Hills Course is the more challenging of the two; the Lakes Course, although it has many bunkers and water hazards, is flatter. National Hwy. 51, Phuoc Tan, Tay Ninh. 251/626–8989; www.longthanhgolfresort.com. From 1,400,000d for 18 holes weekdays.
Saigon South Golf Club. This compact 9-hole par-3 golf course and driving range is the closest golf course to downtown Ho Chi Minh City. The greens are well maintained and, while not the most exciting course around, it's very accessible from downtown. Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City. 28/5411–2001; www.saigonsouth.com. From 433,000d on weekdays, including caddy. Daily 6 am–9:30 pm.
Song Be Golf Resort. This 27-hole USGA standard championship course, 20 km (12 miles) outside the city, was built on former fruit and coconut orchards and is considered one of the most challenging layouts in Vietnam, with 10 lakes. The 9-hole Desert Course is Song Be's most feared, with its long, narrow fairways and complex bunkers that require some strategy. The 9-hole Lotus Course and the 9-hole Palm Course are prettier than the Desert Course, with several lakes and large undulating greens. 77 Binh Duong Blvd., Lai Thieu, Binh Duong. 274/3756–660; songbegolf.com. 1,659,000d weekdays, 2,499,000d weekends.
Twin Doves Golf Club. Visitors need to reserve a week or two in advance to play at this private club, but will be rewarded with a 27-hole international standard championship course featuring woodland, lakes, rolling hills, and tree-lined fairways. Of Twin Doves' three courses—Luna, Mare, and Sole—Mare is considered the most challenging. 368 Tran Ngoc Len, Hoa Phu, Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong. 274/386–0211; twindovesgolf.vn. Visitor fees from 1,175,000d weekdays.
Vietnam Golf and Country Club. This course, 20 km (12 miles) from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, was the country's first 36-hole golf course, set on a woodland estate. The 7,106-yard West Course, which features tree-lined fairways, has twice hosted the Vietnam Open Asian PGA Tour. The 6,946-yard East Course, designed by Lee Trevino, is more challenging, with many bunkers and water hazards and fast greens. Fees are lowest on Monday but the promotional rate does attract the crowds. Club House, Long Thanh My, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City. 28/6280–0101; vietnamgolfcc.com. Mon. 660,000d for 9 holes, 1,150,000d for 18 holes; Wed. 810,000d for 9 holes, 1,450,000d for 18 holes; Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 1,371,000d for 9 holes, 2,284,000d for 18 holes; weekends and holidays 1,805,000d for 9 holes, 3,009,000d for 18 holes.
