Hanoi among world’s top golf destinations: Travel & Tour World

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has clinched its place among the world’s elite golf destinations, earning back-to-back recognition as the "World’s Best Golf City Destination" at the World Golf Awards in 2023 and 2024, according to Travel & Tour World (TTW).

This rapid rise has positioned the Vietnamese capital alongside established Asian golfing hubs such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, signaling its growing clout in the luxury sports tourism market.

At the heart of this success is an impressive lineup of world-class facilities. Hanoi now features six golf clusters with 10 championship-standard courses, each combining challenging play with sweeping natural scenery.

The crown jewel is the 55-hole Kings Island Golf complex, sprawling across 350 hectares of land and 1,500 hectares of water. Drawing 12,000–15,000 international visitors annually, its three distinctive sub-courses cater to all skill levels while offering panoramic views over Dong Mo Lake.

This blend of scale, design, and landscape has not only redefined Hanoi’s sporting appeal but also positioned it as a serious contender in the global golf tourism arena.

Leading the charge is the Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club, a 36-hole complex that has set new benchmarks for Vietnam’s golf industry. Known for its pristine fairways and sweeping vistas, Sky Lake offers more than just championship play.

Visitors enjoy luxury spa treatments, state-of-the-art conference facilities, curated golf retail, and the thrill of watching top-tier international tournaments that attract both professional players and passionate fans.

Prime location, premium experiences Hanoi’s biggest advantage is its accessibility. Situated within a four-hour flight from major golf markets such as South Korea, Japan, and China, the city is an easy sell for time-conscious travelers.

Liberalized visa policies and a major expansion of Noi Bai International Airport, which already offers direct connections to most Asian hubs, are further boosting its appeal.

The government has identified golf tourism as a key economic driver, channeling investment into infrastructure and marketing.

“Golf tourism is a core product that draws international visitors to both Vietnam and Hanoi,” said Dang Huong Giang, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Tourism.

She noted that her department is building complete golf tourism packages, ramping up promotion, and hosting more global tournaments to cement Hanoi’s international standing.

Luxury meets sustainability Hanoi’s hospitality sector has been quick to adapt, with brands like JW Marriott, InterContinental, and Sofitel Metropole offering golf-centric packages that handle everything from tee-time bookings to private lessons with certified pros.

At the same time, several courses, including BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort, are pioneering eco-friendly practices, from water conservation to wildlife preservation, ensuring that sustainability complements the luxury experience.

Multi-day golf itineraries that blend sport with Hanoi’s cultural landmarks and natural attractions are also on the rise. Resorts near scenic spots like Dong Mo Lake are positioning themselves as hubs for both golfers and general tourists, helping boost occupancy rates even in the city’s traditional low season.

With its growing roster of elite courses, strategic market positioning, and a commitment to service and sustainability, Hanoi is no longer just competing with regional heavyweights like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, it’s aiming to surpass them.

The city’s rise in the global golf tourism rankings is not just a hole-in-one; it’s a long game designed for lasting dominance.