I still remember the first time I stepped onto a pristine fairway under an Asian sunrise—a balm of mist hanging lightly over emerald greens, distant temple bells drifting through warm air. I’d flown in with my golf clubs tucked alongside dreams of perfect swings, only to find Asia’s golf tours are as rich in culture as they are in championship layouts.
From the tropical escapes of Thailand to Vietnam’s coastal links and China’s ultra-modern courses, each swing was accompanied by a story, a sense of place. This travel guide—rooted in my own journey—dives into the depths of golf tours Asia, offering a blend of personal observations, practical tips, and friendly advice for your next swing across the continent.
Essential Visitor Information for Golf Tours Asia
When to Visit
In my experience, the best seasons for golf tours in Asia hinge on avoiding monsoon rains and scorching heat:
- Thailand: November to March brings the dry, cooler “hi-season” in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. I once played early December rounds in Chiang Mai with crisp mornings and perfect fairways. IDC Travel
- Vietnam: Generally February to April is ideal—sunshine and minimal rain across coastal regions like Da Nang and Hoi An.
- China (Hainan, Shenzhen): Late winter to early spring covers comfortable play and clear air—perfect for locales like Mission Hills or Hainan’s seaside courses. GolfLuxWikipedia
Getting There
I recommend arriving at major international gateways—Bangkok (BKK), Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Phuket (HKT), or Shenzhen (SZX). From there:
- Local transfer services or tour operators handle club logistics—like Asia Golf Experiences, who arranged my seamless tee-time transfers and caddies in Thailand and Vietnam. Asia Golf Experiences
- Multi-destination golf tours often include domestic flights (e.g., Bangkok to Danang) woven into the itinerary. Golfasian – The Asian Golf ExpertsPerryGolf
Airfare varies by origin, but booking a bundle with a golf operator or aggregator—e.g. Expedia’s Thailand golf vacations—can offer solid savings. expedia
Costs
Honestly, Asia offers excellent value for money compared to many Western golf destinations:
- On the budget end, Expedia notes that some Asia golf packages start from around US $139–152—a bargain for both course play and lodging. expedia
- For mid-range Thailand packages, flexible 5-day, 4-night breaks in Bangkok may start at around THB 18,575 (~US $530), while more immersive multi-destination packages (Bangkok + Danang) run about USD 1,620 (~THB 55,000). Golfasian – The Asian Golf Experts
- Premium escorted tours—like PerryGolf’s 15-night golf safari through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—go from US $13,795 per golfer. PerryGolf
- Luxury multi-destination tours from Golfbreaks start at about £1,949 per person (roughly US $2,400) for 11 nights with 5 rounds, including 5-star hotels. golfbreaks.com
In my own trip, choosing a mid-tier local operator saved me hundreds compared to Western escorted tours—yet still covered green fees, transfers, and well-located hotels.
Where to Stay
I mix and match between golf-side resorts and boutique city hotels:
- Ranch-style golf resorts—like Laguna Lang Co in Vietnam or Mission Hills in China—offer immediate course access, spa amenities, and luxe rooms. Asia Golf Experiences Wikipedia
- City gateways—Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, or Chiang Mai—are great for evenings exploring street food and culture.
- Across Asia, golf-resorts in Travelocity listings range from US $46 (budget) to $784 (luxury) per night. travelocity
My advice? Combine one or two nights at a luxury golf resort with a few nights in a central city hotel for sightseeing between rounds.
Must-See Places & Courses in Asia Golf Tours
Popular Highlights
- Thailand: Play in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, Pattaya, or Kanchanaburi, choosing from legendary names like Black Mountain, Thai Country Club, and Red Mountain. Asia Golf ExperiencesGolfasian – The Asian Golf ExpertsIDC Travel
- Vietnam: Courses like Ba Na Hills, Legend Da Nang, Hoiana Shores, and The Bluffs Ho Tram offer dramatic coastal or jungle settings.
- Vietnam’s full packages often include cultural side-trips—like overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay—alongside rounds of golf. golfbreaks.com
- China: Mission Hills Shenzhen is a massive complex (216 holes!), perfect for mixing in spa time, academy lessons, or shopping.
- Combined group tours—such as PerryGolf’s Southeast Asia package—blend golf with Angkor Wat, Hoi An, UNESCO sites, and gourmet meals. PerryGolf
Food Recommendations & Local Tips
After a day on the greens, savor regional specialties:
- Thailand: Indulge in som tam, pad Thai, khao soi in Chiang Mai—and don’t miss papaya salad from a street stall after sunset.
- Vietnam: Start your morning with pho, or try fresh banh mi at roadside vendors between rounds in Da Nang.
- China (Hainan): Sample tropical fruit or a local seafood hotpot after a day at Mission Hills—a perfect way to recharge.
A few friendly tips from my outings:
- Say “sanuk” (Thai for “fun”) when chatting with caddies or staff—they appreciate the effort and it brings smiles.
- Bring a light rain jacket in the tropics—even in dry season, pop-up showers can surprise you.
- Caddy tipping is appreciated—around THB 200–300 (~US $6–9) for a round in Thailand is fair; adjust modestly in Vietnam or China.
Local Terms & Phrases to Know
| Language | Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Thai | sanuk | Fun, enjoyable |
| Thai | kop khun (khob khun) | Thank you |
| Vietnamese | cảm ơn (cam on) | Thank you |
| Vietnamese | chúc may mắn | Good luck (on the course!) |
In my experience, even attempting these simple phrases earned me warm nods and smoother service.
Summary at a Glance
- Best Time: November–March for Thailand; Feb–Apr for Vietnam; spring months for Hainan/China.
- Getting There: Major hubs → arranged transfers/tours.
- Cost Spectrum:
- Budget packages: US $140–150
- Mid-range multi-night: ~USD 1,500–1,600
- Luxury escorted: up to USD 13,800
- Premium self-guided (Golfbreaks): ~£1,949 per 11-night tour
- Accommodation: From $46 budget to $784 luxury. Blend golf-resort stays with city hotels.
- Must-Plays:
- Thailand: Black Mountain, Thai Country Club, Red Mountain, etc.
- Vietnam: Ba Na Hills, Legend Da Nang, The Bluffs.
- China: Mission Hills Shenzhen (the world’s largest golf facility).
- Food & Tips: Street food and warm Thai/Viet hospitality, pick up local words, pack a rain layer, tip caddies respectfully.
Nearby Places to Visit After the Final Hole
Once your clubs are stowed, consider these nearby treasures:
- Ayutthaya (from Bangkok) – Ancient capital, temple ruins and historical charm.
- Hoi An (from Da Nang) – Lantern-lit ancient town with rich heritage and craft shops.
- Angkor Wat (from Siem Reap) – If you swing through Cambodia, the majestic ruins are unforgettable.
- Bangkok’s floating markets, Phuket’s beachside nightlife, or Chiang Mai’s night bazaars also offer rich cultural backdrops after golf.