Should You Go on a Vietnam or Thailand Golf Tour? Detailed Comparison 2026

Vietnam and Thailand are fiercely competing to become the top golf paradise in Southeast Asia. Thailand is known as a "mature market" with over 250 golf courses, while Vietnam asserts its position as a high-quality emerging golf destination with about 100 standard courses and consecutive international awards. But where should Asian golfers really choose for their 2026 golf trip? The article below compares 10 criteria in detail to help you make the right decision.

Quick Info — Comparison Table of 10 Criteria

Core Differences Between Vietnamese and Thai Golf

Thailand is a long-standing "giant" in the Asian golf tourism industry. With over 250 golf courses spread from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya, Thailand possesses scale and diversity that few countries in the region can match. However, this also comes with challenges: crowded courses, difficult-to-book tee times during peak season, and pace of play that can sometimes be prolonged.

Vietnam, on the other hand, is in a "boom" phase. From about 30 courses in 2010, Vietnam now has nearly 100 standard 18-hole courses, with over 30 designed by legendary architects such as Greg Norman, Sir Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. What makes Vietnam stand out is not the quantity, but the quality of course architecture and unique landscapes — from wind-swept coastal links to dramatic limestone mountain courses.

According to the World Golf Awards, Vietnam has consecutively won the "Asia's Best Golf Destination" award for 9 years as of the end of 2025. In addition, Vietnam's golf tourism revenue surpassed the 1 billion USD mark in 2025, accounting for 8%–10% of the country's total tourism revenue — an impressive figure that demonstrates the rapid growth of this high-spending traveler segment.

All-Inclusive Golf Tour Cost Comparison

This is the most frequently asked question by golfers. The short answer: mid-range golf tour prices in both countries are comparable, but Vietnam has an advantage in dining costs, caddie tips, and off-itinerary services.

Note on additional costs:

• ✦ Caddie tip: VN ~350,000–500,000 VND/round (~15–20 USD); TH ~400–600 THB/round (~12–20 USD)
• ✦ Dining outside the tour: VN is significantly cheaper compared to prices in Bangkok/Phuket
• ✦ Private buggy: Surcharge of ~30 USD/round in both countries

👉 View detailed 2026 all-inclusive Vietnam golf tour price list and combo packages.

Sample Itinerary: 4 Days 3 Nights — Vietnam vs Thailand

Imagine the same amount of time: 4 days 3 nights. What will you experience in each country?

Most noticeable difference: In Vietnam, the top-tier golf courses in the Central region are only 15–30 minutes apart by car. In Thailand, traveling between Bangkok–Pattaya takes 2 hours — a portion of time inevitably spent on the road.

Weather & Best Golf Season

Vietnam has a clearly differentiated climate across its 3 regions:

• ✦ Northern Region: Best from October–April. Summer from May–September is hot and humid, avoid playing at noon.
• ✦ Central Region: Best from February–August. Avoid September–December (rainy and storm season).
• ✦ Southern Region: Best from November–April. May–October has short rains, usually not affecting much.

Thailand has more pleasant weather from November–February (the "cool" season). June–October is the rainy season, however Thailand's golf course drainage systems are good, so you can still play.

👉 See details on golf weather in Vietnam's 3 regions by month here.

Visa Procedures & Travel

Vietnam Visa (2026): Very open. 45-day visa exemption for citizens of South Korea, Japan, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia. ASEAN exempted for 30 days. Other countries can easily apply for an e-visa online.

Thailand Visa (2026): Tightened to 30 days for 54 countries (losing the previous 60 days), simultaneously requiring the declaration of TDAC (Digital Transit Card) 72 hours before the flight.

Flight time:

• ✦ From Seoul: HN/DN ~4h15m, Bangkok ~5h30m–6h → VN saves ~1.5 hours
• ✦ From Tokyo: HN/DN ~5h, Bangkok ~6h–6h30m → VN saves ~1 hour
• ✦ From Singapore → VN/Thailand are similar (~2 hours)
• ✦ From Hong Kong: DN only ~1h45m, Bangkok ~2h30m → VN shortens by ~45 minutes

Golf Services & Caddies

Vietnam Caddies: Praised by professional golfers for their wind and green reading skills — especially important at coastal links courses. Their English and Korean skills are improving. Sincere service spirit, considering the golfer's score improvement as a joy.

Thai Caddies: A legendary brand of Asian golf. Professional, consistent, cheerful, and always know how to relieve stress for golfers after a bad hole.

Clubhouse: Vietnam's newer golf courses boast luxurious clubhouses like 5-star palaces. Thailand's clubhouses are older but always perfectly maintained and focus on functionality.

Play Density & Tee Time Booking

Vietnam: Very spacious, especially on weekdays in the Central region. Fast pace of play (~4h00–4h15m/round). Booking 2–4 weeks in advance is fine.

Thailand: Peak season (Nov–Feb) top courses like Siam Country Club, Alpine are often fully booked. Prime tee-times (6am–8am) need to be booked 2–3 months in advance. Pace of play can easily drag on (~5h00–5h30/round) due to crowds.

When Should You Choose Vietnam?

• ✦ First time in Southeast Asia: Want a relaxed, safe "golf + culture" experience with short transfers
• ✦ Love dramatic landscapes: Prefer coastal links, limestone mountains, pine forests — not just "green grass"
• ✦ Hate crowds: Want to play at a leisurely, comfortable pace without pressure from the group behind
• ✦ Mid/Low handicap: Want to challenge yourself on windy links courses full of sand traps
• ✦ Family vacation: Wife/kids love heritage exploration (Hoi An, Hue – Lang Co) or beach resort combined with golf

When Should You Choose Thailand?

• ✦ Golf snob / Collector: Want to play many courses, many different styles in one trip
• ✦ Large group / Buddy trip: Enjoy nightlife, bars, partying after golf
• ✦ Convenience-first: Want all services (massage, shopping, dining) close together
• ✦ New golfer / High handicap: Need flat, wide, easy parkland courses to build confidence
• ✦ Repeat visitor: Have played Vietnam, want a familiar destination with plenty of options

Thailand Golf Tours by Wingolf — What's Included?

If you have decided to choose Thailand, Wingolf offers 5 all-inclusive international golf tours with standard itineraries, guaranteed tee times, and transparent listed prices:

All Thailand tours from Wingolf include: green fee, 4–5 star hotel, transfers, English/Korean-speaking guide and visa support when needed. 👉 View details of all international tours here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Vietnam golf tours cheaper or more expensive than Thailand?

In the luxury segment, Vietnam is about 10–15% more expensive due to higher top-tier green fees. However, in the mid-range segment and for dining/tipping costs, Vietnam is significantly cheaper.

2. Are golf courses in Thailand better than in Vietnam?

Not necessarily better, but different. Thailand has strengths in consistent quality and maintenance experience. Vietnam has the advantage of bold designs, pristine landscapes, and world-class coastal links courses.

3. Should I choose Vietnam or Thailand in January? July?

January: Both are beautiful. If you want to avoid crowds → choose Vietnam. July: Choose Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Nha Trang) because the weather is great. Thailand is in its rainy season in July.

4. Do Vietnamese caddies speak English/Korean?

At courses that specialize in welcoming international guests (Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang), caddies can communicate fairly well in English and Korean. In Thailand, multilingual caddie services are more widely available.

5. Are Vietnamese golf courses too difficult for beginners?

Vietnam has many courses suitable for all levels. Links courses like Hoiana Shores or KN Golf Links are truly difficult for high-handicap golfers, but parkland courses like Vinpearl Nam Hoi An or Northern courses are very easy to play.

6. Can I combine golf and cultural tourism in Vietnam like in Thailand?

Absolutely, it's even more convenient in Vietnam. From the Da Nang golf cluster, it only takes a 20-30 minute drive to reach Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO) or the Imperial City of Hue. In Thailand, the distance between golf courses and major cultural sites is greater.