5 Days Vietnam Hanoi Golf Tour with Halong Bay Cruise Experience

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you or your group will be met by our local guide and driver. Then, we will take you to your carefully selected hotel in Hanoi. We will assist you with check-in. The rest of today is free for you to explore this old and charming city at your own pace.

Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, boasts a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. It showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Renowned for its diverse culinary scene, Hanoi is considered a food lover's paradise to taste Vietnamese cuisine. The city is famous for its street food, where you can savor an array of local specialties.

Hanoi Arrival Ideas & Transfer Info:

Hanoi serves as the primary gateway city to Vietnam, offering convenient access for travelers. You can easily reach Hanoi by air from Southeast Asia cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Luang Prabang, as well as major hubs like Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Domestic flights within Vietnam operate from cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Dalat, Hue, and Nha Trang. Additionally, flights from China are available from cities like Beijing, Kunming, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xiamen, and others.

Noi Bai International Airport is located about 28-30km from Hanoi's Old Quarter, and the drive takes around 40-50 minutes.

On this day, enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi. Afterwards, you will be transferred to King’s Island Golf Resort, located on an island in Dong Mo Lake, about 36 kilometers west of downtown Hanoi. This golf resort features three 18-hole championship courses, totaling 54 holes: the Lakeside Course, the Mountainview Course, and the Kings Course (designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus II).

Asia Odyssey Travel’s Advice: How to Choose the Right Course

Many golfers choose the Lakeside Course, which is famous for its abundant lakes and water hazards. Some holes require shots across the lake, providing exciting challenges. This course is perfect for golfers who enjoy water obstacles and high-level difficulty. If you value scenic views, the Mountainview Course is a great option, as its fairways wind through beautiful hilly landscapes.

Asia Odyssey Travel especially recommends the Kings Course for you. The Kings Course is the newest 18-hole addition at King’s Island, designed by Jack Nicklaus II and opened in 2018. All 18 holes feature a modern resort-style layout, with wide fairways and intricate bunker complexes. Compared to both the Lakeside and Mountainview Courses, the Kings Course is more open and is the best choice for club golfers. That said, the 7,310-yard layout still offers a challenge for experienced players - accurate shots into the greens are necessary for a good score. Some of the best holes include the 196-yard fourth and the 232-yard seventeenth. Both are par-3s that play to heavily bunkered greens.

Enjoy about four hours on the course, and we wish you a great game! After the golf time, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, you and your group will be escorted to Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club, known as “the most challenging golf course in Vietnam.” Chi Linh Golf was awarded “Best Challenging Course 2024” by Vietnam Golf & Leisure, and its 7th hole was recognized as the Best Par 4 of 2019 by Vietnam Golf Magazine.

Located about 68 kilometers from downtown Hanoi, Chi Linh Golf is roughly a 1.5-hour drive away.

The club features 27 holes of challenging, international-standard golf. The course was designed and constructed by Independent Golf Course Services, a renowned Australian firm with experience designing courses throughout Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and China. The golf course is beautifully set in a valley surrounded by rolling, forested hills, with several creeks, lakes, and natural water hazards.

The course layout takes full advantage of the dramatic elevation changes and the large natural lake at its center, which brings water into play on many holes. For example, several holes require tee shots over water, and others feature island greens formed by the lake’s many capes and bays. For players performing well throughout the round, be prepared - the final hole is an uphill par 5 stretching 680 yards (yes, that's correct - not a typo). Save your strength and stay focused until you reach the clubhouse.

Another highlight is the 380-yard, par-4 second hole, which demands a long carry to an elevated, well-guarded green. Other memorable holes include the par-5 fifth, featuring a sidehill lie along the right side of the fairway, and the aforementioned large lake running down the left.

After your golf game, you will be transferred to your Halong Bay cruise to continue your journey and explore the stunning Halong Bay.

Halong Bay, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts thousands of majestic limestone formations, sculpted by nature over millions of years. Reputed as “Guilin on the Sea”, these emerald islands rise dramatically from crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating a breathtaking seascape. Thanks to its dramatic cliffs, shimmering turquoise waters, and over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, Halong Bay is one of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam. A cruise offers the best way to experience its unparalleled beauty.

This afternoon, if time is right, you’ll explore Halong Bay's dramatic karst landscape with your cruise! Different cruise companies offer various itineraries, but you might visit some of these fascinating spots and try water activities like kayaking, swimming, etc. Watch the sunset paint the karst mountains with colors.

• Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave):Discover a magnificent cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Titop Island:Hike to the peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.
• Cua Van Fishing Village:Witness the traditional way of life of local fishermen in a floating village.
• Tung Sau Pearl Farm:Learn about pearl cultivation and see these beautiful gems firsthand.
• Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave):Discover a secluded cave with a unique rock formation.

Evening

This evening, indulge in a hearty dinner prepared by our talented chefs in the elegant dining room. After dinner, unwind with a variety of leisure options: join in on board games, try your hand at squid fishing, catch a night movie, or head to the bars & karaoke. Overnight onboard.

Early risers can embrace the sunrise with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, invigorating your body and mind. Enjoy a delicious breakfast to onboard.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Halong Bay! You can choose to participate in exciting water activities like kayaking or follow the cruise itinerary to admire the majestic limestone formations.

Later this morning, return to the cruise for a smooth check-out process at the reception. As you cruise back to the pier, savor a delightful lunch at 10:00 AM. Disembarkation will take place between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

Following disembarkation, you'll be transferred back to Hanoi. In this afternoon, you'll have half-day tour in Hanoi. First, enjoy a short walk to visit the One Pillar Pagoda. Prepare to be amazed by its distinctive shape: the main building sits atop a single stone pillar, resembling a lotus flower blossoming from a pond. Legend has it that Emperor Ly Thai Tong dreamt of receiving a son from the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Quan Am Bo Tat, on a lotus flower. The pagoda's construction served as a way to express his gratitude.

Later, head to Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Lake of the Restored Sword, a shimmering jewel in the heart of Hanoi. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake's perimeter, enjoying a view of the iconic Turtle Tower. Legend tells the tale of Emperor Le Loi returning a magical sword to a giant turtle residing in the lake, thus giving rise to the name "Lake of the Returned Sword." Afterwards, visit Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to various Vietnamese historical figures and the revered Confucian scholar Van Xuong.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the local life of Vietnam with a unique and fun cyclo tour! For about an hour, you'll travel at a slow and leisurely pace through the iconic Old Quarter of Hanoi. A cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi, will be your chariot for exploring the narrow streets. Cruise through the famed 36 Streets (each named after a specific trade) and pass by iconic landmarks like Dong Xuan Market, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the Hanoi Opera House. This is a fantastic way to experience the Old Quarter's charming and vibrant atmosphere firsthand! Don't miss the chance to savor the delicious variety of Vietnamese street food and local dishes!

Optional Water Puppet Show: Immerse yourself in a unique Vietnamese tradition by catching a water puppet show in the late afternoon or evening! Dating back to the 11th century, these captivating performances use colorful puppets manipulated on a water stage to depict folktales and historical events. A highly-recommended venue for this experience is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, you will have some free time in Hanoi. Then, you will be escorted to the Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport to catch your departure flight. Your 5-day Vietnam Golf tour will come to an end.

Trip Extension: If you plan to continue exploring other golf courses in Vietnam, such as in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, Hoi An, please let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Asia tour. We are always here for you and hope to see you again on your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!