DESTINATION · ASIA

Thailand & Vietnam — Asia's Top Golf Destinations.

Thailand (350 spots) and Vietnam (80 spots) are Asia's established senior golf destinations. High course quality, premium hotels at mid-range prices, friendly service culture. What makes Asian travel special for senior golfers – and where the two countries differ.

MMy first trip to Asia was Thailand in 2018 — and it turned out to be my most surprising senior trip. Premium service culture (each player has their own caddie, who works for €25 per round including tip), excellent courses, Michelin-star-level restaurant culture at bistro prices. Asia is the underestimated premium senior destination.

Thailand and Vietnam are Asia's top senior golf destinations. Thailand has the longer tradition (golf since the 1920s) and a higher number of courses, while Vietnam is still developing (with massive investment in new courses). Both offer a premium service culture, fair prices, and excellent hotel infrastructure.

Thailand in the Senior Profile

Profile 1 — 350 nationwide locations

✓ HIGHEST ASIAN DENSITY.

Thailand has over 350 courses: Bangkok region (50+), Phuket (15), Hua Hin (12), Chiang Mai (8). Bangkok and Hua Hin are the main senior regions due to resort infrastructure and green fee levels.

Profile 2 - Inclusive Trolley Culture

✓ Each player has a caddie.

In Thailand, each player plays with their own caddie – costing €25-€40 per round, including tip. The caddie arranges the trolley, club selection, distance estimation, and green reading. Bonus for senior comfort.

Profile 3 — Combination with Beach Resort

✓ Hua Hin + Phuket.

Hua Hin (a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok) is Thailand's "senior capital": quiet, with reasonable prices and a royal tradition. Phuket offers beach resorts and golf. Bangkok is for city lovers.

350 + 80

Places in Thailand and Vietnam combined

Asia Golf Tourism Report 2024

Plus Premium Service Culture (Caddies) and Fair Prices — Asia's Senior Golf Rise.

Vietnam in the Senior Profile

Profile 1 — New but High-End Venues

✓ MODERN INVESTMENTS.

Vietnam has 80 courses, most of which have been developed since 2010. Premium designs (Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones). Main regions: Da Nang (coast), Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi. World-class courses.

Profile 2 — Best Value for Money in Asia

✓ 60 % CHEAPER THAN THAILAND.

Vietnam Senior Tours – Premium Destinations: 1,800–2,800 € for 12 days. Premium hotels (Furama Da Nang, Sheraton Hanoi) at 150–280 € per night. Green fees for premium courses: 70–150 €. Asia’s best value.

Profile 3 — Logistically Challenging

⚠ MORE PLANNING NEEDED.

Trips to Vietnam require more planning: visa requirements, less travel infrastructure than in Germany, and greater distances between destinations. Tour operators recommended (PGA Reisen, Falcon Travel).

Thailand offers well-established, premium golf for seniors. Vietnam offers a next-generation premium experience at half the price. Both are real discoveries for European seniors.

— Frank Brohl, IAGTO Vice President

Three top spots per destination.

Thailand — Banyan Golf Club (Hua Hin)

Banyan Golf Club: Top-ranked Hua Hin course. Green fees €80-130 incl. caddie. Premium hotel Banyan Tree directly on the course.

Vietnam — Ba Na Hills (Da Nang)

Ba Na Hills (IMG Worldwide): A top-ranked golf course in Vietnam with a dramatic mountain setting. Green fee: 100–180 €. InterContinental Da Nang is the hotel.

Vietnam — Vinpearl Phu Quoc

Vinpearl Phu Quoc: Greg Norman Design on Phu Quoc Island. Green fees €80-140. Resort island with premium service.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Thailand Profile

02 Vietnam Profile

03 Which destination suits which type of senior?

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

11-13 hour flight

From Germany — Premium Long-Distance Trip to Asia.

REFERENCE

DGV Member Statistics 2024. Golf Tourism Reports (KPMG 2024). PGA Travel Partner Overview. IAGTO Golf Tourism Report 2024. World Golf Awards 2024.

What Travel to Asia Is Not

Thailand and Vietnam offer premium senior golf at unbeatable prices—but they aren’t the kind of trips you can book on a whim. Visa requirements (especially for Vietnam), travel preparations, and adjusting to the climate all require more planning than trips to the Mediterranean. For first-time travelers to Asia: a tour operator is a must.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to Plan Your Trip to Asia in 60 Minutes

Thailand for first-time travelers, Vietnam for those looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations

Thailand: well-established, easier to organize, ideal for first-time travelers to Asia. Vietnam: more affordable, up-and-coming, for experienced travelers to Asia.

Organizer PGA Reisen or Falcon Travel

Both are specialists in senior travel to Asia. All-inclusive packages with domestic flights, hotels, and tee times. €2,800–4,500 for 12–14 days.

November–February as the best time to travel

Asian dry season. 22–28 °C, low humidity. Summer (April–October) monsoon season — best avoided.