Golf in Thailand vs Golf in Vietnam – Which Destination Is Better for Your Next Golf Holiday?

7 January 2026

Southeast Asia has become one of the most exciting regions in the world for golf travel. The two names that come up most often are Thailand and Vietnam. Both offer warm weather, impressive layouts and friendly people. But when you look closer at course quality, value, caddies, nightlife and overall travel comfort, Thailand still comes out clearly ahead for most golfers. If you are comparing golf in Thailand vs golf in Vietnam and are not sure where to book your next trip, this guide walks you through the most important differences. It shows where Vietnam is strong, where it is still developing, and why Thailand remains the better choice for a smooth, enjoyable and good-value golf holiday. (Our unbiased opinion)

Number of Golf Courses and Variety in Thailand and Vietnam

Vietnam has invested a lot in new golf courses in recent years. You find modern layouts around Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, often with big-name designers. The problem for many travelers is that the total number of courses is still limited and the distances between destinations can be long. It is harder to combine several golf regions in one trip without extra flights or long transfers.

Thailand has been a golf destination for decades and the variety is much greater. You can play coastal golf in Hua Hin, island golf in Phuket, championship golf around Pattaya, city golf close to Bangkok hotels and even mountain golf in Chiang Mai. With more than 70 good courses that welcome international players, it is very easy to build a flexible itinerary that matches your level, budget and travel style.

For golfers who like choice and the option to combine different regions in one holiday, Thailand has a clear advantage.

Course Quality and Conditioning

Vietnam’s newer courses often look spectacular in photos. Many are built in scenic locations and have strong designs. However, conditions can be inconsistent, especially outside peak season. Fairway grass, bunkers and greens are not always at the same standard from course to course. Some layouts also feel a little “young”, with trees and landscaping that still need time to grow in.

Thailand’s leading courses have been tested and improved over many years. Places like Red Mountain and Blue Canyon in Phuket, Black Mountain in Hua Hin, Siam Country Club in Pattaya and Alpine in Bangkok have a long history of hosting tournaments and foreign guests. Greens are usually quick and true, fairways are well maintained and the overall experience feels polished and professional. Even many mid-range courses reach a standard that surprises first-time visitors.

If you care about reliable playing conditions and consistent maintenance from tee to green, Thailand is usually the safer choice.

Caddies and On-Course Service

This is one of the biggest differences between the two countries. In Vietnam, some courses offer caddies, but the system is less established and can vary widely. At many clubs, players still handle their own bags and carts. The level of English and course knowledge also differs a lot between locations.

In Thailand, caddies are at the heart of the golf experience. Every round includes a personal caddy who looks after your bag, drives the cart, gives distances, reads greens and helps you manage the heat. They know the course extremely well and often know exactly how each green breaks. Their presence keeps the round moving and adds a friendly, human touch that many golfers remember just as much as the layout itself.

For beginners and higher handicaps, this support can be a game changer. Many guests report that they play better golf in Thailand simply because their caddy gives them the right targets and calm encouragement. In this category, Thailand is clearly ahead of Vietnam.

Prices and Value for Money

Vietnam is no longer the cheap secret it once was. Green fees at prime courses in Da Nang or along the coast can be high, and hotel prices in popular resort areas have increased. Transfers and dining in tourist zones are also often closer to Western levels than many travelers expect.

Thailand continues to offer a very strong balance between quality and price. Green fees are usually lower than in Vietnam, especially when booked as part of golf packages in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya or Phuket. There is a huge range of hotels, from good budget options to world-class five-star resorts, and the food scene is both excellent and affordable. When you add the value of a full caddy service to every round, the overall package in Thailand is hard to beat.

If you want championship golf without paying Middle East or European resort prices, Thailand normally delivers more holiday for the same budget.

Nightlife, Dining and Off-Course Activities

Vietnam has wonderful food, interesting cities and a rich culture. Places like Da Nang, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City offer historic sites and some nightlife, but in many golf areas the evenings feel relatively quiet once dinner is over. This can suit some travelers, but groups of friends or couples looking for more energy sometimes feel limited.

Thailand is famous for combining great golf with a very wide choice of things to do after the round. In Phuket you have beaches, island trips, spas and a strong restaurant scene. Pattaya mixes high-quality courses with a very active nightlife and lots of entertainment. Hua Hin offers night markets, vineyards and a softer seaside atmosphere. Bangkok adds rooftop bars, Michelin-listed dining, temples and shopping. This variety makes it easier to keep everyone in the group happy, including non-golfing partners.

For golfers who want both strong golf packages and memorable evenings, Thailand usually fits better than Vietnam.

Transport and Ease of Travel

In Vietnam, some golf regions are still quite spread out. Getting from your hotel to different courses or between cities often means longer transfers or domestic flights. Infrastructure is improving, but planning a multi-stop golf trip still takes more effort and time.

Thailand is built around tourism. Airports connect easily to all main golf regions, and once you arrive it is simple to move between hotel and course. Taxis, private cars, Bolt and Grab are widely available, and road connections between destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua Hin are straightforward. When you book with Fairways of Eden, all transfers for your golf holiday in Thailand can be organised in advance so you never have to worry about how to get to the next tee time.

Weather and Playing Seasons

Both countries have tropical climates, but Vietnam’s central coast can be affected by strong rainy periods and storms at certain times of the year. Planning the right month for Da Nang, Nha Trang and other regions requires a bit of research.

Thailand offers a very clear high season from November to March, which is ideal for most golfers. The shoulder months often still provide good playing conditions, and even in rainy season many days follow a pattern of short showers rather than constant rain. For golfers who want simple, predictable planning, Thailand is usually easier to manage across the calendar.

Why Thailand Is the Better Overall Golf Choice

Vietnam is an exciting emerging golf destination and will continue to grow. It already has some impressive layouts and beautiful scenery. However, when you look at the full picture from a golfer’s point of view, Thailand still has the edge in almost every important category: more mature courses, better caddie culture, stronger value, easier logistics and a wider range of golf packages in Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Bangkok.

If you started your research by looking for golf holidays in Vietnam, it is absolutely worth considering Thailand instead or as your first Southeast Asia golf experience. You will have more choice, less stress and often a better overall trip for the same or even a lower budget.

Plan Your Thailand Golf Holiday with Fairways of Eden

Fairways of Eden specialises in golf holidays in Thailand. We focus fully on the country we know best so that you get the maximum benefit from your time and budget. Whether you want relaxed golf packages in Hua Hin, a lively golf break in Pattaya, an island-style golf holiday in Phuket or a city-based golf trip in Bangkok, we help you choose the right courses, hotels and activities for your group.

We organise tee times, caddies, golf carts and all transfers, and we can add handpicked experiences such as boat trips, vineyards, spas or city tours. You stay in control of your schedule and budget while we handle the logistics in the background.

If you are comparing golf in Thailand vs golf in Vietnam and want a destination that combines quality, comfort and great value, Thailand is ready for you. With Fairways of Eden, building your perfect golf holiday in Thailand becomes simple, transparent and enjoyable from the first click to the last putt.

👉 Start planning your next golf holiday in Thailand with Fairways of Eden today.

Discover Thailand’s Best Golf Destinations

If you want to explore the regions that make Thailand Asia’s number one golf destination, take a closer look at our dedicated guides. Each page gives you course highlights, hotel options, travel tips and ready-to-book golf packages tailored to every style and budget.

• Golf in Bangkok – Championship courses, city comfort and Michelin dining.
• Golf in Phuket – Island luxury, dramatic layouts and tropical beaches.
• Golf in Pattaya – Elite courses combined with vibrant nightlife and entertainment.
• Golf in Hua Hin – Coastal golf capital with royal heritage and relaxed seaside charm.
• Golf in Chiang Mai – Mountain views, cool air and peaceful Northern landscapes.
• Golf on Koh Samui – Stunning island scenery paired with a unique championship layout.

These destinations form the core of Thailand’s golf experience. No matter where you choose to play, Fairways of Eden helps you build a complete, easy and unforgettable golf vacation.