I played Hoiana Shores Golf Club last week and shot my best round there yet — here’s everything you need to know about Hoiana Shores Golf Club Review.
At a glance:
- Course: Hoiana Shores Golf Club — Greg Norman design
- Location: Hoi An, Vietnam
- Green fee: $120-160 (2026, caddie included)
- Best for: Championship-level golf
- Dave’s verdict: 35/40 overall
Hoiana Shores Golf Club Review 2026: Vietnam’s World-Ranked Links Experience
This comprehensive Hoiana Shores golf review resource covers everything you need. When I first moved from San Francisco to Da Nang in 2020, I expected decent golf. What I found was legitimately pro-caliber — at prices that would make my buddies back in Pebble Beach lose their minds. — a premier destination near Hoi An
Hoiana Shores Golf Club is the closest thing to Scottish links golf you’ll find in Asia. Designed by Greg Norman and ranked #47 in Golf Digest’s World Top 100 (2025), this windswept masterpiece along the central Vietnamese coastline near Hoi An delivers firm fairways, natural dune bunkering, and a finishing stretch along the South China Sea that rivals any links closing holes on the planet. This 2026 review covers why Hoiana Shores deserves its world ranking — and how to get the most from your round.
Course Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designer | Greg Norman |
| Par / Holes | 71 / 18 |
| Yardage | 7,122 yards (tips) |
| Opened | 2019 |
| Green Fee | $110–$160 USD (Q1 2026) |
| Style | True links — minimal trees, dune landscape, wind-exposed |
| World Ranking | #47 Golf Digest World Top 100 (2025) |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Top 3 Vietnam) |
Course Layout & Design
Norman studied Scotland’s Muirfield and Ireland’s Royal County Down before designing Hoiana Shores Golf Club, and the influence is unmistakable. This is links golf in its purest form — no trees shading your ball, no water hazards to navigate (except the ocean), just wind, natural sand dunes, pot bunkers, and undulating greens that reward imagination over power. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
The front nine plays through rolling dune terrain slightly inland, with the ocean visible but not directly in play. Fairways are wide but strategically bunkered — Norman places his traps exactly where your natural miss lands. The wind direction changes with every hole, demanding constant club re-evaluation. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
The back nine is where Hoiana Shores Golf Club achieves greatness. From the 14th tee, the course turns toward the sea, and the final five holes play along and above the shoreline. The sound of waves crashing accompanies every swing. The 17th — a 200-yard par-3 directly into the prevailing ocean wind — is the course’s ultimate test. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
Signature Holes
Hole 14 — Par 4 (420 yards) ⭐ THE TURN TO THE SEA
The moment Hoiana Shores Golf Club reveals its true character. The fairway bends right toward the ocean, with the South China Sea appearing dramatically behind the green. A long iron or hybrid off the tee, then a precise approach with crosswind. The most photogenic approach shot in Vietnam. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
Hole 16 — Par 5 (540 yards)
A reachable par-5 for big hitters, but Norman’s bunkering punishes aggression. The safe play is three shots to a green perched above the beach. Risk-reward at its finest. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
Hole 17 — Par 3 (200 yards) ⭐ THE SIGNATURE
Directly into the prevailing ocean wind. A 200-yard par-3 that plays like 240. Deep pot bunkers front and right, the ocean left. Club selection here defines your round. Most players are 2–3 clubs short on first attempt. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
Hole 18 — Par 4 (450 yards)
A muscular finishing hole along the coastline. Drive must avoid fairway bunkers right, then a mid-iron approach to a green backed by the clubhouse terrace — where spectators (and your playing partners from earlier groups) watch every shot land. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
Facilities & Clubhouse
- Clubhouse: Modern Vietnamese-colonial design with ocean-view terrace. Restaurant serves excellent Vietnamese and international cuisine. The post-round tiger beer on the terrace overlooking 18 is mandatory.
- Pro Shop: Premium rental sets (Titleist, Callaway) $45–$60. Quality merchandise.
- Practice Facilities: Links-style practice area with target greens at various distances. Short game area with bunker practice — essential warm-up for Hoiana Shores Golf Club’s pot bunkers.
- Spa: On-site wellness center for post-round recovery.
Caddie & Service Quality
Hoiana Shores Golf Club employs some of Vietnam’s most knowledgeable caddies. Links golf demands local knowledge — wind patterns shift through the day, and green speeds change with moisture levels. Your caddie will save you 3–5 shots if you trust their club recommendations, especially on the exposed back nine. Tip: 400,000–500,000 VND ($16–$20) for quality service. This is an essential part of any Hoiana Shores golf review planning.
Green Fees (Q1 2026)
| Day | 18 Holes | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | $110–$130 | Green fee, caddie, shared cart, range |
| Weekend | $140–$160 | Green fee, caddie, shared cart, range |
| Twilight | ~20% off | After 2 PM |
| Resort Guest | Special rates | Hoiana Resort package pricing |
Book 2+ weeks ahead for weekend tee times during peak season (Feb–Apr). Weekday availability usually good with 1 week notice.
How to Get There
Hoiana Shores Golf Club is 45 minutes south of Da Nang Airport, 25 minutes south of Hoi An. The Hoiana resort complex provides shuttle service for guests. Independent visitors: Grab/taxi from Da Nang ($15–$20) or Hoi An ($8–$12). The drive from Hoi An passes through scenic rice paddy countryside.
Best Time to Play
February–June for the best links conditions — firm fairways, consistent wind, dry weather. The course plays significantly differently in morning calm (6:30 AM tee time) versus afternoon wind (after 11 AM). Experienced links golfers prefer the wind — it’s the whole point. Avoid October–November when heavy rain softens the course and reduces the links character.
Nearby Courses
Create the ultimate Da Nang golf contrast: Hoiana Shores (ocean links) + Ba Na Hills (mountain) + Montgomerie Links (dunes) in a 3-day rotation. See our Da Nang Golf Guide for the full 12-course breakdown.
Book Your Round
For the best rates and guaranteed tee times, book through Cozy Vietnam Travel — their Hoiana Shores packages include resort accommodation, airport transfers, and exclusive green fee discounts unavailable through direct booking.
FAQ
Is Hoiana Shores Golf Club the best course in Vietnam?
Hoiana Shores Golf Club is ranked #2 in Vietnam (behind The Bluffs Ho Tram) and #47 globally by Golf Digest. For pure links golf, it’s #1 in Vietnam and arguably all of Asia. Whether it’s “better” than The Bluffs depends on your preference — coastal links vs. cliff-top dunes.
How hard is Hoiana Shores Golf Club?
Very challenging in wind. The 7,122-yard layout with pot bunkers and firm greens demands accurate ball-striking and creative shot-making. In calm conditions (early morning), it’s more forgiving. Mid-handicappers should play from the forward tees (6,200 yards) for maximum enjoyment.
Is Hoiana Shores worth $160?
For golf purists, absolutely. A world-ranked Top 50 course for $110–$160 is extraordinary value — comparable links experiences in Scotland or Ireland cost $300–$500. The quality of design, conditioning, and service at Hoiana Shores Golf Club justifies every dollar.
For more information, see World Golf.
Learn more about this destination at Lonely Planet Vietnam.
Related: Da Nang Golf Guide | Ba Na Hills Review | Top 20 Vietnam | Laguna vs Hoiana
⛳ Dave’s Scorecard: Layout: 9/10 | Conditioning: 9/10 | Value: 7/10 | Vibes: 10/10
⛳ Dave’s Practical Tip: Need a ride to the course? I use Klook’s private car charter in Da Nang — a full-day driver costs $50-60 including fuel. Way easier than haggling with taxis, and the driver knows every course entrance. For non-golfers in your group, GetYourGuide has excellent Hoi An walking tours and Ba Na Hills day trips.
📍 Explore more: all Vietnam golf courses ranked →
⛳ Ready to book your Vietnam golf trip? Let our specialists handle tee times, transfers, and hotel bookings — customized packages from $299/person for 3-night stays.
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