After my third Ha Long Bay cruise, I realized the itinerary was missing something — golf. Turns out FLC Ha Long Bay sits 15 minutes from the city, and combining a cruise with 2-3 rounds creates the ultimate Northern Vietnam trip. This guide covers every course near Ha Long and how to build a golf-cruise combo.
Golf near Halong Bay centers on FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club — a clifftop Schmidt-Curley design with UNESCO World Heritage views from nearly every hole. It’s legitimately one of the most photogenic courses in Southeast Asia. Beyond FLC, Chi Linh Star (90 minutes) and Mong Cai International (2 hours) offer budget mountain golf with lower green fees.
At a glance:
- Primary course: FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club (18 holes, Par 72, clifftop links)
- Nearby options: Chi Linh Star (90 min), Mong Cai International (2h)
- FLC green fee: $60 weekday / $160 weekend (caddie included)
- Best combo: 2 nights cruise + 1-2 rounds FLC = ultimate Halong Bay trip
- Distance from Hanoi: 2.5 hours by highway
Golf Courses Near Halong Bay: Complete Guide
| Course | Distance from HL City | Green Fee | Holes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLC Ha Long Bay | 15 min | $60–160 | 18 | Views, links golf, photography |
| Chi Linh Star | 90 min | $40–90 | 36 | Value, mountain golf, 2 courses |
| Mong Cai International | 120 min | $35–60 | 18 | Budget, border town experience |
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club: The Main Attraction
Schmidt-Curley designed these 18 holes along limestone cliffs overlooking Ha Long Bay. The signature hole — the par-3 seventh — plays 175 yards downhill to a green perched on a cliff edge with karst islands dotting the bay behind. It’s the most Instagram-worthy hole in Northern Vietnam. Course conditioning ranks 8/10, with Bermuda fairways and TifEagle greens that run 10 on the Stimpmeter.
⛳ Dave’s Scorecard — FLC Ha Long: Layout: 9/10 | Conditioning: 7/10 | Value: 7/10 | Vibes: 10/10
Golf Near Halong Bay + Cruise Combo Itinerary
| Day | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Hanoi → Ha Long, PM golf | FLC Ha Long Bay (18 holes) |
| Day 2 | Board Ha Long Bay cruise | Overnight cruise, kayaking, caves |
| Day 3 | Cruise morning, PM golf | FLC Ha Long Bay (replay or 9 holes) |
| Day 4 | Return to Hanoi or extend | Optional: Chi Linh Star en route |
Getting to Ha Long Bay Golf Courses
Ha Long City is 2.5 hours from Hanoi via the Ha Long–Hai Phong expressway. Private driver: $60-80 one-way. FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club sits in the Quang Ninh tourism zone, 15 minutes from Ha Long City and 10 minutes from most cruise piers. The proximity makes golf near Halong Bay logistically simple — play a morning round before your afternoon cruise departure.
⛳ Dave’s Practical Tip: Combine golf with a Ha Long Bay overnight cruise via Klook — play FLC Ha Long in the morning, board the cruise by afternoon. Viator also offers day cruises if you’re short on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a golf course near Ha Long Bay?
Yes, FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club sits 15 minutes from Ha Long City — an 18-hole clifftop course with UNESCO World Heritage views. Golf near Halong Bay also includes Chi Linh Star (90 min) with 36 holes.
Can I combine Ha Long Bay cruise and golf?
Yes, a 3-4 day itinerary combining 1-2 rounds at FLC Ha Long with an overnight cruise is the best way to experience both. Play golf before boarding or after disembarking.
How much does golf cost near Ha Long Bay?
FLC Ha Long Bay charges $60 weekday and $160 weekend including caddie. Budget alternatives like Chi Linh Star run $40-90 per round.
📍 Explore more: Vietnam golf destinations guide →
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Golf Near Halong Bay: Planning a Multi-Day Trip
The ideal golf near Halong Bay itinerary combines FLC Ha Long with a bay cruise and optional Hanoi golf. Day 1: Drive from Hanoi (2.5h), play FLC Ha Long afternoon twilight ($40-60), overnight at FLC Resort. Day 2: Morning at leisure or replay FLC, board overnight Ha Long Bay cruise at noon. Day 3: Cruise morning activities (kayaking, cave visits), return to Hanoi PM. For golfers wanting more rounds, add Day 4: BRG Kings Island or Van Tri on the drive back to Hanoi. This 3-4 day loop covers the two biggest attractions in Northern Vietnam — championship golf and the UNESCO World Heritage bay.