After six rounds at this course, I keep coming back. This golf halong bay cruise breaks down exactly why.
At a glance:
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights — golf + Ha Long Bay cruise
- Rounds: 3-4 courses including FLC Ha Long
- Cruise: 1-2 night overnight cruise through limestone karsts
- Total cost: $1,000-2,200 per person
- Unique: Only itinerary combining championship golf with UNESCO cruise
This is my dream itinerary — the one I built for myself when I first came to Vietnam: world-class golf and a UNESCO bay cruise in one trip. Seven days, five courses, one overnight cruise, zero regrets.
7-Day Golf & Cruise Itinerary Overview
| Day | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Hanoi, Long Bien twilight golf | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | BRG Kings Island (36 holes) | Son Tay |
| Day 3 | Phoenix Golf Resort (18 holes) | Hoa Binh |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Ha Long, FLC Golf | Ha Long City |
| Day 5 | Halong Bay Overnight Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 6 | Disembark, Chi Linh Star Golf | Hai Duong |
| Day 7 | Van Tri Golf, Departure | Hanoi |
Day-by-Day
Day 1: Hanoi + Night Golf
Arrive Hanoi. Settle in. Play 9-18 holes at Long Bien under lights (15 min from hotel). Best way to shake off the flight.
Day 2: BRG Kings Island
The crown jewel. Play Kingfisher Course (championship) + Lakeside Course if you have the legs. Full review here.
Day 3: Phoenix Golf Resort
Japanese precision in Hoa Binh mountains. Post-round onsen bath is mandatory. Full review. Stay overnight at resort or return to Hanoi.
Day 4: Ha Long City + FLC Golf
Morning transfer to Ha Long (2.5h from Hanoi). Afternoon round at FLC Ha Long Bay — clifftop golf with UNESCO bay views. Stay overnight in Ha Long.
Day 5: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Board a luxury overnight cruise. Kayaking through caves, seafood dinner, sunset on the sundeck. This is the non-golf day your travel partner has been waiting for. Sleep on the bay.
Day 6: Disembark + Chi Linh Star
Disembark by noon. Drive to Chi Linh Star (90 min). Play 18 on the Star Course — mountain golf at bargain prices. Continue to Hanoi.
Day 7: Van Tri + Departure
Early round at Van Tri (25 min from hotel). Finish by 11am. Airport transfer.
Estimated Budget
| Item | Budget | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Green Fees (6 rounds) | $355-485 | $520-750 |
| Overnight Cruise | $150-200 | $350-500 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | $200-300 | $500-800 |
| Transport | $150-200 | $300-400 |
| Food & Drink | $120-180 | $250-400 |
| Total | $975-1,365 | $1,920-2,850 |
Under $1,400 for 7 days of golf + a UNESCO cruise. Try doing that anywhere in the US, Japan, or Australia.
Booking
check Agoda’s rates for this resort specializes in golf + cruise combos. They handle tee times, cruise booking, transport between cities, and caddie arrangements.
Related: Golf Near Halong Bay | Hanoi Golf Package 5 Days | Vietnam Golf Costs
FAQ
Can you combine golf with a Halong Bay cruise?
Absolutely — our 7-day itinerary includes 6 rounds at 5 courses plus an overnight bay cruise, all within Northern Vietnam.
How much does a golf & cruise combo cost?
Budget packages start at $975 for 7 days. Premium options with 5-star cruise and top courses run $1,920-2,850.
What’s the best course near Halong Bay?
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club — a clifftop Schmidt-Curley design just 15 minutes from Ha Long City with panoramic bay views.
This is the trip I recommend more than any other in Vietnam. Golf, cruise, culture, food — seven days that’ll spoil you for regular vacations forever.
Hit ’em straight. — Dave 🏌️
The Ultimate Northern Vietnam Golf + Cruise Itinerary
Days 1-2: Hanoi Golf
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, afternoon round at Van Tri (30 min from city). Easy warm-up course with solid conditioning. Day 2: Championship round at BRG Kings Island — the best layout in the Hanoi area. Lakeside course recommended. Drive back to Hanoi for evening street food exploration.
Day 3: Phoenix + Transfer Prep
Morning round at Phoenix Golf Resort (60 min from Hanoi). Japanese-standard conditioning. Afternoon: rest in Hanoi, pack for cruise. Optional: visit the Temple of Literature or Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 4: FLC Ha Long + Cruise Embarkation
Early departure to Ha Long (2.5 hours). Tee off at FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Club by 7:00am — clifftop views of the bay that justify the entire trip. Finish by 11:30am, quick lunch at clubhouse, then transfer to Tuan Chau marina for 12:30-1:00pm cruise departure. This is the logistically tightest day, but I’ve done it three times and it works if the tee time is locked.
Days 4-5: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Overnight cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Kayaking, cave visits, cooking class, sunrise tai chi on the sundeck. This is the non-golf highlight — and honestly, waking up on a boat surrounded by limestone karsts is worth experiencing regardless of how much you love golf. Most 2-day cruises return to shore by noon on Day 5.
Day 6: Chi Linh Mountain Golf
Transfer from Ha Long to Chi Linh Star (about 2 hours). Afternoon round on the mountain course — the elevation and cool air are a nice contrast after two days on the water. Stay overnight at the resort if energy allows a morning 9 on Day 7.
Day 7: Morning Golf + Departure
Optional early 9 at Chi Linh, then drive back to Hanoi (90 min) for departure. Alternatively, skip the morning round and spend time in Hai Duong town — famous for green bean cake and local markets.
⛳ Dave’s Scorecard — Combo Trip: Golf: 9/10 | Cruise: 9/10 | Logistics: 7/10 | Uniqueness: 10/10 — There is no other destination in Asia where you can combine clifftop golf with a UNESCO bay cruise in the same day. Nowhere. This is a bucket-list trip.
Total Budget (2026)
- Green fees (4-5 rounds): $300-420 USD
- 2D/1N cruise (mid-range): $200-350 USD
- Accommodation (5 nights hotel): $250-400 USD
- Transport: $150-200 USD
- Food & drinks: $120-180 USD
- TOTAL: $1,020-1,550 USD per person
⛳ 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
Can I play golf and cruise Ha Long Bay in one trip?
Yes — the optimal 7-day itinerary combines 4-5 rounds at top courses with a 2-day/1-night Ha Long Bay cruise. FLC Ha Long Golf Club is just 15 minutes from the cruise marina.
What is the total cost of a golf and cruise combo in Vietnam?
Budget $1,020-1,550 USD per person for 7 days including 4-5 rounds, a mid-range overnight cruise, accommodation, transport, and food.
Is the golf and cruise combo logistically difficult?
Day 4 (golf + cruise embarkation) requires careful timing but is doable with an early tee time. All other days are relaxed. Book both golf and cruise in advance to lock in schedules.
Hit ’em straight. — Dave 🏌️
📍 Explore more: all Vietnam golf courses ranked → | Vietnam golf destinations guide → | complete Vietnam golf travel guide →
Additional destination info is available at the official Vietnam travel resource.