Southeast Asia is home to three of the most popular golf destinations outside of Japan and South Korea. Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam each offer compelling reasons to book a flight with your clubs — and each has genuine drawbacks. This guide compares all three honestly, so you can choose the destination that fits your priorities.
At a Glance: Comparison Table
| Factor | Thailand | Bali | Vietnam | |---|---|---|---| | Total courses | 250–300 | ~5 operational | 80–100 | | Green fees (approx.) | $40–135 USD | $80–150 USD | $60–180 USD | | Best golf season | Nov–Feb | Apr–Sep | Varies by region | | Course quality ceiling | World-class | Championship-standard | World-class (Da Nang) | | Caddie system | Mandatory | Optional / mixed | Optional / mixed | | International flights | Bangkok hub; excellent | Direct from most Asian cities | Improving; Da Nang growing | | City golf options | Strong (Bangkok) | Limited | Moderate (Ho Chi Minh City) | | Non-golf attractions | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
Thailand
**Strengths:**
Thailand has more golf infrastructure than any other destination in the region — roughly 250–300 courses nationally, with over 50 within an hour of Bangkok. Green fees run from around 1,500 THB (~$40 USD) to 5,000 THB+ (~$135 USD) at marquee venues.
Course quality at the top end is legitimately world-class. Black Mountain Hua Hin, Nikanti Golf Club, Alpine Golf Resort, and Thai Country Club are regularly cited among Asia's best. Bangkok also has a strong indoor simulator scene — LENGOLF in central Bangkok lets visitors practice or play full rounds without leaving the city.
The caddie system is a distinctive feature: caddies are mandatory at most Thai courses, adding local knowledge and service that experienced golfers tend to appreciate. November through February is the sweet spot — cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and reliable dry weather.
**Weaknesses:**
Mandatory caddies mean less flexibility if you prefer to walk alone. Bangkok-area courses can be crowded on weekends. Traffic around Bangkok means early tee times are essential — courses that look close on a map can take 90 minutes to reach during peak hours.
Bali
**Strengths:**
Bali's appeal as a golf destination is largely about setting — courses are built around dramatic volcanic landscapes and rice terrace backdrops. For golfers travelling with non-golfing partners, Bali is arguably the strongest option; the non-golf offering (culture, food, wellness, beaches) is exceptionally strong.
The quality ceiling is genuinely high: Handara Golf Resort has been ranked in Golf Magazine's Top 50 Courses in the World. Green fees run approximately $80–150 USD. The best season is April through September; June through September is the sweet spot.
**Weaknesses:**
With only around five operational golf courses on the island (as of 2025), choice is the critical limitation. Bali National Golf Club closed in 2025, and Nirwana Bali Golf Club is closed for renovation, further limiting the available roster. For a serious golfer, Bali works well as a one or two-day add-on or for a mixed trip rather than a dedicated golf destination.
Vietnam
**Strengths:**
Vietnam has developed rapidly as a golf destination, and Da Nang in particular has become a genuine draw for serious golfers. Ba Na Hills Golf Club, designed by Luke Donald, has won Asia's Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards for five consecutive years. Vietnam was named Asia's Best Golf Destination for the ninth consecutive year in 2025. With approximately 80–100 courses nationally, there is significantly more variety than Bali.
Green fees at mid-range courses start around $60 USD; Da Nang's top venues charge $120–190 USD per round. The standard of service at top-end venues is high.
**Weaknesses:**
The best golf season varies significantly by region. Da Nang's shoulder seasons can bring heavy rain; Hanoi has cold winters. Long distances between the three main golf hubs (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City) mean you typically need to commit to a region rather than sampling all three.
Verdict by Traveller Type
1. **Budget golfer** — Thailand. The volume of courses keeps fees competitive; good tracks are available from $40 USD. 2. **Serious golfer focused on course quality** — Thailand or Vietnam (Da Nang). Both offer championship-grade venues; Thailand has more of them. 3. **Mixed trip (golf + non-golf partner)** — Bali or Thailand. Bali has an edge for resort convenience and setting, but limited course choice means it only works for shorter stays; Thailand wins on course volume for longer trips. 4. **Group trip** — Thailand. Logistics are easier, course choice is broadest, and Bangkok handles large groups well. 5. **First Asia golf trip** — Thailand. Infrastructure, English-language support, and course variety make it the lowest-friction introduction to Asian golf.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand wins on course volume (250–300) and value — the best choice for a dedicated golf trip
- Bali suits mixed trips (golfers + non-golfers) but has only ~5 operational courses as of 2025
- Vietnam (Da Nang) has world-class courses including the five-time Asian Golf Course of the Year
- Bangkok is unusual in offering 50+ courses within an hour of the city centre — no resort transfer needed
- November–February is the best season for Thailand; April–September for Bali; Da Nang varies by month
Try It Yourself
Experience indoor golf at LENGOLF, The Mercury Ville @ BTS Chidlom, Floor 4, Bangkok. Open 9am – 11pm, Monday – Sunday. No experience needed.