Tips For A Budget Golf Trip To Vietnam Every Golfer Need To Know

Introduction

This article will present you some useful tips for a budget golf trip to Vietnam regarding how to further plan out your golf trip efficiently and economically. It’s all about what you should put into consideration beforehand, and what you should research further if you’re a solo golfer.

General Tips for a Budget Golf Trip to Vietnam

Choosing the Right Time

Off Seasons

In general, the prices for playing in a golf course will be less expensive when it isn’t the preferred time of the majority of golfers.

So, what makes it “off seasons”? Usually, it’s because of the weather. During such time, the weather is unfit for golfing for the most part (e.g., too hot, too much rain, too humid, too windy, or even too dewy)

The low seasons, when you may have a budget golf trip, in three main sections of Vietnam are:

But this does not mean you should march out and play in the heavy rain. There’re still successions of days when the weather is better. You just have to watch the forecast for the favorable condition, then pounce on it. This way, you can save half the green fee in comparison with when it is in peak seasons.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Advisably, you should book the slot from Monday to Thursday. As a common economical rule, entertainment places charge higher during weekends (i.e., from Friday to Sunday) and holiday times, as these are the peak periods where people usually come in flocks.

However, there’re some exceptions in which the gap between big holidays may become the off-peak time that even the most outstanding golf resorts have to struggle to stay full. During such time, the costs may be lowered in the name of special holiday offers. So, try your luck and look up for a course before the New Year Eve or after the Thanksgiving day.

Day vs. Night

It’s usually cheaper to play night golf. But if you’d prefer some sunlight, here is an option for you: opt for the unsocial hours.

This doesn’t mean you should stay up and go teeing off in the middle of the night or in the wee hours of the morning.

There’re courses that charge lower or offer a discount for tee times before specific hours in the morning (e.g., before 8.00 AM).

And it’s easier to book the course last-minute too, if you play either in the early morning or late afternoon.

Another hint is that late afternoon is the most dough-saving time. There’re many courses out there offer lower cost at 3.00 PM or 4.00 PM.

Choosing the Right Golf Course

Hunt for Discounts and Special Promotions

Staying in a luxurious golf resort is obviously costly. However, you can get access to the golf course as it is part of the resort complex. Also, there’re some special offers there, too.

• Re-play: After finishing a round of 18 holes, some courses have special offers on next holes. If you play one more round on a specific day during the week, there will be a substantial discount for up to a week.
• Twofer: Some of those best courses that have more than one on site will offer a discount on their second course when paid in advance.
• Accumulation points: This can be your hotel or credit card points. Take full advantage of them if you stay in a hotel or resort complex where these points are allowed to use on green fees together with partner courses.

Less Popular Golf Courses

Regarding Areas

Smaller golf courses mean they can be ignored by most golfers (i.e., under-the-radar) because the population density is less extreme in far-away areas than in big, crowded cities.

And most things here are cheaper, include the golf courses, accommodations, restaurants, etc. But keep in mind that being smaller and less known does not mean they are ill-furnished courses.

Regarding Designers

Golf courses attract a huge number of visitors partly thanks to the names of certain renowned architects. Some of these golf course architects are famous former golfers themselves (e.g., Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, etc.)

As most golfers get too hung up on their big-name idols, they’ll choose to play at those courses frequently. As a result, when the courses become well-known, the fees are charged higher. The same goes for golf courses that appear in prestige golf magazines.

So, we suggest that you should look for golf courses designed by regional, lesser known, or even unknown architects if you want to stick with your plan. Who knows, one of these simpler courses may be to your preferences, rather than the luxurious ones.

Opt for Walking Courses

Due to the adjustment to the American golf market, more and more golf courses worldwide are furnished with carts. Another reason is that carts bring about revenue potential. Aside from green fee, the course also charges cart fee, and golfers are none the wiser, sometimes. Consequently, walking courses are rather hard to find. Especially more so, if your target is a top course. So, in most courses, the only choice is using carts.

On the other hand, it’s okay if you can’t find a walking course. If possible, you can walk. Conventional, simple, healthy, and most of all – economically.

Bring Old Golf Balls

Unfamiliar golf courses are going to cost you lots of golf balls. Specifically, if you’re a regular golfer, you’d probably be chucking approximately $30 – $50 worth of the white, rounded things into the water on your way to the final hole (if you can get there, eventually). That is not to mention the unfavorable weather (e.g., too dewy, windy) maybe factor in it too, as it may steer the ball away from its intended direction (and into the tranquil water).

But the loss wouldn’t pain you too much if it was of the used golf balls, would it? Of course, premium golf balls make the round more enjoyable. But since we’re here for a budget golf trip, refurbished balls aren’t a bad choice, either.

So, bring a good supply of recycled golf balls with you. This strategy will keep you from being bleeding a few sleeves per day.

Sale-Off Racks

The stores and shops often have racks of old collections. The best time to forage for something in these sale racks is October through January. During these months, the shops need to prepare for the arrivals of next season’s inventories, so the leftover from collections of last seasons (i.e., spring and summer) are going to be unloaded with lower prices.

True, these “outdated” garments and stuff may not be the most fashionable, but it can save cash in your wallet in case you need some new golf outfits and gears. The same goes for when you wish to purchase some souvenirs. The sale racks may have whatever you need. You just have to know where to look.

Use a Trusted Golf Tour Company

Seeking counsel from a trustworthy company specialized in golf tours is a wise move. These people know what they’re doing and what you need. They will guide and suggest some courses that may meet your preferences and financial states.

What’s more, if you decide to book a golf tour, every detail is readily listed out for you, from tour length to all kinds of prices (e.g., hotel room, golf courses, transportation) to the specific times included. Also, you’ll be less worry if a credible golf tour company provide you with the necessary information and guarantee the exchange rates. Feeling safe yet?

And there’re contracts regarding the general insurance you won’t get anywhere outside of a golf tour company.

Other Things to Consider for Solo Golfers

It’s good if you can book a tour because most of the prices are included in it. All you need to do is to follow the set schedules strictly. But golf tour can be expensive, and not everyone enjoys the whole arrangements. That’s why they opt for a self-guided trip.

Together with the tips above about wise choices, if you’re planning to go on a golf trip alone, then the following are other things you need to take into consideration.

Include the expenses for these categories not only help you economically survive in a foreign country but will also attribute to a great experience for your budget golf trip to Vietnam.

Accommodation

Usually, when you book a golf package, the agency will include all accommodation and transportation fees in the package’s total price. But if you’re a solo golfer visiting Vietnam for a self-guided, budget golf trip, you’ll need to choose wisely.

There’re numerous affordable hotels, hostels, inns, dorm, etc. around to choose from. Many places near restaurants or cafés and some places even offer free meals! Here’re some budget dwellings you may prefer:

• Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon Inn Hotel (Hostel), Pravina Hotel, Duc Vuong Hotel, etc.
• Danang: Bolero Garden Hostel Danang, 5D Upper Dorm Danang, Danang Backpackers Hostel, etc.
• Hoian: Sunflower Hotel, Golden Bell Homestay, Hoian Viet House Homestay, etc.
• Hanoi: Hanoi Evergreen Hotel, Hanoi Rendezvous Hotel, Hanoi Party Backpacker Hostel, etc.

And one more tip! If you have a friend who currently lives in Vietnam and who you can count on (i.e., who wouldn’t mind if you crashed at their place from time to time), ask for shelter at their house during your trip. It can cut up to 1/3 of the total cost out of your budget golf trip by not having to pay for a hotel room.

Transportation

It’s good to wander about without the restrained or rushed feeling often brought when joining in a tour. Only, the problem is that you’ll have to find a mean of transportation to get to farther destinations, where the option of walking is out of the table.

Three most common, affordable means of transportation that golfers usually choose to travel around in Vietnam are private cars, taxis and buses.

Private car is obviously the most comfortable, versatile option. However, for moving between short distances, a taxi (Grab car for example) will be more economical. Another choice is using a bus which is environmentally friendly, effective at avoiding the hot weather and the chaotic traffic in Vietnam, and very budget as well.

What’s more, it’s safer for you and your golf gears if you go to the course by bus, as you won’t be distracted with one hand keeps hold of the bag, or that you’ll be in constant worry that it may fall down on the crowded street. On the bus, however, your bag is sat beside you (or within your sight always, at least). And you can take time to leisurely admire the landscape outside of the windows.

What about multi-day tours from one province to another? Well, aside from (domestic or internationally) low-cost airlines, golfers could opt for boating to travel (with a pack of heavy golf gears or cumbersome luggage).

Find Some Buddy Golfers

If you’re in a golf tour, the package’s fee has included all the expenses for accommodation and courses. Otherwise, this is the best way to optimize your plan.

In truth, it isn’t that hard to find travelers who are also golfers to negotiate and split the expenses of your golf trip with. There’s bound to be at least some individuals or a group of golfers traveling on the same plane with you. Everything, from hotels to golf courses, will be considerably cheaper if you go together.

Conclusion

Whether you are a solo golfer or a group of golf players, we hope that the presented tips are useful for you to organize a perfect budget golf trip to Vietnam. Thank you for reading!