ChiLinh Golf: From a touch point to the Centerpiece of Northern Vietnam’s Golf Tourism

Golf today is no longer just an elite sport, it has evolved into a unique form of experiential tourism that combines physical activity, relaxation, and cultural exploration. As the demand for golf combined with travel continues to rise, the “golf tour” model — journeys that include playing at multiple golf courses within a single trip, is becoming a growing trend across many Asian countries. This model is helping shape a promising segment of high-end tourism. Join ChiLinh Golf in exploring the development of golf tour trends and the increasingly important role of golf tourism in elevating Vietnam’s image on the international travel map.

Golf Tourism: From Global Trend to Vietnam’s Breakthrough

☺According to a report by the Global Golf Tourism Market research group, golf tourism is becoming one of the most vibrant segments of the international tourism industry. The global golf tourism market was estimated at around USD 24–25 billion in 2023–2024 and is projected to grow to over USD 46 billion by 2032. With a rapid annual growth rate of approximately 7–9%, an increasing number of travelers are choosing to combine their passion for golf with immersive travel experiences. The “travel for experiences” trend is driving golfers to seek out renowned courses in unique destinations, where they can enjoy luxurious services and breathtaking landscapes.

Notably, emerging and alluring destinations such as Vietnam and Mexico are playing a significant role in attracting international golfers, becoming some of the fastest-growing markets on the global golf tour map. Many golf resorts are now developing bespoke travel packages that combine golf with relaxing spa experiences, fine dining, and scenic excursions — all tailored to meet the personalized needs of high-end travelers. Clearly, a golf tour is no longer just about playing golf; it’s about enjoying a complete luxury retreat in a lush sporting environment.

Amid the global rise of golf tourism, Vietnam has made a remarkable impression, having been named “Asia’s Best Golf Destination” for the eighth consecutive year (from 2017 to 2024) by the World Golf Awards. This is a strong testament to the extraordinary growth of Vietnam’s golf tourism industry, surpassing strong competitors like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Vietnam is becoming an ideal destination for golf lovers seeking relaxation, with nearly 100 operational golf courses nationwide. Northern Vietnam leads with around 40 golf courses, of which about 17 offer on-site accommodations, making it easy for golfers to enjoy an all-in-one experience of sport and leisure. This expansion not only contributes to economic growth but also enhances Vietnam’s image as a premium destination on the international tourism stage.

One of the key advantages of golf tourism is its ability to attract high-spending travelers who often exhibit a strong tendency to return. According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, about 20% of visitors from Northeast Asian markets such as South Korea, Japan, and China express an interest in golf experiences when visiting Vietnam – a remarkable figure that highlights Vietnam’s growing appeal among the regional golfing community.

Northern Vietnam currently hosts the highest concentration of golf courses in the country, making it an ideal region for developing inter-regional golf tour itineraries that connect multiple destinations. Recognizing this trend, many localities in the North have proactively created flexible golf tourism products, offering all-inclusive experience combos that blend golf, luxury accommodation, on-site check-ins, and local sightseeing. This model not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also helps extend the length of stay and increase the value of each trip.

Beyond leisure, golf tours also open up spaces for connection, where sport becomes a catalyst for cultural exchange, community building, and collaboration. On many journeys, golf courses serve not only as venues for competition but also as bridges linking businesspeople, investors, and international travelers. This is precisely what sets golf tours apart: they offer not only unique and memorable experiences, but also contribute to promoting Vietnam as a welcoming, friendly, and highly promising destination for international cooperation.

ChiLinh Golf – A promising strategic destination in the Northern Vietnam Golf Tour journey

A view of ChiLinh Golf – a 27-hole course nestled in a lush green valley with a natural lake

Located in Chi Linh City (Hai Duong Province), ChiLinh Golf boasts a strategic position on Northern Vietnam’s tourism map. The course lies just over 70km from Hanoi, along the Hanoi–Ha Long route, and about 60–70km from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This “gateway” location makes ChiLinh Golf a key destination in Northern golf tour itineraries. International visitors can start in Hanoi, experience what’s dubbed “Vietnam’s most challenging course,” and continue on to iconic tourist spots — creating a seamless and enriching journey.

ChiLinh Golf features challenging and exciting course designs set amidst stunning natural landscapes that embody the essence of Vietnam

Recently, ChiLinh Golf participated as an official member in the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) 2025 held in Da Nang. The event gathered 450 delegates from 33 countries and territories – the highest attendance in AGTC history. At the convention, ChiLinh Golf directly engaged with over 30 international partners from key markets such as China, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand. These proactive connections allowed ChiLinh Golf to showcase its core strengths, from its unique landscape and challenging courses to high-quality services and golf-resort packages while also listening to specific market needs in order to deliver tailor-made offerings for each segment.

ChiLinh Golf has been a consistent participant at the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) for years.

For ChiLinh Golf, contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s golf tourism is a long-term journey that demands serious investment and enduring commitment. The company recognizes that to become a top-tier golf tourism destination, it takes more than natural beauty and modern infrastructure – it requires meticulous service experiences, a collaborative spirit, and the agility to adapt to ever-changing global market dynamics. In the years ahead, golf tours will remain a strategic focus in ChiLinh Golf’s development roadmap. The meaningful connections being forged today will serve as a foundation for expanded international cooperation, enhanced service quality, and a stronger positioning of Northern Vietnam as a standout golf destination in the region.