Greens Among the Palms: A Day on Long Thanh Golf Course from Saigon
Escape the city buzz for 36 holes of tropical fairways, glassy lakes, and precise shot-making in Dong Nai’s rolling countryside.
Before the city has fully woken, you cross the Saigon River and watch the skyline drift behind like a receding tide. Motorbikes thin, billboards fade, and the road slides into a quieter rhythm as the countryside unfurls: rubber groves, roadside cafés steaming strong coffee, and the first blush of heat rising off the tarmac. Long Thanh arrives as an emerald surprise—36 holes rippling across low hills where palms nod and lakes lie so still they seem to hold their breath. The course greets you with morning light skimming the mown edges, a caddie’s smile, and the soft thud of practice balls in the range bays. The fairways look inviting, but they’re not making promises they don’t intend to keep.
Trail Wisdom
Book an Early Tee Time
Aim for a morning start to beat heat and traffic; the greens run truest and breezes are calmer at sunrise.
Hydrate and Shade Up
Carry a refillable bottle, wear a hat, and reapply SPF regularly—humidity builds fast even on cloudy days.
Lean on Your Caddie
Ask for local lines and green reads—caddies here know every contour and common wind shift.
Respect the Lakes
On the Lake Course, lay up when in doubt—water lines can sneak closer than they appear from the tee.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunrise session at the practice range facing the Lake Course
- •Post-round view from the clubhouse terrace overlooking the finishing holes
Wildlife
Kingfishers near lake edges, Asian water monitor lizards sunning on banks
Conservation Note
Lakes act as water storage and irrigation; stay on paths where indicated, avoid entering reed beds, and pack out all plastics to reduce runoff impacts.
Designed by Ronald Fream, Long Thanh has hosted major events including the Vietnam Open, helping establish southern Vietnam as a regional golf hub.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Early tee times, Fast, consistent greens
Challenges: Rising heat, Occasional pre-monsoon humidity
March–May brings warming temps and mostly dry skies; expect lively fairways and building afternoon heat.
summer
Best for: Lush, saturated landscapes, Calmer mornings
Challenges: Frequent afternoon showers, Muggy conditions and thunderstorms
June–August is wet season; start early and plan for brief, heavy showers with quick course recoveries.
fall
Best for: Lower crowds, Vivid post-rain sunsets
Challenges: Lingering rains, Slick morning lies
September–November transitions out of the rains—expect sporadic storms, soft greens, and dramatic skies.
winter
Best for: Cooler, drier rounds, Prime tournament conditions
Challenges: Popular tee sheets, Midday glare
December–February is the sweet spot: dry, comfortable, and breezy—book ahead to secure preferred times.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Breathable Collared PoloEssential
Meets dress code while wicking moisture during humid rounds.
Soft-Spike Golf ShoesEssential
Provides grip on dew-covered tees and damp fairways without damaging greens.
High-SPF Sunscreen and CapEssential
Tropical sun is direct even on hazy days; protect skin and eyes throughout the round.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Pop-up showers are common in wet season; a packable shell keeps you swinging through squalls.
Common Questions
How far is Long Thanh Golf Course from Ho Chi Minh City?
Approximately 40 km (25 miles); plan 60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Can I rent clubs at the course?
Yes, quality club rentals are available on-site; reserve in advance to ensure preferred specifications.
Is a caddie required?
Caddies are standard and highly recommended; they offer valuable reads, lines, and local insight.
Which course should I play: Garden or Lake?
The Garden Course emphasizes placement and angles, while the Lake Course rewards bold shot-making around water. Many golfers play both over a full day.
What is the dress code?
Collared shirts, golf shoes with soft spikes, and appropriate golf attire are required; denim and athletic shorts may be restricted.
What happens if it rains?
Showers are often brief; play typically resumes once lightning and heavy downpours pass. The course drains efficiently.
What to Pack
Refillable water bottle (hydration is critical in tropical heat); breathable collared shirt (meets dress code and manages sweat); high-SPF sunscreen and cap (sun protection for long rounds); light rain shell (summer squalls can hit quickly).
Did You Know
Long Thanh Golf Course sits in Dong Nai Province, home to the Đồng Nai River—the longest river that flows entirely within Vietnam at approximately 586 kilometers.
Quick Travel Tips
Depart before 6:30 a.m. to avoid rush-hour traffic; carry small cash for caddie tips and on-course snacks; confirm cart and club rental availability when booking; pack insect repellent, especially during the wet season.
Local Flavor
After your round, head back toward District 2’s Thảo Điền for craft coffee or a cold Vietnamese lager, then sample street-side grilled pork and broken rice near Bình Thạnh. If you’re staying in District 1, wander Bến Thành’s food stalls for bún thịt nướng and fresh spring rolls—simple, vibrant fuel that tastes like the city.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Tan Son Nhat International (SGN). Future: Long Thanh International (under construction, nearby). Drive: ~40 km from District 1 (60–90 minutes). Cell service: Generally strong across the property. Permits: None required; standard golf dress code applies. Rentals and caddies available; reserve tee times in advance.
Sustainability Note
Carry a reusable bottle and skip single-use plastics. Keep carts on paths where signed, avoid reed beds and lake margins, and dispose of tees and ball packaging responsibly—course lakes serve both play and irrigation.
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