Vietnam offers quality courses just a short flight away
Like surfers in pursuit of the perfect wave, passionate golfers are willing to search far and wide for the idyllic course. But now, less than three hours from Chek Lap Kok Airport, there is an exciting new golf destination for Hong Kong enthusiasts.
Vietnam is one of the region's fastest growing tourist destinations, offering a fascinating mix of French and Indo-Chinese culture. The communist authorities opened the door to golf resort development about a decade ago, and the country now has some unexpectedly good courses.
Since the mid-1990s, 10 resorts have either been built from scratch or upgraded to international standards. Another 10 projects are planned or under way, in recognition of the demand not only within Vietnam but across Asia, particularly from golf-hungry Japanese and Koreans.
Compared to established golfing destinations such as neighbouring Thailand, Vietnam is still the new kid on the block. What it lacks in quantity, however, it compensates for with quality.
The pick of the country's layouts - Dalat Palace - is unquestionably one of the best golfing experiences in Asia. Flights from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City take only two and a half hours, putting Vietnam well within the comfort zone for a three-day or long weekend break.
A late-night service launched recently by United Airlines allows you to finish your working day in Hong Kong and be on the golf course the next day.