For Australian golfers planning a 2026 trip to Vietnam, the Central Coast—stretching from Da Nang down to Hoi An—remains the undisputed golf capital of the country. But with a growing list of world-class layouts, how do you prioritize your tee times?
As Asia Golf Specialists (AGS), we’ve walked every fairway, debated every design, and hosted countless Australian groups. We don't deal in generic brochure speak. Here is our unfiltered ranking of the five best golf courses in Da Nang and Hoi An for 2026.
At-a-Glance: 2026 Central Coast Course Rankings
| Rank | Course Name | Architect | Style | Transfer from Hoi An |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hoiana Shores Golf Club | Robert Trent Jones Jr. | Championship Links | 15 mins |
| #2 | Ba Na Hills Golf Club | Luke Donald | Mountain / Parkland | 60 mins |
| #3 | Laguna Lang Co Golf Club | Sir Nick Faldo | Tropical / Coastal | 75 mins |
| #4 | BRG Da Nang (Norman Course) | Greg Norman | Dunes / Links | 30 mins |
| #5 | BRG Da Nang (Nicklaus Course) | Jack Nicklaus | Florida-style Parkland | 30 mins |
Hoiana Shores Golf Club — A pure links experience on the East Sea.
1. Hoiana Shores Golf Club
The Verdict: The undisputed king of Vietnamese golf.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Hoiana Shores is a pure, unadulterated links experience set against the East Sea. It recently secured its position as one of the best courses in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The rolling dunes, the stiff coastal breezes, and the firm, fast fescue make you feel like you’re playing in Scotland—until you feel the 30-degree tropical warmth. For Australian groups, this is the non-negotiable centerpiece of any 2026 itinerary.
2. Ba Na Hills Golf Club
The Verdict: A dramatic mountain masterpiece that plays under the lights.
Luke Donald’s first signature design is a stark, brilliant contrast to the coastal links of Hoiana. Set in the foothills of the Truong Son mountains, Ba Na Hills offers significant elevation changes, dense forest framing, and immaculate conditioning. A unique feature for Australians: the entire 18 holes are fully floodlit. Playing a twilight round as the sun sets over the peaks is an experience you simply cannot replicate back home.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club — Dramatic mountain elevation and floodlit night golf.
3. Laguna Lang Co Golf Club
The Verdict: Sir Nick Faldo’s tactical jungle test.
Located a bit further north, nestled between towering mountains and a pristine bay, Laguna Lang Co is a strategic marvel. Faldo weaves the layout through varied environments: jungle, rice paddies (complete with water buffalo), and coastal dunes. It demands precision over power, making it a favorite for strategic players. The slightly longer transfer from Hoi An is entirely justified by the sheer beauty and variety of the track.
Laguna Lang Co Golf Club — A strategic layout winding through coastal jungle and rice paddies.
4. BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (Norman Course)
The Verdict: The original dunes layout that put Da Nang on the map.
Greg Norman’s 2010 creation was the catalyst for the Central Coast's golf boom. Heavily influenced by the sandbelt courses of Australia, it features blown-out bunkers, native scrub, and tight, undulating fairways. The par-3 16th, playing directly toward the ocean with the Cham Islands in the backdrop, remains one of the most photographed holes in Asia.
BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (Norman Course) — Iconic sandbelt-style bunkering next to the ocean.
5. BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (Nicklaus Course)
The Verdict: A stark, watery contrast to the Norman layout next door.
Added in 2018, the Nicklaus Course at BRG Da Nang introduces a completely different flavor. It’s a Florida-style parkland course heavily defined by water, with wooden bulkheads framing many of the greens. It provides a brilliant dual-course experience when paired with the Norman layout on the same day, testing a completely different set of skills.
BRG Da Nang Golf Resort (Nicklaus Course) — Florida-style water hazards and wooden bulkheads.
The AGS Differentiator: Why Villas Beat Resorts
When bringing a group of 4-8 Australian mates to the Central Coast, the standard resort hotel setup is flawed. You’re split across separate rooms, navigating crowded breakfast buffets, and lacking a central hub to recap the day’s round.
This is why AGS strongly advocates for private beachfront villas along the An Bang and Cua Dai coastlines. A private villa gives your group a private pool, shared living spaces for evening drinks, and immediate access to Hoi An’s best restaurants—all while being perfectly positioned for course transfers. It elevates a good golf trip into an elite one.