Vietnam’s Gulf Coast reaches milestone 2026 | Focus
The Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) is gearing up for another milestone year as Central Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as Asia’s premier golf destination, building on continued momentum in tourism, connectivity and international market engagement.
The outlook for golf reflects broader economic confidence in Vietnam, which recently appeared in international business news amid predictions that the country could rival and possibly even surpass those in the region on its growth trajectory.
A similar trend is emerging on the fairways of Central Vietnam as the region increasingly becomes a favorite holiday destination for visiting golfers from the major long-distance markets. And with a diverse offering of luxury resorts, legendary beaches and cultural highlights, coupled with world-class infrastructure including an ever-expanding list of air connections to Danang International Airport, the VGC is planning another huge year.
Montgomerie Links was the most played golf course on the Vietnam Golf Coast in terms of rounds in 2025
“Central Vietnam has built strong, sustained momentum in recent years,” said Simon Mees, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “As we enter 2026, there is a real sense that the destination is entering a new phase of maturity and international recognition. For Ba Na Hills Golf Club, it is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, a decade in which we have contributed to the growth of the region and helped establish Central Vietnam on the world golf map.”
Since opening in 2016, Ba Na Hills Golf Club has played a central role in elevating the destination’s international reputation, winning five consecutive World Golf Awards for Asia’s Best Golf Course and six titles for Vietnam’s Best Golf Course.
Together with Montgomerie Links, Ba Na Hills anchors a collection of championship venues designed by some of the game’s most respected figures, including Luke Donald and Colin Montgomerie, alongside courses by Sir Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Montgomerie Links enters 2026 from a position of strength, having captured a 17% market share in 2025 and retains its status as the most played course in the Hue-Da Nang region. Growth was mainly driven by the European, US, Australian and New Zealand markets, providing a strong platform for the year ahead.
“Our appeal lies in offering a more intimate, personal experience,” says Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager at Montgomerie Links. “Golfers appreciate places where they feel truly cared for. Montgomerie Links offers a boutique, home-away-from-home environment, with championship golf, on-course accommodations, dining, practice facilities and privacy, all integrated into a single destination.”
Central Vietnam complements its golf offering with some of Asia’s most iconic tourist sites
That positioning will support the Club’s 2026 strategy, which includes continued promotion in core markets such as Australia and New Zealand, in addition to expanded reach into Chinese-speaking markets, India and Japan. The improved air links to Danang are expected to further support inbound demand from these regions.
The destination’s appeal will be enhanced by a strong calendar of cultural and sporting events in 2026, including the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, expected to take place from May to July, in addition to the Vietnam-Korea Festival and the Vietnam-Japan Festival later in the summer months, adding depth and seasonal interest to golf itineraries.
Australia and New Zealand remain priority markets for Vietnam’s Gulf Coast, supported by continued trade engagement and targeted marketing activities. The destination will also continue to have a presence at key industry meetings, including the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Thailand in March 2026.
“With world-class courses, improved connectivity and a growing international profile, Central Vietnam is well positioned for the year ahead,” Mees added. “As Ba Na Hills looks beyond its first decade, the focus is on maintaining quality, deepening global relationships and continuing to elevate the region’s position as one of Asia’s premier golf destinations.”
