6 Reasons to Love Vietnam's Golf Coast

Over the past 12 months the port city of Danang on Vietnam's central coast has been transformed into a golfing mecca following the opening of two of Southeast Asia's finest new courses. Combine this with first-rate hotels, direct flights and a wealth of sightseeing opportunities and it's easy to see why we selected the region as HK Golfer's Destination of the Year

1 Montgomerie Links
Colin Montgomerie has his name attached to a number of high profile courses in Asia but none are as appealing as this top-notch 18-hole layout situated less than 20 minutes from Danang's international airport. Occupying superb golfing terrain, the Montgomerie Links' firm fairways and expansive, immaculately-presented green complexes echo the great links courses of the British Isles, while distinctive bunkering and an abundance of attractive casuarinas that line many of the holes make it one of the most visually stunning layouts around. Make no mistake, this is a fully-fledged championship track, one that visitors will want to play time and time again. A stylish clubhouse and superb practice area add to the allure. www.montgomerielinks.com

2 Danang Golf Club, Dunes Course
Located right next door to the Montgomerie Links, the Dunes at Danang Golf Club is among the most fascinating and unique course in Asia today. Part links, part Australian sandbelt, the layout thunders through enormous sand hills and is framed by uncompromising scrubland. Although less than a year old, the Dunes, with its rugged bunkering and mature vegetation, looks like it has been part of the landscape for decades. This is especially the case at the signature par-3 16th, where a military bunker dating back to the French Indochina War can be found adjacent to the putting surface. The view of the white sands of famed China Beach from here make this the most idyllic spot on the course. www.dananggolfclub.com

3 The Nam Hai

The most luxurious hotel in Vietnam – and rightfully considered one of the finest resorts in the world – the Nam Hai has been welcoming visitors from around the world since it first opened its doors in 2006. Sprawled over 35 hectares, this superb oceanfront spa retreat offers 60 elegant villas and a further 40 pool villas each within landscaped gardens with unobstructed views of the South China Sea and the nearby Cham Islands. It's breathtakingly magnificent – and comes with a breathtakingly magnificent room rate too. But if you're travelling with a loved one there is no finer place. A boon for golfers – it's barely 10 minutes from the two courses. www.thenamhai.com

4 The Life Resort

The newest five-star luxury beach resort in Danang, the Life Resort offers 187 superbly-appointed rooms and suites and is within easy reach of both the Montgimerie Links and Danang Golf Club as well as the airport. A slew of amenities – including an excellent pool and a superb spa –makes this an affordable yet high quality alternative to the Nam Hai. www.life-resorts.com

5 Direct Flights

It used to be that getting to Danang meant a none-too-welcome transit in Hanoi or Ho Chih Minh City. Not anymore! Thanks to the launch of Vietnam Airlines' weekly direct charter flights the city is now just over a 90-minute journey from Hong Kong, making it an even more convenient retreat than the perennially popular golfing destinations of Bangkok and Phuket. Flights currently depart Hong Kong on Tuesday evenings (departing1920, arriving 2000) and leave Danang Friday afternoons (departing 1530, arriving 1815). www.vietlink.com.hk

6 Hoi An

The charming riverside town of Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist attractions and is barely 20 minutes away from the courses. Famed for its beautiful old buildings, its narrow, quiet streets and its history as a merchant trading post, the town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes for a delightful side trip if you're allowing time away from the golf. Hoi An is also noted for its wonderful array of restaurants.