THE EXOTIC MEKONG GOLF TOUR
VIETNAM, CAMBODIA AND THE EXOTIC MEKONG
17 NIGHTS | 6 ROUNDS OF GOLF | 7 NIGHT CRUISE
SEASON | November + Feburary | 2023 - 2025
PRICES FROM EURO €8,342 Per Person
The Exotic Mekong golf river cruise is a holiday that we wanted to offer as soon as the opportunity presented itself. The trip is a fantastic holiday for all keen golfers to not only discover some great golf courses, but also to dive into the bustling and heady life of these two wonderful south east asian countries.
Your holiday visits UNESCO world heritage sites in both Vietnam and Cambodia, 6 championship golf courses including the option of extra rounds of golf in Phnom Penh and the Bluffs in Ho Tram, 2 hrs south of Ho Chi Minh City. Your journey begins in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, followed by an excursion to breathtaking Ha Long Bay for an overnight stay aboard an elegantly appointed ship. A short flight to Siem Reap brings you to the gateway of the ancient Khmer empire where you’ll explore the temples of Angkor Archeological Park. Unleash your inner adventurer as you explore Angkor Wat’s amazing temples, including Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants, the pyramid temple of Bayon, Ta Prohm—the vine-covered “jungle temple”—Angkor Wat and other key sites. Cruise along the Mekong as you are transported back in time to another era, where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow for fascinating glimpses into a traditional way of life. After visiting rural villages, local workshops and markets, a monastery and two capital cities, conclude your cruise with a two-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City—once known as Saigon and the “Paris of the Orient”—now a bustling economic boom-town that offers a heady mixture of historic and modern delights.
COUNTRIES: VIETNAM, CAMBODIA
RIVERS: MEKONG
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city boasts a rich cultural heritage that blends in harmony with its vibrant present. From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city. Enjoy a private transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in the heart of Hanoi.
Your day starts off in the morning with your golf concierge and a trip to Sky Lake Golf and Country Club, located just 45 minutes west of Hanoi. After lunch return to Hanoi. In the evening enjoy a local street food tour with your guide before turning in for the night. (B,L,)
This morning we head for the bustling port of Ha Long Bay and play the FLC Ha Long Bay golf course. Set above the seaport of Ha Long bay this Schmidt Curley designed course is in a spectacular layout, with 5 Par 3’s offering spectacular scenes of the Ha Long Bay. The course is short by modern standards at 6800 yards from the back tees, but you will still do well to play to your handicap. After lunch check into the Wyndham Ha Long Bay (B,L,D)
After breakfast check in to your appointed luxury cruise ship. Ethereal Ha Long Bay is considered by many to be the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World. Board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. The backdrop of the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations provide you with the perfect setting for a memorable sojourn. Your golf clubs will be taken care of during your overnight cruise.(B,L,D).
Spend the morning sailing across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay with more than 2,000 small islands rising from the water like a dragon’s back. Later in the morning, disembark the ship and transfer to Hanoi Airport for a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire. (B,L)
This morning head to the Nick Faldo designed Angkor Golf Club and enjoy 18 holes of Campionship golf. Faldo designs his courses with testing your skills in mind, so be prepared to work through most of the clubs in your bag. After lunch head back to the hotel to relax by the pool. Cap this memorable day off with a special “Apsara Dance Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B,L,D)
Discover the heart and soul of Cambodia and the most iconic of all Angkorian Temples, Angkor Wat. This is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. (B,D)
Transfer via motorcoach to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham for your seven-night cruise. Board a motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (male and female mountains). In the annals of Khmer legend, the twin mountains were formed as the result of a competition between the men and women of an ancient Cambodian kingdom to resolve which gender would be responsible for wedding proposals. Later, join fellow guests for an evening Welcome Dinner. (B,L,D)
During the morning, go on a walking tour to Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here people still live in their traditional wooden abodes and keep their old cultural traditions alive. Hundreds of wooden houses stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sails to Oknhatey or “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River. This island is known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you’ll visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving that have been preserved for centuries. Your ship moors in Oknhatey village. (B,L,D)
Your cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The morning excursion takes you to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. After visiting Oudong, be treated to a truly authentic excursion, an oxcart ride through a local village Kampong Tralach. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city’s French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)
This morning takes you to the Vattanac Golf resort, which was designed by Nick Faldo and opened for play in 2019. The newest course in Cambodia quickly shot up the international rankings and is destined to join the top 100 very soon. After lunch return to the ship to rest or alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-colored Central Market or visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. (B,L,D)
Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam. (B,L,D)
Visit Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. You will have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience via a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, take a boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop. Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec. (B,L,D)
Once ashore in Sa Dec, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market and the 19th-century house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, on whom her prize-winning novel “The Lover” is said to be based. Later, board a motorcoach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a military base during the French war and now an important ecological site. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, and the historic Kiet Old House. In Cai Be, cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Disembark the AmaDara in My Tho Port and enjoy a private transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s former capital of Indochina was once known as “Paris of the Orient,” and today, it is an industrial, cultural and educational hub. Explore such famous landmarks as the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum before visiting the Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L).
Twin Doves Golf Resort is a beautiful course made up of three 9 hole courses designed by Peter Rousseau who also designed Van Tri Golf Club in Hanoi. The Luna, Stella and Sole courses are all interchangeable and each combination will give you over 7100 yards of spectacular championship golf. Enjoy the club house and extensive lunch offerings before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)
Tan Son Nhat Golf Resort is a great golf course made of 4 tracks of 9 holes and is located next to the runway of Ho Chi Minh International Airport. Completely modernised and wonderfully shaped the course is a pure joy to play. Very friendly staff, this is the perfect course to finish of your holiday in Vietnam. (B,L)
Bid farewell to Vietnam as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
SKY LAKE GOLF CLUB
Hanoi, Vietnam
The Sky Course is the work of Bori Golf Design Ltd and lead designer Mr. Ahn Moon Hwan. The natural beauty of the landscape has been used to create continuity and consistency throughout the design. Subtle use of different elevations and aspects create a true and honest test of golf.
The signature hole of the Sky course is the 15th, aptly named Dien Bien Phu (a historic vietnamese battle) due to it’s topography and difficulty. This hole is a true risk and reward experience that promises to become one of the more famous holes in the region.
FLC Ha Long Bay Golf Course
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
As you arrive in Ha Long Bay the anticipation mounts. From the main roads and the town its hidden from view. The final yards up the driveway and you are faced with the complex's Hotel and club house complex. Like everything in Vietnam that deals with golf, it is a very efficient operation and the staff are incredibly friendly. But it is only after you tee off on the 1st, that the adventure truly begins with jaw dropping and awe inspring sights onto th efamous HaLong Bay, each of the Par 3 holes will make you concentrate even harder as the views are unique. But the course does not let up on the other holes, with fantastic elevation changes keeping your course management skills sharp. The course is a wonderful Schmidt-Curley Design that challenges you from beginning to end. The wonderful caddies do make the whole experience something to remember. At 6800 yards from the tips, it is a bit shorter than usual for a 2017 designed course, but even long hitters have to bring their A game to play to Par.
ANGKOR GOLF CLUB
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The beauty of Cambodia lies in the richness of its traditions. The elegance of golf comes from its strategy, honor and skills. Designed by 3 time Masters Champion and 3 time Open Champion Sir Nick Faldo, the Angkor Golf Resort epitomises these essential characteristics and a unique tradition begins at one of the world’s great new golf destinations.
Angkor Golf Resort provides all level of golfers a challenging and fair test of golf. The par 72, 7279 yard championship course has seashore paspallum grass throughout the course allowing for an exceptional playing surface and enjoyable round. Practice facilities include a 300 yards driving range, with target greens and practice putting green and chipping area.
VATTANAC GOLF RESORT
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Sir Nick Faldo's second course in Cambodia is the Vattanac golf resort, and the east course opened for play in 2019, yet the course is definitely destined for great heights. The par 72 East Course has 6 tee-boxes to choose from including a tee box for juniors. The course measures 7,467 yards and is fair but challenging for players of all levels. The course will challenge the seasoned golfer with its various risk / reward opportunities.
The stunning Faldo designed lay-out has attracted a lot of attention with the 3 iconic miniature replicas of marvels of Khmer architecture: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Preah Vihear Temple.
TWIN DOVES GOLF RESORT
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Twin Doves is an exclusive private club that offers a 27-holes of championship golf, designed by American architect Peter Rousseau. Located about 1 hour outside of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the Twin Doves woodland and lake styled course is broken into 3 nines named Luna, Mare, and Sole.
With views of the rural Vietnam scenery, the course is characterized by many small hills and neighboring forests. The course has combined all the natural shapes of the land with newly created water features, which are utilized as challenging hazards. Rolling hills connect five of the holes and the rest are separated by tree-lined fairways. The natural landscape of the creeks and trees on both sides of the fairway requires you to play with accuracy and a sense of direction. This is an exciting and thoughtful course where most of the greens are segregated into target zones around the lakes, making accuracy a necessary aspect of your game.
Tan Son Nhat Golf Resort
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Designed by leading golf architects Nelson & Haworth, the 36 hole PGA Championships course is a thrilling experience in the heart of Saigon. Befitting a course that runs parallel to Tan Son Nhat's main runway, the site for Tan Son Nhat Golf Club started out very, very flat and with little in the way of trees or other features of interest. Some 1.5 million cubic metres of earth was moved to give this course plenty of elevation change for drainage, golfing interest and aesthetics.
Course A plays away from the clubhouse and in an area designated for apartments, villas and an on-site hotel. Course B, C and D all play around the existing clubhouse. Each nine is equally challenging and well-maintained. The par-5’s play long and mostly into the wind. The par-3’s offer good chances for par provided the greenside bunkers are avoided.
HOTEL DE L’OPERA HANOI
Hanoi, Vietnam
Boutique hotels with personality for a remarkable travel experience is a great introduction to the Hotel De L'Opera.
Located in the bustling centre of Hanoi, the Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi is in a prime location for you to soak up all of the culture the city has to offer. There’s never a dull moment in the enchanting city, with over a thousand years of local history. Just 3 minutes walk from the Old Quarter, and a short distance to the Hanoi Opera House, our guests can experience the 5-star luxury of a night at the opera.
Sofitel Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam's vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), still often called Saigon, is an electric destination, a thriving metropolis bursting with energy. Retreat to the serenity of a Saigon luxury hotel in a quiet enclave just steps from the buzzing city centre.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza is located on peaceful tree-lined Le Duan Boulevard just a moment from the citys commercial centre with its fabulous shopping dining and landmark attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace.
ANANTARA ANGKOR RESORT
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Anantara Angkor Resort is an all-suite luxury hotel in Siem Reap, and the closest to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. Only 15 minutes away, it offers the perfect base to explore the temples by tuk-tuk, Vespa or helicopter.
This wonderful Boutique hotel is listed in the Guide Michelin for its restaurant as well as being just perfect for trips to Angkor Temple or the Golf Resort. With just 39 suites, this hotel has a very intimate feel and the staff and management go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.
AMADARA
This distinctive ship is in a class of her own! AmaWaterways’ sole cruise ship on the Mekong River, the AmaDara features French Colonial décor and richly carved wood furniture inspired by the history of the region, as well as local artifacts made by native craftsmen. Air-conditioned interior corridors lead to spacious staterooms and suites, most featuring twin balconies that invite the ever-changing scenery of Southeast Asia inside. On board, the AmaDara caters to your every whim, with massage rooms, fitness room, gift shop, hair salon and sun-deck pool. Her stunning Saigon Lounge provides respite by day and unites guests over intriguing local entertainment by night. Savor authentic regional delicacies and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or dine at The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant; and throughout your cruise, be treated to unlimited complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, as well as house brand spirits, local beer and soft drinks throughout your cruise.
Indochina Sails
Leisurely cruises down beautiful Halong Bay await on Indochina Sails, which offers Vietnamese-style wooden cabins. Featuring an on-site restaurant and outdoor dining, the cruise offers free WiFi access in all areas.
Bay views can be enjoyed from over-sized windows in air-conditioned cabins. Featuring classic wood furnishings, each comes with a mini-bar and wardrobe. Private bathroom comes with massage showers, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Extras include slippers and bathrobes.
LGT Golf, a division of LGT Solutions s.r.o
Company number 04096461