FLC Grand Hotel Halong & Golf Review 2026: Halong Bay Views

Just about 30 minutes from the breathtaking Halong Bay, FLC Grand Hotel Halong was our chosen retreat for a night's stay and a round of golf.

On October 11, 2026, my partner and I enjoyed a Halong Bay cruise, while my sibling and their spouse checked into the hotel and hit the greens. After our cruise, we returned to the hotel, checked in, and settled into our room on the 8th floor.

Our room was wonderfully spacious and comfortable. It even had a small sink, perfect for washing fruit or quick rinses, and the overall room condition was excellent. My sibling and their spouse were starving after their round! They mentioned the golf course, though not exceptionally long, was quite challenging and left them feeling drained. Unlike some courses where you can pause at a 'halfway house' after the front nine to refuel, here they played straight through, which definitely depleted their energy.

Walking through the hotel corridors on our way to dinner, it was clear just how massive this property is. After driving into Halong City from the bay, I honestly wondered where such a golf and resort complex could possibly be located amidst the bustling urban landscape. But there it was, perched majestically on a hilltop overlooking the entire city. As a 5-star hotel with over 600 rooms, it certainly lives up to its grand reputation.

The hotel offers both golf course views and Halong Bay views. We heard that the Halong Bay view rooms are more than double the price, so we opted for the golf course view, which was still lovely!

For dinner, we headed to the Bamboo Restaurant on the hotel's 3rd floor. This place is renowned for its delicious Chinese cuisine, but it also serves Italian and Vietnamese dishes, making it a fantastic multi-cuisine spot.

The food was, for the most part, truly delicious. We ordered a bottle of wine, some Tiger beer, and even indulged in some French fries towards the end, making for a truly enjoyable meal.

While I don't recall the exact prices, glancing at the special course menu advertisements, which seemed to be in the range of ~$22-~$30, it's clear that dining here is incredibly affordable!

Stepping out for a walk, the hotel exterior reminded me of the Colosseum. Vietnam seems to have a fondness for European architectural styles, with unexpected European-style fountains, columns, and many buildings mimicking classic designs. I wondered if this was a lingering influence from its French colonial past.

The pool was said to be beautiful, but unfortunately, there was some kind of corporate event happening right next to it, creating quite a commotion, so we just quickly passed by.

Between sightseeing and our golf round, we were utterly exhausted. We all headed back to our rooms and fell asleep almost as soon as our heads hit the pillow!

With a 9:04 AM tee time booked for the next day, we made sure to head down for breakfast around 7:45 AM. The bread, in particular, was delicious, and most of the Vietnamese dishes were very much to our taste. Knowing there wouldn't be a halfway house on the course, we loaded up on a hearty breakfast and even grabbed a few extra pieces of bread to take with us.

As you play, you're treated to incredible scenery like this. Golfing with Halong Bay as your backdrop? It's truly a luxury, especially for a beginner golfer like me who hasn't played many courses. This course is reportedly ranked among the Top 3 most beautiful golf courses in the world by Golf Inc. magazine!

Despite the stunning views, I must admit, I played terribly – perhaps I was a bit too nervous! The golf carts are two-seaters, and we drove them ourselves. The caddies rode behind us in the cart. With one caddy per person, two caddies joined us in our cart. The caddy fee was 400,000 Vietnamese Dong per person, which is approximately ~$15 USD.

It was a slightly overcast day, so it wasn't too hot – absolutely perfect weather for a round of golf.

By the 18th hole, the blue sky finally made an appearance. The photos certainly looked much prettier, but it also started to get hotter. Thankfully, our round was finished!

The sauna facilities here are a bit different. Unlike many places, the shower area features individual stalls, offering more privacy. While there's a communal bath on the side, it felt a bit unusual with the wooden floor. Each shower stall is thoughtfully equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Instead of multiple small towels, they provide one large towel.

I've always found it interesting how some golf clubs have specific expectations, like wearing bathrobes in the sauna area, even when they're not typically used in regular spas, almost as if it's a grand tradition. Here, of course, they aren't worn. It seems like certain countries have a lot of unnecessary formalities in golf, such as strictly requiring four players or specific golf attire.