Hilltop Valley Golf Club
About
Spectacular and challenging 27-hole layout in a scenic mountain setting
A 27-hole golf course located around 60km west of Hanoi, the IMG-designed Hilltop Valley Golf Club offers a unique challenge amidst the breathtaking scenery of a mountain range. It's a very pretty course where the lush green of the Paspalum fairways contrasts beautifully with the white sand bunkers and red rocky outcrops, the severe elevation changes offering some truly spectacular panoramic views from the high points of the course.
The front nine holes mostly play in the valleys, with water a threat on every hole. After an opener that doglegs around a lake, the 2nd is a very pretty par 3 that plays over water to a green guarded on both sides by sand, while the 3rd is a long par-5 with a segment of island fairway that long hitters may be able to bypass.
The 5th is another pretty par 3, this time with an island green, while the 7th is a short but tough par 4 with only a narrow sliver of fairway next to the substantial lake. The front nine ends with a very tricky par 4 that doglegs around a lake, an awkward bunker at its elbow. On approach, a water carry into a green guarded by two bunkers is required.
After the turn, there's one more water hole before the courses heads up into the hills, largely playing along a spectacular ridge line. The 11th is a spectacular long uphill par 4 that snakes its way along the ridge to a tabletop green, requiring a spectacular approach over a deep gorge to find the putting surface.
Steep, jungle-clad drop-offs are a feature of the back nine, with severe penalties for going too far off line, but the fairways are fairly generous. While there's no more water to cope with, there's plenty of sand, notably at the par-4 14th where a trio of large bunkers lurk.
The 15th is a glorious right-angle dogleg where it's hard to resist going directly over the gorge to the green, although it's further than it looks. The conventional route is still tough, with 9 bunkers lining the fairway and a premium on picking the right distance to open up a clear route to the green.
The second nine ends with 602-yard par-5 18th, which plays downhill towards the clubhouse. If you can hide a fade off the tee while avoiding the bunker on the left and catching the right downslope, you can end up with quite a monster drive, but as the hole doglegs to the right, you'll be hard pressed to be in a position to shoot for the green.
The final nine heads back into the hills, with the 20th a particularly tough uphill par 4 with a narrow fairway and another of those tough approaches over a gorge. The 21st is a memorable par 3 that plays from a very elevated to a green with water on two sides and a bunker on the left. At 329 yards from the back tees, it's in with a shout of being the longest par 3 in the country, but it plays much shorter given the steep drop between tee and green.
Of the closing holes, the 28th stands out. The hole plays up to the top of Nham Bien mountain, and in certain conditions feels like playing golf in the clouds, with the terrain falling away steeply either side of the fairway. It's a great place to look out over the course and savour one last look at the spectacular surroundings.
The modern clubhouse is well laid out and has beautiful views of the 18th green. There are spacious, well-appointed locker rooms, jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a decent restaurant, and a basic pro-shop.
Overall, Hilltop Valley Golf Club offers a unique and challenging golfing experience, made particularly memorable by the panoramic views on offer. Much recommended for anyone planning a golf holiday in Hanoi.
Reviews
Well maintained course
Well maintained course, unique and very challenging because a lot of t-boxes are virtually located on the hilltops. Caddy is a must, especially if you're playing the first time in this course.Course Info
Key Facts
Amenities
Scorecard Summary
Tee* | Par | Length | CR | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 71 | 6908 yds | N/A | N/A |
Blue | 71 | 6315 yds | N/A | N/A |
White | 71 | 5585 yds | N/A | N/A |
Red (W) | 71 | 4639 yds | N/A | N/A |
Technical Difficulty
Handicap Requirements
There are no handicap requirements at Hilltop Valley Golf Club.
Course Location
Address
Nearby Airports
Nearby Attractions
Courses Nearby
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Weather Forecast for Hilltop Valley Golf Club
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