Things to Do

Hanoi’s mini golf kingdom

While away an afternoon with a spot of mini-golf in Hanoi’s Tay Ho district

Published

6 years ago

February 21, 2020

On the outskirts of Tay Ho a kingdom exists for enthusiasts all things tiny and all things golf: mere mortals refer to this kingdom as West Lake Mini Golf. Using small putters to hit balls into little holes is a superb way to spend an idle afternoon. This elegant course offers eighteen unique holes for pros to show off their skills, or amateurs to have a blast putting. For those that like to do important business meetings over a game of golf but cannot afford the extortionate fees of a full size golf club, why not do a meeting here?

Each hole has different obstacles creating a pitch-perfect putting variety. Some have hills, others windmills, and still others have rocks and “rough” patches. A large billiards-meets-football style game is the newest edition to the venue, so when you finish your 18 holes you can try out this new game by the bar. Yes, there is a bar.

Though hardly a nature hike, the venue is in open-space adorned with plants, castle walls and café style sets. As with a lot of Vietnamese venues, West Lake Mini golf has a strange combination of delightful ad-hoc faux architecture that looks like the set design from a West Anderson film.

Beer, barbeque and mini golf,
now there is a day out!

When we went to play, there was a spot of rain but Mạc Tony, a Vietnamese-German, who own the golf course, told us not to worry and even implied it was more fun this way. “If it rains, it rains. All you need is a thin rain coat,” he said. “Mini golf is great place to take that special someone, there’s a private, poetic place to chat and you also get the chance to work together.”

Katorihana, 20, is a junior manager at West Lake Mini Golf and looks after the place when Tony is away. She is a delightful chatterbox and especially keen to chuck out tips on particular shots and how to get those all important hole-in-ones.

She told Chào that one of the best times to go was on Saturday where there is an incredible all-you-can-drink beer deal from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. for 100,00 VND. If that sounds like it could get a bit dangerous, don’t worry there is a reasonable priced barbeque that will allow you to soak up the excess booze. Beer, barbeque and mini golf, now there is a day out!

If you really want to impress your date then try for a hole-in-one like this legendary Vietnamese mini-golfer did here.

Prices here are reasonable: 120,000 VND for eighteen holes. They have a wide variety of different colored balls and putters to choose from, whatever your lucky color. The mini golf is perhaps best enjoyed with a group of friends over a cold beer, cider or mixed drink as you cruise around the course.

If you figure yourself a pro, then try to beat the leader boards for a chance to win a free game. The course is open from midday to 8 p.m. every day, but you can make reservations for times outside these hours. Just visit their Facebook page and send them a message to reserve your time. However, reservations are not generally necessary. There’s usually plenty of room to walk in and play.

Whether you are going on a hot date, out with a group of friends or just fancy swinging your club on your own, Westlake Mini Golf is a great way to change the pace of your day to day life. In the summer time we recomend going in the late afternoon as you can even catch the sunset as you relax on the course. If you fancy a busier day, why not make it a double header and checkout Tay Ho paintball, which is just next door.