Lakeside vs. Mountainview Kings Island: Which One to Choose?

SHOULD YOU PLAY LAKESIDE OR MOUNTAINVIEW AT DONG MO? - Analyzing the differences

13/05-2026, 10:50(GMT+7)

Domestic news

SHOULD YOU PLAY LAKESIDE OR MOUNTAINVIEW AT DONG MO?

Analyzing the differences between the lakeside feel and the mountain challenge

On the map of Northern Vietnam's golf scene, Kings Island Golf Resort (affectionately known as Dong Mo Golf Course) holds a legendary status. This is not only because it was the first golf course in the North to offer a unique canoe-accessible course experience, but also because of the fascinating contrast between its two "siblings": Lakeside and Mountainview. One offers the vast expanse of Dong Mo Lake's waters, while the other boasts the majestic and rugged terrain of the high mountains. So, which is the optimal choice for your round? Let's join Intergolf in a detailed "dissection" of these two golf courses from a professional, practical perspective.

1. Kings Island Golf Resort Overview: The Golfing Heritage of Northern Vietnam

Located at the foot of Ba Vi Mountain, Kings Island Golf Resort boasts 55 holes of international standard golf. However, the soul of this resort lies in its original two 18-hole courses: Lakeside (opened in 1993) and Mountainview (opened in 2004).

Maintaining grass quality and service standards for over 30 years has turned Kings Island Golf Resort into a symbol of stability. For international golfers, especially those from Korea and Japan, this is not just a golf course but a 5-star standard cultural experience.

2. Lakeside Course: Battle with the "Water Monster"

As the name suggests, Lakeside takes golfers on a journey where water is present in 14 out of 18 holes. Designed by Robert McFarland, this course demands absolute precision rather than raw power.

Turf and Green Characteristics

Fairway Grass: Paspalum grass is used. This variety features large, smooth leaves that keep the ball sitting high, facilitating clean and solid impact.
Green Grass: TifEagle is used. This is the "secret weapon" that makes Lakeside a challenge. The greens are often small with extremely complex slopes. Daytime speeds usually range from 8.5 to 9.5 Stimp, but under the dry sun, they can become as fast as glass.

Water Hazards and Rough Challenges

Rough Grass: Kept at a moderate height but very "sticky" on the clubhead. When Paspalum rough grows long, it wraps tightly around the hosel, making recovery shots incredibly difficult.
Water Hazards: Water surrounds the fairways. Golfers need a smart "course management" strategy. Using hybrids or long irons to keep the ball in play is a wise choice.

Iconic Holes:

Hole No. 5: A breathtakingly beautiful Par 3 that is also full of traps, with the Green sitting right on the lake's edge.
Hole No. 13: Requires a massive carry over water. The psychological pressure here is the true test.

BOOK LAKESIDE AT BEST RATE

3. Mountainview Course: Conquering the Jungle

If Lakeside is about the softness of water, Mountainview is about the ruggedness of stone and old-growth forest. Designed by Pacific Coast Design (Australia), this course makes the most of the natural terrain of the surrounding mountains.

The Mountain Golf Experience

Elevation Changes: "Blind shots" where the golfer cannot see the green are a specialty of this course.
Turf Type: Similar to Lakeside, but maintenance is more challenging due to the steep terrain. Regardless, the course surface is always kept in ideal condition.

Challenges from Rough and Bunkers

Mountain Rough: The rough is not only thick but also contains gravel and natural tree roots. It requires a courageous flop shot or recovery technique.
Bunkers: Sand traps are designed deep and steep, mimicking mountain ravines, making Par saves a difficult puzzle.

Challenging Holes:

Hole No. 1: An elevated tee shot down into the valley provides an unforgettable sensation of the ball soaring through the mountain space.
Hole No. 15: Demands absolute elevation calculation. Errors in accounting for the slope can lead the ball into unrecoverable high grass.

BOOK MOUNTAINVIEW AT BEST RATE

4. Practical Comparison: Lakeside vs Mountainview

To help golfers choose easily when booking at Kings Island Golf Resort, let's look at the comparison table below:

Criteria	Lakeside Course	Mountainview Course
Style	Park Style / Lakeside	Mountain / Forest Style
Avg. Difficulty	High (due to water hazards)	Very High (due to steep terrain)
Technical Demand	Accuracy	Power and Elevation Control
Green Features	Small, sloped, fast	Larger but multi-tiered
Psychology	Fear of losing balls in the lake	Fear of losing balls in forest/ravines
Scenery	Open, poetic	Majestic, tranquil

Top 12 Most Favorite Golf Courses in Northern Vietnam

5. Temperature and Weather at Dong Mo Throughout the Year

The weather features semi-mountainous characteristics, directly affecting ball flight:

February - March (Spring): 15-20°C. Often drizzly and foggy. Damp fairways, less roll. High loft clubs needed.

April - May (Best Season): Ideal 22-28°C. Clear skies, light lake breeze. Golden time to beat your Handicap.

June - August (Summer): 32-38°C. Grass grows fast, thick rough. Early tee-off recommended (before 6 AM).

September - November (Autumn): 20-25°C. Dry wind makes greens dry and fast. Putting is very sensitive.

December - January (Winter): Below 10°C. Cold air makes the ball fly about 10 yards shorter. Increase one club on approach.

6. Caddy Service

With an average seniority of 10-20 years, the caddies here are living "encyclopedias."

Line Reading: Understand every centimeter of green slope.
Advice: Excellent at predicting wind direction from the lake or ravines, proficient in English/Korean.

7. Maintenance & Turf Care

Under BRG management, care technology is always leading:

Irrigation: Ensures Paspalum grass remains lush even in the dry season.
Green Maintenance: Greens are mowed and rolled daily to maintain standard Stimp ratings.

8. Dining & Clubhouse

After 18 intense holes, the Clubhouse offers a perfect cultural fusion. Serving 5-star standard Korean/Japanese food (Cold noodles, Bento, Hotpot) for international guests, alongside famous local specialties such as hill chicken and Ba Vi mountain pork.

If you love the challenge of water and want to practice patience, choose Lakeside. If you want to experience power, wilderness, and trajectory control on steep terrain, Mountainview is the destination for you.

But honestly, to fully understand the value of Kings Island Golf Resort, you should spend at least two days playing both courses. That is the only way to truly feel the essence of the "Island of Kings."