Plan your Thailand golf holiday

With world-class courses, luxury amenities, outstanding hospitality, and scenic settings, Thailand is well-established as a top golfing destination. Whether you’re teeing off in Bangkok, enjoying the cool mountain air in Chiang Mai, or taking in the ocean views of Phuket, every region offers a unique experience.

Thailand is home to over 250 golf courses that can accommodate golfers of all levels and preferences. Away from the course, there is so much to see and do, no matter where you visit. Try tasty local dishes, rejuvenate with a wellness treatment, and discover the diversity of experiences that Thailand has to offer. These are just some of the reasons why golfers from around the world return year after year to Thailand:

• Great value: Thailand offers premium golf experiences at lower prices compared to the West.
• Outstanding facilities: Courses are designed by famous architects like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, and many have hosted international tournaments.
• Luxury amenities: Many golf clubs provide spas, accommodation, fine dining, and first-class service.
• Fabulous locations: From beachfront resorts to highland retreats, the courses here are scenic and diverse. And with top courses in popular tourist locations, it’s easy to combine golf with leisure activities.

Best time to play golf in Thailand

Thailand is a year-round destination for golfers. Temperatures in Thailand remain warm throughout the year with three seasons:

• Cool season: November-February
• Hot season: March-May
• Green season (rainy season): May/June-October

There are regional variations to these general patterns and even when the rain does fall in Thailand it can often be in short-lived tropical downpours. Different weather patterns affect the Gulf Coast and Andaman Coast, so you can still enjoy sunny golf weather whatever time of year you travel. As a general rule, these are the months when you should see the best golf weather in each area:

• April-October: Gulf Coast (Hua Hin, Ko Samui)
• November-March: Central Thailand (including Bangkok), Andaman Coast (including Phuket), East Coast (including Pattaya)
• November-February: North Thailand (including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai)

Handy advice for golfers

At most courses in Thailand, you will be obliged to use a caddie. Expect to pay a 300 Baht caddie fee plus a 500 Baht tip.

Golf buggies are usually provided and can be invaluable for hilly courses and hot conditions. They cost approximately 700 Baht and at some courses their use is obligatory.

Thailand is hot and can be humid, but golfers are still expected to wear smart golf attire. Tailored shorts are OK, but leave the football shorts and swim shorts for the beach.

Club rental is available at most courses; the average cost for a full set is 1,000 Baht.

Where to play golf in Thailand

To give you an idea of some of the destinations and experiences you can enjoy on a golfing holiday in Thailand, we’ve compiled a cross-section of courses across the country.

Central Thailand

Bangkok

The Greater Bangkok area offers a variety of courses for different skill levels, all within easy reach of the city centre. If you’re looking to combine urban sophistication with a relaxing day on the greens, check out the courses below.

Alpine Golf Club
Designed by Ron Garl, Alpine Golf Club is known for its challenging layout. Surrounded by rolling hills and water hazards, it requires precision with every shot. The club offers luxury facilities and has become a favourite for tournaments and high-profile events. Situated in Pathum Thani province, Alpine Golf Club is an hour’s drive north of central Bangkok.
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Thai Country Club
This prestigious course, partly owned by the Peninsula Hotel Group, provides an elite experience. With beautifully manicured fairways and attention to detail throughout, Thai Country Club is perfect for golfers seeking a refined day out. The course is located approximately 40 minutes drive away from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Muang Kaew Golf Club
Muang Kaew Golf Club is another course that is convenient for Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport which is just 25 minutes away. This well-maintained course with tree-lined fairways is a great option if you’re tight on time but still want to experience golf in Bangkok.
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East Coast Thailand

Chanthaburi

Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao
Charming Chanthaburi province is the home of Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao. With Soi Dao mountain providing the backdrop, this challenging course includes tricky water hazards and imposing bunkers. An excellent test for low-handicap golfers, Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao is one to consider if you are exploring Thailand’s East Coast.
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Pattaya

Pattaya offers easy access to Bangkok, lively nightlife, and is a golf haven for players seeking variety. The courses here are known for their excellent maintenance and clever designs.

Siam Country Club
One of the most prestigious clubs in Thailand, Siam Country Club has hosted the LPGA Honda Classic. There are three courses here: Old, Plantation, and Waterside. Each course provides its particular challenges but whichever course you play, a round here is a memorable experience.
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Laem Chabang International Country Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the layout at Laem Chabang International Country Club features 27 holes in total spread across three distinct nines: Mountain, Lake, and Valley. The varied landscape provides a great mix of challenges for players of all levels.
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Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club
Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club is known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting. The course has hosted several international tournaments and offers an enjoyable golfing experience.
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North Thailand

The golf courses in North Thailand offer picturesque settings with mountain views and, in the cool season months (November-February), near-perfect golf conditions.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort
Regularly voted among the top 10 courses to play in Thailand, Chiang Mai Highlands is also one of the most scenic. With panoramic mountain views, well-maintained greens, and a challenging layout for golfers of all levels, a day of golfing here is a treat even if you score higher than you would like. The resort’s spa is a welcome addition that is perfect for post-golf relaxation. The location is around 45 minutes east of central Chiang Mai.
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Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai
A quiet setting 45 minutes south-east of Chiang Mai city centre is the location for Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai. In addition to the 27-hole international championship golf course, there is also a 9-hole course. Alpine Golf has hosted Asian Tour events and with a layout that incorporates the region’s natural landscape, this is a great test for golfers with water hazards, elevation changes, and scenic fairways. The surrounding forest adds a tranquil ambience.
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Mae Jo Golf Club
A less challenging and shorter course compared to many others on our list, but still a delight to play with fruit orchards and rice fields providing the picturesque backdrop. Mae Jo Golf Club is located a little over 30 minutes from the centre of Chiang Mai’s Old Town area.
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Chiang Rai

Santiburi Country Club
Just 20 minutes south-east of Chiang Rai city centre, Santiburi Country Club is a pleasure to play with well-maintained greens and fairways. The course offers a fair challenge to golfers of all levels with water coming into play over the front nine but not the back nine.
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Lamphun

The Gassan Group is renowned for its golf course management and hosts three courses in Lamphun which are all quick and easy to reach from nearby Chiang Mai.

Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort
Located near the famous Khuntan Railway Tunnel and the distinctive Tha Chompu white bridge, Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Thailand. Lovely views combined with a testing course make for an excellent day of golf.
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Gassan Legacy Golf Club
This attractive course features numerous water hazards and sand traps so will reward the accurate golfer with good course management. If you’re prone to hooking or slicing, this might not be the best course for you!
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Gassan Panorama
This course originally opened in 2006 but was completely revamped and reopened in 2017. Gassan Panorama is now one of the longest courses in Thailand and features a par-6 hole that measures 666 yards from the back tee. The course is distinctive with a large lake at its heart and all 18 holes designed around the contours of the water.
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North-East Thailand

For travellers who would like to experience another side of Thailand away from the better-known tourist destinations, consider a trip to the north-east region of Isaan. This area may not have the same number of courses as Chiang Mai or Hua Hin, but it does provide the opportunity to discover attractions like the Red Lotus Lake in Udon Thani.

Udon Thani

Royal Creek Golf Club and Resort
Situated 30 minutes north-east of Udon Thani city centre, Royal Creek Golf Club isn’t as picturesque as many others on our list, but it represents excellent value for money and is an enjoyable course to play. If you’re a high handicap golfer you may also find this course less intimidating compared to some of the championship-standard courses elsewhere in Thailand.
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Southern Thailand: Andaman Coast

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and offers golfers a blend of beautiful beach scenery and challenging courses. With a wide selection of hotels to choose from, a thriving food scene and plenty to see and do away from the golf course, Phuket is a fabulous choice for a golf holiday.

Blue Canyon Country Club
With a convenient location near Phuket International Airport, Blue Canyon Country Club’s two courses, the Canyon Course and the Lakes Course, offer contrasting experiences. The Canyon Course is known for its narrow fairways and deep bunkers, while the Lakes Course features scenic water hazards throughout.
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Laguna Golf Phuket
Part of the Laguna Phuket resort complex, Laguna Golf offers a relaxing golfing experience with scenic lagoons and lush greenery. As part of a luxury resort complex, Laguna Golf provides top-tier amenities, including access to beachfront accommodations.
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Red Mountain Golf Club
Red Mountain serves up dramatic elevation changes and stunning views. This challenging course rewards precision and skill, making it a favourite among experienced golfers.
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Southern Thailand: Gulf Coast

Hua Hin, known as the original beach resort town of Thailand, is also home to some of the country’s most famous golf courses. Golf enthusiasts flock here not only for the beautiful courses but also for the relaxed coastal vibe. The island of Ko Samui is another location on Thailand’s Gulf Coast where you can combine a relaxing beach holiday with golf.

Hua Hin

Black Mountain Golf Club
Black Mountain is consistently ranked among the best courses in Asia. It features undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and water hazards. The surrounding hills add to the scenic beauty, and the on-site resort makes it an ideal spot for extended stays.
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Pineapple Valley Golf Club
Previously known as Banyan Golf, Pineapple Valley was designed by Thailand’s premier golf course architect, Pirapon Namatra. Established in 2009 on former pineapple fields, the course offers a combination of tricky fairways and beautiful sea views. The clubhouse is renowned for its restaurant, making it a great place to unwind after a round.
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Springfield Royal Country Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Springfield Royal Country Club is located in a tranquil rural setting just 30 minutes from the centre of Hua Hin. Springfield Royal provides a challenging layout with water hazards on many of the 27 holes.
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Ko Samui

Santiburi Samui Country Club
With coconut palm trees, ocean views, and verdant fairways and greens, Santiburi is the epitome of a tropical island course. Located on Ko Samui’s attractive north coast, the 18 holes here are a treat to play.
Website | Location

Book your Thailand golf holiday

Trips can be arranged independently or you can use the services of a specialist tour operator who may be able to get you better rates on green fees and at selected hotels:
Coco Golf
Thailand Golf

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