Did you know that you could bask in the sunshine on a sandy beach, go for a hike in a tropical rainforest, discover ancient cultural landmarks, go for a Muay Thai training session, taste some of the finest delicacies in Asia, and also play golf in Thailand? It may sound incredible, but in Thailand, you could do all of this no matter where you go. Thailand golf courses are some of the best in the world, and there are plenty of them in every region of the country from Bangkok to Phuket.
Whether you’re playing golf for sport, for fun, or simply to relax, find out the many reasons which make the golf courses in Thailand some of the best places to enjoy this activity. So if you’re a golfer planning on your next trip to Thailand, you might want to pack your golf bag as well.
Thailand: A Golf Destination
Many golfers do not realize that Thailand is quickly becoming one of the best destinations for playing golf. While Thailand golf first started to be played among the rich and elite in the early 20th century, it has become more mainstream in recent years, with plenty of middle-class visitors coming to the country to enjoy it.
Even the Thai government has recognized that the golf courses in Thailand are as much of an attraction to tourists as their beaches, historical monuments, and unique culture. The Southeast Asian country already has over 300 golf courses, with nearly a third of them built during the 1990s. With a golf course found in nearly every corner and province of Thailand, it’s one of the best places for a golf enthusiast to travel to.
Why You Should Be Playing Golf In Thailand
There are many reasons why golfers should be traveling to a Thailand golf course to enjoy their favorite pastime. From the warm climate to featuring some of the best golf courses you’ll find anywhere in the world, learn about what makes the golf courses in Thailand worth visiting.
The Weather And Climate Are Perfect To Play Golf In Thailand
Golfers and travelers in general from European countries usually fly to a tropical place to escape the cold winter of the Northern hemisphere from the end of October to March. A sunny destination like Thailand is the choice for many of them. For those wanting to visit a golf course during their winter vacation, this is the best time to be playing golf.
The Thailand climate remains at a relatively cool temperature between 20 to 30 degrees Celcius between November and February. The weather is typically sunny, and dry with a cool breeze, making it ideal for playing golf. You won’t have to sweat like you would during the hot summer months of March and April when the temperature can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius.
The only downside to visiting the country during this period is that it is peak tourist season in Thailand. This means that nearly every golf course there will be swarming with other people, and it may not be as calm and peaceful of an experience as you’d like. The prices charged by a golf course or resort would also be higher during tourist season.
You Could Be Playing Golf All-Year-Round In Thailand
If you wish to avoid the crowds, and the higher prices, there’s still time after the tourist season ends. During the hot season months between March and May, it’s advisable to not walk out to a golf course during the sweltering heat of midday. However, you can still play early in the morning, or late afternoon when the temperature is milder, and the humidity is a little less.
Furthermore, you may be able to enjoy discounts of up to 50% during this time from the golf courses compared to their peak tourist season packages. Finally, the Songkran festival begins in the middle of April, which is a great way to experience some Thai culture if you’re in the country around this time.
The time from the middle of May to October are the rainy months with heavy tropical downpours. While this rain will seem intense, it usually stops in less than an hour. Many of the golf courses are designed to drain the rainwater quickly, and you’ll be back on the grass to continue playing in no time. In the event the area receives rainfall for a prolonged period making it impossible to play, just make sure the golf course you’re traveling to has a raincheck policy that will allow you to come back another day instead.
There Is A Golf Course In Every Corner Of Thailand
There are golf courses in Thailand no matter which province you’re traveling to, and some of them are the best golf courses you’ll find in Southeast Asia. Here are some of the regions you can find a golf course in, some of the best golf clubs you can play in, as well as what else you can experience at those destinations.
Pattaya
Chonburi province is popular among golfers, and Pattaya, one of its major tourist spots is the place to go. The city is less than two hours drive from Bangkok and has over 20 golf courses waiting for you there. The great thing about this town is that many of the golf courses offer lower-priced packages during the off-season. In June, some of the golf courses participate in the Pattaya Golf Festival which promises even lower prices.
The Siam Country Club in Pattaya prides itself on being one of the premier golf courses in all of Asia. Not only do they have multiple courses in this area, each with its own different flavor, but they all have modern facilities. There are pro shops to purchase gear, and even the locker rooms look five-star. The women’s professional golfing tournament called the LPGA Tour is hosted by the Siam Country Club in Thailand.
Pattaya is known for having a vibrant nightlife with a vast selection of restaurants, pubs, and clubs you can check out while you’re there. While originally a small fishing town, the government is committed to developing it as a tourism hub with transportation systems as well as major draws for tourists such as Muay Thai training gyms, water parks, and other attractions being built.
Hua Hin
About three hours from Bangkok is another fishing village that is transforming quickly in modern times what the government wishes to develop into the ‘Thai Riviera’. There are currently only about six golf courses available, but more are on the way. There are plenty of discounts for golf packages during the off-season and a golf festival during August and September where they get even more affordable.
The Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin is one of the most famous places to visit with accommodation, golf memberships, and even a shop where you can purchase quality golf equipment and clothing for the occasion. The Black Mountain Golf Club also offers a similar range of services and even includes golf teaching technology where you can practice indoors before stepping onto the golf course.
One of the best things about Hua Hin is that, unlike many other tourist destinations in Thailand, its modernization is being done while preserving the traditional charm and beauty of the town as it has existed until now. The harbourfront offers an impressive variety of seafood restaurants and a great view of the sea as you dine.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai which is one of the oldest cities in Thailand has about 10 golf courses in the area around it offering golf enthusiasts a wide selection of options. The Chiang Mai Golf Festival takes place during May and June and golfers can expect some great value for money at these courses.
In a breathtaking valley in a mountainous area of Chiang Mai is the Alpine Golf Resort. You can breathe in the fresh air and get scenic views no matter where you go on the Alpine golf course. Not only did the golf course host the Asian Tour in 2013, but the Alpine Golf Resort has won multiple awards for being one of the best courses in the region.
Being one of the oldest cities, Chiang Mai is one of the places to go if you wish to get immersed in the ancient history and culture of this region. There are more than 300 Buddhist temples, and even more cultural sites as well as museums to explore. Finally, being situated in a mountainous region, Chiang Mai offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Thailand as you travel around it.
Phuket
While there are only a few golf courses in Phuket (about 10) compared to places like Bangkok or Pattaya, some of the very best are found here. The Red Mountain Golf Club is one of them, and since its opening in 2007, has already become a go-to golf course for enthusiasts in Asia. It’s known for its variety of elevation and different grasses, offering a challenge to even the most seasoned players. The Red Mountain Golf Club course has an exceptional drainage system that will get you back into play even after a heavy downpour.
Blue Canyon Country Club is a great golf course that also operates as a luxury resort. In addition to golf, club memberships, and promotions, they offer luxury accommodations, dining options, and even spa treatments. Blue Canyon may already be known among golf players as the host of the Johnnie Walker Classic tournament.
Phuket island which is only 20 kilometers wide and 50 kilometers long is packed full of some of the best tourist attractions you can find in Thailand. Phuket is popular among tourists for its white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and mountainous jungles. You can do everything from coral reef diving to boat rides, jungle hikes, and safaris.
There are also many other activities you can take part in when you’re not playing golf, from water sports to getting traditional Sak Yant tattoos to Muay Thai training. Phuket is also known for its vibrant range of restaurants and bars which come alive after the sun sets. There’s also the colorful Phuket vegetarian festival which is a sight to behold.
Bangkok
If you’re looking for a golf course in Bangkok, you’ll find more than 60 of them at various price points and standards of quality. The downside to golf courses in Bangkok is that their patrons are usually private golf club members and not tourists flying in. This means that golf packages will be pricier than other destinations and won’t come down much even during the off-season.
The Alpine Golf and Sports Club where the Johnnie Walker PGA Tour was held in 2000 is one of the best golf courses in Bangkok. Although they do not offer accommodation like the Alpine Golf Resort in Chiang Mai, the club in Bangkok provides everything a golfer needs from locker rooms to a pro shop for equipment, dining, and even a sauna. The Siam Country Club which we mentioned before has a golf course in Bangkok as well.
Since it is Thailand’s capital city, there are plenty of hotels where you can find accommodation on a budget you can afford, a never-ending number of restaurants to check out the local delicacies, and numerous cultural landmarks to visit on your trip. Since Bangkok has been developing rapidly in recent years, you even have a choice of getting your shopping done in a mall, or the local marketplace depending on what you want. Finally, the transportation around the city has been greatly improved with a modern subway system which will help you avoid the traffic.
Ready To Check Out Thailand Golf Courses?
If you’ve been hunting for a place with a golf course to spend your winter vacation in the tropics, then Thailand is one of the best places to visit. The climate is perfect for playing golf all year around, and you can find a golf course in any part of the country depending on where you feel like going. To learn more about what you can do in Thailand, the best places to dine in, and everything about Muay Thai, check out Ushup today!
FAQs
Yes. Thailand is a great destination for golfers both professional and beginner due to its favorable climate and weather during most parts of the year, and the many golf courses located around the country.
The are many world-class golf courses in Thailand in places such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Bangkok.
