Golf In Thailand: How Is The Golf Tourism Scene In Thailand Thriving? (With The Best Golf Destinations)
Thailand has recently been in the news with the ongoing Thailand Junior Championship. Furthermore, the Familiarisation (FAM) trip organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the Indian media has chosen the rising status of Thailand as a golf destination as one of the main themes.
These days, fully customizable golf holidays in Thailand are popular among tourists as the country is on the verge of becoming the golfing hub of Asia. Today, Thailand has more than 250 internationally recognized golf courses, and many golfing legends have been behind designing those courses.
Furthermore, these golf courses have premium clubhouses and professional coaching services. Also, these courses welcome you irrespective of whether you are a professional or an amateur.
Moreover, thanks to Fairways of Eden, the first fully self-customizable golf holiday booking platform in Thailand, you can now mix and match with your golf trip experiences in Thailand.
Along with hitting the golf courses, you can choose activities such as wine tasting, spa therapies, boat rides, and all the unique things to do in Thailand.
But what are the best places for playing golf in Thailand? Let’s find out in this Dream and Travel Guide.
Golf In Thailand: What Are The Best Vacation Destinations For The Ultimate Soft Adventure?
The golf courses in Thailand are as diverse as the country. The golf courses in the northern and north-eastern regions offer amazing views of the mountain.
Furthermore, the East Coast and central regions have golf courses known for amazing views of verdant hills and the sea.
On the other hand, the golf courses in the south offer the striking views of the ocean. The courses in the southern, central, and eastern regions have challenging turf.
Moreover, with a tropical climate, Thailand is ideal for golf tourism throughout the year. However, November to February is the best time to hit the following golf courses in Thailand. These golf courses are located across Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket.
1. Chiang Mai
The winner of the IAGTO Award for being the top golf destination in Asia and Australasia in 2017, Chiang Mai needs no introduction to golf lovers.
Furthermore, off the golf course, you can have the most fascinating experience exploring the elephant sanctuaries of Chiang Mai and trying the local food.
» Chiang Mai Highlands Golf And Spa Resort
Address: 167 Moo 2, On Nuea, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand
Telephone: +6653 261 354
Started in 2005
Around 45 minutes away from the Chiang Mai City Center, this golf resort was designed by Lee Schmidt. It has a 27-hole championship golf course.
» Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai
Address: Sankamphaeng, Banthi Road, Chiang Mai, 50130, Thailand
Telephone: +6653 880 888, +6653 096 256
Started in 1990
Designer Ron M Garl and Pirapon Nanatra built this 27-hole golf course. The three courses in this resort are:
- Course A
- Course B
- Course C
It has hosted prestigious events like the Asian Tour 2013 and 2014 Chiang Mai Classic. Moreover, it is currently hosting the Thailand Junior Championship-AJGA International Pathway Series 2025. Young talents from 13 countries are taking part in this event.
2. Bangkok
Along with being a major cultural tourism hotspot and a growing hub for cosmetic tourism, Bangkok has always been a favorite of golfers. It has more than 60 golf courses.
» The Thai Country Club
Address: 88 Moo 1, Bangna-Trad Km. 35.5, Thambon Pimpa, Bangpakong District, Chachoengsao 24180, Thailand
Telephone: +6638 562 700
Started in December 1996
One of the top golf clubs of Asia, the Thai Country Club, was designed by Denis Griffiths. It adheres to the USPGA standards, and it has hosted many major PGA tournaments. So, from Vijay Singh to Tiger Woods, many iconic golfers have left their footprints here.
» Alpine Golf Club
Address: 99 Moo9, Bangkhan-Sathaneevithayu Road, Klong 5, Klong Luang District, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Telephone: +662 577 3333
Opened in 1996
Ronald Garl, the noted American golf course architect, built the Alpine Golf Club. In 2000 and 2004, the club hosted the prestigious Johnnie Walker Classic PGA tournaments.
Furthermore, the 18-hole course of the club has the best layout and it is the most challenging among all golf courses in Bangkok.
3. Pattaya
Pattaya is one of the most relaxing getaways in Thailand. It is also the best destination in Thailand to experience the unique Thai ladyboy culture, adding to the country’s LGBTQ+ tourism and rainbow economy.
Furthermore, this resort town has some of the best golf courses in the country.
» Siam Country Club
Address: Pong, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Telephone: +6638 909 700
Opened in 1968 and renovated by Lee Schmidt in 2007
Located at a distance of just 20 km from Pattaya, Siam Country Club has the distinction of housing the first privately-owned golf course in the country, the Siam Country Club Old Course. The other three golf courses here are:
- Plantation
- Rolling Hills
- Waterside
Ichisuke Izumi designed it, and today, it is most famous as the home to the Honda LPGA Thailand. It has hosted the event more than 10 times.
Moreover, the Rolling Hills and Waterside courses are very challenging, and especially the “Wall of Death” is a favorite of professionals.
» Laem Chabang International Country Club
Address: 106/8 Moo 4, Beung, Sriracha District, Chonburi 20230, Thailand
Telephone: +6638 372 273
Started in 1991
Laem Chabang International Country Club was designed by the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus. It consists of 700 acres and 27 holes.
In addition, the mixed terrain – Valley Course, Lake Course, and the Mountain Course – allows the golfers to get the most excitement possible.
4. Hua Hin
Hua Hin, with its beautiful beaches, is one of the most sought-after locations for a honeymoon in Thailand. Furthermore, with great investment opportunities and a peaceful ambiance, it is a favorite retirement destination.
However, with the embrace of mountains, Hua Hin also has some of the most beautiful golf courses in Thailand.
» Banyan Golf Club
Address: 68/35 Mooban Hua Na, Tambol Nong Gae, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan 77110, Thailand
Telephone: +6632 616 200
Opened in 2008
Pirapon Namatra, the leading golf architect of Thailand, has built the 18-hole golf course of the Banyan Golf Club. It is the winner of the Top 3 in Asia multiple times.
The Banyan Golf Club course stands out with its striking layout and a stunning view of the mountain and the ocean.
» Black Mountain Golf Club
Address: 565 Moo7, Nong Hieng Road, Hin LekFai, Hua Hin, Prachaubkirikhan 77110
Telephone: +66 32 61 8666
Opened on 20th April 2007
The Black Mountain Golf Club has multiple local and international accolades to its name, including:
- “The Best Golf Experience in Thailand” at the IAGTO Awards 2020
- 100 Best Golf Courses Outside of the United States by Golf Digest in 2012.”
It has a 27-hole golf course. So, it makes it delightful for the professionals with challenges, and also welcomes amateurs and beginners.
Moreover, the creeks, rocky outcroppings, and trees add to the scenic appeal of the golf course.
5. Phuket
Phuket is regarded as the top destination for beach tourism in Thailand. Furthermore, it is close to Krabi, which has a bioluminescent beach.
Yet, with the quintessential tropical atmosphere, it is also one of the best golf destinations in the country. The golf courses in Phuket include the following.
» Red Mountain Golf Club
Address: 119 Wichit Songkhram Rd, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand
Telephone: +6676 322 000
Opened In 2007
The Red Mountain Golf Club is the hilliest golf club in Phuket, with its dramatic terrain and sudden elevation changes. The 18-hole golf course here is one of the most popular golf courses in Asia.
» Blue Canyon Country Club
Address: 165, Moo 1, Thepkasattri Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Telephone: +6676 328 088
Opened in 1991, the 18-hole course opened in 1999, and was renovated in February 2024
Designed by Yoshikazu Kato, one of the most noted Japanese golf architects, the Blue Canyon Country Club has award-winning golf courses like the Lake Course and the Canyon Course.
The club’s claims to fame were the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic and 1996 Honda Invitational Tournament of the Omega Tour. The Johnie Walker Classic returned to the club in 1998 and 2007. Thus, it became the first club to host the Johnie Walker Classic three times.
