Advice for Playing Golf in Thailand

Almost everyone is aware of Thailand’s beautiful beaches, but it would surprise many to know that recreational tourists come flocking to Thailand because of golf.

Golf has become very popular in Thailand and as a result many world-class golf courses have come up in the country. These golf courses are challenging with full range of services and are set against breathtaking backdrops. Most golf courses in Thailand offer their patrons fine dining, luxurious accommodation, carts, caddies and full equipped pro-shops with knowledgeable pros. The courses are also equipped with saunas and massage centers. Most golf courses in Thailand are located quite close to beach resorts, making it a win-win situation for tourists who can play off golf and then go to the beach and relax.

The climate is conducive to golfing right round the year. One can even go for a golfing holiday during the rainy season as it seldom rains for more than a couple of hours at a time. In winter, northern part of Thailand does get a bit chilly and it is advisable to pack a sweater for your golfing holiday to Thailand. Many golf courses have installed floodlights so that golf enthusiasts can still be on the green even after the sun sets.

Green fees in Thailand are well below international standards and playing golf is not an expensive affair. Golf courses may charge a paltry amount of 250 baht on weekdays with the amount increasing marginally at weekends. Phuket has the highest green fees in Thailand, which is still lower than what one would pay in golf courses in other parts of the world.

Over 260 golf courses, white sand beaches, tropical weather and friendly people make for an ideal golf vacation. Thailand golf holidays also promise a great value, top playing conditions, fascinating culture and awesome service. This golf in Asia paradise is growing in popularity, particularly with golfers and couples looking for an exotic golf location. The green fees are inexpensive from a western perspective. There is a wide range of courses, accommodations, destinations, sight seeing tours, and historical sights. The local currency is the Thai baht and there are golf courses in every major tourist destination. Golfers will find premier golf courses in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), and Samui island.

The golf courses range from PGA championship layouts to municipal courses run by the Thai government and military. Every golf club has a clubhouse which serves a wide variety of Thai and western food. Caddies are included at all golf courses in Thailand and this makes for a fun way to enjoy golfing in Thailand. For the more adventurous, golf side trips to Vietnam and Cambodia are easily arranged from Thailand and these make excellent get-away golf vacation destinations. The capital city of Bangkok Thailand has over 60 golf courses to choose from. This makes Bangkok the usual first stop on most Thailand golf tours. In addition to golfing, there are numerous sights, markets, entertainment, and spas. It is an exciting blend of modern golf in a major capital city. Nightclubs, entertainment and restaurants give the city its after golf vibrancy.

The most popular golf courses are Thai Country Club, Alpine Golf Club, Navatanee Golf Club, and Royal Gems Golf Resort. Suwan Golf Club is a new course that rivals the others mentioned. Beach golf resorts entice many visitors, particularly Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya. They caters to the golf holidaymakers tourists with numerous championship golf courses, hotels of all standards, shopping outlets and nightlife. Pattaya is also famous for its numerous go go bars and therefore appeals mostly to single golfers. Phuket and Hua Hin are more scenic and tranquil, thus attracts golf visitors who prefer more luxurious golf holidays. Thailand golf holidays can also appeal to non-golfers. Golf resorts which have on site spa and massage centers make for good choices for mixed groups of golfers and non-golfers.

Also resorts with water sports are well liked by golfers. Other activities such as elephant trekking, scuba diving, rafting, and Thai cooking are all very popular. The largest island in Thailand is Phuket and it is a center for golfers from around the world. Phuket Town is the largest town and a great place to shop. There are market stalls, department stores, shopping malls and outlets for golf equipment, antiques, and crafts. As usual on Thailand golf holidays, there are some premier golf courses like Blue Canyon, Mission Hills, and Red Mountain on the island.