Phrae is a small, historically rich province in northern Thailand, tucked between Chiang Mai and the Laos border. It’s not a golf destination in the conventional sense, and nobody flies in specifically to play. What it offers instead is a genuinely quiet round in one of Thailand’s most underrated old towns, ideal for travelers already exploring the north who want to squeeze in nine holes without the resort crowds.
Wiang Ko Sai Golf Club is the main option, a well-kept 9-hole layout that plays harder than it looks thanks to narrow fairways and mature trees. Green fees are low, tee times are easy to get, and the pace of play is relaxed. It’s the kind of course where you can turn up on short notice, pick up a caddie, and be on the first tee within twenty minutes.
Playing golf in Phrae pairs well with the province itself. The old town has some of the best-preserved teakwood architecture in Thailand, including Baan Vongburi and the Khum Chao Luang museum. Phae Mueang Phi, a short drive out of town, is a strange landscape of eroded earth pillars worth an hour or two. Local food leans toward Lanna northern dishes with a stronger Thai-Lao influence than you’d find in Chiang Mai.
GolfLux arranges tee times, transfers, and boutique accommodation in the old town, and Phrae works well as a stop between Chiang Mai and Nan or Luang Prabang.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Phrae Province, Northern Thailand |
| Distance from Chiang Mai | Approx. 3.5 hours by road |
| Course Types | Parkland 9-hole layout |
| Signature Experience | Quiet rounds followed by teakwood heritage walks through Phrae old town |
| Caddie Service | Mandatory professional caddies |
| Facilities | Clubhouse, pro shop, on-course restaurant |
| Best Playing Season | November to February (cool and dry) |
| Nearest Airport | Phrae Airport (PRH) |
| Best Suited For | Travelers exploring northern Thailand who want a relaxed casual round off the tourist trail |
Cavalry Battalion No. 12, Camp Road, Tambon Phra Chai, Amphur Den Chai, Phrae 54110, Thailand
Holes: 9 Par: 36 Length: N/A Slope: N/AWiang Ko Sai Golf Club is a 9 hole course in North of Thailand. It is highly recommended as a leisurely golf stopover with challenging layout and many surprises along…
Discover some of the best golf courses near Phrae, located just 1.5 to 3 hours away and perfect for a quick golf escape. Enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes and well-designed courses suitable for all skill levels.
Mae Mo, Lampang 52220, Thailand
Holes: 18 Par: 72 Length: 6840 yd Slope: N/AMae Moh Golf Course is built on a mountain overlooking a huge clay lignite mine in Mae Moh, just south of Lampang. The course itself is run and managed by…
1 Pichai, Surasakmontri Camp Ban Pichai, Lampang 52000 Thailand
Holes: 9 Par: 36 Length: 3088 yards Slope: N/AKhelang Nakhon Golf Club is a must-see place for golfers in Lampang city, Thailand. It was built in 1988 by Royal Thai Army as a symbol of the golf industry…
40 Moo 10 Pha Leud, Tha Pla, Uttaradit 53000 Thailand
Holes: 18 Par: 71 Length: 6248 yd Slope: N/ASirikit Dam Golf Course is around 55 km behind Uttarathit (Route 1045), is located behind the dam. Accommodation is available at the nearby Ruean Rim Nam Resort at the dam short…
November to February is the sweet spot. Temperatures sit around 18–28°C with low humidity and little rain, and mornings can be genuinely cool. March to May gets hot and often hazy from agricultural burning across the north, which affects visibility and air quality. June to October is the rainy season with regular afternoon storms.
Show more...
Phrae Airport (PRH) is about 10 minutes from the town center by road. Nok Air runs limited direct flights from Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) in roughly 1 hour 20 minutes. Most travelers arrive overland from Chiang Mai (3.5 hours by car) or by train from Bangkok to nearby Den Chai station (about 9 hours overnight). GolfLux arranges private transfers from whichever gateway you use.
Show more...
Phrae is one of the most affordable places to play in Thailand. Expect green fees of around 600–1,200 THB on weekdays, with modest weekend premiums. The low cost makes it a good add-on round rather than a destination trip on its own.
Show more...
Yes, and it’s almost always played as part of a wider trip. The natural route is Chiang Mai to Phrae to Nan, which gives you a quieter slice of northern Thailand with real cultural depth. Phrae also works as a stopover for travelers heading overland toward Luang Prabang in Laos. Pairing it with a fuller golf base in Chiang Mai gives you three or four strong rounds across the north.
Show more...