Coastal and Mountain Golf in Thailand: Secrets You’re Missing Out On
Planning a golf trip to Thailand but not sure where to start? From long fairways along the coast to lush green mountain courses in the jungle, Thailand offers a diverse golf experience that is both relaxing and challenging.
This article will help you discover the differences between coastal and mountain golf in Thailand, introduce memorable experiences and famous golf courses to try. The goal is to provide you with detailed information to choose the right destination for your golfing preferences and style, and make each trip a complete journey, combining relaxation, nature and local cultural experiences. This Thailand golf guide will help you plan every detail, whether you prefer mountain view golf courses or seaside golf courses.
Overview on Thailand Golf
For many years, Thailand has been known as Asia’s ‘golf paradise’ with over 250 golf courses throughout the country, from busy urban centers such as Bangkok and Pattaya to beautiful getaway areas like Hua Hin, Phuket or Khao Yai plateau. Golf in Thailand developed significantly from the 1990s onward when international companies began investing in the sports tourism industry alongside the government’s open tourism slogan.
Thailand has now become a destination not just for golfers from Southeast Asia, but also a highly sought out destination for golfers coming to Thailand from Japan, Korea, Australia, Europe and the US. Experiencing coastal and mountain golf in Thailand is now something all passionate golfers visiting Southeast Asia have listed as a must-do.
Why is Golf in Thailand so Popular?
- Great climate all year long: Thailand has an enjoyable tropical climate creating weather that allows golf to be played nearly all year long. November to March is the ideal period with cool climate, little rain and mild sunshine – perfect conditions for golfers to experience many different golf courses in Thailand in one trip.
- Developed tourism infrastructure: Coastal and mountain golf in Thailand often come with luxury resorts, restaurants, and spas. The popular “Stay & Play” service makes it easy for golfers to combine relaxation, health care and enjoying local cuisine after each round.
- Value for money: Thailand has more competitive golf fees than Japan, Korea or Singapore while still offering courses and services that are internationally recognized. Many golfers consider Thailand as offering the most value for golf in Asia, whether playing mountain view courses or seaside golf courses.
- Diversity of landscape: The diverse geography provides a variety of options — from coastal courses with the ocean’s salty wind and the crashing waves, to mountain view courses that offer the invigorating pure air and scenic vistas. The two most recognizable types are Southern coastal golf and Northern mountain golf — the two opposites, that both offer equally enjoyable styles of play.
The two most popular golf regions are the South Coast and the North Mountain. Each offers a different style of play and feel for golfers. For an ultimate Thailand golf guide, combining both experiences is highly recommended.
Coastal golf in Thailand
Features
- Seaside golf courses in Thailand are most concentrated in Phuket, Hua Hin and Pattaya, which are resort paradises with long, clear beaches and high-end resorts
- Flat and airy terrain is a recognizable feature of coastal golf courses. The constantly changing sea breeze sometimes creates unexpected shots, also an interesting challenge for golfers of all levels
- Golf courses often have sea views or are surrounded by lakes, white sand and green coconut trees, creating an open space full of sunlight and energy
- This is also an ideal choice for those who want to combine relaxation and sports, as most courses are attached to resorts, restaurants and luxury spas
Outstanding Experiences
- Golfing entails a combination of nature and emotion, as you have the calm sea breeze gently blowing on the fairway, waves gently breaking against the background, and the sun is glimmering off the lake allowing you to fully unwind and enjoy every swing
- After golf, you can unwind by the swimming pool, schedule a spa treatment with a Thai massage, or take a boat trip of the bay to watch the sunset. Many golfers will even book a trip to Thailand for the pleasure of playing more than one golf course on the ocean
- For golfers who prefer more of an active experience, coastal towns like Patong (Phuket) or Walking Street (Pataya) have sufficient nightlife to create a perfect environment for golf and activities.
- For those seeking a more vibrant experience, coastal towns such as Patong (Phuket) or Walking street (Pataya) have enough nightlife to make great golf and activities continue into the evening. On the other hand, if you seek peace and tranquility, find a separate coastal resort where you only hear the waves, as well as, the sound of the club hitting the ball.
Mountain golf in Thailand
Features
- In contrast to the sea air, mountain view courses in Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Khao Yai, bring a feeling of calm, relaxation and also full of challenges
- The natural hilly terrain with many different heights makes each shot need to be carefully calculated. Sometimes, a downhill cusdrive can be 20-30 yards further than usual.
- The climate here is cool all year round, with light mist in the morning and light sunshine in the afternoon, creating perfect conditions for golfers who love cool, clear space
- The surrounding landscape of forests, lakes and mountains brings a feeling of closeness to nature.
Outstanding Experiences
- With the mountainous terrain, golfers not only play but also conquer each hole, each fairway is a tactical challenge that requires players to observe and calculate carefully to adjust the angle of the shot
- Amidst the quiet scenery, the sound of birds and the wind of the forest becomes a natural background music, bringing a rare concentration compared to the urban course
- After your round of golf, you can visit the ancient temples, see a working handicraft village, or simply relax and have coffee overlooking the mountains from the resort.
- Many golfers want to participate in a short trekking tour or take a traditional cooking class so that they can enjoy their culture of northern Thailand instead of just being a visitor.
Here is a quick comparison of key features between coastal golf and mountain golf
| Aspect | Coastal Golf | Mountain Golf |
| Outstanding Areas | Phuket, Pattaya. Hua Hin | Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, Chiang Rai |
| Climate | Hot and humid, more sun exposure | Cool, fresh air with morning mist |
| Challenge | Unpredictable ocean breeze | Elevation changes and sloping terrain |
| Accompanying Experience | Beach activities, seafood, nightlife | Nature trekking, cultural visits, mountain views |
Must-Play Coastal and Mountain Golf in Thailand
1. Coastal golf courses
Siam Country Club
- Location: Siam Country Club is located only 30 minutes from the heart of Pattaya, and offers a terrific opportunity to exist in the busy hustle of the coastal city, while also having a peaceful and spacious property, built to international standards.
- Design: Has a complex of courses – Old Course, Plantation, and Waterside. Each challenges the player with its own unique style and character – classic, modern, or varied terrain; there are course designs from the best golf architects in the world, it is a real treat to play.
- Features: This is the host of Honda LPGA Thailand, where the world’s best female golfers have competed. Golfers come not only to play, but to touch the spirit of professionalism and international class.
Siam Country Club
Sea Pines Golf Course
- Location: Set against the mountains, facing the blue sea of Hua Hin – a rare location that makes Sea Pines one of the golf courses with the most beautiful views in Thailand.
- Design: Open layout, wide fairways, but the sea breeze is the most formidable opponent. The last holes (16-18) run along the white sand where golfers have to calculate each shot in the scene of the sea and sky blending into one.
- Features: When the sun goes down, the sunset covers the sea with gold, each swing at Sea Pines is not just a technical move – but a poetic moment in nature.
Sea Pines Golf Course
Banyan Golf Club
- Location: Situated just a bit north of the center of Hua Hin, the Resort is on a hilltop with views of the ocean and spacious views of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Design: The 18-hole course designed by Jose “Pepe” Gancedo has wide fairways and bunkers strategically placed along the fairway to make it challenging–but still “playable” for golfers of all levels.
- Features: Banyan not only has beautiful views of the ocean and lakes; it offers an all-inclusive “golf & resort” experience, you can golf in the morning, have an upscale lunch, and retreat to the pool or spa next to the course.
Banyan Golf Club
>>> For an unforgettable experience at seaside courses, check out this Hua Hin 4 Days 3 Nights Golf Escape package to enjoy top golf courses in Thailand in one trip.
Laguna Golf Phuket
- Location: Located at the luxurious Laguna Phuket resort complex, the golf course is only a 20 minute drive from the island’s center – it’s like stepping into another world of the lake, resort, and palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze.
- Design: The par 71, 18 hole course is softly designed to fit the natural topography, with a lakes and canals system surrounding the fairway that will truly make you feel like you’re playing golf in the middle of a tropical oasis.
- Features: Laguna Golf offers a true resort golf experience, golfers can hit the ball in the morning, take a dip in the pool in the afternoon, then enjoy fresh seafood right by the beach at sunset. A top pick among seaside courses in Thailand.
Laguna Golf Phuket
>>> Enjoy a premium experience at seaside courses with this Phuket Golf Package – 4 Days, perfect for exploring coastal golf in Thailand.
Aquella Golf Resort & Country Club
- Location: Aquella Golf Resort & Country Club is located on Thai Muang Beach, about a 40-minute drive north of Phuket Airport, in a high-end resort, providing a quiet space with views of the Andaman Sea.
- Design: The 18-hole golf course was redesigned in 2021 by Pacific Coast Design based out of Australia; however most of the holes are new compared to the original design created about thirty years ago by Andy Dye. The course young as it its with new holes is integrates the natural terrain and man-made features, such as lakes and bunker locations, into a great test of golf variety.
- Features: Aquella Golf Resort & Country Club does deserve recognition not just for its attractive scenery and the golf course design, but furthermore it offers some higher-end resort amenities, including hotels, sports centers and shopping, providing an all encompassing golf experience.
Aquella Golf Resort & Country Club
2. Mountain golf courses
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
- Location: About 45 minutes drive from Chiang Mai city center, the golf course is located in a lush green valley, where morning mist gently covers the hills and fresh air flows through each fairway.
- Design: Designed by Schmidt-Curley – a famous duo in the world of golf, the 27-hole course perfectly utilizes the natural hilly terrain to create a varied playing rhythm.
- Features: This is where golfers can feel absolute peace. Each hole opens up to the distant mountains and rice terraces which is an unforgettable relaxing experience in the heart of Northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
>>> Play at the stunning Chiangmai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort, one of the top mountain view courses in Thailand.
Alpine Golf Resort
- Location: Approximately a thirty-minute drive from the center of Chiang Mai, the golf resort is nestled in the heart of a beautiful valley and surrounded by mountains.
- Design: The 27-hole, constantly undulating golf course utilizes a series of lakes and bunkers that makes every shot require thought and concentration.
- Features: Alpine is not just a golf course – it is an experience for the senses. From the sunlight streaming through the morning mist to the sounds of the wind through the trees, golfers will have an unrivaled sense of being in nature.
Alpine Golf Resort
>>> Discover the beauty of mountain view courses with this Chiang Mai Golf Package – 3 Days
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort
- Location: This golf course is about a 40-minute drive from the centre of Chiang Mai city, lies in a verdant green valley that is surrounded by wondrous mountains, creating a calm, serene and relaxed atmosphere.
- Design: Designed by the famous Peter Thompson, the golf course has an 18-hole golf course layout in a generally links and parkland style, with beautifully shaped fairway holes with rolling fairways, bunkers and lakes, for an exciting adventure of golf.
- Features: Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort has stunning views, fresh air, quality service, and the opportunity to listen to the natural environment while desiring it. Once you have finished playing golf, you could always relax in the club house with some food from the local area or visit nearby sites, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort
Kirimaya Golf Resort
- Location: Located on the edge of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok.
- Design: Designed by legendary Jack Nicklaus, the 18-hole golf course is cleverly blended into the woods, lakes and gently sloping terrain, creating a completely natural feel.
- Features: Golfers often compare Kirimaya to “a symphony of wind and trees”. In the cool space, you can hear the sound of birds instead of the city – both a challenge and a meditation.
Kirimaya Golf Resort
Black Mountain Golf Club
- Location: Nestled in the Hua Hin Valley, about 2.5 hours from Bangkok, this golf course is surrounded by green hills – a peaceful yet powerful natural picture.
- Design: The work of architect Phil Ryan, Black Mountain owns 27 golf holes with undulating terrain, deep bunkers and lakes reflecting the sky and clouds, creating an attractive challenge for every swing.
- Features: This is not just a golf course, but a symbol of class. Having hosted the PGA Tour, this place makes golfers feel like they are competing in the open space of nature and modern technology.
Black Mountain Golf Club
Golfing in Thailand offers a uniquely high quality and experience all along the calmness of seaside courses, subliminal sunsets then courses among mountain views, rolling forests and climate. Finding the courses that suit and are of the same quality of your golf level will change your trip from focused on golf to exploration and relaxation.
If you are wanting to organize a golf trip to Thailand and would like additional assistance in terms of golf course quality, climate, vacation, and full itinerary, please reach out to us today. Our team of knowledgeable experts can help customize the perfect golf vacation package from coast to mountain, and will ensure each golf shot is not only extraordinary, it is a complete experience.
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