Thailand works well for golf trips because the main bases combine warm weather, resort hotels, caddies, and enough course choice for different budgets.
Courses range from Bangkok’s challenging championship layouts to Phuket’s more relaxed rounds, with Chiang Mai and Pattaya splitting the difference.
Quick answer
Thailand is a strong golf destination if you want warm weather, caddies, resort courses, and a mix of Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai layouts. Choose Bangkok for choice, Hua Hin for a golf-focused trip, Phuket for resort rounds, and Chiang Mai for cooler northern scenery.
| Best for | Golf base | Why it works | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most course choice | Bangkok | Many courses within day-trip range | Traffic affects tee-time planning |
| Golf-first holiday | Hua Hin | Concentrated resort golf scene | Quieter nightlife than Bangkok or Phuket |
| Beach plus golf | Phuket | Resort hotels and island activities | Green fees and transfers can cost more |
| Cooler scenery | Chiang Mai | Mountain backdrops and relaxed pace | Fewer marquee courses than Bangkok |
How we picked these golf options
We compared course concentration, travel time, resort choice, weather, caddie culture, and how easily a visitor can build a golf trip without long transfers every day.
How to choose
Choose the base before the course. A good route with shorter transfers usually matters more than squeezing in one famous course far from where you are staying.
Table of Contents:
The Different Types of Golf Courses in Thailand
There are many different types of Golf courses in Thailand to choose from. Challenging championship layouts and more relaxed resort courses both show up on the list below, covering both ends of the spectrum.
Here is a look at the different types of golf courses in Thailand:
1. Bangkok Golf Courses.
Bangkok has the broadest course choice, but transfer time can be as important as the layout.
2. Phuket Golf Courses.
Phuket works well when golf is one part of a beach holiday. Check transfer times before choosing a course on the other side of the island.
3. Chiang Mai Golf Courses.
Chiang Mai combines mountain scenery with resort and championship layouts outside the city.
4. Krabi Golf Courses.
Krabi has fewer established choices, so verify course access and transport before building a golf-focused stay there.
5. Pattaya Golf Courses.
Pattaya has several courses within day-trip range and suits travellers planning multiple rounds.
The right base matters more than a long course list. Bangkok gives you the most options, Hua Hin is easier for a golf-first holiday, Phuket suits beach-and-golf trips, and Chiang Mai works for a slower northern route.
How to Choose the Right Golf Course for You in Thailand
Choosing a golf course in Thailand is easier if you start with logistics.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a golf course:
1. Location:
Where is the golf course located?
If you’re looking for a course that’s close to home, then you’ll want to consider courses that are located in or near the city you live in.
If you’re looking for a course that’s further away, then you’ll want to consider courses that are located in popular tourist destinations.
2. Budget:
How much are you willing to spend on green fees?
If you’re on a tight budget, then you’ll want to consider courses that offer discounts or promotions.
3. Difficulty:
How difficult do you want the course to be?
If you’re a beginner, then you’ll want to consider courses that are designed for beginners. If you’re an experienced golfer, then you’ll want to consider courses that are more challenging.
4. Amenities:
What amenities are you looking for in a golf course?
If you’re looking for a course that offers a variety of amenities, then you’ll want to consider courses that are located in or near resorts.
5. Weather:
What is the weather like in Thailand?
If you’re looking for a course that’s open all year round, then you’ll want to consider courses that are located in or near the tropics.
**Key Takeaway: **Choose a golf course based on location, budget, difficulty, amenities and weather.
The Pros and Cons of Playing Golf in Thailand
Golfing in Thailand has its pros and cons. The main golf regions offer resort courses, city courses, and layouts used for professional events. Prices vary by course, season, day, and whether a caddie or cart is compulsory.
However, there are a few downsides to playing golf in Thailand. For one, the weather can be quite hot and humid, which can make for a less than ideal playing experience.
Many of the country’s courses are located in remote areas, which can make getting to and from them a bit of a challenge. Ultimately, whether or not playing golf in Thailand is right for you will come down to personal preference.
Early tee times help with the heat, while choosing courses near your hotel keeps transfers manageable.
Nine Golf Courses to Compare in Thailand
Thailand is a country that is rich in culture and history. It is also a country that is growing in popularity as a travel destination.
The following nine courses cover several of Thailand’s main playing regions. Confirm visitor access, tee-time rules, and the complete price directly with each course.
1. Royal Bangkok Sports Club
This private members’ club has an 18-hole course in central Bangkok. Visitors cannot treat it as an ordinary public tee-time option: eligible members must introduce and register guests, and guest fees apply.
Check nearby Accommodations on Booking.com
2. Alpine Golf & Sports Club:
This championship course sits on the flat central plains of Pathum Thani, about 30 minutes north of Bangkok, and is known for its immaculate, tournament-grade fairways.
Check Nearby Accommodations on Agoda
This course is located in the city of Hua Hin and it offers golfers the chance to play in a tropical setting.
Check nearby Accommodations on Agoda
4. Thai Country Club:
This course is located in the capital city of Bangkok and it offers golfers the chance to play in a city setting.
5. Siam Country Club:
This course is located in the town of Pattaya and it offers golfers the chance to play in a seaside setting.
Check nearby Accommodations on Booking.com
6. Phuket Country Club:
This course is located in the town of Phuket and it offers golfers the chance to play in a tropical setting.
Check Nearby Accommodations on Booking.com
7. Khao Yai Golf Club:
This course is located in the town of Khao Yai and it offers golfers the chance to play in a mountainous setting.
Check Nearby Accommodations on Agoda
8. Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Club
This course is located in the town of Chiang Mai and it offers golfers the chance to play in a mountainous setting.
Check Nearby Accommodations on Agoda
9. Bangkok Golf Club:
This course is located in the city of Bangkok and it offers golfers the chance to play in a city setting.
Check Nearby Accommodations on Booking.com
How to Save Money on Green Fees When Playing Golf in Thailand
If you want to save on green fees, compare tee times and packages before you lock in the course.
Here are a few tips:
1. Check for Discounts:
Some courses publish advance-booking or package rates. Compare the complete price, including any compulsory caddie and cart charges.
2. Play during the week:
Check weekday, weekend, and holiday rates for the specific course.
3. Play Early or Late in the Day:
Ask whether the course offers an early or late tee-time rate; this is not available everywhere.
4. Take Advantage of Package Deals:
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, inquire about package deals that may be available which include green fees at a nearby course.
5. Shop Around:
Don’t just book the first tee time you find. Shop around and compare rates at different courses before making your decision.
These small choices can make a bigger difference than chasing the cheapest course far from where you are staying.
