Savour the delights of golf in central Thailand

With its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, jungle and historic cultural attractions, central Thailand is one of the most desirable parts of Thailand to enjoy an all round amazing holiday. But did you know it also offers some of the best golf you’ll find anywhere on the globe?

There are spectacular layouts that will take your breath away with their beauty but also test your skills.

The golfing hubs in central Thailand are located in capital Bangkok, the beach areas of Hua Hin and Pattaya, and jungle-clad Kanchanaburi. Each one offers something a little different but equally enticing.

It truly is a jewel in Thailand’s golfing crown.

So what do you need to know when packing your clubs for a trip to this iconic destination?

We’ve picked out a selection of must-play courses in central Thailand to whet your appetite for this beautiful golfing location.

Bangkok

Alpine Golf: Alpine Golf & Sports Club is one of Thailand’s top-rated courses, and one of the best in Asia. A quick look at its pedigree lets you know why. It was designed by Ronald Garl, one of America’s leading golf course architects, and none other than Tiger Woods triumphed at this venue when he landed his second Johnnie Walker Classic title in 2000. It hosted that event again in 2004.

Lightning fast greens and undulating fairways make this a challenging but fair test. Water plays a huge part in proceedings and beach-style bunkers frame the holes beautifully. The surrounding lush vegetation makes it one of the most picturesque courses you’ll ever be lucky enough to play and there are some standout holes. Take the 7th and 11th holes which are both played to what in essence are island greens, connected to each other by a small sliver of land.

If you get the chance to play Alpine when enjoying golf in Bangkok, take it. You won’t regret it.

The fun one

Kantarat: We promise you’ve never experienced anything like Kantarat Golf Course. This unique 18-hole track is laid out between two runways, with no walls or high fences separating them. So your drives are accompanied by views of landing and departing aircraft.

The course is owned by Thailand’s military, but is open to the general public. It’s not too pricey either with a round of golf costing up to 620 Baht (£14) at peak weekend times, according to Gong Golf. There are other idiosyncrasies that add to the course’s unique charm. For instance, players have to pass through security and metal screening before they can use the course and there’s a red light system that holds play when aircraft are landing! This is a course you’ll have to play to believe.

Top things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations with a host of attractions to delight the visitor. Here are a few top tips for making the most of it.

• • By day: Explore Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Grand Palace, a dazzling historic complex. Nearby, discover the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, known for its traditional Thai massage school. Hop across the river to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, for stunning architecture. Stroll through vibrant Chinatown and enjoy a street art walking tour, exploring the colourful murals, rich urban art culture and cool coffee shops.
  • By night: Bangkok at night is a unique experience. Start with a tuk-tuk food tour, sampling street delicacies or take the fine dining option at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Head to a sky bar for sundowners and breathtaking city views. You can also take a scenic river cruise along the Chao Phraya for nighttime views of the city or catch a thrilling Muay Thai boxing match for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Hua Hin

Black Mountain: This spectacular layout is one of Golf Digest’s 100 best golf courses in the world. It’s cut from lush jungle and pineapple plantations and sits in a valley surrounded by the black granite mountains from which it earns its name. It opened in 2007 and has already hosted both European and Asian Tour events, plus the prestigious Royal Trophy, which pitted teams of Europe and Asia’s elite players against each other.

At its heart is a beautiful blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence. Rolling terrain, towering hills and lush vegetation make it a feast for the eyes. But strategically placed bunkers and greens that demand precise iron shots mean it’s a true test of skill too. Black Mountain truly is the peak of perfection.

Top things to do in Hua Hin

The charming royal seaside town of Hua Hin is the perfect spot for relaxation and adventure. You can visit the quaint railway station, a symbol of the town’s history, or kick back on the big sweeping beach, perfect for sunbathing. You can also enjoy kite-surfing on windy days and hikes in local national parks, while lovers of fine cuisine can visit vineyards (yes, Thailand produces wine!) and hang out in the many great seafood restaurants, serving the freshest catch.

At night explore the markets for local crafts and delicious street food. Enjoy the sunset from the beach and sip a cold beer in a local bar. Hua Hin is a perfect mix of culture, cuisine and outdoor fun.

Pattaya

Burapha Golf Club: The site of the 2010 Thailand Open has 36 holes carved artfully through lakes, hills, palm trees and tropical vegetation. It has hilly terrain with elevated tees giving fabulous views across the courses. The East Course is the easier of the two 18s with wide fairways, while the West offers a challenge to the most skilled player. Strategically placed bunkers and thick rough around the greens add to the challenge. There’s a stunning panoramic view on the 6^th and 7^th holes of the Dunes nine, the highest point at the club.

Things to do in Pattaya

There’s so much to do in the lively beach resort of Pattaya. You can explore the bustling night markets and vibrant Walking Street or drop in at the stunning Sanctuary of Truth Temple for a moment of calm. Alternatively, take a day trip to Koh Larn (Coral Island) for crystal-clear waters and a spot of snorkelling. For something really original, try Pattaya’s Floating Market, where you can pick from local crafts and delicious food.

Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai

Grand Prix Golf Club: This beautiful track in Kanchanaburi Province will stun you with its panoramic views of Burmese mountain ranges in the distance. It’s an undulating layout with some significant mounds running through the fairways and around the greens. Split fairways and multi-tiered greens with lots of breaks add to the challenge. Watch out for the signature par-five 5^th hole with its large elevated green protected by water on three sides. One of the best golf courses in Thailand.

Khao Yai Golf Club: Designed by the great Jack Nicklaus, this course sits between two valleys on the edge of the Khao Yai National Park. Its picturesque location means there are gorgeous views from all spots of the golf course, with cliffs and rolling hills framing the fairways. There’s rolling terrain and a great signature hole in the par-five 2^nd, which plays downhill from an elevated tee and needs a shot over water to reach the green in two.

Things to do in Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is renowned for its rich history, particularly the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway, built during World War II. History and culture enthusiasts can explore war museums and memorials that honour the past, while the region’s beautiful river and lush surroundings add a peaceful contrast to its historical significance. Exploring the jungle, hiking, river rafting and elephant sanctuaries all await nature lovers.

Khao Yai

Khao Yai is home to a stunning national park, famous for its wild elephants and some of Thailand’s best bird life. Outdoor lovers can explore scenic hiking trails, while nearby vineyards and art galleries offer a blend of culture and leisure. It’s a perfect nature escape close to Bangkok.

Taking a tour

If you’ve decided to hit the fairways in central Thailand, you don’t just have to settle on one location. All the areas we’ve mentioned are within three hours of Bangkok with no need for a domestic flight. So, you can easily pack in three different spots during your golfing trip to really make the most of it.

For instance, you could move between Bangkok, Kanchanabrui and Hua Hin to take in the city, jungle and beach and all a few hours drive, or a train journey, from one another.

But if you’re after a livelier combination then you could try Bangkok, Khao Yai and Pattaya, which still lets you enjoy the city, jungle and beach but has more party vibes.

Top tips for playing golf in Thailand

• • Travel in the low season (April to November) for the best deals on hotels and green fees.
  • Mid week fees are cheaper and there are some great twilight and night offers too (is also cooler then!)
  • Book a caddie – they are compulsory at most courses but will be your secret weapon! And always tip them.

• Thailand offers great value for money. Fees range from £30 to £120 approximately depending on the course quality, day of the week etc.

If all this has whetted your appetite for golf in Central Thailand and Bangkok, you can book a holiday at golfbreaks.com. You can also get more information about travel to Thailand at fanclubthailand.co.uk or by following @fanclubthailand on Instagram.

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