Why you’ll love golf in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

The north of Thailand combines remarkable natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. It is also a wonderful place to play golf.

Courses here are set among lush mountains and misty valleys. You’ll see dense jungle, waterfalls and hot springs. Then off the course you can savour the bustling markets and ancient temples that add to this stunning location’s allure.

Visiting players can pick from two areas. Chiang Mai – The Rose of the North – is the cultural heart of the region and home to the majority of courses. Chiang Rai boasts a picturesque landscape of green hillsides and has layouts of stunning beauty.

We’ve picked a few of the best to let you see just why golf in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is like heaven on earth.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Highlands: This gorgeous track opened in 2005 and has garnered a reputation as Chiang Mai’s best course. It’s set amongst stunning landscape with rice fields and plantations dotting the surrounding hills. Its elevated position also means you can savour breathtaking panoramic views as you play and the air is cool and fresh. The course opened in 2005 and has  since landed many awards. That includes being named “Best Golf Resort in Asia” by Asian Golf Monthly in 2015.

There are 27 holes here, offering you a choice of nines to play. Each one offers an exciting test for players of any level. There are more than 130 fairway and greenside bunkers and firm greens require precision approaches. The par four 4^th hole on the C nine is a particular highlight. With a sharp dogleg right, you’ll need accuracy off the tee before negotiating a long second with bunkers and water by the green.

Visit Chiang Mai Highlands to elevate your game.

Gassan Khuntan: Gassan Khuntan sits beside Khuntan National Park and is among Thailand’s most scenic courses. It’s also one of its most challenging. It’s a layout marked out by sharp doglegs and island greens, while deep bunkers provide yet more opportunity to run up a high number. But with the stunning surroundings, you’ll struggle to be too downhearted whatever your score. A particular highlight is the par-three 5^th. This 163-yard par-3 plays over water to an island green with bunkers also waiting to punish an errant tee shot.

Things to do in Chiang Mai

• Chiang Mai offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller. You should start by exploring Chiang Mai Old Town, with its ancient temples and vibrant culture. Then make some time for reflection at the iconic Doi Suthep temple, perched on a mountain with panoramic views of the city below. Nature lovers will enjoy Doi Suthep National Park. With its spectacular waterfalls and lush, wooded landscape, it’s great for hikes. If you want a heartwarming experience, then try the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants. As the day winds down, dive into the lively atmosphere of Chiang Mai’s night markets. You can take your pick from delicious street food, local crafts, and souvenirs.

Chiang Rai

Santiburi Chiang Rai: Legendary designer Robert Trent Jones Jr laid out this course and it’s easy to see why it’s viewed as among the best in Thailand. Rolling fairways and fast, true greens run alongside lakes and streams in the foothills of Chiang Rai – a quite stunning natural setting. Water hazards are abundant, including on the signature finishing hole where you have to negotiate it both on the left off the tee and on the right as you approach the green on this beautiful par five. Healthy investment means the course is in good shape all year round and the clever design offers options for the novice player as well as low handicappers. Play Santiburi Chiang Rai and you’re sure of an unforgettable round.

Things to do in Chiang Rai

A standout attraction in Chiang Rai is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). This stunning, contemporary work by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat dazzles in the sun. From a distance it looks to be made of porcelain, but the effect is in fact a clever combination of whitewash and mirrored chips. If you want to know more about the region’s diverse cultures, you can explore Chaing Rai’s Hilltribe Museum, where there is a wealth of information on the area’s indigenous people.  Or for a scenic experience, visit the Golden Triangle viewpoint and enjoy the majestic views across the borders of Laos and Burma. Meanwhile, with such amazing countryside on offer, Chiang Rai is also great for hiking and cycling. You’re likely to spot hot springs and waterfalls during a leisurely tour round the area.

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 (it’s 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 Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, 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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