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When you think of a golfing trip to Thailand, you might think immediately of the palm-lined shores of Phuket, or the hectic metropolis of Pattaya.
There is, however, a different kind of magic at work in the north. Organizing a golfing trip to the mountains of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is not just about choosing a venue; it is about experiencing a more relaxed, mist-shrouded version of the Land of Smiles, which many travelers overlook altogether.
If you are a solo traveler or a group of friends who prefer cool mountain air to humidity and culture to crowded beach club scenes, then Northern Thailand is your sweet spot. But how do you piece it all together?
Timing is Everything in the Highlands
In the North, the weather is not just an ancillary character; it is the main character. Unlike in the South, where the weather remains tropical throughout the year, in Northern Thailand, there are four different seasons. If you plan your trip from November to
In February, you will experience the Thai winter. Just imagine playing golf in 15°C (59°) weather with rolling hills and cherry blossoms around you! It is one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you will even need to bring your sweater for the first few holes.
However, this is also the time of year when the golf courses are in their best condition. As a means of ensuring that an unwary golfer doesn’t get caught by a sudden tropical storm or forced to play in the burn, which occurs when the sun beats down on the would-be linksman, it’s a smart idea to check a golf forecast Thailand to find out what’s going on with the local weather and visibility. For example, when is the morning mist going to lift from the valley at Chiang Mai Highlands?
Finding the Right Base: Chiang Mai vs. Chiang Rai
One of the first obstacles facing would-be planners is figuring out where to drop their bags. Most golfers naturally gravitate toward Chiang Mai. It is, after all, the hub of Northern Thailand, and if you can find yourself a spot at the world-class Alpine Golf Resort, a mere 45 minutes from downtown Old City, you can have 18 holes and be back in town for a $10 foot massage and bowl of Khao Soi by 3:00 PM.
However, if you want to get off the beaten path a bit further, don’t pass up a trip to Chiang Rai. It’s a three-hour drive north, and it’s a whole different vibe: pastoral instead of exotic Asian. The courses here, like Santiburi Chiang Rai, will give you a level of serenity you just won’t find anywhere else. The roads are empty, the scenery is beautiful and ragged, and the cost of living here is lower than in Chiang Mai.
The Logistics: Caddies, Carts, and Connections
If you’re new to playing in Thailand, the caddie culture can be a bit of a shock, but a welcome one. In the north, caddies are always required, which isn’t just a case of them carrying your bag, but they’re also familiar with the breaks on the greens, which can be tricky in the mountains anyway. They also keep you hydrated.
The standard caddie fee is around 350-400 THB, but do bring cash for another 400-500 THB as a tip, though it is not compulsory.
As for transport, it’s not recommended to try to rent a car and drive to the various golf courses if you are not used to left-hand driving and local traffic. Most golfers in Hua Hin rent a private van to get around. Yes, it sounds extravagant, but in Thailand, it’s actually not expensive and avoids the nuisance of searching high and low to locate one of these out-of-the-way golf courses hidden at the back of a lychee orchard.
Why the Green Season is a Secret Hack
Everyone wants to come in winter, but what about the Green Season, which is from June to October? Although it does rain, it only rains for an hour in the late afternoon. What are the perks? The golf courses are emerald green, the mountain waterfalls are gushing with water, and you save some serious cash.
If you’re on a tight budget and it’s okay with you that it’s humid, this is when you get the most bang for your buck. Make sure you book your tee times early in the morning to play before it rains.
Conclusion: It’s About More Than Just the Scorecard
Are you looking for a trip where you just play golf and go to sleep? The north might be too quiet for you. However, if you want a trip that feels like an actual adventure-where the drive to the course is as scenic as the course itself-you’ve found your destination.
A golfing adventure through Northern Thailand requires a bit more research than a standard resort holiday, but the payoff is a very much deeper connection to the region.