11 Best Golf Courses in Thailand | GoGolf Recommendations
Thailand—often dubbed the “Land of Smiles”—is renowned not only for its rich culture, cuisine, and stunning beaches but also for its lineup of world-class golf courses. Over the past three decades the kingdom has transformed into Southeast Asia’s premier sport-tourism hub. A relatively stable tropical climate, mature tourism infrastructure, and famously warm service create an ideal ecosystem for both recreational and professional golfers.
The list below gathers the ten best golf courses—each destination comprehensively and systematically reviewed by GoGolf—so readers can gain a complete picture before planning tee times in the Land of the White Elephant.
1. Red Mountain Golf Club – Phuket
Set in a former tin mine in the heart of Phuket, Red Mountain stands out for its dramatic topography: rust-red laterite cliffs, steep valleys, and semi-rain-forest vegetation. Designers Jon Morrow & Al Tikkanen optimized the contours of the old quarry so that the fairways appear carved between 50-metre-high rock faces. The opening par-4 climbs 25 metres from tee to green, forcing players to factor in elevation change and swirling valley winds.
The highlight is hole 17 (par 3, 173 yards) with the course’s highest tee box: the ball must carry a ravine to a small green trapped by a horseshoe bunker; a 40-metre drop often means choosing a club two numbers shorter. The quarry’s natural drainage keeps fairways dry even after heavy rain—vital for travellers with limited playing windows.
Facilities: a contemporary clubhouse with full-height glass façade; “Red Grill” restaurant serves Wagyu yakiniku and single-origin Chiang Rai coffee. Carts are mandatory (GPS yardage included), and all Thai PGA-certified caddies give precise carry distances for every elevation change. High-season green fees are THB 5,900 including caddie & cart; twilight packages after 14:00 offer a 25 % discount. Only 25 minutes from Patong or 45 minutes from Phuket Airport, Red Mountain is the perfect climax to a southern-Thailand golf holiday.
2. Santiburi Samui Country Club – Koh Samui
On Koh Samui’s north-west slopes, Santiburi blends beach and mountain scenery: an 18-hole par-72 (6,930 yards) with vistas of the Gulf of Thailand over the final ten holes. Architect Dr Pirapon Namatra preserved natural contours—granite cliffs, mountain streams, and coconut palms—so every fairway feels organic.
The iconic hole is the 6th par-5: a steep downhill tee shot funnels onto a narrow fairway swinging sharply left; one mistake can send the ball into the forest. The green slopes toward a ravine and demands a delicate putt. Greens average 10.5 on the stimpmeter—quick yet consistent—thanks to daily double-cutting and morning rolling.
Clubhouse: open-air Thai Pavilion design; “The Terrace” lets golfers enjoy sea breezes while watching the sunset. Traditional “Napavorn Spa”, run by Wat Po graduates, offers hot-herb compress massages to relax muscles after the hilly walk. Green fees of THB 4,500–5,500 are premium but include shuttle service from Chaweng-area hotels. Recommendation: rent a cart—though walking makes memories, high elevation and tropical humidity can drain stamina.
3. Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin (formerly Banyan Golf)
Marketed now as Pineapple Valley, the course is ringed by working pineapple plantations. Designed by Pirapon Namatra, the 7,361-yard layout backs onto the Tenasserim Mountains. Fairways roll gently; several greens sit on saddle-back ridges, demanding precise second shots.
The signature par-3 15th (139 yards) faces the Gulf of Siam; sea breezes often push shots left, so caddies recommend aiming 5–8 yards right. With five tee boxes—including a junior tee—the course welcomes every skill level. Another plus: a no-cash policy (QR or card only) speeds up service.
A semi-resort clubhouse uses local merbau wood; “The Terrace Restaurant” won the 2024 Thailand Tatler Dining Award. Other facilities include a 300-metre driving range, an 18-hole putting green, and a short-game zone with rivetted bunkers. Weekday green fees are THB 3,200; weekends THB 4,400. Stay-and-play deals partner with Avani+ Hua Hin Resort (10 minutes away). Stellar service, pristine turf, and mountain aesthetics make Pineapple Valley a must in the spa town of Hua Hin.
Skip the calls and secure your tee time on GoGolf. Download the app!
4. Laguna Golf Phuket
Part of the Laguna resort complex (Angsana, Banyan Tree, Dusit Thani), Laguna Golf lies 20 minutes from Phuket Airport. After a 2015 renovation by Paul Jansen, the par-71 (6,756 yards) became a modern risk-reward track. Water hazards—former lagoons—dominate 13 holes; waterside bunkers contrast sharply with Platinum Paspalum turf.
Hole 9 (par-4) illustrates the design philosophy: drive over a right dog-leg to shorten the approach, but the slightest over-draw means a splash. A new contemporary clubhouse connects directly to Banyan Tree Spa—players can move from green to hydro-therapy pool in a three-minute stroll.
Inclusive high-season green fee THB 4,800 (buggy + caddie). Key perk: resort guests receive a 15 % member rate and priority tee times. For families, Laguna runs a daily “Junior Golf Clinic” introducing grip, etiquette, and pitching in the short-game zone.
5. Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
About 40 minutes east of Chiang Mai city, Highlands combines a 27-hole course (A-B-C) by Schmidt-Curley with luxury spa villas. The Mae On foothills sit 3–4 °C cooler than Bangkok; Bermuda hybrid fairways stay emerald all year.
Course A (Mountain) features dog-legs that follow the slope; Course B (Valley) uses river channels; Course C (Highlands), opened 2015, is more open with wide links-style bunkers. Hole A4 (par-5) drops 30 metres—long-hitters can reach in two but face a 100-yard cross bunker before the green.
The “Highlands Sanctuary” spa offers Lanna massages and a herbal steam cave, while “Sala” restaurant serves authentic khao soi. Two-night, two-round villa-golf packages start at THB 12,500 pp. Visiting December–February? Bring a light jacket; morning temperatures can dip to 14 °C.
6. Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai
Venue for the Thai Open 2013–2014, Alpine sits 25 km south of the city. Ron Garl designed 27 holes (A, B, C) in the Chiang Mai-Lamphun valley; rice-paddy views and pine forests keep the air crisp. Hallmarks: “elephant-back” greens, steep bunkers, and strategic lakes.
Hole A9 (par-4, dog-leg left) is famous for an island-bunker strip bisecting the fairway—take the safe right route but face a longer shot, or thread the narrow left side for a birdie chance. Newest Course C adds Lanna culture touches: tee boxes resemble traditional huts; elephant statues bloom with rampa flowers.
The 80-room Thai-contemporary resort, infinity pool, and 500-seat conference centre make Alpine ideal for corporate retreats. Green fee THB 3,800; unlimited golf + two-night hotel deals from THB 9,900. Caddies are noted for meticulous advice; many speak fluent Japanese and Mandarin.
7. Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai Country Club
Just 20 minutes north of downtown, Dennis Griffiths’ 1990 design blends large lakes with a flat 7,202-yard fairway. Though visually forgiving, water and stacked-stone pot bunkers punish errors. The closing par-5 18th is epic: a tiny island green ringed by water—your third shot must be “all carry”.
The driving range faces Mae Sa Lake and offers night lighting. “Lake House” restaurant is an expat favourite, serving organic Mae Rim Thai-fusion dishes. Weekday green fee THB 2,000; weekend THB 2,800—excellent value near the city.
Eco commitment: irrigation uses treated wastewater from nearby hotels; Bermuda turf mixed with local bokashi compost cuts chemical fertiliser use by 18 %.
8. Gassan Khuntan Golf & Resort – Lamphun
Nestled in the Khuntan River valley near Doi Khuntan National Park, this course sits on former rice fields. Pravit Reang-Poo crafted a 7,017-yard layout full of sharp dog-legs, water, and two-tiered undulating greens. Flat terrain gains depth from forested mountain backdrops.
Hole 5 (par-4) stands out: the tee faces a diagonal canal, the fairway is narrow, and the green rests on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water—accuracy is paramount. Gassan won “Thailand’s Most Improved Course 2019” after bunker renovations and Zoysia Zeon re-turfing.
The 68-room resort sports Moroccan motifs (domes, colourful mosaics)—unique for the district. A cobalt-blue pool, herbal sauna, and Thai-Northern fusion restaurant complete the vibe. Green fee + hotel bundle THB 5,500 for two days, one night.
9. Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi
Three hours southeast of Bangkok, this 18-hole par-72 (7,143 yards) by Desmond Muirhead is framed by the Cardamom Mountains near Soi Dao waterfall. Daytime temperatures hover around 25 °C. Several par-3s cross natural streams; hole 7 (par-3, 197 yards) demands a full carry to a lotus-ringed island green.
The 4-star Chatrium Hotel sits beside the 1st fairway—players walk from room to tee in three minutes. The pool faces the mountains, and “Sunset Bar” pours Chanthaburi craft beer. Green fee + twin room (breakfast) from THB 4,200; a second round is 50 % off. Midweek play is quiet—ideal for couples seeking tranquility.
10. The Royal Golf & Country Club – Lat Krabang, Bangkok
About 15 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Royal G&CC offers an 18-hole par-72 (7,123 yards) by Chohei Miyazawa. Lowland rice paddies were reshaped into water-lined fairways: lakes border 12 holes, while palms and plumeria gardens beautify the scene. Quick convex greens (11 on the stimpmeter) repel shots that don’t land precisely.
Hole 12 (par-5) is known as the “Monster of Lat Krabang”: 628 yards from the black tee, and midday headwinds can force four shots to reach the green. The luxurious clubhouse features a ballroom, cigar lounge, Japanese sauna, and a Titleist Official Fitting pro-shop. Many Bangkok executives squeeze in nine holes before business flights. Weekday green fee THB 3,500, weekend THB 4,800. The “Fly-In Tee-Off” package includes fast-track immigration, limousine transfer, and VIP caddie.
Conclusion
These ten courses showcase the full spectrum of Thai golf experiences: from the dramatic quarry cliffs of Phuket, through the cool highlands of Chiang Mai, to the airport convenience of Bangkok. Choosing the right destination hinges on:
- Location & Logistics – weigh travel time and transport.
- Course Character – match layout to handicap and challenge preference.
- Supporting Facilities – pick a full resort for family holidays.
- Season – November–February is cool; April–May is very hot.
Thailand’s commitment to first-class service—skilled caddies, five-star clubhouses, relaxing spas—underpins its reputation as one of the world’s premier golf destinations. Plan your tee time now and prepare to be captivated by tropical fairways, manicured greens, and the warm smiles of the locals on every round.