Nestled within the rolling foothills east of Chiang Mai, the Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort has established itself as one of Asia’s most distinguished destinations for both golf and leisure. This premier venue effortlessly combines world-class golf course architecture with luxury resort accommodations, an international-standard spa, and breathtaking mountain scenery. For both seasoned golfers seeking a competitive test and travelers hoping to unwind amid tranquil vistas, the Golf resort offers a complete package that captures the very best of Northern Thailand.
While occasional remarks surface about the pro shop’s service dynamics or the impact of busy tournament schedules on pace of play, these minor points scarcely detract from the resort’s overall excellence. Unsurprisingly, Chiang Mai Highlands remains a consistent favorite among expatriates residing in Thailand, corporate groups organizing memorable outings, and families on vacation looking to balance active sport with serene relaxation. Here is complete review from GoGolf.
Course-Design Highlights at Chiang Mai Highlands
A World-Class Layout by Schmidt-Curley
Spanning more than 320 hectares of lush, undulating terrain, the Chiang Mai Highlands golf course is a masterpiece brought to life by Schmidt-Curley Design—an internationally acclaimed firm behind numerous top-tier courses across Asia. Their philosophy emphasizes preserving and enhancing the natural contours of the land while embedding challenges that require both strategic planning and technical precision.
The course offers an impressive 27 championship-caliber holes, organized into three distinctive nine-hole loops: the Valley, the Highlands, and the Mountain. These combinations allow rounds to be tailored for variety and difficulty, playing anywhere from 5,198 to 7,142 yards as a par-72, depending on the selected routing.
- Valley Nine: This section is characterized by broader, more forgiving fairways that sweep through gently rolling valleys, inviting players to embrace aggressive drives. Yet Schmidt-Curley’s clever placement of bunkers ensures that risk must always be balanced with the threat of a costly recovery.
- Highlands Nine: Here, dramatic doglegs and expansive bunkers define the landscape. Each hole compels golfers to consider shot shape and distance control carefully. The layout does not simply reward distance; it challenges players to think two shots ahead.
- Mountain Nine: Perhaps the most visually and mentally demanding of the three, the Mountain loop incorporates tighter fairways, pronounced elevation shifts, and elevated, multi-tiered greens often protected by natural cliffs and meandering creeks. This segment is where the course transforms into a true test of nerve and strategy.
Strategic Bunker Placement and True Greens
Integral to the Highlands experience are approximately 100 meticulously positioned bunkers that bring risk-reward scenarios to nearly every tee box and fairway. Many bunkers feature steep faces and island-style placement, forcing players to deliberate between laying up or attempting bold carries. Recovery shots demand extraordinary precision, as a misstep from these rugged bunkers can quickly inflate scores.
Adding to the challenge are fast, undulating greens maintained to international tournament standards. Kept rolling at speeds that consistently test even the steadiest putters, these greens not only elevate the importance of a sharp short game but also enhance the overall strategic texture of each hole.
Harmonious Integration with Nature
Perhaps most impressive is how the course layout preserves the intrinsic beauty of Chiang Mai’s natural environment. Native creeks wind alongside fairways, while nearly every hole offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. This commitment to environmental harmony ensures that a round here is as much an aesthetic experience as it is a sporting endeavor, justifying the resort’s repeated inclusion in lists of Asia’s top golfing destinations.
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Premium Facilities to Match the Golf Experience
Extensive Practice Facilities and Clubhouse Amenities
A venue of Chiang Mai Highlands’ caliber inevitably offers training facilities that cater to players intent on honing every facet of their game. The resort features a 300-yard natural grass driving range, allowing for realistic practice conditions. Complementing this are two expansive putting greens designed to replicate the pace and contours of those on the course, as well as a comprehensive short-game zone complete with bunkers, ideal for refining delicate chips and sand saves.
Inside the elegant clubhouse, guests find separate men’s and women’s locker rooms equipped with more than 200 secure lockers, modern showers, and comfortable lounge spaces—many of which overlook the mountainous horizon, blending relaxation with inspiration.
Luxury Villas and Culinary Delights
Accommodation at Chiang Mai Highlands is offered through 19 five-star private villas, ranging from 55 to 115 square meters. Each villa is thoughtfully designed with spacious living areas, private balconies, and sweeping views of either the fairways or the distant peaks. These residences provide a serene retreat after a day navigating the course’s challenges, seamlessly merging comfort with understated elegance.
Culinary needs are superbly met by the on-site restaurant, which serves an enticing array of traditional Thai dishes and international favorites. Guests can savor their meals indoors or on a scenic patio that captures the vibrant greens of the course and the purple-tinged silhouettes of the surrounding highlands—a setting perfectly suited to lingering over a leisurely dinner or post-round refreshments.
Spa, Pool, and Health Facilities
The resort’s dedication to a holistic guest experience extends well beyond golf. The internationally recognized spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments that blend Thai wellness traditions with modern therapeutic practices, while an outdoor swimming pool and contemporary fitness center allow guests to unwind or maintain their health routines. This emphasis on balance—pairing rigorous sport with deep relaxation—cements Chiang Mai Highlands as not just a golf destination but a complete wellness retreat.
A Varied Golfing Journey: From Valley to Mountain
The Progressive Complexity of the Three Nines
One of the most distinctive aspects of Chiang Mai Highlands is how each nine-hole course unfolds a different golfing narrative. Opening with the Valley nine, players are greeted by fairways that encourage confident drives. Yet even here, strategically placed bunkers and subtle elevation shifts require measured judgment. Aggressive play may yield birdie chances but can equally lead to awkward recoveries if misjudged.
Transitioning to the Highlands loop, the tempo shifts noticeably. Doglegs tighten landing zones, while larger bunkers force a premium on both distance control and shot shape. It is here that the golfer’s tactical mind is most rigorously engaged, planning not just the immediate shot but considering where the ball must be for the next optimal approach.
Finally, the Mountain nine delivers an entirely different level of examination. Elevation becomes a dominating factor, fairways narrow, and cliffs plus meandering water hazards create natural defenses that test both shot execution and mental composure. One standout hole—a par-4 embraced by twin hills and encircled by four imposing bunkers around the green—embodies the drama of this loop. A single mis-hit can see the ball funneled into deep sand or rugged rough, emphasizing that precision is as critical as courage.
A Visual and Emotional High Point
Beyond technical demands, these changing landscapes contribute to a round that is deeply moving on an emotional level. Golfers frequently describe the experience as akin to “playing through a living painting,” where each turn of the fairway reveals fresh vistas of mist-cloaked peaks or sunlit valleys. This interplay between sporting challenge and scenic majesty makes every hole memorable, ensuring that Chiang Mai Highlands resonates long after the final putt drops.
Visitor Reviews: Strengths, Minor Shortcomings, and Essential Playing Tips
What Guests Consistently Praise
Across major international review platforms, Chiang Mai Highlands consistently earns ratings between 4.2 and 4.6 out of 5. Common highlights cited by both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned travelers include:
- Breathtaking Scenery: Nearly every visitor comments on the surreal mountain backdrops, describing them as “like golfing inside a painting.” This unparalleled aesthetic dimension is a major draw.
- Intelligent Course Design: Reviewers praise how the layout leverages natural land features rather than forcing artificial constructs, resulting in an authentic and engrossing golfing challenge.
- Top-Tier Facilities: Guests routinely commend the immaculate clubhouse, the quiet luxury of the villas, and the exceptional spa—each of which enhances the resort’s appeal beyond the game itself.
Noted Areas for Improvement
Of course, no venue is without critique. Some players report slower rounds, particularly during local tournaments that were not clearly communicated in advance—leading to unanticipated tee-box queues. A few also describe pro-shop staff as occasionally curt or overly brisk, a minor point but worth acknowledging in a service-centric resort environment.
Seasonally, some bunkers can firm up considerably, feeling “almost like concrete,” while green speeds, though generally consistent, may not always meet the very highest international expectations.
Practical Playing Advice
Smart visitors typically book their tee times early—especially on weekends and during peak travel months—to secure preferred slots and reduce waiting times. Checking for scheduled tournaments ahead of time via platforms like GoGolf or directly with the resort can also help avoid potential delays. Many seasoned guests recommend arriving well ahead of tee-off to fully enjoy the practice facilities and acclimate to the unique pace of the greens.
Green Fees, Play Packages, and Membership Options
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Competitive Pricing and Attractive Inclusions
From 1 April through 31 July 2025, standard rates for an 18-hole round stand at approximately THB 2,800, broken down into a green fee of around THB 1,700, plus THB 400 for the caddie and THB 700 for a shared cart. Nine-hole rounds are also available at proportionally reduced rates. A two-player package—frequently bundled with round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai city hotels—runs about THB 4,950 per person.
Caddie tips are customary, with a minimum of THB 400 expected for 18 holes, paid directly to the caddie. Premium rental clubs ensure that even those traveling light can enjoy high-level play without compromise, and most guests agree that these services provide solid value given the overall quality of the experience.
Memberships and Seasonal Promotions
For longer-term enthusiasts, Chiang Mai Highlands offers membership options that unlock benefits such as unlimited play, discounts on dining and spa services, and access to reciprocal arrangements at partner clubs. The resort also frequently promotes seasonal family packages and junior clinics, reinforcing its reputation as a balanced destination where competitive sport meets leisure and learning.
A Must-Play Destination in Northern Thailand
When measured across all critical dimensions—architectural sophistication, course conditioning, supportive luxury facilities, and awe-inspiring natural setting—Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort stands unmistakably among Thailand’s elite golfing venues. It offers a multifaceted experience that transcends mere sport, combining rigorous challenges with soul-stirring scenery and top-tier relaxation.
Whether you are a low-handicap player seeking a layout that will test every facet of your game, or a leisure traveler eager to blend championship golf with spa treatments and luxury accommodation, Chiang Mai Highlands promises an experience that is both memorable and richly rewarding.
