Thailand, as portrayed in movies, is definitely the pleasure paradise of Asia. Bangkok, Pattaya and other destinations are overused as locales for pretty much every kind of shoot there is or ever has been. Thailand is often seen as stuck in a time warp of sorts, in between the ancient and the neo-modern. A country that is rife with history and burgeoning with potential for the 21st century.
But Thailand is so much more than just a postcard of pleasures; it is an ideal mix of serenity and bustle. An amazing destination to completely unwind and a world-class golfing locale.
Thailand: History, geography, and culture
Formally known as the Kingdom of Thailand, the country was formerly known as Siam. An interesting mix of Hindu, Buddhist, Tao and Asian influences, Thailand today is one of Asia’s more progressive economies with a predominant capitalist outlook. Historically this is the only country in the Asian region, never to have been enslaved by a colonial power. A fact that is a source of great pride to Thais the world over. Affectionately called the land of the free, Thailand today is considered to be the entertainment capital of South East Asia.
Thailand is flanked on the north by Burma and Laos, the east by Cambodia and Laos, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia and on the west by the Andaman Sea. The climate varies from the temperate to the subtropical, with mountain ranges in the North and a wide peninsula in the South. The culture of Thailand is a colorful mix of languages, tribal and Asian influences and a love for seafood.
Golf in Thailand:
An interesting facet to golfing in Thailand is that it is a relatively new addition to the plethora of already available entertainment options in the country. Given that tourism is one of Thailand’s major revenue earners, golf is slowly becoming one of the major contributory factors to the nation’s tourism revenue.
The Thais are warm and welcoming people so needless to say their hospitality is legendary. With more capital being pumped into developing golfing facilities, Thailand is steadily emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most golf-friendly destinations.
Where to play? The golfer’s guide:
Bangkok the Thai capital is a good place to start. Other golf friendly locales in the country include Chiang Mai, Hua Hui, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Phuket.
Bangkok:
The Thai capital is truly a city that never sleeps, with entertainment options on offer, Bangkok truly is a vacationer’s paradise. What’s more Bangkok and its surroundings offer not 20 or 40, but a whopping 70 courses for the golfing enthusiast, each with its own set of challenges and level of difficulty. From the avid beginner to the consummate professional, these courses have something for everyone. Prominent on the list of must play courses are the Suwan Country Club, Lam Luka Country Club, Cascata Golf Club, Alpine Golf and Sports Club and Riverdale Golf Club.
Chiang Mai:
Chiang Mai is a little slice of heaven for both party lovers and golf enthusiasts. With nightclubs that never shut and golf courses that are amazing in their diversity and level of difficulty. There are some astonishing golf courses on offer here like the Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort, the Summit Green Valley Golf Club, Waterford Country Club, and the Mae Jo Resort and Club.
Hua Hin:
An idyllic locale simply three hours from Bangkok, Hua Hin is a small town that is huge on golf. Hua Hin has a 4 mile long stretch of unspoilt beach which means coastal winds make for an interesting session of golf. Places of golfing interest include the Banyan Golf Club, the Imperial Lake View Golf Club, the Springfield Golf and Country Club. And the best part of it all, they’re all within driving (if not, walking) distance of each other.
Phuket/Pattaya:
While on vacation to Thailand is complete without a few days of indulgence in the coastal paradises of Phuket and Pattaya, it is a little known fact that these two destinations are also premier golfing spots. Need evidence? How about the plethora of golf clubs, courses, and ranges that dot their landscape. Most notably, Burapha, Phoenix and the Siam Country Club in Pattaya, and the Loch Palm, Laguna Phuket and the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket.
Koh Samui:
Koh Samui is an island paradise if there ever was one. Dense jungles meet azure blue waters in this breathtaking locale. And what a locale to be in if you’re a golfer! The little island is home to courses that are both challenging and picture postcard pretty. Chief among them are the Rajjaprabha Dam Golf Course and Santiburi Samui Country Club.
