Thailand Golf Holidays, Phuket Golf Packages, Hua Hin Golf Vacations

Destinations For A Thailand Golf Package

Many golfers ask me what is the best destination for golf in Thailand. My answer is always ‘it depends”.

For those who like a sunny beach destination, then the best golf in Thailand is either Phuket or Hua Hin. On the other hand, Thailand golfers looking for more authenticity and value-for-money would like golfing in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai the best.

Next up are golfers in Thailand who are here for only a short break and want  a taste of Thailand’s best shopping. In this case, Bangkok has by far the best golf in Thailand with over 60 courses to choose from all located 30-60 minutes from the city center and many local markets where everything under the sun is on offer at reasonable prices. For the best golf and partying, golf in Pattaya is the choice. The resort’s nightlife is infamous and there are over 20 Pattaya golf courses to select from.

After the 18th hole in Bangkok

A round of golf usually finishes at the 18th hole at most golf clubs. Then it’s off home for a cup of tea or a hot chocolate before bed. Well one of the pleasures of taking a Bangkok golf holiday is the fun just does not stop at the Bangkok golf course.

Bangkok not only has over 60 golf courses, but it is also known globally for its excellent shopping, great cultural attractions, great spa and massage, and of course a wide variety of restaurants and night life.

The great thing about Bangkok is it is all there out in the open. Shopping malls and local markets dot every station along the sky train making then super accessible at any time of day. A spa or Thai massage store can be found on practically every street corner. A Thai or foot massage can be a daily après golf ritual for every Thai golfer as prices are only $10 USD an hour.

Bangkok being the Thai capital has so much infrastructure, that the choices for dining and entertainment are limitless. Whether it is an authentic Thai meal, formal French meal with imported wines, or you prefer something more casual like a British pub, Bangkok has it all. After dinner, you can take in the Bangkok skyline with a cocktail at any number of bars located high above town in the city’s skyscrapers.

Thailand Golf Is Still A Game To Enjoy

Sometimes I think golfers on holiday forget that the game of golf is all about getting out in the fresh air to hit some balls and then have a cool drink with your fellow golfers afterwards.

Maybe it is because we have been brain-washed. Golf in the 21th century seems to be all about one up man ship and this is being fuelled by the manufacturers with their massive marketing campaigns.

“This revolutionary six layer ball will give you distance and those clubs made from new space-age materials will give you control. “

Of course there is the friendly banter among Thailand golf holidaymakers and the occasional wager on the match, but in general I have found playing golf in Thailand a very friendly and enjoyable experience for all who travel here for their golf vacations. Sure we would all love to play at St Andrews, Troon or Augusta, but  I bet it’s a lot more fun to have an experienced Thai caddie telling you that you have 138 yards to the middle of the green or to aim one cup left of the hole.

Thailand Really Is A Golfer’s Paradise

We all get bombarded by travel agents jargon or see the Tourist Boards latest TV adverts extolling their countries fantastic features. One such feature here in Thailand is golf!

Well I can safely say that Thailand golf is in a very healthy state here in the Kingdom of smiles with thousand of overseas players playing here every year. But it’s not just the tourists who love it here, so do the professionals who make their living out of the game.

Thailand recently hosted the 5th edition of the Royal Trophy, Seve Ballesteros’s version of the Ryder Cup, with Europe playing the best of Asia. This year’s edition moved down to Hua Hin’s Black Mountain, one of my favourite Thai golf courses. It seems that several of Captain Colin Montgomerie’s team also agree with me too.

Bangkok Dining

Many on a Thailand golf package spend at least a few days in Thailand’s capital during their golf holiday as it offers convenient flight connections to around the world in addition to great golf, high standard accommodation, shopping, dining and entertainment. I am often asked for restaurant suggestions and while I do not claim to be a foodie, I know what I like. Here is a brief list of some of my favorites:


ITALIAN
There are many good Italian restaurants all over Bangkok in various price ranges. The ones at the Sheraton on Sukhumvit and the Dusit Thani hotels are both very good at the higher end. Others I like a lot that are more moderately priced include La Gritta on Sukhumvit Soi 19, Basilico on Sukhumvit Soi 33, Via Vai on Sukhumvit Soi 8 and Limoncello on Sukhumvit Soi 11.  All offer a great pizza and nice wines as well as an assortment of homemade pastas and more.

THAI
This one is almost impossible because great Thai food is served up in so many places. Even the street food can be good though I don’t particularly enjoy sitting in plastic chairs on the sidewalk and dining a few feet from diesel belching busses while dodging the motorcycle taxi boys flying past our table.  For cheap and good, I like the outdoor corner restaurant just a few meters down Sukhumvit Soi 14 from the Asok Skytrain. At the higher end, the better hotels almost all have good Thai restaurants. It’s hard to go wrong with Thai food in Thailand and often the difference in price is more related to the atmosphere than the food itself.

Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You

Those who have visited Thailand agree that it is almost impossible to explain for those who haven’t.  Different.  Even just plan weird.  The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s official slogan of ‘Amazing Thailand’ sums it up fairly well though comes off as just another cheeky marketing slogan until you’ve actually experienced it. Even among Asian cultures it stands out as unique.

Thailand is one of the few places in Asia that has never been under the rule or dominance of a western country, which may explain some of its’ uniqueness. Also the country has little war history other than long ago border conflicts with Burmese, Khmers and Laotians. The rulers of Thailand have long been able to avoid war and outside rule by deftly playing off leading world powers against one another to remain on good terms with all.

The weirdness begins from the moment you land in Bangkok, whose airport name is written Suvanabhumi but pronounced “Sue wanna boom’“. Even pilots and flight attendants frequently get it wrong during in flight announcements.

Fly up to Chiang Mai.  Or is it Chiangmai?  Or Chang My?  As there is no official transliteration from Thai script to the Roman alphabet you can spell it anyway you want. Street names get really weird as different maps spell the same roads differently while the actual signs on the road may vary from any of them.

Is Thailand safe for a golf holiday?

I regularly get asked this question regarding a golf holiday in Thailand.

While Thailand has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, it still surprises me of people’s reluctance to travel to Thailand.

Thailand is much more than Bangkok and Bangkok is more than just the two streets that was involved in the political unrest in May. Also, there are so many destinations in Thailand that make great golfing holidays in Thailand, all where life and golf have been and continue to go on normally.

For example, Phuket is the most popular area of Thailand for golf holidays.  It is a beautiful tropical island with nice beaches, countless options for hotels, dining and nightlife, and perhaps the best and most varied golf in all of Thailand. Phuket has its own international airport with direct flights from most Asian and European capitals. Phuket is a one hour flight from Bangkok for those who prefer to connect or combine a Phuket golf vacation with other Thailand golf destinations.

Top Non Golf Thailand Attractions

Want to plan a Thailand golf vacation but also need to make sure your non-golfing travel partners are happy?  No problem.  Below are some of the more popular non-golf activities to include on your golf holiday itinerary.

All Over Thailand
Massage:  Thai massage, Swedish massage, jet lag massage, sports  or golf massage, foot massage, neck & shoulder massage, fish massage, aroma therapy, hot stone therapy and more. You are never far from a spa in Thailand. Most good hotels have them and you will find many more all over the country.

Bangkok
1. Best of Bangkok Tour:  Includes the Grand Palace, the city’s most famous temples and a long tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya river.

2. Thai Cooking School:  Fun hands-on experience as you cook (and eat) a multi-course Thai meal.

3. Siam Niramit:  Dinner and Thai culture show.  World class stage production is one of the best of its kind.

8 Do’s & Don'ts When Golfing In Thailand

1. Given that you’ll be out on the course for at least four hours do make sure you put plenty of sunscreen on. It’s also advisable to wear a hat or cap. The Sun when golf in Phuket can be the strongest compared to all other Thailand golf destinations.

2. Although golfing in Thailand is relaxed, don’t expect to be allowed onto the course wearing inappropriate clothing. Do wear a collared shirt with slacks, Bermuda shorts, or a skirt (provided you are a lady). Mock collars (aka Tiger Woods) are also accepted at all Thailand golf courses.

3. Do listen to your caddie-and listen very carefully! Thailand boasts some of the best trained and most savvy caddies in Asia. Find a knowledgeable one and reserve her for perhaps a repeat round (though it may be a privilege only afforded to rounds booked by members of through golf tour operators).

4. Don’t be alarmed to see a flight in front of you turn into a parade of 20 bodies! ----Extra caddies are often required to carry the umbrella, chair or beer! ---and don’t forget the cart driver and ball diver at Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

5 THAILAND GOLF ETIQUETTE TIPS

When golfing in Thailand remember these 5 simple points of golf etiquette and everyone will be assured of a satisfying golf experience. The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on Thailand golf courses at all times.
 
1. The Spirit of the Game in Thailand
Unlike many sports, golf in Thailand is played without the supervision of a referee. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other golfers in Thailand and to abide by the rules of golf. You should conduct yourself in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how you are shooting. This is the spirit of the game of golf in Phuket and all golf destinations in Thailand.

2. Safety for Golf in Thailand
When golfing in Thailand, you should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club when you make a stroke. You should not play until the players in front are out of range, especially at the best golf courses in Pattaya such as Siam Country Club.  If you hit a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, immediately yell (not whisper) FORE, even when playing golf with Thai golfers who speak Thai.

3. Consideration for Other Golfers in Thailand
Always show consideration for other players on the Phuket golf course and do not disturb others play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise.  Thailand golf visitors should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players. TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE ON THE COURSE!