Category Archives: Food and Drink

GOLF – IN THE BEST CITY ON EARTH

Bangkok has always been a favourite for travellers around the globe; it’s the heart of Asia after all. Packed full of great shopping, the best street food ever (I can vouch for this) and a hugely diverse cultural heritage, Bangkok is THE go to city. Hotels are plentiful, all priced very competitively to suit your budget. Location is very important in Bangkok, being close to the bts (sky train) is a must. Feel free to email any questions you may have in order to pick the right hotel. The Contine...

What Makes A Great Golf Vacation In Asia Even Better

For a lucky few of us, vacations are taken several times a year. But for most of us we can only grab the odd week or maybe a fortnight away to play our golf. Not everyone in the family is going to get excited, when you tell them you plan another family vacation, where you will travel miles to find your ultimate 18 holes. OK I think we have found the answer to your predicament, the Kingdom of Smiles, namely Thailand. I am positive it will not be hard to persuade you to experience Thailand’s marv...

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: ITALIANThere are many good Italian restaurants all over Bangkok in various price ranges...

Back To The Sixties! – Titanium Club in Bangkok

I have to admit I do like to relax after a day on the golf course, perhaps with a cold beer listening to some great music. Once you have discussed all those great shots you thought you made around some of Bangkok’s many wonderful golf courses, had the massage, eaten, then it’s time to hit the town. Bangkok's night life has literally hundreds of bars, night clubs and discos to choose from, ranging from a roadside vans blasting out the hits, to the swanky hotel clubs. Personally I am not into ...

After Bangkok Golf Cheap Restaurant Guide

After a long day at a Bangkok golf course where is the best cheap restaurant to eat at? Excluding sidewalk restaurants (the topic for another post) here are four places that you should investigate after your next round of golf in Bangkok, all under $10 USD a head, including alcohol! 1. Steak Lao restaurant is on Chang Wattana in Ram Intra, 100 yards from the outer ring road exit. The restaurant is an ideal place to visit after golfing at Panya Indra Golf Club, Legacy Golf Club, Windsor Park or ...

Thai Golfers Stomach

Sometimes, I as an amateur golfer in Thailand together with my professional golfer friends often look for new local talent at the driving ranges around Bangkok. This week, continuing with my regular visits,  I once again bumped into this Thai lady, who is the girlfriend of a very good friend of mine.  An attractive 28 year-old lady, Nok (Thai for ‘bird’) is of slightly larger stature than the traditional Thai but by no means does that mean she is a big girl. Nok possesses a talent that...

Insider’s Guide To Non Golf Activities in Bangkok Thailand

Here are the final 8 of my best suggestions for non golf and non tourist activities to do while winding down or taking a day off from your Bangkok golf. 9. Take a walk in the park. Lumpini Park, at the intersection of Silom Road and Rama IV, is the city’s oldest and most popular park. It’s location near the centre of the business district means that is attracts an upscale early morning crowd of exercisers and Tai Chi practitioners from the time it opens at 6am until around 8am. The p...

Insider’s Guide To Non Golf Activities in Bangkok Thailand

Some people come to Thailand on golf trips, play golf everyday for two or three weeks and, by the end of their trip, whilst still enjoying their golf, are beginning to tire of tourist traps, partying, or sitting in their hotel room or in a bar each evening. Over the next 2 days I will discuss 16 alternative things to do in Bangkok on your days off from golf or in the evenings. Please note that I am not talking here about the ‘must do’ tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, the Chao Praya...

Food and Drink Costs at Thailand Golf Courses

As with almost any golf course throughout the world, food and drinks are available at all Thailand golf clubs. On the other hand, unlike golf clubs in the USA or Europe, the food and drink prices at Thailand golf clubs are very reasonable and of good value. While more expensive than outside the course, 15 baht (US$0.40) for bottled water is not bad. Coke and other soft drinks can be purchased for around 25 baht (US$0.70).  At each of the rest stops, found every 3 holes on Thailand golf co...

Songkran Festival Golf in Thailand

If you are thinking of a Thailand golf trip in next few months, why not aim to be here in April and join in Thailand’s Songkran Festival. Songkran is the Thai New Year celebration which starts on April 13, when the sun moves into Aries. This national holiday customarily lasts for three days, and even longer in Chiang Mai and Pattaya. The word ‘Songkran’ originates from the Sanskrit meaning ‘beginning of the solar year’. So, the holiday-loving Thais get to celebrate New Y...

Golf Holiday in Phuket: Four Insider Tips

Here are four of my top tips to make your golfing holiday in Phuket more enjoyable: 1. Changing money: There are lots of banks and exchange booths both in Phuket Airport and in the main tourist areas such as Patong and Karon/Kata Beaches and Laguna Resort. They are all competitive and it is much better to change your foreign currency there than at your hotel. You need to have your passport if you are exchanging traveler’s’ checks or getting cash (or shopping) with your credit card. 2. Eat...

Golf in Thailand: 5 Essential Items to Bring to the Course

Golf in Thailand can be different from golf in other parts of the world and many of the unique attributes of Thailand golf have been covered in my previous posts. One area that is often overlooked or assumed to be the same is what to bring with you to the golf course. Five of the essential items to bring to the golf course in Thailand (aside from your golf clubs) include: 1. Light, loose fitting, cotton garments, including cotton socks. Many golfers prefer to wear tailored shorts (with black so...

Thailand Golf Food and Drink

With great Thailand golf plans in hand, golf holiday dates firmed up, and tee times confirmed, what else do you need to be aware for your Thailand golf vacation?  The short answer is food and water! Here are some tips to help ensure that you enjoy your time golfing in Thailand. Before play, don’t skip meals. This could affect your focus and energy levels dramatically. I suggest you eat a small, balanced meal 30 to 60 minutes before tee time. An example of this may be a low-fat and l...

Thailand Golf Tips Or Giving Tips in Thailand? (Part 2 of 2)

Thailand golf is what you are all here for and in today’s continuation post I will cover common tipping practices on the golf course, in bars, and while traveling on the road here. On the golf course, tips are one of the main ways the caddie generates their income. Although you pay a caddie fee in the cost of your green fee, only a portion of this goes to the caddie so the emphasis is then on them receiving good tips. At my golf travel company a 300 baht minimum is suggested to all Thaila...

Thailand Golf Tips Or Giving Tips in Thailand? (Part 1 of 2)

I bet you thought I would post another golf tip. The next 2 articles deal, not with golf advice, but rather with gratuities. I find this an even more appropriate discussion topic since many golf travelers to Thailand may be wondering about local practices. Although not traditional in Thailand, you should plan to tip drivers, porters, and restaurant and bar staff and of course your golf caddies. However, please note that the level of tipping is still extremely small in comparison to that in the ...

Nighttime activities, will they influence my golf in Thailand? (P

Here is the second and final part of my post. Hope you enjoy and please do comment on anything shown or mentioned. Whether you want to play pool, sit and joke with the girls in the many beer bars, enjoy the numerous go- go bars and shows on offer, or sample a special type of massage, then it is all readily and openly available. On many occasions I have witnessed both first time visitors, and many people who know Thailand well, caught up in the amazing atmosphere which certainly adds to an addit...

Nighttime activities, will they influence my golf in Thailand? (P

For anyone who has not visited Thailand previously, then the simple answer to this question is a definite yes! For those that are familiar with Thailand then you will know exactly what I am talking about. There is no hiding the fact that Thailand is popular with many visiting tourists, primarily male, for the unbelievable nightlife and availability of beautiful Thai girls for company. This is something that is unique to Thailand, and whilst variations occur in other Asian destinations, you will...

10 Best Reasons to Come to Thailand to Play Golf (Part 2 of 3)

Here are the next 4 great reasons to choose Thailand as your most favored golf holiday destination. 4. The locations. Thailand is a beautiful country and offers a number of totally different destinations to play golf. From the bustling capital of Bangkok, to the beautiful mountainous countryside of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. From the stunning beaches in Phuket and Koh Samui, to the bright lights and amazing nightlife of Pattaya. From the quieter seaside town of Hua Hin, to the waterfalls and st...

10 Best Reasons to Come to Thailand to Play Golf (Part 1 of 3)

As an expatriate living and working in Thailand, I cannot think of many better places to come and play golf. I have been fortunate to play golf all over the world including the most popular golf tourist destinations, such as the United States, Scotland, Spain, Caribbean, and Mexico. I have also played in several other Asian countries, like China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Australia, but still find Thailand a pretty difficult experience to beat. Over the next few days I will exp...

Phuket or Koh Samui – A Comparison of 2 Beach Resorts for a Golf ...

the web site.This is the continuation about Phuket and comparison to Samui as  golf holiday destination. In Phuket in the evening there are many choices for dining and entertainment especially in the lively town of Patong where selections range from beer bars to live music, and shows. The restaurants provide a massive choice from local seafood to 5 star international cuisines. There is an abundance of night markets and there are modern shopping malls, selling all brand name products. Withou...

Phuket or Koh Samui – A Comparison of 2 Beach Resorts for a Golf ...

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is without doubt one of the most exotic destinations in Southeast Asia. The island hosts a number of first class golf courses, and is a dream destination for those wishing to combine golf together with some stunning beach resorts, providing total relaxation. Fully recovered from the tragic and unfortunate events of the December 2004 tsunami, Phuket is looking better than ever and a continuing to attract huge investment in further developing the island. In addit...

Myths and Facts About Playing Golf in Thailand (Part 2)

Here is the second half of "strange facts about Thailand golf". I hope you enjoy reading the post and find a few things of interest. Please also let me know your experiences and comments. Also, can anyone recognize this beach? A copy of the soon to be published 2007 Thailand golf map awaits the first person who can correctly identify it by submitting a comment to this post. Now on to the Myths and Facts. Myth – The courses are of inferior quality. Thailand hosts many championship stan...

Myths and Facts About Playing Golf in Thailand (Part 1)

There is no doubt that many people have many misconceptions about Thailand as a golf travel destination. Over the years, Thailand has developed a reputation for many of the wrong reasons, and only those who have visited, realize what a wonderful and beautiful country it is, with so much to offer the golfing traveler. Thailand is now by far the leading travel destination in South East Asia, and is now regarded as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. With regards golf, it has rec...

Thailand Golf Holiday and Travel Budgets (Part 2)

In this second part of “Thailand Golf Holiday Travel Budgets” I will give some examples of typical costs for golf holidays. These costs are approximate and will vary depending on time of the year. I have included the top and best golf courses in each area along with private transportation to and from each of the courses. Examples of such packages including accommodation golf and transport are as follows. In Bangkok, a one week stay at a nice 4–star accommodation in a central location, together w...

Thailand Golf Holiday and Travel Budgets (Part 1)

For anyone considering a golf holiday in Thailand, it is important to know the potential costs of your whole package in order to help you budget accordingly. In order to help you with this, I have detailed below some information including the choice and costs of hotels, golf & transport, and additional expenses you will likely incur during your visit. When selecting your holiday the most important aspect for most people is their accommodation. If they are traveling a long distance from hom...

Thailand Seaside Golf Destinations : Which is best? (Part 4 of 4)

Hua Hin & Cha Am The Hua Hin and Cha Am area is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, and is approximately a three hour drive from Bangkok. Thailand’s original beach resort, it now sports a selection of 7 excellent golf courses and is a much quieter destination that Phuket or Pattaya, although is particularly popular with visiting Eurpoean tourists during the cool season from November to February. Although Hua Hin still retains the intimacy of a village, it has successfully i...

Pattaya Golf: Playing and My 5 Favorite Courses (Part 1)

Pattaya Golf Courses (Part 1) This is a sister article to my posts last week about golf in Bangkok. Also, due to the length of the course descriptions I will again post this article as a multi-part series. Pattaya can now be easily be reached from Bangkok by car in around 1.5 hours due to the completion of the superhighway and motorway between the 2 cities, There have always been some excellent golf courses in the Pattaya areas but many golfers shunned the idea of going to Pattaya due to the cit...