Category Archives: Travel

Have you got the Thai secret weapon?

With the amateur golf tournament season about to kick off in Thailand and Vietnam, over 1,000 male and female competitors will soon be heading for SE Asia. Their season kicks off with over 550 gofers competing at the Centara World Masters 2023 in Hua Hin, taking in three championship courses, Black Mountain, Banyan, and Springfield. Also, in June there is the Avani Pattaya 2 Ball. It does not stop there as in July there are events in Bangkok and on the island of Phuket, September sees two event...

Great Success for Golfasian, Fenix XCell and Thailand in Marbella

The IAGTO European Convention (IEC) closed last night in Marbella on Andalucía’s Costa del Sol in southern Spain after three very busy days. The IEC replicated their successful Asia and North American conventions with meetings between buyers, suppliers, tourism organisations, and service providers. Over 250 companies and organisations from all over the World participated including Golfasian and Fenix XCell from Bangkok.   Pascal Orczech, Business Development Director for Golfasian said, “...

Amateur Golf Tournaments in Asia are Booming

The tournament season for amateurs has just kicked off with the Amari Hua Hin Skins Golf Week in Thailand. Over 50 payers are taking part in this week’s tournament playing at Springfield, Black Mountain, and Banyan golf clubs. This event has attracted golf vacationers from eight countries and all the scores are computerised. Every player also has their own smiling Thai caddie with their name and country flag on their bibs, just like the professionals. These events have been growing steadily ove...

Asia Golf Records All-Time High Bookings

According to a recent study published by IPK International, one of the world’s leading tourism consultancies and tourism research agencies, in 2022 the travel industry experienced a significant recovery. Worldwide, outbound trips increased substantially year on year, but without regaining 2019 levels. IPK’s World Travel Monitor stated that worldwide, outbound travel in 2022 rose by 90 percent year on year, equivalent to a global volume of almost 700 million trips in 2022. Compared to outbo...

Train Adventure from Bangkok to Penang…

Photo by Robert van der Sluijs on Unsplash Local airlines often see us golfers as rich pickings when we check in with our golf bags, happily to charge us the excess baggage charge just for a 90-minute flight. So recently I decided to combine my short vacation to Penang, with an overnight train trip from Bangkok. Instead of flying decided to let the train take the strain. Therefore, adding to the adventure, and saving a bundle as well, I decided to travel from Bangkok Thailand to But...

What Can Your Thailand Golf Holiday Look Like? 3 Mistakes You Don

So you’ve decided to take a golf trip to Thailand and enjoy playing a few games on your vacation? You couldn’t have chosen a better location. Fringed with stunning coastal beaches, lush hinterland greenery, cultural richness and the most spectacular golf courses in the world, what could go wrong? Plenty if you’re not careful. Here’s how to make your holiday amazing… and avoid these mistakes. Inadequate Accommodation Research There are plenty of great golf hotels in...

Sun, Sand and Golf – A Tropical Paradise, A Golfer’s

Since time immemorial, Bali has been known for its glittering seas, exotic cuisine, and golden sands. But that’s just the tip of the ‘sand’ berg. There’s much more to Bali than just resorts and beaches, especially for golf lovers who will find everything they’re looking for in this tropical paradise – from challenging courses to easier ones for beginners. Draped with stunning natural beauty and different degrees of difficulty, Bali golf courses are some of the fines...

A Thai-Riffic Golf-Inspired Holiday You Will Never FORE Get

Can’t decide whether to head to a golf course or go on vacation with your family? Why not do both? Thailand is the premier golfing destination of choice with its spectacular courses, incredible facilities, and exotic holiday offerings. You’ll fall in love with the many Thailand golf courses – giving you the chance to combine an exciting holiday with your favorite sport. Combining The Best Of Both Worlds… In The Most Unique Places On Earth Showcasing the rare opportunity to ...

Why Indochina Should Be Your Next Golfing Destination

When thinking of Indochina, it is easy to conjure up thoughts of peaceful relaxation, Buddhist Monks, iconic temples and a deep-rooted history that awakens the soul and takes you back in time. It is true that one can find all of this in the various countries that make up Indochina: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia, but did you know that it is also a great golfing destination for a perfect getaway. These very things that make Indochina unique add to your golfing ...

There’s A Giant In Bangkok

Choosing the right hotel is always a trying task, and with the enormous number of promotions, deals and programs out there, it can be downright overwhelming. It doesn’t help that these days most hotels have Websites full of tantalizing photos and slick promotional information that make you believe you’ll be bathed in luxury as soon as you step foot into the lobby. How can you tell if a hotel will live up to its own hype and, more importantly, if it’s the right hotel for you and...

Your Views on Golf in Hua Hin

Hi, my name is Craig Philpott. I am from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. I travelled to Hua Hin with 4 mates from Nudgee Golf Club in Brisbane.  I have played golf for approximately 30 years. My handicap is 4 at the moment. I am a member of Nudgee Golf Club in Brisbane. Nudgee is a members’ course but open to guests as well. This was my first time to Thailand. We selected Hua Hin so we could watch a member of our club, Scott Hend, play in the Thailand Classic, which he duly won so we now ...

Worry-Free At The Golf Tee: Enriching A Well Protected Golf Lifes

The popularity of golf has skyrocketed across the world with several unexpected countries emerging as world-class golfing hubs. While the sport was previously confined to the shores of Europe and North America, the modern game has taken a turn towards the Orient with Asia emerging as a key travel scene for golf lovers. Paying tribute to the budding attractiveness of this sport in the region, unbeatable golf courses have rapidly sprung to life across Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singa...

Surprising Chiang Mai

Having reviewed the superb Chiang Mai Highlands golf course recently, I just got back from another short trip to Chiang Mai, this time with visitors doing the tourist “bit”. Courtesy of blogs like this, for those of you who are novices to Thailand in respect of golf I’m guessing the destinations most familiar to you will be Pattaya, Phuket and Hua Hin (less so) for something that combines golf and other holiday-typical activities, in their case the beach. Chiangmai Highlands Go...

Golfing on the Enchanting Island of Phuket

When you contemplate booking your next golf holiday, the superior courses of Thailand are beckoning to you to come experience some of the best golfing in Asia. Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, features excellent golf courses dotting the kingdom, and none of them is more in demand than those of Phuket. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is easy to get to and a proven destination point for tourists of all stripes. For golfers in particular, Phuket’s array of amenities makes trave...

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 ha...

Golf In Bangkok

Bangkok is an enchanting city with rich golf, culture and attractions. It is known as an international golf destination for its diversity of 60 golf courses, year-round golfing weather, delicious food, numerous attractions, and most of all friendly people. Bangkok was voted “World’s Best City” by Travel +Leisure magazine in 2010. The championship golf courses and vibrant streets of Bangkok never stop to amaze vising golfers. Courses such as Thai Country Club, where Tiger Woods cruised to a 10 s...

It’s Not Only Thailand Golf

  Golf for many of us is a very serious addiction. We have to have our regular fix! Come rain or shine, family vacations, or business meetings, we all make all the excuses needed to arrange that very crucial meeting which just happens to clash with golf. That is our ‘speak’ for sod it I am going to play golf anyway. Here golfing in Thailand, a lot of business is conducted on the golf course. Golfers in Thailand often travel with their so-called business associates and in some companies; ...

The Future Of Thailand Golf

The future is looking bright for Thailand golf with investment again seeing a surge with one new golf course estimated to be opened every 3 months or so for the next two years. Thailand’s visiting golfers are also on the rise and the ‘Tourism Authority of Thailand’ recognizes the positive effects of Thailand golfing tourism on the country’s economy which is why it heavily supported inbound golf tourism since its landmark success with the first ‘Visit Thailand’ campaign back in 1987. Today over ...

Best Place For A Relaxed Thailand Golf Retreat

Chiang Rai is away from the crowds and still offers a great golf holiday.  Thailand’s northern most city of significance, Chiang Rai may not have a quantity of golf courses but with Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club it certainly has quality.  And with conditions at Waterford Valley Golf Club having improved in recent years there are now two courses well worth checking out.  A variety of cultural attractions in the area also add appeal with the Golden Triangle, the Queen Mother...

Thailand’s Ryder Cup Once Again

Asian and European Golf Teams will be able to boast their own royal connections when Europe and Asia do battle in the fourth Royal Trophy this weekend January 8-10 at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok. Asia's bid to defend the trophy donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand, will be spearheaded by Ryo Ishikawa, also know to his army of fans as 'The Bashful Prince'. The European challenge will be led by Colin Montgomerie, who was installed as a Member of the British Empire and...

Honda LPGA Thailand Ladies Golf Event Comes Back To Pattaya

The Honda LPGA golf tournament will return to Pattaya on February 26. After a 1 year absence, the event will be held once again at Siam Country Club. However, this time the golf tournament will be held on the more challenging Siam Country Club, Plantation Course instead of the 2007 tournament site, the Siam Country Club Old Course. The new venue should make for some great golf, even if the scores are on the high side. Two young pro golfers from Thailand, Thidapa Suwannapura, and 13 year old Mor...

Golf Travel History

We all need to get away occasionally and escape the routine of our jobs to find a few days to golf away from the town or city we call our home. Since the early 1800s international tourism has grown from humble beginnings to a multi-billion dollar industry that spans the globe. Even the Romans needed a break and the first documented examples of holidays show wealthy families getting away to coastal villages and towns such as Baiae; albeit with no mention of any golf being on offer. In the 17th ce...

A Tale Of 2 Bangkok Thailand Airports

If it is a little while since your last Thailand golf tour, or if your on a golfing holiday in Thailand for the first time, you will need to be aware that Bangkok now has two airports, Suvarnabhumi (pronounced su-wan-na-poom), and Don Muang. All international airlines fly in and out of Suvarnabhumi, while domestic flights are operated at both airports. Domestic flights with 3 digit flight numbers and the airport code BKK operate at Suvarnabhumi, while those with 4 digit flight numbers and the a...

Christmas Presents For Thailand Golfers

With the Festive Season approaching at breakneck speed, like me, you may be in a state of panic as to what presents to buy. Here are six ideas for your Thailand golfing loved one: 1. For his/her next golfing holiday in Thailand, a new travel golf bag will be well received. One of the best I have seen recently is the OGIO Mammoth (US$330.00). This sturdy golf travel bag stands upright and glides effortlessly in transit thanks to four sturdy, swiveling wheels. The OGIO Mammoth has a wide mouth ope...

Thailand Professional Golf Update

Congratulations to the Thailand team that won the Fortis International Challenge at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, Malaysia two weeks ago. Thai hotshots Thongchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng put on an outstanding exhibition of golf with a final round eight-under-par 64 to win this prestigious event. Thailand had a great start to the tournament by firing an 11-under-par 61 for the joint first round lead. The pair then produced a battling two-under-par 70 to take a one-stroke halfway lead...

Eagle Par Birdie Welcome From Thailand

To start the week off on a high note I thought I would let you know about the great golf site which I came across the other day. Eagle Par Birdie is a multi-media blog site devoted to amateur golfers. It’s written by Chris Henry, a veteran Canadian broadcast journalist and golf writer with more than 30 years experience covering international news and sports. Eagle Par Birdie touches all the bases for the amateur player: equipment news, instruction advice, tour news, course reviews, golf travel d...

Phuket, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai Golf Societies

Here is the continuation of my posts about Thailand golf societies, which can be an excellent choice for frequent Thailand golf travelers. Golf societies also thrive in Phuket and Hua Hin. The Phuket Expat Golf Society (PEGS) was established some 12 years ago and has grown to a membership of over 500 golf enthusiasts from many parts of the world and different walks of life.  There is a  program of regular tournaments on golf courses on and around Phuket whilst periodic challenges with ...

Bangkok Golf Societies

For those of you who are frequent golf travelers to Thailand, you might want to consider joining one of the local golf societies. Not only is it a good way to meet and socialize with like minded gofers in Thailand, it also can be a significant savings on green fees. Most Thai golf clubs are non-profit organizations and receive substantial group green fee discounts from the Thailand golf courses here. As might be expected, Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, boasts the highest number of golfing societi...

Phuket Golf Road Show

Are you planning a Phuket golf holiday and do you live in one of the following countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Korea, Hong Kong, UK, Sweden, Russia or India? If so, read on! Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit announced recently that to promote Phuket to foreign tourist markets the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be going on a 14-country road show. If you can attend this, you will have every opportunity to find out all a...

Johnnie Walker Classic 2007, A Great Phuket Golf Tournament

Those of you who were in Thailand last week and were lucky enough to be able to get to the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket for the Johnnie Walker Classic would have enjoyed a fantastic tournament. The final day in particular lived up to all expectations as a new star was born when South African Anton Haig won his first European PGA Tour event in a dramatic playoff. Twenty-year-old Haig joined the likes of Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo to become a Johnnie Walker Champion...