Located about 40km from Surat Thani; Rajjaprabha Golf Course is a hidden gem well off the beaten path for most Thailand golfers and far away from the more popular Phuket golf courses like Blue Canyon and Red Mountain. The course is ideally situated for those looking for an inexpensive off island Koh Samui golf tour, a Krabi golf day, or a Thailand golf break when driving between Phuket and Hua Hin.
The golf course itself is part of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, one of the largest municipal bodies that design, own and operate golf courses throughout rural Thailand. However, don’t let that put you off, Jack Nicklaus couldn’t have done a better job of it.
Being located in the middle of Khao Sok National Park guarantees stunning views as you play through the 18 holes. The clubhouse is huge and has spectacular views over course and the mountains of the National Park. A side trip over the Rajjaprabha Dam is well worth it as get to see the huge limestone formations sprouting right out of the water below (ala Halong Bay in Vietnam).
Rajjaprabha Golf Course is not a very long course at 6,500 yards but tight fairways favor shot making accuracy over pure distance to score well. Green fees are very reasonable at less than $20 US Dollars a round. The course surely is one of the 5 best in Thailand under the $25 US Dollar mark, perhaps even be the best!
Rajjaprabha’s clubhouse is huge and has spectacular views over course and the mountains of the National Park. If you get time, take a trip on Rajjaprabha Dam which is well worth it and you get to see the huge limestone formations sprouting right out of the water below.
Accommodation in the area is rather limited and the hotel actually on the course is quite expensive. There are also basic bungalow accommodations around the National Park close to the golf course. However, probably the best options would be to either stay on Koh Samui and take the ferry over for the day or go down to Krabi after your round for a much better selection of accommodations.
Here are 2 insiders’ tips from one of the locals living in Southern Thailand.
(1) Play this excellent Thailand golf course during the dry months from November to March as the fairway can get quiet waterlogged during the wetter months from June to October due to lack of drainage.
(2) Play weekdays and you are guaranteed a sub-four hour round, and you might just be the only foursome on the course! Weekends and Public Holidays should be avoided as it’s a very popular destination for Thai families and the golf course can get quiet crowded too.
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