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Golf Thailand Golf : See 7 - Day itineraries
: golf-region
Bangkok
& the Central region
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There are many championship
standard courses in Bangkok and around the city
perimeter, while the neighbouring provinces of Pathom
Thani to the north, Nakhon Pathom to the northwest,
and Chachaoengsao to the east, each boast a number of
world-class facilities.
This region is the
major rice bowl of the county, and many of the courses have been carved
out of rice paddies, compensating for the flat terrain with
beautiful layouts and lots of water hazards. The older courses
have shadier fairways, with mature vegetation, making it pleasant
to play even in the most torrid months.
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Western
region
Golf in the
Westerm region is centerd in the Hua hin and Cha-am area, and
around the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi. Hua Hin and Cha-am are both
resort tower on the Gulf of Thailand, with excellent hotel
accommodation. The Royal Hua Hin Golf Course is the oldest course
in Thailand. The weather on the coastline here is pleasant for
most of the year, with cooling breezes offering respite from the
sun even in the hottest months.
Kanchanburi, which
like the two resort towns is around two hours by road from
Bangkok, is know primarily as the site of the historic Bridge Over
the River Kwai. Now, however, it is becomingly known as an
attractive destination for recreational golfers, with several
world-class courses in picturesque settings. The courses have
their own accommodation onsite or nearby the river but few in the
town itself, so reservations are advisable.
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Eastern
region
The provinces on
the Eastern Seaboard are major agricultural and industrial
producers. In the past decade, recreational golf has grown in step
with the industrial estates, with new courses springing up to
serve the expatriates and local enthusiasts. Some of the most
famous names in golf have created impressive layouts with
first-class facilities out of rocky and sandy terrain. Some cater
to serious players, others fall somewhere in between
Golfing action is
centred around Chon Buri and Pattaya. Just two hour’s drive from
the capital, the area is ideal for day trips, though most courses,
if they don’t have their own hotels, are within a short drive of
good accommodation.
Northern
region
The North is ideal
for a golf holiday, with its long mountain ranges, wide valleys
and spectacular jungle scenery within easy reach of culture rich
cities, and pleasant weather year-round. Because of the altitude
it is cooler than other regions, with temperature in the single
digits in the cool months of December and January.
The regional
capital of Chiang Mai, 700 kilometrwes from Bangkok, has the
biggest number of golf courses, most with magnificent views of
surrounding hills and valleys. Chiang Rai, three hour’s drive
further north, boasts a number of championship courses in
picturesque settings. Around the region are game of courses owned
and run by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, in
areas surrounding its dams, with moderate albeit comfortable
accommodation nearby.
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Northeastern
region
Golf in the
Northeast is centred around the Khao Yai area in Nakhon Ratchasima,
gateway to the region, about three hours’ drive from Bangkok.
Khao Yai, the largest protected area in the country, enjoys the
status of a National Pack. The area is at fairly high altitude, so
the weather is pleasant all year round, with temperatures
averaging 7-8 degrees Celsius lower than in Bangkok. It is
possible to drive to Khao Yai, enjoy a round of golf and then
return to Bangkok within the day, but there is first-rate
accommodation in the area if you choose to stay for a few days.
Southern
region
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The major resort towns on
the southern peninsula, know for their pristine beaches
and first-class facilities, are also home to some of the
best golf anywhere. The island of Phuket off the western
coast has some of the country’s coat has some of the
country’s best courses, including the Blue Canyon,
host to the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1994 and again in
1998.
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Neighbouring Phang-nga, also on the
coast of the Andama, has one of only a handful of links-type
Samui has the country. The island of Samui has the Samui Golf
Club & Driving Range, with professional golf instructor. The
southern courses have been carved out of tin-mine workings and
coconut plantations, and are set against spectacular backdrops
of ocean, mountains and wooded hills.
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