Many tourists to Chiang Mai, Thailand go to the city for golfing. Known as having some of the best golf courses in Thailand and, also, with world-class facilities, it is no wonder Chiang Mai is popular with golfers.
With many golf courses to choose from, as travelers usually have limited time to golf, it makes sense to try the best golf courses in Chiang Mai first. Then golf at the others, if there is still time left.
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort – Although one of the older golf courses in Chiang Mai, the Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort is still classified as one of the best. It is also a perennial favorite with local golfers, who love its location.
With its woodlands, slight inclines and gorgeous views of the mountains beyond, people sometimes forget its also one of the best golf courses in Chiang Mai as it was designed by a five time British Open winner. The resort also has a chipping area, a putting green and a driving range.
Their pro-shop is excellent and don’t miss the Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort’s club house. They serve wonderful meals and snacks, with Thai, Japanese and international cuisine all on offer.
169 Moo 5, Chiang Mai-Prao Road km.26, T.Maefak, A.Sansai, Chiang Mai 50290 Thailand – Tel. +66 53 849301
Lanna Golf Club – Part of the Lanna Sports Club complex, this 27-hole golf course is just about the prettiest in Chiang Mai. Designed by the Royal Thai Army, with views of woods and fields and the incredible Doi Suthep temple on the mountain top in the distance, golfers will also enjoy the canals, streams and lakes the golf course is designed around.
The golf club is close to the Chiang Mai race track as well as close to town, and is a challenging course due to the woodland that lines much of the course.
This can be a drawback as you will sometimes have to wait for golfers ahead of you, particularly on the weekends. Lanna Golf Club’s golf course is best golfed during the week so you can avoid the many weekend golfers.
43 Chotana Rd.Muang Chiang Mai 50300 – Tel: +66 53 221911
Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai– Another beautiful golf course is the course at the Alpine Golf Resort in Chiang Mai. On 450 rai of land, the 18-hole course was designed by world-famous golf course designer, Ron M. Garl, who used the area’s natural beauty to his advantage.
With wide fairways, large bunkers and difficult tree-lined areas to try to avoid, the course is challenging enough for both beginners and more experienced golfers. The Alpine Golf Resort is also a 4-star hotel offering 78 rooms that have gorgeous views of the golf course and surrounding mountains.
Check out their website too, as you can go through the course hole by hole to see what you can expect when you golf there.
San Kamphaeng-Banthi Rd., Chiangmai, Thailand 50130 – Book online.
Chiang Mai Highlands Resort – One of the best kept secrets in Thailand, the Chiang Mai Highlands Resort is not only inexpensive to golf at, it was also recently voted one of the Top Ten Golf Courses in Asia by a US golf website. On this 18-hole course, there are five different tee boxes, difficult play for any level of golfer, and large greens that require real skill to be able to play well.
Chiang Mai Highlands Resort also has a world-class spa and, if you’d rather live there than just visit, you can even purchase a house overlooking the golf course.
167 Moo 2, Tambol On-nuar, King Amphur Mea-o Chiangmai, Thailand Tel: +66 53 261354.