If I said it once, I have said it a million times. Had I gone to Thailand when I was in my 40’s, I probably would have never come back…… and I would not have been the first to make such a move. I have been back to Thailand at least a half dozen times but, in the meantime, I have had the pleasure of visiting and playing golf in Japan, the Philippines (Manila), Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali), Vietnam and even China. China is one place I don’t need to back too. Japan and the Philippines I would go back to in a heartbeat, for first timers to Asia, Thailand should be your first stop.
Warning!!! The People of Thailand are amongst the friendliest in the world. Thus, labelled as “The Land of Smiles!” You too, may not want to leave.
If you are one that wants to play golf everyday you can certainly do that. There are over 260 courses to choose from, but honestly if you are going to travel to such a diverse destination you should probably indulge in the culinary experience, nightlife, culture and beaches. It is a place like no other!
CEOWORLD Magazine Readers (2024) has ranked Thailand First in World’s Best Countries to Visit. The rankings are based on feedback from over 295,000 readers, and was recognized for its exceptional natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse attractions.
In putting your trust into someone like Asia Golf Experiences you can get the best of both worlds. AJ Easton a Canadian, and Ian Morgan originally from the UK, are the principles of the company and have been living in Thailand for over 20 years. They would love the opportunity to create your dream trip of a lifetime.
Visit the Asia Golf Experiences website Asia Golf Experiences and take note of the 19th hole flag that makes up part of their logo. “Bad round or great round, I don’t know anyone who has not enjoyed the 19th hole” said AJ, “we believe that’s exactly what each golf holiday to Thailand should be – an exceptional overall experience.”
Asia Golf Experiences is a preferred partner of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Taking pride in the services that they provide to their clients, from selecting the courses and even the caddies that are best for the players, to culinary, cultural and historic recommendations, all memorable, hassle free and enjoyable. All aspects of the trip are booked and confirmed in advance. They pick you and your group up upon arrival and are with you as much as you want through to departure.
Thai Experiences for Your Consideration
Bangkok: It won’t take long before you understand why Bangkok, “The City of Angels” is consistently a most visited city in the world. It is also the main arrival point for international flights into Thailand.
The capital of the Kingdom and the most vibrant city in the country. Known for its nightlife and fast-paced lifestyle, there are many different activities for visitors to experience. Golf in Bangkok is excellent, with some of the best golf courses being located in and around the metropolis.
A few of the courses that we recently enjoyed included: The Thai Country Club is a must stop and it was here that in 1997 Tiger Woods won the Asian Honda Classic. Another real treat is the Royal Gems Golf City – Dream Arena a full replica course, the front 9 is a collection of great holes from around the world. The back nine is the entire back 9 of Augusta National. The Nikanti Golf Club is one of the newer additions and has quickly risen to must play status with it’s unique 6-6-6 layout, meticulously maintained and you will be spoiled the Thai hospitality the entire day.
Off the course; Bangkok provides for some fantastic and world class culinary experiences, from Michelin Star, to star gazing while roof top dining or “street meat.” There is no shortage of bars and restaurants in this vibrant city.
Cultural and historic experiences, a must, is a visit to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple within the Palace. Over 8 million people visit the Grand Palace annually. Day excursions should also include some shopping, some of the best deals in the world, a tuk-tuk ride through Old Bangkok, or a trip up the Chao Phraya River and its floating markets with some excellent bars and restaurants along the way.
Pattaya and Hua Hin, both are extremely popular beach and golf destinations.
Pattaya is approximately 90 minutes southeast of Bangkok, with a collection of 20 plus courses while Hau Hin is 2.5 hours to the south. Time permitting a visit to both on one trip is very easy to do!
Golf in Pattaya: One stop at the Siam Country Club will put you on to 4 of the best in Asia. The Old Course and the Plantation Course have both hosted the Honda LPGA Thailand. Opened in 2020 the Rolling Hills course adds a new and different dimension to Siam, links in style with plenty of waste bunkers and one massive green side bunker you likely will never forget if you get into it!
On the Gulf of Thailand, hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn annually to Pattaya for some of the finest seafood, and world-renowned, maybe the craziest nightlife that you might ever come across. Just remember “Walking Street.”
As a beach destination it is all that one might expect, with windsurfing, water skiing, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, sailing, with nearby Islands to add a new and different dimension.
Hua Hin: Is a charming beachside resort town, the Thai Royal Family’s favoured summer destination. Certainly, lower keyed than both Bangkok and Pattaya.
Golf in Hua Hin: Top notch, nine courses in total, including 2 of our favorites, also top ranked in Asia, Black Mountain Golf Club and Pineapple Valley. Black Mountain Golf Club, has plenty of wow factor, a Top 100 in the World by Golf Digest (59). #1 Course in Thailand by Golf Digest in 2016 and to top it off IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) 2020 Golf Experience of the Year for Thailand.
Pineapple Valley, another multi award winner, “Best in Asia” awards for excellence, in addition to the Order of Zenith, which is the highest and most prestigious golf award in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf in 2018
Hua Hin certainly hosts a more relaxed atmosphere but this seaside destination it is not without a collection of world class hotels and fine dining. It has become a place that offers a rare mix of city pulse and lazy paradise. Golf is second to none as is the shopping, and the night markets which include the infamous – Thai Street Food!
Sun, sea, great golf, food and nightlife! Hua Hin has it all!
For the historian in you and / or something totally different think about a visit to the small town of Kanchanaburi, a couple of hours from Bangkok in Western Thailand, it offers a rich blend of history, nature, and culture.
Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass: steeped in history, it is home to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Visiting this iconic bridge provides a somber glimpse into the past and the hardships endured by the prisoners of war who worked on it during World War II. You can stroll across the bridge over the River Kwai on foot, or go for a train ride on the Death Railway, hike through Hellfire Pass and visit the Hellfire Memorial.
A paradise of natural scenery awaits, lush jungles and serene rivers with the emerald pools and cascades around the Erawan Falls, a must. For the faint at heart, the River Kawai offers scenic rides and raft experiences. For the animal lover in you, Kanchanaburi is home to elephant sanctuaries where you can interact with these gentle giants. Spending time with elephants in their natural habitat is a memorable experience.
Golf in Kanchanaburi: Interesting to say the least! The name, Grand Prix Golf Club says it all!
Driving onto the property you see Formula 1 cars and signage throughout. It turns out that all 18 holes have been sponsored by leading automobile companies with signage delicately placed throughout. The high standards of F1 have been implemented in the look and maintenance of the course.
Monkeying around at Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club. Monkeys there are a-plenty as we stood on the first tee and must have seen a couple of hundred traverse the fairway. All going in the same direction, Monkey’s on a mission. You’ve got to keep an eye on your ball and other things when they are around. They are very inquisitive. Once they grab something you are not likely to get it back!
A paradise for beach lovers is the setting for “The Invitational” and Phuket Golf Week.
Hosted seaside by Four Points by Sheraton, Phuket, yes, it is a tournament setting for The Invitational. However, it doesn’t matter what handicap you are, if you’re a seasoned golf tournament attendee or have never played in a golf tournament before. Provided you have a registered handicap or can submit a few cards prior to arriving in Phuket, you are eligible to play in this fantastic event.
Divisions will be split into A, B & C Handicaps, which means you’ll get to play and meet new people with a similar handicap to you. “More than a golf event” says Ian Morgan, “you get to play golf in an unbelievable and luxurious setting with a very good chance that you will be making new friends from all over the globe!”
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Invitational Golf Week
We have touched on a lot here, some specifics but there is so much more to this diverse destination, it’s fantastic weather and that provides so much bang for your buck.
There are a couple of things that Thailand has set the standard for the world.
Thai Massage: It started here and nobody does it better. If you have never had one you don’t know what you are missing. Working you from head to toe, a therapist utilizes deep pressure point techniques while assisting you in a series of yoga like stretches and contortions. Even you will be able to make a full turn on your next golf swing.
The Caddie Experience: Yup, this too started here! Female caddies are the norm, and again, nobody does it better. Do not underestimate the knowledge of these young ladies. They have been well trained and love what they do for a living. Professional and friendly and it won’t be more than three holes in before they know how far you hit every club in your bag. It is an experience like no other, about $10 – $15 is the standard fee. Please tip generously – they deserve it!
Amazing Thailand should be on your bucket list for any number of reasons.
For more information on Amazing Thailand in general: www.thailandinsider.com
Asia Golf Experiences should be your first call, a specialist golf tour inbound operator based in Thailand, they know the destination inside and out. Asia Golf Experiences
