Nina Caldwell
Thailand is a leading tourist destination with nearly 250 golf courses, most of which are located in popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. The cost of playing golf in Thailand depends on the region, the quality of the course, and other additional activities. For instance, golf in Bangkok is more expensive than in other locations in Thailand. Phuket, another popular tourist destination, is home to some of the best golf courses in Thailand, but the green fees can be expensive. Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai offer cheaper alternatives without compromising on quality. The cost of golf in Thailand also varies depending on the season, with higher fees during the best golfing season from November to February. Overall, Thailand offers a unique golfing experience with impressive clubhouses, excellent facilities, and a hospitable atmosphere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of playing golf | Depends on the region, quality of the course, accommodation, transportation, and other additional activities. |
| Green fees | Cheapest in Asia. |
| Caddie fee | $10 |
| Caddie tip | 300-400 Thai baht ($10-$12) |
| Best time to golf | November to February (highest fees) |
| Cheaper alternatives | Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai |
| Cheaper months | March to October |
| Cheaper food options | Street food ($1 per dish), tourist restaurants (100-200 bahts/$3-6 per meal) |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in Bangkok is expensive
Bangkok is home to some of the most highly-rated golf courses in Thailand, such as the Alpine Golf and Sports Club and the Thai Country Club, which are considered must-plays for golfers in the region. As with any holiday destination, the cost of playing golf in Bangkok will depend on the level of accommodation and the specific golf course.
The cost of playing golf in Bangkok is also influenced by the time of year. The high season for golf in Thailand is from November to February when the weather is most favorable, resulting in higher green fees, accommodation prices, and transportation costs. Off-season, from March to October, offers more reasonable prices, although it is hotter with heavier rains.
Additionally, it is worth noting that golf in Thailand comes with additional expenses. It is compulsory to hire a caddie, which costs around $10, and it is customary to tip between $10 and $12. Golfers are also expected to pay for buggy hire, which can be expensive during the high season.
To save money, it is recommended to book tee times on weekdays rather than weekends, as courses near Bangkok tend to be crowded and more expensive on Saturdays and Sundays. Choosing a stay-and-play package that includes accommodation and transportation can also help reduce costs. Eating street food, drinking local beer, and taking advantage of free activities, such as relaxing on the beach, can further reduce expenses.
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Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai are cheaper alternatives
Golf in Thailand can be expensive, especially in Bangkok, where green fees are among the highest in the country. However, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai offer cheaper alternatives without compromising on the quality of golf courses and the overall experience.
Phuket, a popular tourist destination, boasts some of the best golf courses in Thailand. While some of the green fees match those of Bangkok, the quality of the courses is exceptional. Blue Canyon Country Club, Laguna Golf Phuket, and Red Mountain Golf Club are some of the top courses on the island, offering dramatic landscapes, elevation changes, and challenging holes.
Pattaya is another excellent option for golfers seeking cheaper alternatives. With over 20 golf courses, including the renowned Burapha Golf Club, Pattaya offers a diverse range of options for golfers of all levels. The region is easily accessible and has seen significant investment in its golf courses and resorts, making it a golfer's paradise.
Hua Hin, located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-class golf courses. The city boasts over 10 golf courses, including top venues such as Banyan Golf Club and Siam Country Club. Golfers can enjoy a combination of high-quality courses and competitive prices in Hua Hin.
Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, offers a diverse selection of golf courses suitable for beginners and professionals alike. The cost of playing golf in Chiang Mai is generally lower than in other regions, but the quality remains high. Courses such as Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club and Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai provide a great golfing experience surrounded by the beauty of the Thai countryside.
Overall, while golf in Thailand can be expensive, particularly in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai offer cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing the quality of golf courses and the overall golfing experience.
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Caddie fees and tips
In Thailand, it is compulsory to take a caddie, and the caddie fees are usually paid to the cashier when you pay your green fee. The caddies are always local Thai women, and they are generally expected to be in good shape and wear makeup. While they do not play golf, they help with distances and reading greens. Caddie fees are usually around $10, and it is customary to tip them 300-400 Thai baht ($10-$12) after the round when they hand over your bag. If you want to change your caddie after nine holes, you can pay half the caddie fee to the cashier again and have a new caddie waiting on the 10th tee.
The cost of playing golf in Thailand varies depending on the region and the quality of the course. Bangkok and Phuket tend to be more expensive, with green fees ranging from $95 to $160 per game. Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai offer more affordable options without compromising on quality. The cost of golf in Thailand is generally lower than in the United States or major golf-playing countries in Europe.
To save money, it is recommended to travel during the off-season from March to October, when green fees, accommodation, and transportation costs are lower. Booking tee times on weekdays instead of weekends can also help reduce costs. Additionally, it is worth considering using a golf booking platform that offers discounted rates for golf courses in Thailand.
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Golf packages and travel costs
The cost of playing golf in Thailand varies depending on the region, the quality of the course, and other additional activities.
Bangkok, for example, is one of the more expensive regions of the country to play golf. There are over 50 golf courses within an hour's drive of the city centre, including Thai Country Club and Alpine Golf and Sports Club, which are considered must-plays for golfers.
Phuket is another region with some of the best golf courses in Thailand, such as Blue Canyon Country Club, Laguna Golf Phuket, and Red Mountain Golf Club. The green fees in Phuket can be quite high, with middle-quality courses charging around $95 per game and high-quality courses costing up to $160.
Pattaya and Hua Hin offer more affordable options without compromising on quality. Top venues in these areas include Banyan Golf Club, Laem Chabang International Country Club, and Siam Country Club.
For those seeking cheaper alternatives, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand offer high-quality golf courses at lower prices. Examples include Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club, Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai, and Gassan Khuntan.
When it comes to travel costs, it is recommended to hire a private car with a driver to avoid the inconvenience of public transportation or taxis with heavy golf clubs. Flying with budget airlines and staying in 3-star accommodations can also help reduce travel expenses. Eating street food is the cheapest dining option, while tourist restaurants offering traditional Thai meals or Western-style food are slightly more expensive.
Golf packages in Thailand can vary in price depending on the region, the quality of the courses, and the inclusions. Some packages may offer stay-and-play deals, while others may provide customisable golf holidays with flights included. It is recommended to book with a trusted local golf agency to avoid surcharges and to take advantage of discounted rates offered by booking engines like Golfsavers.
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Accommodation and food expenses
The cost of your accommodation and food expenses when golfing in Thailand will depend on your budget and the level of luxury you desire.
Accommodation
Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, and they also offer some of the best golf courses in the country.
If you're looking for luxury, you can find 5-star rooms in well-known hotels (Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, Anantara, The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental) for around $100-$150 per night, and even less as part of golf packages.
For something more exclusive, beachfront suites in Phuket or Pattaya are recommended, with prices starting from $100 and going up to thousands of dollars per night for an entire ocean-view villa.
If you're looking for something more affordable, mid-range hotels in Thailand are quite cheap compared to Western standards. You can find 3 to 4-star hotels with swimming pools for around $30-60 per night, and some even as low as $20.
Food and Beverage Expenses
The average cost of a first-class meal in Thailand is around $12 per person, with beers costing about $2 each. This is significantly cheaper than North American golf destinations, where prices can be double or triple.
During your golf game, you can expect to find drinks huts and refreshment houses every three to four holes, offering refreshments and snacks.
It is compulsory to have a caddie when playing golf in Thailand, which will cost you around $10, usually included in the price of your green fee.
Overall, Thailand offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, and the food and beverage expenses are generally very reasonable, especially when compared to Western prices.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of playing golf in Thailand varies depending on the region, the quality of the course, and other additional activities. For example, playing golf in and around Bangkok is one of the more expensive regions of the country. Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai are other popular golfing destinations in Thailand, with Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai being the cheapest options.
Street food is the cheapest option for food in Thailand, at about $1 per dish. Tourist restaurants are slightly more expensive, with an average meal costing 100-200 bahts ($3-6). Local beer is also a cheaper option than cocktails. In terms of transportation, a private car rental service is recommended, as public transportation and taxis may be inconvenient for carrying golf clubs.
In Thailand, it is compulsory to take a caddie, with a fee of around $10 paid to the cashier when you pay your green fee. All caddies are Thai ladies, and they are generally good-looking and in great shape. They are there to help you with distances and reading greens, but only one out of five will be proficient in golf. It is customary to tip 300-400 Thai baht ($10-$12) to the caddie after the round.
Golf in Thailand is generally cheaper during the off-season, from March to October, with the exception of the rainy season from June to September. Booking tee times during the week is also cheaper than on weekends. Using a golf booking platform can help you find discounted green fees and save up to 50%.
