Golf in Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand

10 Highland Courses Among Mountains and Valleys

Northern Thailand offers a golf experience radically different from the rest of the country. Here, the altitude tempers the tropical climate, forested mountains form a spectacular backdrop, and the cultural richness of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai enriches every stay well beyond the fairway.

The designers who shaped this region include some of the greatest names in golf architecture worldwide: Schmidt-Curley (Chiang Mai Highlands), Peter Thomson — five-time winner of the British Open — (Royal Chiang Mai), and Robert Trent Jones Jr. (Santiburi Chiang Rai). Each one drew on the dramatic terrain of the North to create courses where every hole reveals a new perspective on the surrounding peaks.

With temperatures often ranging between 20°C and 28°C from November to February — compared to 35°C in Bangkok or Phuket during the same period — the North is a premier destination for playing in ideal conditions, while also exploring temples, night markets, and jungle treks.

10
Selected Courses
700m
Altitude max (Highlands)
3
Legendary Designers
1974
First Club (Lanna)

The 10 Courses of the North

From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, an expert selection of the best highland courses in Thailand

Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai - 27 holes in a spectacular valley Chiang Mai

Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai

27 holes in a spectacular valley. Ron M. Garl's Florida-style design transposed into the Thai jungle.

27 Holes Ron M. Garl Top 10
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Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa - Best Value Golf Course in Asia Mae On

Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa

Best Value Golf Course in Asia. 27 holes (Valley, Highlands, Mountain) at the foot of the peaks.

27 Holes Schmidt-Curley Highland
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Chiangmai Inthanon Golf & Natural Resort - Facing Doi Inthanon Chom Thong

Chiangmai Inthanon Golf & Natural Resort

Facing Thailand's highest peak. Panoramic 7,200-yard course with natural elevation changes.

18 Holes 7,200 yards Facing Doi Inthanon
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Lanna Golf Club - Pioneer of golf in Northern Thailand since 1974 Chiang Mai

Lanna Golf Club

Pioneer of golf in the North (1974). 27 holes just 10 minutes from downtown. Authentic atmosphere.

27 Holes Pioneer 1974 10min downtown
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Mae Jo Golf Resort & Spa - Bucolic charm in the heart of the orchards Mae Jo

Mae Jo Golf Resort & Spa

Set in the heart of former longan and lychee orchards. Bucolic charm just 20 minutes from downtown.

18 Holes Tropical Orchards 2004
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North Hill Golf Club - View of Doi Suthep, 15 minutes from the airport Chiang Mai

North Hill Golf Club

Recent course (2014) with views of Doi Suthep. Impeccable maintenance, 15 minutes from the airport.

18 Holes 15min airport Doi Suthep view
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Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort - Signature Peter Thomson links spirit Mae Faek

Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort

Peter Thomson signature (5x British Open champion). Scottish links spirit under the northern sun.

18 Holes Peter Thomson Links spirit
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Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai - The Queen of the North by Dennis Griffiths Chiang Mai

Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai

The "Queen of the North" by Dennis Griffiths (Thai Country Club). 20 minutes from downtown.

18 Holes Dennis Griffiths 20min downtown
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Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club - Masterpiece by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Chiang Rai

Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club

RTJ Jr. masterpiece in the Far North. Morning mist and tropical gardens of Chiang Rai.

18 Holes Robert Trent Jones Jr. Far North
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Waterford Valley Golf Club - Wild golf in a natural amphitheater Chiang Rai

Waterford Valley Golf Club

Total escape in a natural mountain amphitheater. Wild golf northeast of Chiang Rai.

18 Holes Wild Nature Amphitheater
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Detailed Course Profiles

Everything you need to know before playing in Northern Thailand

1. Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai

For golf enthusiasts in Chiang Mai, the Alpine Golf Resort is far more than a simple course: it is a true test of ability. Nestled in a spectacular valley approximately 50 minutes from the city, this complex took a major step forward in 2014 when it expanded from 18 to 27 holes. That ambitious project divided the estate into three 9-hole loops (Zones A, B and C), offering a variety of playing experiences and landscapes that regularly places it in the Top 10 courses in the country.

An international signature for your golf trip

The original layout was designed by renowned architect Ron M. Garl, who brought the spirit of Florida championship courses into the Thai jungle. If you are planning to play golf in Thailand, Alpine offers a rare technical challenge. The course features narrow fairways lined with dense forest and mountain ridges that create a breathtaking natural amphitheater.

The original design (Zones A and B) is renowned for its difficulty, with fast greens and ever-present water hazards. The 9-hole extension (Zone C), though more recent, blends seamlessly into the whole while offering more open perspectives and striking elevation changes. For any golfer on a golf tour, each loop has its own identity, demanding constant strategic adaptation.

Precision and adrenaline: the essence of a prestige golf stay

Alpine does not forgive imprecision. Stretching to 7,541 yards from the championship tees, it has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Chiangmai Golf Classic (Asian Tour). This is a Chiang Mai course that demands respect, where the silence of the mountains is broken only by the quality of your swing.

The green challenge: The putting surfaces are of exceptional quality but formidable thanks to their slopes and pace.

The signature hole: Hole No. 7 (Par 4) is a local legend, with a dogleg fairway requiring a bold tee shot over water toward a well-guarded green.

Premium facilities: The imposing clubhouse offers service worthy of the finest private clubs, ideal for rounding off a group golf trip with a panoramic view over the final holes of the valley.

A must-play stop on your golf trip to Thailand

As a specialist golf travel agency, we consider Alpine an essential "benchmark" stop for competent players. Its impeccable conditioning from tee to green makes it a reliable cornerstone of any all-inclusive golf package in the North.

Whether you are travelling solo or with a group, Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai adds a championship dimension to your itinerary. It complements more "garden-style" courses such as Summit Green Valley perfectly. Including this 27-hole landmark in your golf stay guarantees lasting memories, where the technical mastery of Ron Garl's design meets the wild grandeur of the Thai highlands.

Practical Information

Architect: Ron M. Garl
Holes: 27 (3 nines of 9 holes)
Extended: 2014 (27 holes)
Location: Chiang Mai, 30 min from downtown
Ranking: Top 10 Thailand
Caddies: Mandatory, included
Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai - Fairway with mountain view Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai - Clubhouse and practice facilities

2. Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa

For any golf enthusiast looking to play golf in Thailand, the Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort is an absolutely must-play destination. Named among the best new courses in Asia upon its opening in 2005, then crowned "Best Value Golf Course" in Asia, this complex has become the benchmark for golf travel in Thailand for those seeking excellence, mountain air, and a high-level technical challenge.

An organized golf trip among mountains and prestigious design

Designed by the renowned Schmidt-Curley Design firm, this 27-hole course is a genuine ode to the topography of the North. Located in the Mae On district, approximately 45 minutes east of Chiang Mai (near the famous San Kamphaeng hot springs), the complex offers a refreshing escape. The drive passes through magnificent rural landscapes before reaching this sanctuary nestled at the foot of the peaks.

During your golf stay in Thailand, you will discover three distinct 9-hole loops: the Valley Course, the Highlands Course, and the more recent Mountain Course (added in 2015). This final nine features even more pronounced elevation changes and breathtaking panoramas, with a total of over 10,000 yards of pure golfing pleasure.

The hallmarks of a prestige golf trip

What stands out on an organized golf trip to Chiang Mai Highlands is the flawless quality of the Paspalum fairways and TifEagle greens, renowned for their fast pace and firmness. The course is famous for its "wild" aesthetic, yet perfectly maintained, with over 130 deep, strategically placed bunkers.

The signature hole: Hole No. 18 (par 5) of the original course is legendary. It is a long uphill hole requiring precision to avoid the massive bunkers lining the fairway, finishing at an elevated green just in front of the clubhouse — the perfect finale for a memorable golf trip.

The distances: With tee boxes suited to all levels, the course can stretch to impressive lengths, testing both your power and your short game equally.

Your all-inclusive golf trip with GolfinThai

As its name suggests, the experience here goes beyond sport. For those who choose a golf and spa stay, the resort offers private villas in traditional Thai style and a premium wellness center. It is the ideal destination for a group golf trip or a solo golf traveller wishing to combine sport with deep relaxation.

As a specialist golf travel agency, we know that logistics are the key to a successful stay. Choosing this club for your all-inclusive golf package means enjoying:

A cooler climate than in the center of the country thanks to the altitude.

An award-winning clubhouse offering one of the best local cuisines in the region.

The expertise of GolfinThai for personalized support and stress-free private transfers.

Whether you are looking for an all-inclusive golf stay or a golf improvement trip abroad to perfect your swing, Chiang Mai Highlands embodies the perfection of golf in Thailand.

Practical Information

Architect: Schmidt-Curley Design
Opened: 2005
Holes: 27 — Valley, Highlands, Mountain
Par: 72 (6,800 yards)
Altitude: 700–900 m
Accommodation: Bungalows + Spa on site
Chiang Mai Highlands - Panoramic view from the Mountain nine Chiang Mai Highlands - Valley nine fairway with morning mist

3. Chiangmai Inthanon Golf & Natural Resort

For those seeking to escape the urban bustle, the Chiangmai Inthanon Golf & Natural Resort offers an invigorating playing experience. Located approximately one hour south of the city in the Chom Thong district, this course rises up facing the majestic Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. It is a prized destination for enthusiasts who approach their golf trips as a true immersion in nature.

A panoramic layout for your next golf holiday

Opened in 2009 and designed by local architect Supachai Silamon, this 18-hole course stretches over 7,200 yards. Its distinctive quality lies in how completely it integrates into the rolling landscape. If you want to play golf in Thailand in a setting where mountain views are omnipresent, this complex will not disappoint. The design is relatively open, giving way to grand panoramas, but do not be misled: elevation changes and mountain winds add welcome complexity to every tee shot.

This course stands out for the variety of its holes. The fairways are wide, but the bunkers are placed in a way that rewards surgical precision. For any golfer on an organized tour, Inthanon offers a striking contrast to the flat parkland courses found during a golf stay in Bangkok or Pattaya. Here, the air is fresher and the tranquility is absolute.

The experience of a golf stay at the foot of Thailand's highest mountain

The climate is one of the strongest arguments for this venue. Due to its proximity to the national park, temperatures are often milder here, making your golf stay in Thailand particularly enjoyable even during the hot season.

The strategic challenge: The greens are vast and often heavily undulating, demanding careful reading and excellent pace control to avoid three-putts.

The natural setting: Between fruit trees and natural water features, the course plays like an ecological stroll. People come here not just for the scorecard, but for the beauty of golf in Thailand.

The post-round reward: The clubhouse serves delicious local cuisine with a breathtaking view of Doi Inthanon's summit — a perfect suspended moment for debriefing after 18 holes on a group golf trip.

Local expertise for a successful all-inclusive golf trip

By including this course in your itinerary, our specialist golf travel agency offers you a more rural and spectacular side of the country. Whether you are travelling solo or looking for a challenge among friends, Chiangmai Inthanon perfectly complements more urban courses.

Choosing this club for your all-inclusive golf package means guaranteeing a moment of pure serenity. Far from standardized resort courses, Inthanon maintains a strong identity — that of a golf course that truly belongs to the mountains. It is this authenticity that we love to showcase, turning your golf trip into an unforgettable human and sporting adventure at the heart of the kingdom.

Practical Information

Architect: Supachai Silamon
Opened: 2009
Holes: 18
Distance: 7,200 yards (back tees)
Location: Chom Thong, 60 km from Chiang Mai
View: Facing Doi Inthanon (2,565 m)
Inthanon Golf - View of Doi Inthanon from the fairway Inthanon Golf - Spectacular natural elevation changes

4. Lanna Golf Club

Founded in 1974, Lanna Golf Club is one of the pioneers to have emerged in the kingdom. Long before the explosion of international tourism, this club was already welcoming enthusiasts beneath the peaks of the North. Set within a vast sports complex belonging to the Thai army, it offers a singular atmosphere, far from the sometimes standardized feel of modern resorts. It is the ideal stop for those who want to play golf in Thailand while discovering the authentic soul of the city.

A 27-hole layout with multiple personalities for your golf trip

The greatest asset of this Chiang Mai golf course is its unbeatable location: just 10 minutes from the city center. That proximity makes it a top choice for an organized golf trip where you want to make the most of your days, balancing sport with cultural sightseeing.

The complex is divided into three 9-hole loops, each offering a different challenge. The first two courses are classic Parkland style, with fairways lined by majestic century-old trees that have watched generations of golfers pass through. The third course is a curiosity not to be missed on any golf tour: it is laid out around a racetrack and military grounds, creating a totally unique and memorable playing environment.

The warmth of a golf stay rooted in tradition

If you are seeking the sophistication of Black Mountain Golf Club or the Thai Country Club, you may be surprised. Here, people come for the authenticity. The water hazards are cleverly placed and the bunkers demand some skill, but it is above all the management of the historic layout that will shape your score.

The charm of time: The facilities carry the character of old-school clubs, offering a warm and sincere human experience.

The sporting challenge: Despite its age, Lanna remains a solid golf test, notably thanks to its narrow greens and tight doglegs.

After golf: The clubhouse serves renowned local cuisine, where players gather to review their scorecard in a relaxed atmosphere — ideal for a group golf trip.

A characterful stop for your all-inclusive golf package

As a golf travel agency, we love recommending Lanna Golf Club for its excellent value for money and accessibility. It is the ideal course for a golf trip that does not take itself too seriously but still respects tradition.

Whether you are on a solo golf trip or exploring the country with family, this club adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to your itinerary. Including this stop in your golf stay in Thailand means treating yourself to a historic interlude before heading to more beach-oriented destinations such as golf in Phuket or the Siam Country Club. Lanna Golf Club is not just a round of golf — it is an encounter with the sporting history of the "City of Three Hundred Temples."

Practical Information

Founded: 1974 (oldest in the North)
Holes: 27 (3 nines)
Location: 10 min from Chiang Mai city center
Vegetation: Century-old trees, bamboo
Green fees: Among the most affordable
Atmosphere: Authentic colonial clubhouse
Lanna Golf Club - Century-old trees lining the fairways Lanna Golf Club - Historic clubhouse and authentic atmosphere

5. Mae Jo Golf Resort & Spa

Nestled just behind Mae Jo University, the Mae Jo Golf Resort & Spa offers one of the most authentic experiences in the region. Designed by Thai architect Seni Thirawat and opened in 2004, this course is renowned for being harmoniously integrated into the heart of former tropical fruit orchards. For those who want to play golf in Thailand in a bucolic and peaceful setting, it is a top choice that combines local charm with a genuine technical challenge.

A course designed in the heart of Thailand's orchards

Located just 20 minutes north of the city center, this club is a prized destination for golf in Chiang Mai thanks to its accessibility and unique setting. The layout winds through thousands of longan, lychee and pomelo trees that line the fairways, creating a Garden of Eden atmosphere.

Seni Thirawat's design prioritizes course management over raw power. With a total distance of approximately 6,730 yards, this Chiang Mai course demands precision. The fairways are relatively narrow, protected by dense vegetation, and require a careful tee shot if you hope to score well. It is a must-play for any golf trip where you want to soak up the culture and landscapes of the North.

Strategy and playing pleasure on your golf trip

Mae Jo Golf Resort is not just beautiful; it presents strategic obstacles that will delight players of all levels.

The technical challenge: The water hazards are cleverly placed and the white sand bunkers contrast magnificently with the emerald green of the fairways. The greens, often large and undulating, offer pin positions that can be particularly demanding.

The signature hole: Hole No. 14 (Par 3) offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. It is a moment of pure serenity during your golf stay in Thailand, where the silence is broken only by the song of tropical birds.

Post-round comfort: The Lanna-style clubhouse (typical of the North) boasts a superb terrace overlooking the course — the ideal spot to debrief a round during a group golf trip while sampling local culinary specialties.

A must-play stop on your golf trip

Thanks to its complete facilities including a quality hotel and a well-regarded spa, the resort is particularly well-suited for an all-inclusive golf stay. Whether you are travelling solo or as a pair, the warm welcome from the staff and the impeccable course maintenance guarantee a memorable experience.

By entrusting the organization of your itinerary to our specialist golf travel agency, you will discover that Mae Jo has that indefinable "little extra": a soul. This is not just a game of sport — it is a sensory stroll through the Northern countryside that makes every golf trip to Thailand absolutely unique. For those seeking tranquility without straying far from the city's amenities, Mae Jo Golf Resort & Spa is a reliable choice.

Practical Information

Architect: Seni Thirawat
Opened: 2004
Holes: 18
Location: Mae Jo, 20 min from downtown
Setting: Former longan & lychee orchards
Services: Spa, restaurant, accommodation
Mae Jo Golf Resort - Fairway among tropical fruit trees Mae Jo Golf Resort - Natural pond and green surrounded by longan trees

6. North Hill Golf Club

Ideally located just 15 minutes from the international airport, North Hill Golf Club is one of the most recent and most refined courses in the region. Initially designed as a modest private 9-hole course, it was completely transformed and expanded in 2014 to become a superb 18-hole championship layout. Today it is a benchmark for any golf enthusiast in Chiang Mai seeking impeccable maintenance and premium facilities.

A green oasis with views of Doi Suthep

What strikes you immediately upon arriving at North Hill is the contrast between the nearby city and the serenity of the estate. The course offers sweeping views of the famous mountain temple, Doi Suthep, which seems to watch over your swing. If you are planning to play golf in Thailand, this course is a must-play for its accessibility and refined aesthetic.

Although the terrain is relatively flat, the challenge is far from simple. The architect has cleverly used water, present on almost every hole, to punish overly aggressive play. The fairways are narrow and wind between strategically placed sand hazards. This is a Chiang Mai golf course that demands precision over raw power, making it an excellent test for a well-rounded golf trip.

Green speed: the signature of North Hill

The true test of this course lies in the quality of its greens. Renowned as among the fastest in Northern Thailand, they demand a very delicate touch.

The technical challenge: The subtle undulations of the greens require careful reading, typical of top international courses.

The signature hole: Hole No. 17, a demanding Par 3 with a green protected by water, will test your nerves at the end of your round. It is the highlight of this golf experience for many of our clients.

Total comfort: The clubhouse is one of the most luxurious in the city. Its "Urban Resort" design, featuring the famous restaurant The Mix, is the perfect spot to enjoy fusion cuisine after your 18 holes.

A prestige stop on your golf trip to Thailand

North Hill is the preferred choice for those who want to make the most of their time. Whether you are on a solo golf trip or organizing a group golf tour, its proximity to commercial centers and cultural attractions makes it an ideal base.

By entrusting your itinerary to our specialist golf travel agency, you will find that North Hill perfectly complements wilder layouts such as Highlands. It brings that essential touch of luxury and modernity to any successful all-inclusive golf stay.

For golf enthusiasts in Thailand who refuse to compromise between the technical quality of the course and the comfort of the facilities, North Hill Golf Club is a first-class destination. It guarantees a smooth, elegant, and memorable day of golf in the heart of the "Rose of the North."

Practical Information

Opened: 2014
Holes: 18 (Championship)
Airport: 15 min (Chiang Mai International)
City center: 20 min
View: Doi Suthep and Wat Phra That
Maintenance: International standard
North Hill Golf Club - View of Doi Suthep from the fairway North Hill Golf Club - Greens impeccables et fairways championship

7. Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort

Set in the heart of the magnificent Mae Faek valley, The Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort is far more than a simple course: it is a homage to the history of the game. Inaugurated in 1996, this layout bears the signature of Peter Thomson, five-time winner of the British Open. His genius was to import the spirit of Scottish links golf under the Thai sun, creating a course where strategic intelligence prevails over brute force.

A Peter Thomson masterpiece at the gates of the city

Approximately 40 minutes by road from the city center, this site has become a pillar of golf in Chiang Mai. Thomson designed a perfectly integrated Parkland setting where thousands of mature trees now frame impeccable fairways. While many players associate golf in Thailand with the flatlands around Bangkok or the coastlines of Phuket, Royal Chiang Mai offers a radically different mountain atmosphere — fresher and more tranquil.

For enthusiasts looking to play golf in Thailand, this 6,969-yard course offers a subtle challenge. Water hazards wind through the estate, while deep, well-positioned bunkers evoke the classic British style. It is a favorite stop for those who entrust their golf stay to our agency, as it allows golfers to immerse themselves in wild nature while enjoying a high standard of maintenance.

Strategy meets tropical immersion

What makes this Chiang Mai golf course so special is its silence. Far from the bustle of the city, each hole reveals a new panorama over the surrounding peaks.

The technical challenge: The greens are often elevated, requiring precise approaches and careful reading of slopes that can be deceptively tricky.

The signature hole: Hole No. 11 (Par 4) is arguably the most memorable of your golf trip. It demands a powerful drive over a lush valley to reach a narrow fairway, delivering a unique sense of adventure.

The climate: The resort's location encourages a light breeze, ideal for playing all 18 holes in the best conditions.

A complete experience for your next golf trip

The traditional-style clubhouse perfectly completes the experience. After an intense round, its terrace becomes the favored meeting point for a group golf trip, offering a breathtaking view of the sunset.

As a specialist golf travel agency, we regularly include this stop for its authenticity. Whether you are on a solo golf trip or travelling with others, the resort also offers leisure facilities (hotel and spa) that allow a simple day on the course to become a full all-inclusive golf stay.

Less ostentatious than some luxury complexes, Royal Chiang Mai relies on the nobility of its design and the quality of its hospitality. It is a characterful destination that proves golf travel in Thailand can also be synonymous with tradition and absolute serenity.

Practical Information

Architect: Peter Thomson (5x British Open Champion)
Opened: 1996
Holes: 18
Location: Mae Faek, north of Chiang Mai
Style: Scottish links transposed to Thailand
Level: Mid to low handicap recommended
Royal Chiang Mai - Links spirit with strategic bunkers Royal Chiang Mai - Mountain view from the fast greens

8. Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai

Nicknamed the "Queen of the North," Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai holds a special place in the golfing landscape of the region. Designed by renowned architect Dennis Griffiths (who also created the famous Thai Country Club in Bangkok), this course was conceived to deliver a visually stunning and technically demanding experience from the moment it opened in the 1990s.

A course of character at the gates of Chiang Mai

One of the major assets of this Thailand golf trip is its immediate proximity to the "Rose of the North." Located just 20 minutes from Chiang Mai city center, Summit Green Valley makes it easy to combine urban sightseeing with a passion for the greens.

From the very first tee shot, the tone is set: Dennis Griffiths imported a Florida-style design perfectly adapted to the local climate. The course is lined with hundreds of palm trees and lush vegetation, but do not be seduced by the scenery. This golf course is renowned for its omnipresent water hazards (present on almost every hole) and its massive bunkers guarding vast but formidable greens — fearsome for their pace and subtle slopes.

Strategy at the heart of your golf trip

Here, power alone is not enough; course management is everything. The fairways, though appearing wide, are often shaped by mounds and water features that dictate your line of play. For any golfer on an all-inclusive stay, the challenge is exhilarating:

The spectacular finish: Holes 9 and 18 are moments of pure adrenaline. They converge in front of the clubhouse, separated by a vast lake that demands precise approaches under the watchful eyes of spectators on the terrace.

The night golf experience: A rare feature for a course of this quality, Summit Green Valley is equipped with a state-of-the-art lighting system, allowing you to extend your golf trip with a round of Night Golf in the cool of northern evenings.

A must-play stop on your golf trip

The impressive and luxurious clubhouse reflects the ambition of the venue: to offer a prestige service to golfers from around the world. After taking on Griffiths' bunkers, relaxing in this refined setting is a reward in itself.

Whether you visit through a golf travel agency for a single day or incorporate it into a broader itinerary, Summit Green Valley remains a reliable choice. It is a course that does not age, maintaining exceptional quality year after year. For those seeking a combination of technical challenge, accessibility, and comfort, this course is a fundamental pillar of any successful golf stay in northern Thailand.

Practical Information

Architect: Dennis Griffiths (Thai Country Club)
Holes: 18
Location: Chiang Mai, 20 min from downtown
Competitions: Regional & international tournaments
Reputation: "Queen of the North"
Caddies: Renowned among the best in the North
Summit Green Valley - Natural amphitheater of forested hills Summit Green Valley - Signature dogleg with water hazard

9. Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club

If Northern Thailand has a hidden gem, it is undoubtedly Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club. Inaugurated in 1993, this course was born from an ambitious vision: to give the Far North a layout capable of competing with the most prestigious creations worldwide. To achieve this, the undisputed master of golf architecture, Robert Trent Jones Jr., was called upon — and he sculpted every fairway to embrace the natural contours of the Chiang Rai hills.

A golf trip between morning mist and tropical gardens

Located just 20 minutes from Chiang Rai city center, this club is a characterful stop on any organized golf trip. From dawn, the venue offers a striking spectacle as the morning mist lifts over the distant mountains to reveal emerald fairways lined with lush tropical vegetation.

Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed here an 18-hole course (Par 72) that demands great finesse. Unlike more open layouts, Santiburi requires precise ball placement. The bunkers, the architect's signature, are true defensive works of art, while the water features wind intelligently to guard the greens. For golf enthusiasts on a golf trip, this course represents the perfect balance between pure aesthetics and technical challenge.

The strategic challenge at the foot of the Golden Triangle

What makes the experience of playing golf in Thailand so special here is the sensation of total isolation and peace. Yet the course lacks nothing in sharpness. Hole No. 18, a long Par 5, encapsulates the spirit of Santiburi: it requires two powerful and precise shots to navigate the water lining the left side, before attacking a well-guarded green under the attentive gaze of the clubhouse.

It is a must-play stop for a prestige golf trip: here, the fairways are so impeccable they seem to have been painted. Each hole offers a different perspective, alternating between open views over the surrounding peaks and more intimate passages beneath the shade of giant trees.

The serenity of a unique golf stay

After your round, the traditional Thai-style clubhouse invites you to extend the magic. Its terrace is renowned as one of the most peaceful spots in the region to review your scorecard. Whether you are on an all-inclusive golf holiday or simply passing through for a few days, Santiburi Chiang Rai leaves a lasting impression.

Using a golf travel agency to include this stop in your itinerary guarantees you discover the most authentic side of the region. This course is far more than a sporting destination — it is an immersion in the wild nature of the North, a golf trip to be savored with every swing, far off the beaten track.

Practical Information

Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Opened: 1993
Holes: 18
Location: Chiang Rai, 180 km from Chiang Mai
Atmosphere: Morning mist, tropical gardens
Reputation: RTJ Jr. masterpiece in Asia
Santiburi Chiang Rai - Morning mist over the mountains of the Far North Santiburi Chiang Rai - Tropical gardens and bamboo waterways

10. Waterford Valley Golf Club

If there is a place where time seems to have stood still, it is at Waterford Valley Golf Club. Located approximately 40 minutes northeast of Chiang Rai, this course offers a radically different golf experience in Thailand. Here, there is no engine noise, no urban bustle — only birdsong and mountain wind accompany your swing.

A golf trip in the heart of a natural amphitheater

Designed by architect Rather Hiatt in the mid-1990s, Waterford Valley was conceived with a simple philosophy: let nature dictate its own law. The course is literally sculpted into a lush valley surrounded by mountains that form an immense natural amphitheater.

What strikes you on this golf trip is the sensation of absolute solitude. The layout hugs the undulations of the terrain, offering rolling fairways and spectacular viewpoints over the deep Thai countryside. For golf enthusiasts, Waterford is an elevation challenge: you must learn to play with the slopes and accept that the ball will rarely sit on a perfectly flat lie.

Playing golf in Thailand between rice paddies and peaks

The course is divided into two distinct halves. The first nine holes wind along the heights, offering grand panoramas, while the back nine descends into the valley floor, where water becomes a major obstacle.

The elevation challenge: Elevation changes are constant. Every shot requires careful thought about the actual distance, as the gradients can deceive even the most experienced eye.

The climate: Thanks to its elevated position in the heart of the mountains, Waterford Valley enjoys a noticeably cooler climate than the rest of the region — a major advantage for a golf stay in Thailand during the hotter months.

Authenticity: The clubhouse, though more modest than the luxury complexes of Chiang Mai, offers sincere hospitality. It is the perfect place for a solo golf trip in search of tranquility or a group golf trip looking to discover rural Thailand.

A characterful stop for your organized golf trip

Including Waterford Valley in your itinerary means choosing authenticity. This is not simply a round of golf — it is a sporting hike through one of the most beautiful landscapes in the North. By entrusting the logistics to a golf travel agency, you can enjoy the wild beauty of this site without worrying about access, which can sometimes be complex in these remote areas.

Whether for a single-day golf trip or a multi-day retreat at the on-site lodge, Waterford Valley offers a serenity found nowhere else. It is the ideal choice for those who place the beauty of the landscape and the human adventure at the heart of their golf trips. Here, every hole tells a story of earth and mountain, etching indelible memories in the mind of every golfer.

Practical Information

Architect: Rather Hiatt
Period: Mid-1990s
Holes: 18
Location: Northeast of Chiang Rai
Setting: Natural amphitheater, wild mountains
Atmosphere: Hidden gem, low footfall
Waterford Valley - Natural amphitheater of wild mountains Waterford Valley - Golf in the heart of the preserved nature of the North

Let Us Plan Your Golf Circuit in the North

Our experts know each of these 10 courses from personal experience. We design tailor-made stays combining Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, temples and night markets around your ideal golf program.

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