Golfing in Thailand

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, the famous “River of Kings.” No visit to Bangkok is complete without this special experience. Manohra Cruises, one of the city’s finest river operators, blends historical grandeur with modern luxury. Step aboard a lovingly restored antique rice barge from the private pier of Anantara Riverside Bangkok and glide past the modern skyline, majestic bridges, and iconic cultural landmarks.

During the cruise, you’ll experience warm Thai hospitality and savour exquisite dishes, the perfect way to make your first evening in the Thai capital unforgettable.

Day 2: Bangkok

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Thana City Golf & Sports Club for an 18-hole round. Thana City is the only golf course in Thailand designed by Greg Norman and lies close to Bangkok’s centre. The 6,966-yard, par-72 course shares its grounds with one of the city’s leading residential developments and borders Suvarnabhumi Airport, you’ll almost feel the planes landing right above the fairway!

Beautifully landscaped with native trees and flowering shrubs, the course features lawns, reeds, and sand that evoke a seaside links layout. Natural streams, lakes, and strategically placed bunkers add challenge, while the perfectly maintained greens and improved drainage ensure excellent playability year-round.

Day 3: Bangkok

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Bangkok at your own pace, or opt for one of many optional excursions, these can also be arranged locally through your representative.

For those wishing to discover the city with an English-speaking guide, the day begins at the 24-hour flower market (Pak Khlong Talad). Be captivated by the explosion of colours and fragrances, and learn how locals fold lotus leaves into traditional offerings for Buddha. Then take a short tuk-tuk ride, Thailand’s iconic three-wheeler, past remnants of the old city wall and historical temples.

Next, visit the Grand Palace with its royal halls and throne room, and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew), home to Thailand’s most revered religious statue. Within walking distance lies Wat Pho, renowned for its impressive Reclining Buddha.

Lunch follows at a charming riverside restaurant overlooking the Chao Phraya River and the mythical Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), where you’ll savour authentic Thai cuisine. After lunch, board a traditional long-tail boat to cruise through Bangkok’s klongs, its intricate canal network. Observe everyday life along the waterways and visit Baan Silapin, the house of a local artist. When possible, attend a traditional Thai puppet show, an ancient art form still lovingly preserved by the locals.

End your day with a relaxing one-hour Thai foot massage in a boutique spa. This centuries-old technique, developed by Buddhist monks, combines gentle pressure and stretching to relieve tension and restore energy balance. Round off the evening with a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the glittering city – the perfect finale to a day full of impressions in vibrant Bangkok.

Day 4: Bangkok

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Suwan Golf & Country Club for an 18-hole round. Located in the peaceful countryside west of Bangkok, the course lies amidst charming rural villages that add to its distinctive character. Surrounded by fruit orchards, rice fields, palm trees, and lotus ponds, it exudes an authentic, tropical Thai atmosphere appreciated by both professionals and leisure golfers alike.

The undulating and challenging layout gives every hole its own personality. Fairways often feature subtle slopes, and many greens are well protected by bunkers. Compared with other Thai courses, Suwan stands out for its noticeable elevation changes, where level fairways lead to raised, well-defended greens. This topography brings dynamism and challenge, requiring more than just a superficial read of the putting line to succeed.

Day 5: Bangkok to Hua Hin

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive towards Hua Hin. You’ll cross the Chao Phraya River to reach Thonburi, the twin city of Bangkok, passing local salt fields along the way before arriving at the Maeklong Railway Market, where a train literally passes through the centre of the stalls, a fascinating sight and truly Thai experience.

Continue to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, perhaps the most famous floating market in Thailand. Local traders paddle along the narrow canals in sturdy wooden boats filled with fruit, vegetables, cooked dishes, and spices, selling directly to visitors on the banks. Stroll through the colourful scene and sample local delicacies.

Then drive on to Phetchaburi, a former provincial capital and one of King Rama IV’s favourite retreats. Depending on the day, you may stop at his iconic seaside summer residence, the Mrigadayavan Palace, built entirely from teak wood. Finally, continue to Hua Hin, where you’ll check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Day 6: Hua Hin

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Springfield Royal Country Club for an 18-hole round. Although Hua Hin remains a favourite retreat for the Thai royal family and high society, it has evolved into a modern golf destination, combining refined elegance with authentic local charm.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed Springfield Royal Country Club, located just outside Hua Hin, ranks among the finest courses in the region. Meeting the standards of a true championship course, it still offers an enjoyable challenge for players of all abilities. Each hole features at least five tees, with the black tee reserved for the most daring golfers or those accustomed to playing with top-level partners. Water hazards come into play frequently, and each hole offers its own distinct challenge that demands accuracy and thoughtful play. The fairways’ gentle slopes and mature trees surrounding each hole enhance both the beauty and the strategy of the game, making every shot a deliberate choice.

Day 7: Hua Hin

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Sea Pines Golf Course for an 18-hole round. Also known as Army Golf Club II, this scenic course stretches along the Gulf of Thailand, within the lush Suan Son Pradiphat (Sea Pine Tree Garden). Originally owned by the Royal Forestry Department, it was transferred to the Thai army under Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963. The area, covered in pine forests, offers spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.

The property was initially developed as a retreat for active military personnel, veterans, and their families. The modern clubhouse, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, serves excellent Thai cuisine. The course is an excellent choice for visitors, though it’s worth noting that army officers and their guests have priority; other players may need to adjust their tee times. Those with a tight schedule are advised to check availability in advance or consider an alternative course.

Day 8: Hua Hin

Enjoy a day of exploration and discovery. You may choose an excursion to Phetchaburi to uncover the rich history of Central Thailand. Visit the residence of King Mongkut (Rama IV), an architecturally distinctive structure offering stunning views across the region all the way to the Myanmar border. At the edge of the city lies the Khao Luang Cave, home to centuries-old Buddha statues and relics nestled among impressive stalactites. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through town and soak up the lively rhythm of this charming provincial capital.

Day 9: Hua Hin

After breakfast, set out to explore Sam Roi Yot National Park. Drive south through pineapple and coconut plantations in what is known as the “Land of the Three Hundred Peaks.” Discover the unspoiled fishing village of Bang Pu, then board a long-tail boat bound for the park’s true gem, the Phraya Nakhon Cave. Tucked into the hills near the sea, this awe-inspiring cave captivates visitors with its natural light and hidden royal pavilion. Halfway up the climb, pause at a viewpoint that offers breathtaking vistas over the nearby islands. After lunch, relax and unwind on the beach before returning to Hua Hin.

Day 10: Return home

After breakfast, your journey concludes with a transfer to Hua Hin Airport for your flight back to Belgium.

Indicative price for this trip

Dreaming of Thailand? For this exceptional 12-day experience, prices start at €6500 per person, including international flights. The exact cost varies according to your preferences and travel dates.