Bangkok is not only blessed with markets, temples, shops, restaurants, street food and great nightlife, it’s also home to dozens of world-class golf courses. Here are our picks for the very best golf courses to check out in 2024.
#1. Siam Country Club Bangkok
The sister course to the four famous Siam Country Club Courses in Pattaya, and is already regarded as one of the top courses in Bangkok.
Siam Country Club Bangkok is the 5th addition to the excellent set of courses available at Siam Country Club, and the first to open in Bangkok. This masterpiece of an 18-hole championship golf course was meticulously designed by Toby Cobb, design associate of the Coore and Crenshaw Design, who is responsible for numerous world-renowned golf courses, and built by Golf East Co., Ltd. Zoysia is used in the fairway while Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda is used on the greens. Unusually for Bangkok, it's a hybrid course, combining a sparse parkland layout with a links feel.
Generous, gently undulating fairways route towards elevated and super-large greens feature, that generally feature artfully-sculpted catchment areas and bunker complexes. With the use of mounding and native red grass framing a number of holes, it makes for a visually striking course and a worthy addition to the Siam Country Club brand, and most golfers will have a truly memorable experience playing this unique course.
Location: 40 kms southeast of Bangkok along the Bangna-Trat Highway
Birdies: Beautiful clubhouse and excellent conditioning
Bogeys: The views of nearby factories take the sheen of some views
Favorite hole: The par-3 18th, with its huge green in front of the clubhouse
#2. Thai Country Club
Get the 5-star treatment at this immaculate course, the site of one of Tiger Woods' many victories.
Thai Country Club
A long-time favourite among Bangkok golf courses, and probably the most prestigious golf course in Bangkok, Thai Country Club has hosted numerous major international events, including the 1997 Asian Honda Classic (won by Tiger Woods) as well as the Volvo Masters in 2007 and 2008. Despite its difficulty, it is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the whole of Thailand by experienced golfers, due to its variety of holes and perfectly manicured fairways.
Designed to US PGA international standards by Denis Griffith, the course features numerous water and sand hazards, which combined with its dauting 7,157-yard length, makes Thai Country Club an endlessly challenging course for even the world’s leading players. The course certainly requires excellent game management, partly due to the way the course has been sculpted with plenty of bumps and hollows. It's difficult to believe that this area was once flat.
The fairway and greenside bunkers are very well positioned which demands careful shot making. If you do get offline, you can usually find your ball quite easily although the clingy semi-rough makes returning to the fairway that little bit more difficult.
Away from the course itself, the facilities at the award-winning clubhouse are impeccable, and the club is managed by the Peninsula Hotel Group, with the high quality of service matching the standards found in a 5-star hotel. Highly recommended.
Location: 50km north of Bangkok in Chachoengsao province
Birdies: Excellent buffet lunch is the perfect complement to a fantastic golf course
Bogeys: Closed on Mondays
Favorite hole: The signature par-3 6th was named the best Par-3 in Asia from 2001-2006
#3. Alpine Golf Club
A really exceptional layout and one of more challenging courses in Bangkok
Alpine Golf Club
Most famously remembered as the site for Tiger Woods’ Johnnie Walker PGA Tour success back in 2000, Alpine Golf Club in Bangkok is named in reference to the hilly surrounding landscape, something unique compared to the rest of the city’s venues. A championship-standard par-72 course measuring 7,100 yards from the back tees, this impeccably maintained course offers little margin for error off the tee, with tall trees lining most fairways, and a series of water and sand traps keep things interesting.
It's certainly a course that will test even the very best with its undulating fairways and elevated greens. However, even if you are not having a great round it is a wonderfully picturesque course covered in colourful local plants which are native to the area.
Those who are lucky enough to get the opportunity to play at Alpine Golf Club will without a doubt have an unforgettable experience, with their golf skills tested to the limit. The clubhouse facilities, locker rooms, and restaurants are on a par with the rest of the complex, ensuring a visit to the facility should be part of any serious Bangkok golfing package.
Location: 90 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, and one hour from central Bangkok
Birdies: Great caddies, as well as modern Jacuzzi and sauna for post round relaxation
Bogeys: Sometimes gets crowded with Korean and Japanese groups making for a slow round
Favourite hole: The signature ‘Valley of mounds’ par-3 is notoriously demanding
#4. Summit Windmill Golf Club
A superb and often underrated course close to the airport
Summit Windmill Golf Club
Its location just 30 minutes from Bangkok city centre, along with its excellent maintenance, make Summit Windmill Golf Club one of the most popular courses in the region. Water comes is a factor on each hole from first to last, and the course, which is designed by Nick Faldo, is also dominated by greenside bunkers. Water comes into play as soon as the par-5 1st hole, with a large lake that flanks the left side of the fairway. The same theme is repeated on the 18th, with the two unsurprisingly selected as the two signature holes.
The 1st hole is a long 624 yards, with the 18th an exciting finishing hole that can provide a dramatic ending to any round. The course clubhouse is one of the best in Bangkok, with its scenic views making it the perfect site for a post round snack. Despite not being all that far from the city centre, the course still manages to offer a peaceful environment for visitors.
Summit Windmill Golf Club is also one of the few Bangkok golf courses offering night golf under the floodlights—the ideal way to wind down after a hard day at the office or avoid the heat of the day.
Location: Eastern Bangkok, towards Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Birdies: Array of wildlife across the course.
Bogeys: Popularity makes for five hour rounds, outdated locker rooms.
Favorite hole: Island green on Par-3 12th.
#5. The RG City Golf Club (formerly Royal Gems Golf City)
A unique replica course with many famous holes, including an entire nine modelled on the back nine at Augusta, Amen Corner included
This unusual replica golf course offers a unique opportunity for golfers to realise their dreams of playing on some of the world’s most iconic holes. Just a stone’s throw away from Bangkok city centre, visitors to The RG City Golf Club will be able to experience one of the most unusual courses in Thailand, whilst at the same time you can dream that you are actually playing on the hallowed turf of St Andrews or Augusta.
In fact, the entire back nine from Augusta, including Amen Corner, awaits you on the inward nine here. While the abundance of water and sand hazards makes for a challenging course, golfers of all abilities will enjoy this wonderful course thanks to multiple tee boxes.
As we all know, playing a round on a replica course featuring some of the world’s top holes can be taxing for even the best of players. Luckily for you, Thai caddies are on hand to offer you tips throughout your round, before you relax and enjoy a cold beer in the impressive clubhouse.
Location: 40-minute drive from central Bangkok
Birdies: Some great replica holes - many true to the original
Bogeys: It’s not cheap - especially at weekends
Favorite hole: Replica of the famous Sawgrass 17th with its island green
#6. Royal Bang Pa-In Golf Club
The golf course was designed by Schmidt-Curley Design Inc, who have won several awards for their golf courses in Asia
Royal Bang Pa-in Golf Club
Unlike many of the other golf courses in the Bangkok area, Royal Bang Pa-in Golf Club has changes in elevation and there is a seven metre difference between the lowest and highest points of the golf course. This elevation change makes a sound strategy and club selection very important and adds to the overall test of the course.
The greens are also undulating and quick, so plenty of consideration is requited on approach to the putting surface. Leave yourself on the wrong level or with a downhill putt and you could be left struggling to two-putt on the greens, some of which are regarded as being the largest anywhere in Asia.
Location: 90 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport and one hour from central Bangkok
Birdies: Ultra-modern clubhouse with great food and service
Bogeys: The traffic can be very bad and during peak hours ther can be delays
Favourite hole: The par-3 14th with its beautiful island green
#7. Suwan Golf & Country Club
While it may not have the profile of some of bigger clubs, Suwan is a superb layout and offers great value for money.
Suwan Golf & Country Club
Opened back in 2005, Suwan Golf & Country Club is now well known as one of the most exciting and challenging courses in Asia. The course, spanning over 7,100 yards, offer golfers dramatic sloping greens and a hilly layout throughout which will test your short game. With water and out of bounds coming into play on the majority of holes, a long and straight drive is essential.
For more experienced players, doglegs are used to tempt golfers into going for glory with the obvious risk and reward resulting in a dropped shot or birdie, depending on the outcome. The club also includes a large putting green, as well as a 300-yard driving range.
The clubhouse features among other things a modern locker room, rain showers, Japanese styled baths and Jacuzzi, as well as a delightful Thai restaurant overlooking the 9th hole. To top it all off, the caddies at Suwan are among the most knowledgeable in the whole of Thailand.
Location: West of Bangkok in Nakhon Pathom Province.
Birdies: Superb layout
Bogeys: 90 minutes from Bangkok centre by car
Favorite hole: The Par-4 14th with water running down the length of the fairway.
#8. Nikanti Golf Club
Excellent course featuring a unique layout and the only all-inclusive green fees in Thailand
Nikanti Golf Club
Something a little different from the other courses in the region, Nikanti Golf Club is made up of three loops of six holes, rather than the traditional front and back nine. As well as this, the course only measures 6,850 yards in length from the black tees, and along with its wide fairways, offers plenty of potential for low scoring. However, with its elevation variations and lightning quick and heavily contoured greens, do not underestimate the challenges you will face during a round here.
The amenities available are an added bonus at the venue, with 15-minute tee times helping to ensure for a good pace of play. This is a fully inclusive course and your fee includes everything (except alcohol), including a superb meal before and after your round, soft drinks and even caddie tips.
Location: 1 hour from Bangkok centre off highway 4
Birdies: All inclusive – nothing extra to pay – even for food and soft drinks
Bogeys: Greens have too many bumps and hollows which leads to some very difficult pin positions
Favorite hole: The par-5 13th offers golfers the option of reaching the green in two
#9. Thana City Golf Club
The only Greg Norman course in Bangkok and one of closest courses to city
Thana City Golf Club
A Greg Norman-designed course, Thana City Golf Club makes use of the surrounding native trees to offer golfers a links-style course in the heart of one of Bangkok’s largest condominium developments. The numerous natural streams and lakes throughout the course offer a significant challenge to even the most skilful of players, with a fantastic array of holes to test both your long and short game.
Be sure to stay away from the semi-rough also, which is known to be extremely difficult to negotiate. With four island greens, including the 3rd, 4th and 5th holes, accurate approach shots or a spare set of balls are definitely a requirement. The facility includes a well maintained clubhouse, practice facilities, and swimming pool.
Location: Just 20-minutes from downtown Bangkok
Birdies: Location, stunning natural scenery
Bogeys: Vast water hazards can cause havoc for players
Favorite hole: Par-4 18th with water and fairway bunkers
#10. Muang Kaew Golf Course
A tricky layout in excellent condition which is also very close to downtown Bangkok
Muang Kaew Golf Club
This challenging 18-hole course is well known for its wide and receptive fairways, elevated greens, high lipped bunkers and shaved fringes which have the potential to cause plenty of problems for everyone who plays at Muang Kaew Golf Club. The layout also offers great variety, including par-3’s with surrounded by intimidating water hazards. This is one course where the play just seems to get better by the hole.
The back nine offers fantastic variety, starting with the exciting risk-reward par-5 13th, where players have a blind tee shot and an approach shot over a large and intimidating water hazard. For less experienced or shorter hitters, you can still perhaps chew off some of the dogleg to warrant a shot at reaching the green in two, although this requires a carry of around 150 yards over the water. The finishing hole is a deceiving par-5 where any approach shots short and right will have a watery ending into a blind pond guarding the green.
Despite the facility perhaps not being as visually impressive as some of its neighbouring courses, the service and catering more than make up for this, with some of the best food in the whole city. Golf carts are optional due to the course being relatively flat and easy to walk, and being one of the closest courses to Bangkok, makes for an easily accessible round.
Location: 20 minutes from both Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport
Birdies: Proximity to Bangkok, enjoyable mix of par-3s, 4s and 5s.
Bogeys: Can get crowded at weekends
Favorite hole: The par-5 13th with its blind tee shot.
#11. Riverdale Golf & Country Club
An excellent modern course which could use a few more trees but very playable with challenging holes
Riverdale Golf & Country Club
Despite at first not appearing to be one of the more challenging courses in Bangkok, the course at Riverdale Golf & Country Club is protected by the many bumps and hollows that surround most of the greens. Although the surrounding area is rather unattractive with factories and small villages, once you are on the course, the immaculate greens and gently rolling fairways quickly ensure that this is forgotten about.
The contemporary clubhouse overlooks the 1st and 18th holes, and with challenges such as the par-4 7th and hazardous par-3 8th, you will certainly be in need of some refreshments come the end of your round. Elegant locker rooms provide for nice changing facilities characteristic of a 5-star private members golf club.
Location: 30 minutes from downtown Bangkok.
Birdies: Suitable for all standards of players, unique landscape
Bogeys: Not as visually pleasing due to its surrounding factories
Favorite hole: The par-4 9th requires precise accuracy off the tee
Green Fee Price: from THB 2,700 (~$78 USD) for 18 Holes (caddie and cart are extra)
#12. Navatanee Golf Club
The grand old lady of Bangkok which hosted the World Cup of Golf but starting to show its age
Aerial View of Navatanee Golf Club
Host of the 1999 Thailand Open, as well as winner of Golf Digest's Best Golf Course in Thailand in the same year, Navatanee Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in Bangkok and as a result is surrounded by mature rosewood trees and Bougainvillea lining most fairways. Although this is still one of the top courses in Bangkok it is starting to show its age and could do with some renovation and upgrading. The course features some very difficult holes, including the par-5 9th, and it still offers an enjoyable challenge.
The clubhouse features an outdoor restaurant overlooking the 9th hole, and provides golfers with some of the best local food in the area, although there is no driving range and the locker rooms are a little outdated. Navatanee is perhaps as close as you will come to finding a private country club in Thailand, and prices generally reflect this.
Location: 20 minutes from Bangkok centre
Birdies: Rich in history, excellent selection of holes
Bogeys: The course is in need of renovation
Favorite hole: The 445-yard par-4 6th requires a draw from the tee
So there you have it, our definitive guide to the best golf courses in Bangkok. With so many great courses to choose from you will have a tough time making your final choice of which to play. Whichever you choose we are confident that you will have a wonderful golfing holiday in Bangkok.
