|
| |
Stretching from the hills and famous bridge
in Kanchanaburi, past the mountains of Ratchaburi to the aristocratic
seaside resort of Hua Hin, there are enticing courses and exotic
scenery to excite many golfers. |
|
Day 1: Take a two-hour coach trip to Kanchanaburi,
a small town forever linked to the Second World War. The
cemetery and JEATH War Museum provide poignant reminders
of a terrible era, then visit the famous Bridge over the
River Kwai. From the nearby station you can catch a steam
train that takes you along the infamous rail line over cliff-hugging
viaducts to Namtok station. Not far away is the excellent
Australian War Museum next to the haunting Hellfire Pass.
Spend the night at one of the riverside hotels.
|
Day 2:
Return to Kanchanaburi and a round at Evergreen
Hills Golf Club & Resort, a pleasant course located
in a beautiful jungle-covered valley. While water comes into
play at many holes, the course is not too difficult, except
for the tricky par-4 17th. In the evening, dine at one of
the many riverside restaurants near the bridge, known for
their delicious freshwater fish. |
Day 3:
Get an early start for the drive to Ratchaburi, where Dragon
Hills Golf & Country Club is ready to offer a formidable
challenge. Designed by Jim Cough, Isao Aoki and Jack Nicklaus,
this course has everything from undulating fairways to lateral
water hazards, amid the scenic hills of Ratchaburi. After
lunch visit the stunning old palace that sits on the hill
(Khao Wang) overlooking the town of Phetchaburi. Continue
south to the resort of Hop Him, where you can treat yourself
to dinner by the beach at the popular Saitom Hotel. |
Day 4:
You just have to play Thailand's oldest course, Royal
Hua Hin Golf Club, next to the railway station in the
town centre. Set around a hillside, there's no water on the
course at all, but the slopes, massive trees and tough lies
make it difficult to get good scores. In the afternoon visit
the exquisitely restored teak summer palace of Maruekkataiyawan
in Rama 6 Army camp, that offers hints of a bygone age. In
the evening, dine on fresh seafood at the fishing pier. |
|
|
Day
5: Head off on safari to Khoo Sam Rot Yet (300 Peaks)
National Park, about 65 kilometres south of thou Hin, a scenic
area full of birds and wildlife. Popular park activities include
bird?treks; a visit to Phraya Nakhon cave containing a delightful
royal pavilion built for King Chulalongkorn in 1890; and a boat
ride along Khoo Leong canal, passing through mangroves and wild
scenery. Return to Hua Hin and visit the famed N,ght Market, where
you find just about everyone in town.
|
Day 6: Just
south of Hue Hin is the tough Bangkok Golf
Milford & Resort, a Robert McFarland-designed course
with the two nines on either side of a lull. As a result there are
many sloping and tricky ties, white the climb over the hill is exhausting,
even in a buggy. Beware the rough on the back nine, which is full
of rocks. In the evening, dine in the gardens of the elegant Sofitel
Central Hua Hin, a hotel with a history as old as the resort. |
Day 7: The
final game is at the Imperial Lake View Hotel
& Golf Club, a beautiful course designed by Roger Packard.
Undulating lies and hidden greens can make for a difficult game,
unless you follow the fairways. The course has its own hotel, run
by the Imperial Group, if you want to stay on. Otherwise, head back
to Bangkok. |
|
|
