Thailand's Top Golf Courses Around Bangkok

North/ West of Bangkok

Ekachai

4 km right at km marker 21 on Highway 35 (to Samut Sakhon)
Tel: 416-5557: Fax: 416-5580

Flats ,tight course, it seems to have more water than fairways. Although the water has been moved away from some holes, it is still easy to lose a dozen balls in the course of a round. There are 27 holes. 18 of them floodlit for night golf. although insects are a problem. There are nice riverside restaurants at nearby Samut Sakhon, but it is best to stay in Bangkok.

Booking: advisable at weekends

Green fees: weekday $$; weekend $$$.

Mission Hills

On Highway 3089 (via Highway 323) past Bang Pong, 126 km west of Bangkok
Tel: 253-2650. Fax: 253-2651

This multi-million dollar 18-hole par 72 course was designed by Jack Nicklaus, complete with his waste bunkers. Set on a shallow hill, sloping away from the big timber-clad clubhouse, the wide fairways are decorated with thousands of mature palms. An unusual feature is the camouflaged drink-huts, their roofs turfed cover. A long way from Bangkok, there is moderately expensive accommodation to rent alongside the course in mini-condos by a lake; but there is a total absence of nightlife for miles around.

Booking: It is not usually crowded, but reservations are advisable at weekends. Closed on Mondays.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant, tennnis, swimming pool, snooker, karaoke, banquet room.

Green fees: weekday $$; weekend $$$.

Ratchaburi

On Highway 3087 near Chom Bung, west of Rachaburi, 105 km from Bangkok.
Tel: (01) 312-0484; Fax: 282-9205

Also known as Castle Hill, this pretty 18-hole par 72 course traces a figure-of-eight round two craggy hills. On the ridge between them stands one of the most outrageous buildings on any Thai golf course - a 5-storey combined clubhouse and condotel that is a copy of the Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna. An exotic place to hide away for the weekend, it is far enough from Bangkok to ensure that it is rarely crowded. Recommended.

Booking: A members' club, but visitors are welcome. Best to reserve at weekends.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant, banquet room.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$.

Rose Garden

On highway 4 at the 32 km marker from Bangkok (turn right past footbridge)
Tel (034) 322-771; Fax: 253-2625

Once voted by an international golf magazine among the best 20 resort courses in the world, Rose Garden's flattish fairways wind through mature woodlands. It can be rather soggy after heavy rain, and the elevated greens have never really been top class. Although no longer pre-eminent, Rose Garden is always a delight to play, because the visitor is offered supremely excellent service. The 18-hole par 72 course has its own hotel nearby, but is within easy reach of Bangkok. The family can spend the day at the nearby pleasure park and enjoy an elephant show.

Booking: open to all, but reservations essential at weekends, when it is often full. Closed on Mondays.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant.

Green fees: weekday $; weekend $$$.

Royal Gems

Off Highway 310 (turn right off Highway 308 at 20 km marker) about 29 km west of Bangkok
Tel: 353-2579; Fax 441-9843

The designer, Gary Roger Baird, has built a truly excellent course on this open site within easy reach of Bangkok. By constructing a series of wide dams and linked waterfalls, he has turned a mundane piece of land into a delightful landscape. The 18hole par 72 course is quite challenging, but its wide fairways and large greens make it very fair and enjoyable to play. It is not the cheapest course in Thailand, but represents reasonable value. There is a big sports centre adjacent to the modern clubhouse.

Booking: open to all, but reservations essential at weekends.

Facilities: pro shop, club hire, carts, restaurant, swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna.

Green fees: weekday $$; weekend $$$$.