Neil Aronson (Updated October 2024) Chiang Mai region has more than it’s share of the best golf courses. This is why golf in Chiang Mai has become a golf destination. Many new top courses have been built in the last 20 years. And why we created our Complete Golf Guide for Chiang Mai, to help guide you where to play. With 16+ courses to choose from all over the region, you have plenty to choose from.
As a result of the affordability, golfers on any budget can afford to play golf in Chiang at a top course. And not just golf in Chiang Mai, but nearby Lamphun, Chom Thong, and to the north in Chiang Rai. Also if you don’t want to bring anything to play golf in Chiang Mai, most courses can supply you with all you need for a small rental fee.
I would always recommend asking first what sort of promotions or deals they are offering. Don’t be afraid to do a little bargaining as well especially if you are there in the off season.
Tip: If your not going to Thailand primarily to golf, and you don’t want to haul your clubs around, most courses rent decent ones for about 300 baht.
The first couple on this list of golf in Chiang Mai are the lower price options in the city. Furthermore, on this list of golf in Chiang Mai, course numbers 3, 4, and 5 are all close to each other. Located north of Chiang Mai city center in the mountains of Mae Rim Valley, with lots of other activities around.
The list is in no particular order, however your cheapest and closest options to the city center are listed first.
Once again, check their websites and Facebook pages for promotions and deals, they always have them. If you are able to go with a resident, rates will be half as much what is listed. Always ask for their deals.
Travel Resources:
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes. Do the Chiang Mai Golf Challenge from Viator.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
- Star Dome / Pimantip Golf Club
- Chiang Mai Gymkhana Sports and Social Club
- Royal Chiangmai Golf Resort
- The Summit Green Valley Golf Club
- Mae Jo Golf Club Resort
- Chiang Mai Highlands
- North Hill Golf Resort Chiang Mai
- Alpine Golf Resort
- The Gassan Legacy Golf Club
- Gassan Panorama
- Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort
- Artitaya Chiang Mai Golf Resort
- Chiang Rai Golf
- Santiburi Golf Club Chiang Rai
- Waterford Valley Golf Resort
- Happy City Golf and Resort
Star Dome / Pimantip Golf Club
Star Dome is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest choice if you are staying in and around the old city. Located next to the airport, you can get there easily by Tuk Tuk. Very cheap but still fun and in good condition.
Night golf is available. For around 600 baht including cart, clubs and caddie. Tip your caddie! Ask any local or driver and they know where it is.
Chiang Mai Gymkhana Sports and Social Club
For good golf in Chiang Mai city, go right on the across the Ping River to Gymkhana Sports Club. So that means flag down a Tuk Tuk and be there in minutes. They offer Golf, Squash, Tennis, and a restaurant. Golf is only 9 holes, so a quick 9 and then hit the bars! Driving range is available as well.
The club dates back to 1898 as a social and sports club for expats, with the objective of using the club as a means of encouraging sport in Northern Siam. Like Star Dome this is a cheap golf option that does not take much time to get there. And take in some history.
The club offers memberships. My friend from California who now lives there says it is very nice, especially for the price. Less than $10 at todays exchange rates for 9 holes, or play 18 for about 600 baht. Can’t go wrong with that!
Royal Chiangmai Golf Resort
The Royal Chiang Mai is championship golf in Chiang Mai with a high end resort. The course was designed by Peter Thompson, who won the British Open 5 times. There are Cricket grounds and home to the Thailand Cricket Association.
That said, you can still play for l less than 2000 baht. Check their site for deals. About 45 minutes north from Chiang Mai City Center. Located on the way to the Mae Rim Area and offers mountains, waterfalls, white water rafting, biking, and more.
The Summit Green Valley Golf Club
Summit Green Valley is located 30 minutes north of the city center, off route 107, and up on the way to Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club. Also Mae Rim Valley with it’s waterfalls and many mountain activities, is a top choice for golf in Chiang Mai.
A challenging course with membership available. Lined with palm trees reminding me of Malaysia or Palm Springs. Claiming to be the most popular golf course in Northern Thailand, their website offers some great deals. No hotel, golf only. Night golf is available for about $40.
Mae Jo Golf Club Resort
With both golf and a resort, Mae Jo Golf Resort offer great package ‘stay and play’ deals for around $100. Part of the Golf Challenge on Viator, which is an All-Inclusive 5 day/4 night golf and resort stay at 3 different top courses. Golf in Chiang Mai doesn’t get much better.
Golf only deals for less than1500 baht, check their website. Located about 50 minutes north east from Chiang Mai City Center. Also located up east of the Mae Rim Area offers mountains, Mae Sa Waterfall, Elephant Sanctuary, White Water Rafting, and a beautiful resort. Book on Agoda.
Chiang Mai Highlands
For golf in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Highlands is one of the more expensive courses with high end resort. Part of the Golf Challenge on Viator, which is an All-Inclusive 5 day/4 night golf and resort stay at 3 different top courses.
That said you can still play for around less than $100 after 1:00pm, includes Caddie and Cart. Check their website for promotions. Located about 45 minutes from Chiang Mai City Center. Book On Agoda.
Chiang Mai Inthanon and Natural Resort
For Golf in Chiang Mai, outside of the city, we have some options. Inthanon Resort is a great option if your also making the trip out to Doi Inthanon National Park. About an hour from Chiang Mai near Chom Thong where we live!
Play some golf and make your way towards Doi Inthanon staying a one of the many modestly priced hotels on the way. They make a day of it up on Thailand highest peak, visiting the many waterfalls along the way.
Golf Rates are some of the least expensive around, partly because it’s far from the city, but good golf for around 500 baht. You can stay at the resort or start heading up the mountain. Check out their Facebook page for offers. Book On Agoda.
North Hill Golf Resort Chiang Mai
North Hill Golf Resort is less than 30 minutes south of the city center on the way to Chom Thong area and Doi Inthanon. Therefor, you could combine this course with Chiang Mai Inthanon.
This is a newer modern property, with a good restaurant, spa, and hotel resort. Great views of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Green fees are less than $1,800 baht, and cheaper for night golf. 9 Hole rates also available.
Alpine Golf Resort
Lamphun – Click For Map Location
Aline Golf Resort is located to the east of the city, set against the mountains and offers resort accommodations. Part of the Golf Challenge on Viator, which is an All-Inclusive 5 day/4 night golf and resort stay at 3 different top courses.
The resort offers 27 holes of championship golf, swimming, event facilities, restaurants and spa. Beautiful surroundings. One of the more expensive courses in the area, you will pay around 4000 baht. There is private membership available. Book On Agoda.
The Gassan Legacy Golf Club
Lamphun – Click For Map Location
The Gassan Group Golf is the largest golf complex in northern Thailand. Gassan consists of three challenging 18 holes golf course set amongst different charming location with stunning views. Offering various levels to suit all standards of golfers. Each golf course provides accommodation with a wide range of facilities.
South of the city about 30 minutes, just down in the Lamphun district. It was recently opened in 2005 and is considered one of the top courses in Chiang Mai, perhaps Thailand.
However it’s still relatively inexpensive at around 3000 baht. Also you can find offers on their Facebook page, and on their website for much cheaper golf rates. It offers resort accommodations as well and a great restaurant featuring Korean, Thai, and Western Food.
Gassan Panorama
Lamphun – Click For Map Location
Opened initially in November 2006 the Gassan Panorama Golf Club is the third course in the Gassan Group. The course reopened in 2017 as at the same time took on its new name. It is located next to Gassan Legacy.
At 7,761 yards the longest course in the kingdom, its unique distinction comes from all 18 holes designed around the contour of a large lake in Chiang Mai. Book on Agoda.
Gassan Khuntan Golf and Resort
Lamphun – Click For Map Location
Gassan Khuntan is further east towards Doi Khuntan. The property boasts stunning peaceful mountain views surrounded by Doi Khuntan National Park. Beautiful views, Island green, lots of water, great condition make for a great golf experience.
Rates are reasonable considering the course quality. Perhaps because it’s a drive out there. Less than 2500 baht on weekdays. Check for promotions on their website, they also have golf festivals. Package deals available if staying at the resort.
Artitaya Chiang Mai Golf Resort
Lamphun – Click For Map Location
Also south of the city center in the Lamphun district is Artitaya Golf Resort. So it will take you over an hour from Chiang Mai to get there. Prices in the high season winter months are around 1500 baht, while half that in the summer rainy season.
Chiang Rai Golf
To the North East of Chiang Mai City is Chiang Rai. Three hours away but another option for golf and exploration of Thailand. Smaller than Chiang Mai, still offers all the culture and activities on a smaller scale. Here are some options for golf.
Santiburi Golf Club Chiang Rai
Santiburi is a championship course designed by famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. Cost is inexpensive being so far away from Chiang Mai. High season rates (Nov 1st – March 31st) is around 1500 baht, and much less in the rainy season (other half of the year).
Waterford Valley Golf Resort
Another championship style course set up against the mountains and lush landscape is Waterford Valley. The resort is beautiful and for the price it’s staying at a luxury resort at motel prices.
Golf is about the same cost at Santiburi. But the resort hotel is a bargain at less than 2500 baht, and 2 bedroom suite rates only slightly over 3000 baht. Private balconies, pool, restaurant.
Happy City Golf and Resort
Happy City is a sprawling resort complex outside the city of Chiang Rai. Offers golf and a large resort. Check out their Facebook page for constant offers. Book on Agoda.
As you can see there is not shortage of golf in Chiang Mai Province. The region is home to some of the best golf in Thailand. Plan your trip and enjoy.
Please let me know your feedback on any of these courses, or if I have missed one.
And do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance from our recommended partners.
Where next? Pattaya region also has a famous golf destination.
