This golfing region is mainly in the provinces of Nakon Nayok and Nakon Ratchasima, with the whole area having an alpine feel to it. This is not just because it’s hilly and cooler than the central plains, but also because it sports dairy herds, numerous chalet-style buildings and a handful of very commendable local vineyards and winery’s.
The dominant feature of the region is Khao Yai National Park, a world heritage site and one of Thailand’s biggest wildlife parks at over 2,000 square kilometres.
Lying in the western end of the Dongrak Mountain range, with peaks rising over 1,300 metres, this region’s lower temperatures make it a refreshing change from Bangkok and surrounding areas.
The National Park is easily accessible and visitors are rewarded with admirable viewpoints and walking trails, highlighted by spectacular scenery such as Haew Narok Waterfall, an impressive sight when in full spate.
A vast array of wildlife, including tigers and other big cats, all co-exist in the park’s forest along with larger residents such as elephants and black bears. Bird life includes hornbills, pheasants, eagles and many smaller species, both resident and migratory. Tigers are only seen on very rare occasions but sightings of deer, birds, monkeys and some of the smaller cats are all fairly common.
There’s plenty to do other than play golf so, if a trip up here is on the schedule, be sure to explore the area around your chosen golf course.
If you have time, PB Valley Khao Yai Winery and GranMonte Vineyard are both worth visiting. Both situated on the edge of the Khao Yai National Park, 300-350 metres above sea level, this is the home of 'new latitude wines'.
Traditionally, grapes for wine-making have been grown between the 30th-50th parallels in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but Thailand has pioneered wine production in a narrow band in the north between the 14th to 18th parallels. Years of research, testing and development have opened up new frontiers, so a visit is more than just a standard winery trip.
Just up the road from the vineyards is a really delightful place full of character. The Rabiang Dao Garden Resort is set on the side of a hill and what makes it different is that the rooms, or chalets, are actually converted rice barges! Some boast two rooms or more and, with a charming little swimming pool and great view over the valley, make an excellent place for family stays.
In fact accommodation all around Khao Yai is plentiful and ranges from cheap guest houses to grand hotels
