Golf Northern Information: Golf Courses in Northern, Golf Club in Northern, Golfer Guide Thailand

Chiang Mai is the hopping-off point for the region’s three southernmost featured courses; it can be reached by rail and air from Bangkok. It’s also possible to drive but, as this would take at least eight hours, it’s not recommended. Further north, Chiang Rai is best accessed by air or road from Chiang Mai.

By air: Direct flights to Chiang Mai International Airport arrive from several neighbouring countries, or via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. There are domestic flights between Chiang Rai, Koh Samui, and Phuket, as well as direct flights between Chiang Rai and Bangkok. Flights to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai from Hua Hin connect via Bangkok.

The four main carriers are:
Bangkok Airways: Within Thailand, Tel. 1771 from outside Thailand, Tel. +66 (0)2 265 5555
Nok Air: Within Thailand, Tel. 1318 from outside Thailand, Tel. +66 (0)2 900 9955
Thai Airways International: Tel. +66 (0)2 356 1111 SGA Airlines: Tel. +66 (0)2 644 6099

By train: Seven trains a day take the northern line from Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Station and arrive in Chiang Mai some 11 to 14 hours later, depending on which service is taken. It’s advisable to opt for an air-conditioned sleeper car and travel overnight. Train journeys should be booked well in advance as trains tend to be full, particularly over the weekends and public holidays. There's no train service to Chiang Rai.

For further information regarding train services contact Hua Lumphong Railway Station, Tel. +66 (0)2 223 7010.

Local taxis can be arranged through most hotels or at the airports and are ideal for exploring the area and getting to and from the golf courses.

For a traditional way of getting around the two cities themselves, hope aboard a Samlor – a pedal-driven threewheeled trishaw. But remember the golden rule is to bargain the fare first!

Self drive car hire: There are a number of local car hire companies plus a couple of internationally established agencies. An international or local driving licence will be required as well as valid passport.

Hertz: Chiang Mai International. Airport, Tel. +66 (0)53 202606-7, Chiang Rai Airport, Tel. +66 (0)53 753022
Avis (Thailand): Chiang Mai International Airport, Tel. +66 (0)53 201798-9,
Chiang Rai Airport, Tel. +66 (0)53 793 827
Budget (Thailand): Chiang Mai International Airport, Tel. (0)53 202871-2,
Chiang Rai City, Tel. +66 (0)53 740442-3

Eateries range from street stalls selling delicious snacks up to top-notch restaurants offering fine local and international dishes. Akin to the local climate, the typical cuisine of this region is less spicy than that found elsewhere in the country.

Local favourites include coconut milk poured over mangoes and sticky rice, local sausages and the legendary Chiang Mai Curry Noodles (Kao Soi) − a creamy, mild and soupy beef or chicken curry with both soft boiled and crispy fried noodles which incidentally, are equally delicious in Chiang Rai!

This region is well served for golf courses, with several venerable tracks within easy reach of the city centre. Summit Green Valley Chiang Mai Country Club, in the same stable as the Green Valley courses in Bangkok and Rayong, provides a stress-free outing near to the city and, in the same vein, Gassan Marina is also worth a visit.

To the north east of Chiang Mai, Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort is also close to the city and worth the drive to check out.