Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort: Northern Thailand’s Mountain Sanctuary

Tucked away in the emerald foothills east of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort offers one of Thailand’s most complete luxury golf experiences. Here, crisp mountain air, lush valleys, and golden sunsets converge to create a sanctuary that feels worlds away from city life.

More than just a golf destination, Chiang Mai Highlands combines championship-level play, private resort villas, and a full-service spa, offering travelers a retreat that nourishes both body and soul. Since opening in 2005, the resort has earned a reputation as Northern Thailand’s premier blend of sport and serenity — a place where every swing, every breath, and every sunrise feels restorative.

Course Overview: A World-Class Mountain Challenge

The centerpiece of the resort is its 27-hole championship course, masterfully designed by Schmidt-Curley Golf Design— the same architectural firm behind some of Asia’s finest courses. Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Golf Courses in Thailand and Top 20 in Asia, it’s celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, immaculate conditioning, and thoughtful strategy.

Carved through rolling foothills, the course offers dramatic elevation changes, panoramic mountain vistas, and lush, natural vegetation that gives each hole a distinct character. Players often describe it as “golfing inside a painting” — every tee shot framed by mountain silhouettes and emerald valleys.

The layout features Paspalum fairways and TifEagle greens, ensuring pristine playability year-round. The greens are fast, true, and heavily contoured, rewarding precision and punishing lapses in concentration.

With over 130 deep, strategic bunkers, placement is everything. Nearly every green is protected by steep-faced traps, demanding accuracy and control. This is a course that rewards smart golf — knowing when to attack and when to lay up.

Key Holes & Highlights

Hole 3 (Par 5): An early challenge running alongside water on the left. Drives must hug the right side to avoid trouble, setting up a risk-reward approach.
Hole 18 (Par 5): The resort’s signature finisher. A long downhill par-5 that tempts big hitters to reach the green in two — but a stream crossing short of the green punishes greed. Strategy and tempo are key.
The Highlands Nine: The newest addition, offering slightly wider fairways but elevated greens with sweeping vistas across the valley.

Beyond the course itself, practice facilities are first-rate: a 300-yard grass-tee driving range, multiple practice greens, and a short-game area that mirrors on-course conditions. It’s a facility designed not just for play, but for refinement — ideal for serious golfers seeking improvement as much as enjoyment.

The Playing Experience

Chiang Mai Highlands plays like a dialogue between golfer and landscape. It’s less about overpowering the course and more about understanding it — adjusting to uneven lies, changing wind, and the subtle pull of the mountains on every putt.

From the opening tee shot, the serenity is striking. There’s little noise beyond birdsong and the rhythmic click of clubs. Caddies — local experts with warm smiles — provide invaluable insights on the course’s deceptive slopes and lightning-fast greens. Their guidance can easily save several strokes per round.

This is golf for those who value immersion. The challenge is cerebral yet calming; the setting humbling yet uplifting. Every hole feels personal, a reflection of the resort’s philosophy: precision over power, mindfulness over haste.

The Spa: The Highlands Spa Experience

After a day on the fairways, the Highlands Spa provides the perfect antidote to competition and travel. Blending traditional Thai wellness with modern therapeutic methods, it’s one of Northern Thailand’s best-kept secrets for rejuvenation.

The spa offers an extensive menu of treatments, including:

Traditional Thai Massage for energy and flexibility.
Aromatherapy and Oil Massages using locally sourced herbs.
Body Scrubs and Wraps for detox and renewal.

Facilities include eight private treatment rooms, a steam room, and peaceful garden views that extend the resort’s tranquil atmosphere indoors. Therapists are highly trained, and guests are encouraged to book in advance — especially during weekends and holidays when the resort fills with golfers and wellness travelers alike.

It’s a rare place where golf and spa culture truly coexist — where you can chase birdies by morning and blissful silence by afternoon.

Accommodations: Private Villas & Mountain Tranquility

Chiang Mai Highlands offers 19 private resort villas, ensuring a boutique and exclusive experience. Each villa blends contemporary Thai design with natural materials — polished wood, soft linens, and panoramic windows that invite the mountain breeze inside.

In-room amenities include:

Air conditioning, minibar, and coffee/tea maker.
42-inch flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and bathrobes.
Private balcony or terrace for mountain views and morning coffee.

The outdoor pool, fitness center, and garden pathways enhance the sense of leisure. The Highlands Restaurant serves international and Thai cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Breakfasts are hearty, with both Western and Asian options — ideal fuel for golfers facing a long day on the course.

Guest reviews consistently rate the resort 8.0–8.6 on major travel platforms, praising its tranquility, cleanliness, and friendly staff. Some note that the resort’s remote location contributes to peace and quiet — though it also means the front desk typically closes by 7 PM, and late-night dining options are limited. For many, that’s part of the charm.

Location & Setting

The resort sits in Mae On District, approximately 42 kilometers east of Chiang Mai city center — about a 45–60 minute scenic drive through rural countryside and low mountain passes. The route itself feels like part of the escape: rice paddies, temples, and glimpses of local life line the way.

The location’s higher elevation brings cooler temperatures and cleaner air — a refreshing contrast to the bustle of downtown Chiang Mai.

Nearby Attractions:

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs (10 km): A popular spot for mineral baths and natural hot pools.
Muang On Cave (12 km): A cavernous limestone cave with a serene shrine.
Teen Tok Royal Project (20 km): A sustainable agricultural project with local produce and mountain trails.

These attractions make Chiang Mai Highlands a great base for golf travelers who want to explore the cultural and natural richness of northern Thailand.

Clubhouse & Facilities

The clubhouse at Chiang Mai Highlands reflects understated luxury — clean lines, teak wood accents, and open-air terraces that offer sweeping views of the valley.

Facilities include:

Restaurant & Bar overlooking the 18th green.
Locker rooms with full amenities and modern design.
Pro shop carrying international golf brands and resort merchandise.
Meeting room for private events or golf groups.

After your round, settle into a lounge chair on the terrace with a cold drink, and watch the sun dip behind the hills — a scene that feels timeless and cinematic.

Awards & Recognition

Chiang Mai Highlands has been widely recognized for excellence since its debut:

Best New Course in Asia – Asian Golf Awards (2005)
Top 10 Courses in Thailand – Golf Digest
Best Golf Resort in Thailand – World Golf Awards (multiple years)
Top 20 Courses in Asia – Asian Golf Monthly

These accolades underscore its dual identity: a championship-caliber course that doubles as a five-star retreat.

Traveler Insights

Chiang Mai Highlands appeals to a diverse set of visitors:

Golfers seeking a challenging, visually stunning course.
Couples looking for a wellness-focused weekend getaway.
Small groups interested in combining golf, spa, and local exploration.

Its secluded location makes it best suited for travelers seeking tranquility rather than nightlife. Transportation is easily arranged through resort staff or Chiang Mai golf tour operators.

Player Reviews & Reputation

Visitors routinely call Chiang Mai Highlands one of the most beautiful and peaceful golf courses in Thailand. Golfers praise the immaculate fairways, lightning-fast greens, and warm hospitality.

Common reviews include:

“Golf in its purest form — every hole a postcard.”
“The spa and villas make this more than a golf trip — it’s a retreat.”
“Quiet, scenic, and perfectly maintained — worth the journey.”

Many who play the course once return for multi-day stays, combining morning rounds with afternoon massages and sunset dinners overlooking the valley.

Comparable Courses

If you enjoy Chiang Mai Highlands, consider visiting these complementary destinations:

Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai: Another Schmidt-Curley design offering a tighter, more technical challenge in a forested setting.
Black Mountain Golf Club (Hua Hin): Championship pedigree with resort luxury on the southern coast.
Banyan Golf Club (Hua Hin): Panoramic views and a relaxed, resort-style round.

Together, they represent the essence of Thai golf — variety, scenery, and a spirit of calm precision.

Sustainability & Maintenance

Sustainability is integral to Chiang Mai Highlands’ operations. The resort utilizes recycled water systems, natural drainage channels, and organic fertilizers to preserve its lush environment. The surrounding forests and native grasses are left intact, creating habitats for birds and butterflies that thrive alongside the fairways.

Maintenance standards are among the best in Thailand, with year-round conditioning that rivals tour-level venues. Despite the high level of care, the resort retains a distinctly natural, unforced aesthetic — proof that human design and nature can coexist beautifully.

Verdict

Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort stands at the crossroads of sport, serenity, and sustainability. It’s where the precision of championship golf meets the stillness of mountain life. Whether you’re chasing birdies, indulging in a spa ritual, or simply breathing in the crisp air from your villa terrace, every moment here feels restorative.

For golfers, it’s one of Asia’s must-play courses. For travelers, it’s a holistic retreat — equal parts performance and peace.
In short: Northern Thailand’s crown jewel for those who believe golf should be as rejuvenating as it is rewarding.

Practical Information

Detail	Information
Location	Mae On District, Lamphun (45–60 min east of Chiang Mai)
Course Designers	Schmidt-Curley Golf Design
Opened	2005
Holes / Par / Yardage	27 holes / Par 72 / ~7,003 yards
Green Fees	2,800–4,500 THB (includes caddie & cart)
Facilities	Restaurant, Pro Shop, Villas, Spa, Pool, Fitness Center
Spa Treatments	Thai Massage, Aromatherapy, Body Wraps, Steam Room
Awards	Best Golf Resort in Thailand, Top 10 in Asia
Booking Tips	Book spa and golf tee times in advance; early morning rounds offer the best mountain views.

Explore More

Reviewed independently by golfers who live and play in Thailand. — ThaiGolfGuide.com