Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin: A World-Class Championship Experience in Thailand’s Hills
Introduction
Formerly known as Banyan Golf Club, the newly rebranded Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin remains one of Thailand’s elite golf experiences — and one of the finest in the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Built on the rolling hills of a former pineapple plantation, Pineapple Valley combines world-class architecture, dramatic scenery, breathtaking ocean and mountain views, and impeccable conditioning into an unforgettable premium golf day. The course is famed for its strategic design, elevation changes, lightning-fast TifEagle greens, and service standards that set the bar for Hua Hin and beyond.
If Black Mountain is Hua Hin’s power player, Pineapple Valley is the luxury strategist — visually stunning, architecturally rich, and endlessly enjoyable.
Location & Setting
- Location: 10–15 minutes south of Hua Hin town
- Setting: Rolling hills, panoramic mountain and gulf views
- Distance from Bangkok: ~2.5–3 hours
- Nearby: Hua Hin Beach, Khao Takiab, luxury resorts
The course lies in the foothills overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, providing a cooler breeze, elevated tee boxes, and sweeping vistas. The setting is serene, tropical, and naturally theatrical.
Course Design & Architecture
Key Details
- Architect: Pirapon Namatra — award-winning Thai architect behind many of Thailand’s top layouts
- Opened: 2009
- Rebrand: March 2024 → Pineapple Valley Golf Club
- Total: 18 holes, Par 72, stretching 7,361 yards from the Black tees
- Tee Boxes: 6 sets, suitable for every skill level
Pineapple Valley’s design philosophy embraces authentic land movement — using natural valleys, rock formations, slopes, and ridgelines to create a course that feels organic and unforced.
Playing Surfaces
- Fairways: Zoysia grass — tight, firm, perfect for clean ball-striking
- Greens: TifEagle Bermuda — extremely fast, true, and beautifully maintained
The greens are among the quickest and most consistent in Thailand, and caddie reads here are worth every baht.
Playing Experience
Pineapple Valley offers a championship test wrapped in unforgettable scenery.
The Style of Challenge
- Significant elevation changes throughout the round
- Undulating fairways creating sloping lies
- Deep bunkering that frames landing areas and greens
- Large elevation drops on several tee shots
- Greens that demand proper angles of approach
- Water hazards placed strategically (not excessively)
While the course stretches beyond 7,300 yards from the back tees, Pineapple Valley is exceptionally playable from forward tees — making it attractive to golfers of all skill levels, from scratch players to high handicappers.
Signature Holes & Highlights
Pineapple Valley is known for its cinematic routing — every hole seems to offer a photo-worthy angle — but several stand out.
Hole 14 — The Waterfall Par 4
A dramatic par 4 featuring a towering rock waterfall splitting the fairway. The visuals are stunning, and the strategy is thoughtful:
- Lay up to the wider right side, or
- Take on the narrower left side for a shorter approach
One of the most memorable holes in Hua Hin.
Hole 15 — Signature Par 3
Often considered the crown jewel of Pineapple Valley.
- Elevated tee
- Panoramic ocean views
- A green framed by sand, rock, and vegetation
- Brilliant use of natural contours
It is beautiful, challenging, and awe-inspiring — the quintessential Pineapple Valley experience.
Hole 12 — Elevated Tee with Mountain Backdrop
A sweeping par 4 where elevation drop and shaping options make tee shots thrilling.
Finishing Stretch
The final three holes march back toward the clubhouse with:
- Sweeping ocean views
- Elevated greens
- Strong winds at certain times of day
A championship finishing stretch that rewards composure and precision.
Difficulty Breakdown
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving | 7/10 | Slopes, angles, strategic bunkering |
| Approach Shots | 8.5/10 | Fast greens, elevated targets |
| Short Game | 9/10 | TifEagle surfaces are unforgiving |
| Recovery | 7.5/10 | Collection areas + bunkers add pressure |
| Greens | 9/10 | Fast, true, and beautifully conditioned |
| Overall Challenge | 8.3/10 | Fair but championship-grade |
Caddies, Carts & On-Course Logistics
Caddies
Caddies are mandatory and are widely regarded as among the best in the country.
Caddy Pricing
- Caddy Fee: ฿400 (mandatory)
- Tip: Minimum ฿400; many golfers give ฿500–฿600 for excellent service
Caddies at Pineapple Valley are:
- Professional and personable
- Highly skilled at reading the fast TifEagle greens
- Knowledgeable about wind, slopes, and smart lay-up zones
Their expertise will easily save you multiple strokes.
Golf Carts
- Optional but strongly recommended due to elevation
- Rate: ฿750
- Equipped with Visage GPS, offering:
- Precise distances
- Hazard locations
- Hole flyovers
- Scoring assistance
For most visitors, carts enhance both enjoyment and pace.
Practice Facilities
Pineapple Valley’s practice area is among the best in Hua Hin:
- Three-tiered grass driving range
- Two large short-game greens
- Multiple bunkers for sand practice
- Perfectly maintained putting surfaces matching course green speeds
Warm-up here is a pleasure, not a chore.
Clubhouse, Dining & Service
Clubhouse
A modern masterpiece with Thai architectural influences and panoramic views across the valleys and hills.
Inside you’ll find:
- The Terrace Restaurant — Thai, Asian, and international dishes
- Mulligan’s Pub — perfect for post-round drinks with sweeping valley views
- Large, well-appointed locker rooms
- Excellent pro shop with premium apparel and equipment
The service culture here is exceptional — warm, polished, and genuinely attentive.
Green Fees & Pricing (THB)
(For high season: Nov 2025 – Mar 2026)
| Cost Component | Status | Estimated Price (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Green Fee | Required | 3,900–4,200 |
| Caddy Fee | Mandatory | 400 |
| Golf Cart (GPS) | Optional | 750 |
| Mandatory Total (Green Fee + Caddy) | 4,300–4,600 | |
| Total w/ Cart | ~5,050–5,350 | |
| Caddy Tip | Customary | 400+ |
Twilight Options
After 2 PM:
- Green fees often drop to ~2,500 THB or even lower.
After 4 PM (Sundowner):
- Great value — especially when crowds thin and lighting cools.
Package Deals
Booking multiple Hua Hin rounds (3–5+ courses) through a tour operator often provides:
- Lower per-round pricing
- Transfers included
- Guaranteed tee times
Highly recommended during the peak months.
Ideal Tee Times & Conditions
Best Months to Play
- November–March (cooler, dry, perfect conditioning)
Low Season
- April–October
- Cheaper rates
- Afternoon breezes
- Course drains well
Best Tee Times
- 7:00–9:00 AM — Soft morning light, cooler temps
- 2:30–3:30 PM Twilight — Stunning mountain/ocean hues across the back nine
Who Pineapple Valley Is Best For
Perfect For:
- Golfers wanting a world-class, award-winning course
- Low- to mid-handicappers seeking variety and strategy
- Couples and groups who value premium dining and service
- Photographers and scenic-golf lovers
- Golfers building a 3–5 day Hua Hin itinerary
Less Ideal For:
- Beginners uncomfortable with elevation changes
- Golfers who prefer very flat, forgiving layouts
- Players who don’t enjoy fast, championship-style greens
But for most golfers, Pineapple Valley is simply spectacular.
Surrounding Area & Attractions
Just 10–15 minutes from the clubhouse are the highlights of Hua Hin’s south side:
Beaches & Viewpoints
- Khao Takiab Beach — quiet, scenic, fishermen’s village charm
- Hua Hin Beach — the region’s main beachfront
- Wat Khao Takiab (“Monkey Mountain”) — shrine with sweeping ocean views
Dining & Cafés
- Local seafood restaurants on Khao Tao beach
- Trendy cafés like Sea Harmony Eco House
- Upscale dining at Anantasila Villa or Let’s Sea Hua Hin
Convenience & Shopping
- Bluport Mall
- Cicada Night Market
- Tamarind Market
- Local Thai markets inland
Pineapple Valley is remarkably well positioned for both golf and leisure.
Pineapple Valley vs Other Hua Hin Courses
| Course | What It’s Best For |
|---|---|
| Pineapple Valley | Scenic elevation holes, luxury service, fast greens |
| Black Mountain | Championship difficulty, elite conditioning |
| Springfield | 27-hole variety, Nicklaus strategy |
| Palm Hills | Older, mature, relaxed walk |
| Majestic Creek | Value, jungle routing, strong back nine |
A perfect Hua Hin trip usually includes at least:
✔ Black Mountain
✔ Pineapple Valley
✔ Springfield
(+ optional: Majestic Creek or Palm Hills)
ThaiGolfGuide Value Index — Pineapple Valley
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Scenic Beauty | 9.7 |
| Course Architecture | 9.2 |
| Conditioning | 9.5 |
| Playability (All Tees) | 8.9 |
| Facilities & Service | 9.4 |
| Overall Value | 9.2/10 |
One of Thailand’s finest rounds — premium, polished, and unforgettable.
Verdict
Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin delivers a championship-quality experience that blends strategic design with dramatic elevation, luxury service, and spectacular views. Every detail — from the caddies to the green speeds to the clubhouse dining — operates at a premium level.
This is a course you plan your trip around.
A course you remember hole-by-hole.
And a course that consistently earns its place among the best in Asia Pacific.
If you’re building a Hua Hin golf itinerary, Pineapple Valley is non-negotiable — an absolute must-play.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | South Hua Hin (10–15 min from center) |
| Designer | Pirapon Namatra |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage | 7,361 yards (Black tees) |
| Greens | TifEagle Bermuda |
| Caddies | Mandatory |
| Cart | Optional (GPS) |
| Dining | Terrace Restaurant, Mulligan’s Pub |
| Practice | Driving range, putting greens, bunkers |
| Best Season | Nov–Mar |
| Twilight Rates | Excellent value after 2 PM |
Explore More
- Black Mountain Golf Club Review →
- Springfield Royal Country Club Review →
- Hua Hin Golf Travel Guide →
- Hua Hin 7–Day Golf Itinerary →
Reviewed independently by golfers who live and play in Thailand. — ThaiGolfGuide.com
