Chiang Mai Golf Guide: Best Courses, Resorts & Travel Tips
Nestled among misty mountains and ancient temples, Chiang Mai offers one of Thailand’s most scenic and culturally rich golf experiences. With cool air, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality, it’s a golfer’s paradise that perfectly blends sport and serenity.
Why Golf in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai combines cool northern weather with world-class golf design. Set 700 km north of Bangkok, the region’s rolling hills and crisp mornings make it a favorite for travelers seeking a calmer, more scenic Thailand. The city’s international airport connects directly to hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong—so golfers can arrive tee-ready.
Beyond the fairways, Chiang Mai offers authentic Lanna culture, golden temples, and a slower pace of life that turns every round into a retreat. Learn more travel insights in our Golf Tips section.
Best Golf Courses in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort
A must-play masterpiece set amid emerald valleys east of the city. Known for fast greens and exceptional caddies, Highlands delivers stunning sunrise rounds framed by mountain silhouettes.
Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai
A championship course surrounded by forested hills and rice paddies. Its signature par-5 15th challenges both pros and amateurs, while the on-site resort caters to luxury seekers.
North Hill City Golf Club
Only 20 minutes from downtown, this modern course features panoramic city views, LED-lit night golf, and a lively clubhouse ideal for post-round drinks.
Mae Jo Golf Resort & Spa
Play through orchards of lychee and longan on this friendly, gently contoured course. Popular with couples and leisure groups for its relaxed vibe and spa-style facilities.
Gassan Legacy Golf Club
Recently renovated, Gassan Legacy impresses with water hazards on nearly every hole and an open-air restaurant overlooking the lake—perfect for a sunset finish.
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club & Resort
Designed by Peter Thomson, this classic parkland course blends mature trees with strategic bunkering, offering a nostalgic touch of British design.
Explore all listings in our Chiang Mai Golf Courses directory.
Where to Stay
- Chiang Mai Highlands Resort & Spa — Stay where you play, with mountain-view rooms and spa treatments between rounds.
- Anantara Chiang Mai Resort — A riverside sanctuary downtown, offering easy access to both nightlife and the airport.
- Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai — Luxurious villas amid rice terraces; ideal for travelers combining golf and rejuvenation.
- Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort — A hidden gem for couples, blending heritage architecture with boutique comfort.
Many resorts partner with local courses for stay-and-play packages, often including private transfers and green-fee discounts.
When to Visit
The best months for golf in Chiang Mai are November to February, when temperatures average 20–28 °C with low humidity and clear skies.
March to May brings warmer afternoons but fewer crowds, while the rainy season (June–October) offers lush scenery and excellent rates—just pack a light rain jacket.
💡 Pro Tip: Book early-morning tee times in December–January for crisp air, calm greens, and breathtaking views of the mist lifting over the mountains.
Travel Tips & Local Highlights
- Cultural Stops: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at sunrise for panoramic city views.
- Cuisine: Sample khao soi (northern curry noodles) after your round—Chiang Mai’s signature dish.
- Day Trips: Explore elephant sanctuaries, hot springs, or nearby hill-tribe villages.
- Night Markets: Don’t miss the Saturday Walking Street for souvenirs and local street food.
For more advice on Thai etiquette, packing lists, and on-course behavior, visit our Golf Tips section.
Plan Your Trip
Chiang Mai offers the perfect balance of championship golf, boutique comfort, and cultural depth—ideal for travelers who prefer serenity over crowds. Whether you’re chasing birdies or simply mountain views, the northern capital promises an unforgettable fairway escape.
Start planning your Thailand golf adventure:
🗣️ Local Voices
“Playing early mornings in Chiang Mai feels otherwordly with the mist drifting across the greens while monks chant in the distance.” — Local golf guide
❓ FAQ
What’s the best month to golf in Chiang Mai?
November through February offer the best weather—cool mornings, clear skies, and comfortable fairways.
How many golf courses are in Chiang Mai?
Over 10 courses lie within an hour’s drive of the city, ranging from championship layouts to scenic resort courses.
Are there golf packages in Chiang Mai?
Yes, many resorts and operators provide customizable stay-and-play packages—see our Packages page for current options.