Koh Samui Golf Guide: Best Courses, Resorts & Travel Tips

Where palm-fringed beaches meet panoramic fairways, Koh Samui offers one of Thailand’s most exclusive island golf experiences. Expect dramatic ocean views, lush jungle backdrops, and a pace of play as relaxed as the island itself.
Why Golf in Koh Samui?
Koh Samui blends tropical serenity with first-class golf. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this island paradise is renowned for its five-star resorts, powder-soft beaches, and friendly local charm.
Though smaller than Phuket, Samui’s hilly terrain and coastal elevation create some of the most scenic tee shots in Asia. Direct flights to Samui International Airport connect easily via Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, making it accessible yet pleasantly secluded.
Golf here feels personal and peaceful — ideal for couples, honeymooners, and small groups seeking a boutique golf holiday. Explore more planning tips in our Golf Tips section.
Best Golf Courses in Koh Samui
Santiburi Samui Country Club
Koh Samui’s signature championship course and the island’s crown jewel. Perched high in the hills of Maenam, it offers spectacular ocean views on nearly every hole. Expect tight fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and silky-smooth greens. The 14th tee overlooks the Gulf of Thailand — a bucket-list shot for any golfer.
Royal Samui Golf & Country Club
A challenging hillside layout carved through coconut plantations, offering breathtaking panoramas of Lamai Bay and Chaweng Beach. Smaller and more rugged than Santiburi, it provides a fun, intimate experience with authentic Thai hospitality.
(More courses are in development, and visiting golfers often combine a Samui stay with short trips to nearby Surat Thani or Koh Phangan for variety.)
View complete listings in our Koh Samui Golf Courses directory.
Where to Stay
- Santiburi Koh Samui Resort — Beachfront luxury owned by the same group as Santiburi Country Club, offering exclusive golf privileges and transfers.
- Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui — Hillside villas with private infinity pools and panoramic ocean views.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui — Five-star comfort with private beaches and curated golf concierge service.
- Anantara Bophut Resort — Elegant beachfront resort near Fisherman’s Village, ideal for couples.
- Silavadee Pool Spa Resort — Cliffside serenity with direct access to quiet beaches.
Most high-end resorts arrange golf-and-stay packages with round-trip transfers to Santiburi and optional spa add-ons.
When to Visit
Koh Samui’s climate differs slightly from Thailand’s mainland. The best months for golf are January to April, when skies are clear and the sea calm.
May to September offers good conditions with occasional showers, while October to December can bring heavier rain but lush, tropical beauty.
💡 Pro Tip: Book early-morning tee times at Santiburi Country Club — the light is golden, the air cool, and the fairways framed by mist-topped hills.
Travel Tips & Local Highlights
- Beaches: Chaweng for energy, Maenam for tranquility, Lamai for scenic coves.
- Culture: Visit Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem for colorful coastal views.
- Cuisine: Enjoy beachside seafood grills and southern Thai specialties like yellow curry or grilled prawns.
- Day Trips: Take a speedboat to Ang Thong Marine Park or Koh Phangan for snorkeling and sightseeing between rounds.
For etiquette and packing suggestions, visit our Golf Tips section.
Plan Your Trip
Koh Samui is Thailand’s most romantic golf destination — a fusion of ocean air, island rhythm, and hillside greens. Whether you’re seeking honeymoon luxury or a peaceful solo getaway, every round here comes with a postcard view.
Start planning your tropical golf retreat:
🗣️ Local Voices
“Santiburi is unlike anywhere else in Thailand — every shot comes with a view of the sea. It’s challenging, beautiful, and peaceful all at once.” — Local Golf Professional
❓ FAQ
How many golf courses are on Koh Samui?
Two main courses — Santiburi Samui Country Club and Royal Samui Golf & Country Club — plus nearby options on the mainland.
When is the best time to golf in Koh Samui?
January to April offers the best weather; May–September is pleasant with light showers.
Do resorts offer golf packages?
Yes, most five-star hotels provide customizable stay-and-play packages with private transfers and exclusive tee times.
