Comparing Phuket vs Pattaya for Golf: Which Base Is Right for You?
Positioning: An independent, side-by-side look at two of Thailand’s most popular golf destinations. Phuket brings dramatic, luxury-leaning island golf; Pattaya delivers the country’s densest cluster of championship layouts and easy logistics.
Disclosure: ThaiGolfGuide is editorial; we don’t sell tours or plan trips. Some links may be affiliate and never affect our picks. Full policy: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/disclosure/
Useful links:
- Destinations hub: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/destinations/
- Course directory: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/golf-courses/
- Best time to go: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/guides/best-time-to-golf-thailand/
- Etiquette & tipping: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/tips/golf-etiquette-in-thailand/
TL;DR Verdict
- Pick Phuket if you want a luxury island vibe, spectacular shot values, and resort downtime between marquee rounds.
- Pick Pattaya if you want maximum course variety (20+ nearby), tournament pedigree (Siam Country Club), and efficient logistics for multi-round weeks.
Planning rate for costs in this article: ฿36 = US$1 (rounded).
Phuket vs Pattaya at a Glance
| Feature | PHUKET | PATTAYA |
|---|---|---|
| Golf overview | Fewer courses (~8–10), but spectacular layouts carved from former tin mines and jungle with ocean/lagoon views. Often higher-end. | Thailand’s highest concentration of courses (20+), making logistics simple. World-class championship venues and strong value. |
| Signature vibe | Tranquil, beach-resort luxury and natural beauty. | Vibrant city energy, nightlife, fast-paced, wallet-friendly. |
| Top 5 courses | 1) Red Mountain 2) Blue Canyon – Canyon 3) Laguna Golf Phuket 4) Loch Palm 5) Mission Hills Phuket | 1) Siam CC – Old Course (LPGA host) 2) Siam CC – Plantation 3) Chee Chan (Buddha Mountain views) 4) Laem Chabang (27H, Nicklaus) 5) Siam CC – Rolling Hills |
| Top 3 hotels (luxury-leaning) | 1) Amanpuri 2) Banyan Tree Phuket 3) Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket | 1) InterContinental Pattaya Resort 2) Hilton Pattaya 3) Pullman Pattaya Hotel G |
| Who it suits | Couples and small groups seeking scenery + spa days + refined resort service. | Groups and frequent players chasing variety, tournament aura, and efficient schedules. |
[Image idea] Two thumbnails under the table: Red Mountain elevated tee vs Chee Chan fairway with Khao Chee Chan Buddha in backdrop.
The Golf: Drama vs Density
Phuket — “Fewer, but spectacular”
- Red Mountain Golf Club: The must-play. Elevated tees, red-earth quarry backdrops, and memorable shot-making.
- Blue Canyon Country Club – Canyon Course: Historic championship pedigree (Johnnie Walker Classic; Tiger Woods 1998), muscular routing.
- Laguna Golf Phuket: Resort-convenient 18 within the Laguna complex; polished operations and reliable conditioning.
- Loch Palm Golf Club: Lakeside visuals, forgiving in places—great warm-up round.
- Mission Hills Phuket: Mangrove and seaside vistas; wind adds flavor and challenge.
Editor tip: Phuket’s tee sheets in hot/green seasons are calmer, and twilight pairs nicely with beach days. Browse courses: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/golf-courses/
Pattaya — “Variety + tournament aura”
- Siam Country Club – Old Course: LPGA Honda Classic host; immaculate surfaces; a bucket-list round in Thailand.
- Siam Country Club – Plantation: Demanding, scenic, and beautifully presented.
- Siam Country Club – Rolling Hills: Modern risk-reward features, pristine conditioning.
- Chee Chan Golf Resort: Photogenic routing under Khao Chee Chan Buddha; excellent greens.
- Laem Chabang International Country Club (27H): Jack Nicklaus design with multiple nines for easy variety.
Editor tip: With 20+ options, Pattaya makes it easy to sequence 3–5 rounds with progressive difficulty and minimal drive time.
Where to Stay & Neighborhood Feel
Phuket (editor picks by vibe)
- Ultra-lux island escape: Amanpuri; consider Trisara as an alternative.
- Golf-convenient luxury: Banyan Tree Phuket and Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket (short walk/ride to Laguna Golf).
- Beach energy & dining: Bang Tao and Surin for upscale; Kata/Karon for broader choices.
Destination hub: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/destinations/
Pattaya (editor picks by vibe)
- Luxury calm with Gulf views: InterContinental Pattaya Resort.
- City-center convenience: Hilton Pattaya (atop Central Festival).
- Beachfront value-leaning: Pullman Pattaya Hotel G.
Transfers & Logistics
| Factor | PHUKET | PATTAYA |
|---|---|---|
| Primary airport | HKT (on-island) | BKK (Suvarnabhumi) or U-Tapao (UTP; closer, fewer flights) |
| Hotel ↔ course | ~20–60 min typical (depends on beach base) | ~20–50 min typical; density helps planning |
| Rest days | Beach/boat days, spas, sunset dining | City tours, sanctuaries, rooftop bars, markets |
| Nightlife | Upscale beach clubs; quieter pockets | Vibrant nightlife corridors; wide range of venues |
Editor tip: For early tee times, prioritize hotels with expressway/main-artery access (Pattaya), or stay in/near Lagunaor the north-west beach corridor (Phuket) to shorten shuttles.
Weather & Best Months (Quick Planner)
- Both destinations are playable year-round.
- Cool (Nov–Feb): Peak conditions and demand—book 6–10 weeks ahead; weekday mornings preferred.
- Hot (Mar–May): Aim 06:30–08:00 starts; quieter tee sheets and potential rate relief.
- Rainy (Jun–Oct): Mornings often clear; short afternoon showers; greener fairways; occasional cart-path-only.
Deeper seasonal guidance: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/guides/best-time-to-golf-thailand/
Costs: THB & USD (Indicative)
(Exchange used: ฿36 ≈ US$1. Prices vary by season, policy, and vehicle type.)
Phuket (island + marquee courses)
| Line Item | THB | USD (≈) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green fee (lux window) | 4,500–7,500 | $125–$210 | Red Mountain/Blue Canyon at upper band |
| Cart | 700–1,200 | $20–$35 | Policy varies |
| Caddie tip (per player) | 300–500+ | $8–$14 | Add for rain/exceptional |
| Transfers (RT) | 1,200–3,500 | $33–$97 | Distance & vehicle size |
| 5★ hotel (per night) | 5,000–12,000 | $140–$335 | Beachfront weeks trend higher |
Pattaya (density + value)
| Line Item | THB | USD (≈) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green fee (broad range) | 2,500–6,500 | $70–$180 | Siam/peak on upper band |
| Cart | 700–1,200 | $20–$35 | Often extra |
| Caddie tip (per player) | 300–500 | $8–$14 | Cash |
| Transfers (RT) | 1,000–2,500 | $28–$69 | Shorter average distances |
| 4–5★ hotel (per night) | 4,000–9,000 | $110–$250 | City vs beachfront shifts rate |
Takeaway: Phuket skews higher due to resort pricing and marquee courses; Pattaya often delivers more holes per baht.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Choose Phuket if… you value island scenery, resort polish, and a slower pace between signature rounds. Ideal for couples and small groups who balance golf with spa/beach time.
- Choose Pattaya if… you want maximum variety, tournament-grade options (Siam CC), and efficient logistics for 3–5 rounds in a short window. Great for four-balls and golf-first weeks.
Example Editorial Plans (Inspiration Only)
Phuket 4D/3N
- Day 1: Arrive HKT → beach dinner
- Day 2: Red Mountain (AM) → spa → sunset cocktails
- Day 3: Blue Canyon – Canyon (AM) → relaxed dinner
- Day 4: Leisure morning → depart
Pattaya 3D/2N
- Day 1: Arrive BKK/UTP → twilight warm-up (Laem Chabang)
- Day 2: Siam CC – Old Course (AM) → dinner in town
- Day 3: Chee Chan (AM) → depart
Browse course details: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/golf-courses/
Practicalities: Etiquette, Carts, and Tips
- Caddies: One per player is common; they read grainy greens well—trust the line.
- Carts: Policies vary (and can be seasonal). Verify whether carts are included in any stay & play rates.
- Tipping: THB 300–500+ per player is typical; carry small bills.
Etiquette refresher: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/tips/golf-etiquette-in-thailand/
FAQs
Which destination is cheaper overall?
Generally Pattaya, thanks to course density and city hotel pricing. Phuket trends pricier (island logistics and marquee courses).
Where are courses closer together?
Pattaya—20+ courses within short drives. Phuket transfers are manageable but depend on your beach base.
Can I combine both in one trip?
You can, but it’s distance-heavy. Most travelers pair Bangkok + Pattaya or Bangkok + Phuket instead.
Are rentals and night golf available?
Yes at many clubs—reserve rentals in advance. Night golf is more common in the Bangkok/Pattaya corridors than in Phuket.
What months are best for comfort and pace?
Nov–Feb for cool, firm conditions; Mar–May for quieter courses with early starts; Jun–Oct for lush fairways and morning rounds.
Next Steps (Editorial, Not Sales)
- Explore destinations: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/destinations/
- Browse all courses: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/golf-courses/
- Best time to go: https://www.thaigolfguide.com/guides/best-time-to-golf-thailand/
