How Much Does It Cost to Golf in Thailand?
Understanding the Real Cost of Golf in Thailand
Thailand is known as one of Asia’s most golf-friendly destinations — not just for its stunning courses, but also for the value it offers.
Whether you’re teeing off at Bangkok’s prestigious Thai Country Club or enjoying the mountain scenery in Chiang Mai, the question every traveler asks is the same: “How much does it actually cost to golf in Thailand?”
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from green fees and caddie tips to cart rentals, equipment, and travel expenses — so you can budget your next Thai golf holiday with confidence.
Green Fees: The Heart of Every Round
Thailand’s golf pricing is generally transparent and flexible. Most courses offer different rates for weekday vs. weekend play, low vs. high season, and local vs. international guests.
| Course Tier | Example Courses | Green Fee (THB) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite / Championship | Thai Country Club, Red Mountain, Black Mountain | ฿3,000–฿5,000 | $80–$140 |
| Mid-Range Resort Courses | Banyan Hua Hin, Chiang Mai Highlands | ฿2,000–฿3,500 | $55–$95 |
| Local / Public Courses | Muang Kaew, Lakewood, Royal Chiang Mai | ฿1,000–฿2,000 | $25–$55 |
Insider Tip:
Courses often run weekday promotions, especially in the green season (May–October) when fewer tourists play. You can save 20–40% compared to peak-season weekend rates.
Caddie Fees and Tipping Etiquette
Unlike in many Western countries, caddies are mandatory at nearly all Thai golf courses — and they’re part of what makes the experience so special.
- Standard Caddie Fee: ฿350–฿450 ($10–$13)
- Recommended Tip: ฿300–฿500 ($8–$14), depending on service quality
Caddies are friendly, knowledgeable, and often double as guides — reading greens, managing your clubs, and helping you navigate course etiquette. A generous tip is customary and appreciated.
Golf Cart Rental
Carts are not always included in your green fee and sometimes mandatory on hilly or long courses like Red Mountain or Alpine Chiang Mai.
- Typical Cost: ฿600–฿900 ($16–$25) per cart
- Single Rider Surcharge: Some clubs charge extra if you don’t share a cart.
If you prefer walking, check in advance — a few top-tier courses are cart-only due to layout or pace-of-play rules.
Club Rentals and Gear
Most resort and tourist-friendly courses offer high-quality rental sets from brands like TaylorMade, Titleist, or Callaway.
- Rental Clubs: ฿1,000–฿1,500 ($25–$40) per round
- Shoe Rental: ฿200–฿300 ($5–$8)
- Umbrella / Rain Gear: Often complimentary or ฿100–฿200
For travelers playing multiple rounds, bringing your own clubs is often cheaper, but do factor in airline baggage fees(฿1,000–฿2,000 per domestic flight).
Transport Between Courses
Transportation can be one of the hidden costs of golf in Thailand. While tour companies include transfers, independent travelers must plan for it.
| Option | Typical Cost (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private driver (half-day) | ฿1,200–฿1,800 | Ideal for groups of 2–4 golfers |
| Grab / Taxi (short distance) | ฿300–฿600 | Common in Bangkok & Pattaya |
| Hotel shuttle | Often free | Check availability in resort towns |
Booking drivers directly or through your hotel can save time and help with punctual tee-offs.
Multi-Day Golf Packages
Golf tour companies often combine accommodation, transfers, and green fees into one price.
| Package Type | Includes | Average Price (THB) | Per-Day Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D/2N Bangkok | 2 rounds + hotel + transfers | ฿13,000–฿18,000 | $120–$160/day |
| 5D/4N Hua Hin | 4 rounds + hotel + transfers | ฿22,000–฿30,000 | $125–$160/day |
| 7D/6N Phuket | 5 rounds + 4-star hotel + airport pickup | ฿35,000–฿45,000 | $150–$180/day |
These packages can offer convenience and small savings over booking individually, but check inclusions carefully — especially caddie fees and cart rentals.
Seasonal Price Variations
Golf in Thailand is playable year-round, but costs fluctuate with the seasons:
- High Season (Nov–Feb): Cool, dry weather, higher prices.
- Shoulder Season (Mar–Apr): Hotter, occasional discounts.
- Low/Green Season (May–Oct): Rainy but cheaper, quieter fairways.
Expect up to 40% savings during the green season, though you’ll need flexibility with tee times and weather.
Hidden Costs and Extras
When budgeting, remember these smaller expenses can add up:
- Food & drinks on course: ฿150–฿300 ($4–$8)
- Locker & shower fee: Occasionally ฿50–฿100
- Souvenirs or course apparel: ฿500–฿1,000
- Tipping your driver: ฿200–฿300 per day
Example Daily Cost for a Mid-Range Golfer
Here’s what an average day might look like in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai:
| Item | Cost (THB) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Green Fee | ฿2,500 | $68 |
| Caddie Fee + Tip | ฿800 | $22 |
| Cart Rental | ฿700 | $19 |
| Transport | ฿500 | $13 |
| Lunch & Drinks | ฿300 | $8 |
| Total | ฿4,800 | $130 per day |
This represents a mid-range experience — comfortable, scenic, and great value for the quality of courses in Thailand.
Editorial Perspective: The Value of Golf in Thailand
Compared to Japan, Korea, or Singapore, Thailand’s golf pricing remains remarkably accessible — even at the luxury level. What sets it apart is service quality and experience: perfectly maintained fairways, caddies who remember your name, and post-round hospitality that often includes spa facilities or clubhouse dining.
For the quality received, Thailand delivers one of the best golf-to-cost ratios in the world.
Soft Call to Action
⛳ Explore our Course Reviews to see where your green fees go.
💼 Compare Packages to understand full-trip pricing.
🗓️ Read Best Time to Golf in Thailand for seasonal cost-saving insights.
Editor’s Note
This article is part of the ThaiGolfGuide Cost Insight Series, where we break down real-world expenses for planning your Thailand golf trip.
Next, read: Should You Book Through a Golf Tour Company?
