Thailand Golf Travel Logistics
From airport choices to tee-time timing, caddies, and payments, this playbook every moving part so you can focus on great rounds, not guesswork.
Quick-Glance Logistics
| Best Arrival Hubs | BKK/DMK (Bangkok), HKT (Phuket), CNX (Chiang Mai). HHQ via ground from Bangkok for Hua Hin. |
| Typical Course Transfers | 30–90 minutes from city hotels (traffic varies). |
| Caddies & Carts | Caddie per player is common; carts vary by course and season. |
| Pace Target | 4–4.5 hours; mornings are best for heat/rain. |
| Payment Norms | Cards widely accepted; carry THB cash for tips and small services. |
| Complete Guide | Thailand Golf Guide |
1) Flights & Arrival Airports
Thailand’s main gateways are Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Phuket (HKT), and Chiang Mai (CNX). Choose your hub based on destination clusters and first tee time.
- Bangkok + Hua Hin or Pattaya: Fly into BKK/DMK → ground transfers.
- Phuket only: HKT for beach + resort golf.
- Chiang Mai only/plus Bangkok: CNX for cool mornings and mountain scenery.
- Arrival-day rounds: Book twilight or practice only; avoid tight connections.
Research destinations: Explore Destinations
2) Moving Between Cities (Air, Rail, Car)
- Domestic flights: Frequent on major routes; build a 4–6 hr buffer if golfing same day.
- Private car/minivan: Best for Bangkok ↔ Hua Hin/Pattaya; confirm tolls, luggage, and club storage.
- Rail/hotel transfers: Comfortable on non-golf days; avoid same-day golf risk.
- Pro tip: Make travel days practice or 9-hole days.
3) Course Transfers & Timing
- Pickup windows: Leave 90–120 minutes before tee time in big cities.
- Expressway access: Hotels near on-ramps save 20–30 minutes.
- Vehicles: Book vans with club racks, chilled water, and post-round buffer time.
- Night golf: Great for late arrivals or hot months (where available).
See transfer options by destination
4) Tee-Time Strategy (By Season)
| Season | Best Approach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool (Nov–Feb) | Book 6–10 weeks ahead; weekday mornings. | Peak demand; pair with top dining/spa nights. |
| Hot (Mar–May) | 06:30–08:00 starts; shade and electrolytes. | Quieter courses, good rates. |
| Rainy (Jun–Oct) | Morning rounds; check maintenance schedules. | Greener fairways; watch for cart-path-only. |
Seasonal deep dive: Best Time to Golf in Thailand
5) Caddies, Carts & Check-In Flow
Typical flow: pro shop check-in → starter → practice → first tee. Expect one caddie per player, with carts optional or required depending on the course.
- Caddies: Expert reads and pace support; thank them sincerely.
- Tipping: THB 300–500 per player; more for rain/exceptional help.
- Locker rooms: Bring a spare shirt; hats off indoors.
Etiquette refresher: Golf Etiquette in Thailand
6) Payments, Cash & Mobile Data
- Cards vs cash: Pro shops and hotels accept cards; keep THB 20–100 notes for tips and small services.
- ATMs & DCC: Use bank ATMs; decline dynamic currency conversion.
- Mobile data: eSIM/SIM for maps, WhatsApp with drivers, and ride-hailing.
- Receipts: Screenshot tee-time confirmations and transfer details.
7) Packing List (Heat/Rain/Tech)
- Heat kit: Breathable polos, extra glove, sweat towel, sunscreen, lip balm, electrolytes.
- Rain kit (Jun–Oct): Light rain jacket, rain glove, quick-dry socks, zip bags for valuables.
- Gear: Rangefinder, spare spikes, travel cover for clubs, luggage tags with a Thai contact number.
- Docs: Travel insurance, passport copies, tee-time and transfer confirmations.
Read more about golfing in the rain here.
8) Group Logistics (2–8 Golfers)
- Pairings: 4-balls standard; larger groups use consecutive tee times.
- Pace captain: Nominate one person to liaise with starter and caddies.
- Payments: One payer at pro shop; settle up later via apps.
- Photos: Take team shots on tees; keep greens clear for pace.
- Add-ons: Spa, rooftop dinners, cooking classes for non-golfers and recovery days.
9) Safety, Insurance & Health
- Hydration: Mandatory water stops and shade; use electrolytes in hot months.
- Lightning: Obey horns and staff; wait for the all-clear in shelters.
- Insurance: Cover trip disruption and equipment; note serial numbers.
- Medical: Pack personal meds, blister care, and sunscreen refills.
10) Example Itineraries & Budgets
Bangkok Weekender (3D/2N)
- Day 1: Arrival → twilight warm-up (near-city course) → rooftop dinner
- Day 2: Championship round → spa → dinner cruise
- Day 3: Morning round → airport transfer
Hua Hin Green Season (4D/3N)
- 3 rounds (e.g., Black Mountain, Banyan, Springfield) + 5★ resort + private van
Phuket Resort Escape (5D/4N)
- 3 rounds (e.g., Blue Canyon, Laguna) + beach day + sunset charter (optional)
| Cost Item | Typical Range (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green Fee | 2,500–6,500 | Weekday vs weekend; season-dependent |
| Caddie Tip | 300–500 per player | Add +100–200 for rain/exceptional help |
| Cart | 700–1,200 | Per cart; rules vary |
| Transfers (RT) | 1,200–2,800 | Distance & vehicle size |
| Hotel (5★) | 4,000–9,000 per night | City & season vary |
FAQs
Can I golf on arrival day?
Yes—book a late afternoon/twilight tee time and allow generous buffers for immigration, bags, and transfers.
How early should I book tee times?
In cool season, 6–10 weeks ahead is smart. Hot/rainy seasons can be closer in—mornings still go first.
Do courses rent clubs?
Many do. Reserve in advance and specify handedness, shaft flex, and preferred brand if available.
What’s the usual caddie tip?
THB 300–500 per player; add a bit more for rain days or outstanding service.
Is ride-hailing available?
Yes, Grab and Bolt are available in major cities. Use Grab SUV or confirm the vehicle size beforehand for golf bags; private vans are best for groups and early tee times.
Summary & Next Steps
Thailand is extremely golf-friendly. With the right airport, transfers, tee times, and packing plan, your rounds will run like clockwork—so you can focus on fairways, not logistics.