Golf in Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand's golf is the country's most scenic and its most comfortable, a ring of mountain framed courses around an ancient walled city, cooler than the south and rich in temples, markets and food. The courses that matter, the cool season, the costs and how to plan a trip.
Photograph: Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai, via Google
Why golf in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the most rewarding golf base in Thailand for travelers who want more than fairways. The old Lanna capital sits in a broad valley ringed by forested mountains, and a dozen courses spread out into the hills around it, set against backdrops of jungle ridges and the sacred peak of Doi Suthep. The northern climate is the real draw: in the cool season from November to February, mornings are crisp and the afternoons sit in the mid 20s Celsius, far more comfortable for a full round than the humidity of Bangkok or the coast. The golf is genuinely good too, led by the 27 hole championship layout at Alpine and the scenic test at Chiang Mai Highlands.
The appeal is the combination. Chiang Mai pairs its golf with one of Asia's great cultural cities, full of ancient temples, night markets, cooking schools, elephant sanctuaries and some of the best and cheapest food in Thailand, which makes it as good for a couple or a mixed group as for a buddies trip. The international airport is minutes from the old city, the courses lie within an hour of the centre, and a round here costs a fraction of what the same golf would in Europe or the United States. Caddies, mandatory at every Thai course, add to the relaxed, well looked after feel.
The areas
San Kamphaeng and the east
The forested hills east of the city, home to Alpine Golf Resort and Chiang Mai Highlands, the region's two best courses, about 30 to 45 minutes from the centre through rice country.
Hang Dong and the southwest
The valley toward Doi Suthep, where Summit Green Valley sits among palms close to town, the most convenient quality round and a short hop from the old city.
Mae Rim and the north
The resort and elephant country north of the city, home to Royal Chiang Mai and North Hill, with mountain views and the boutique lodges of the Mae Rim valley.
Lamphun and Khuntan
The province just south, where the Gassan courses spread across lakes and foothills, a slightly longer drive rewarded with quiet, scenic golf among the mountains.
The Old City
The moated, temple filled heart of Chiang Mai, the natural base for hotels, markets, cooking schools and dining, within easy reach of every course in the valley.
The Ping Valley and beyond
The wider countryside of rice paddies, hill tribe villages and Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, an easy add on for a non golf day between rounds.
The courses that matter
Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai
The region's flagship, a 27 hole championship course laid out in a valley among the San Kamphaeng forests, with a resort and academy on site and a record of hosting professional events. The must play round of the valley.
Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa
The most scenic course in the area, opened in 2005 and routed through the eastern foothills with dramatic elevation, water and mountain views, plus a spa resort for a stay and play base.
Summit Green Valley
A Dennis Griffiths design, the same architect as Thai Country Club in Bangkok, kept in fine condition and lined with hundreds of palms, only 20 minutes from the centre, the most convenient quality round.
Royal Chiang Mai Golf Club
The area's original course, opened in 1979 north of the city, with beautiful views of Doi Suthep and a relaxed, established feel, a good value and historic round in the Mae Rim valley.
North Hill City Golf Club
A well regarded course close to the city in the Mae Rim direction, with mountain views and a friendly, walkable layout, a solid and accessible round to pair with the marquee names.
The Gassan courses
Gassan Khuntan, Gassan Legacy and Gassan Marina spread across lakes and foothills just south in Lamphun, a cluster of scenic, good value layouts for a group wanting a quieter day among the mountains.
Course details verified June 2026. Course profiles are added across the site as the directory grows. A caddie is mandatory at every Thai course; carts and caddie fees are additional to the green fee. Always confirm availability and rates directly before planning.