Southeast Asia might be the world's most underrated golf destination. While golfers flock to Scotland, Ireland, and the American resort courses, a growing number of savvy travellers are discovering that Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines offer championship-quality courses, immaculate conditioning, personal caddies on every round, and green fees that make Western prices look absurd. Here's your guide to golf in the region.
Thailand
Thailand has been Asia's golf capital for decades, with over 250 courses across the country. The combination of course quality, caddie culture, and affordability makes it a compelling destination.
Where to Play:
Bangkok Region
The area around Bangkok has the highest concentration of courses. Standouts include:
- Nikanti Golf Club — a Jonathan Mounsey design with lakes on every hole and no rough. Unique and beautifully maintained.
- Thai Country Club — former home of the Thailand Open and Honda Classic. A genuine championship test with immaculate greens.
- Alpine Golf Club — regularly ranked among Asia's best, with a challenging layout through lakes and mature trees.
Hua Hin
Three hours south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is the country's premier golf destination:
- Black Mountain — carved through a mountain landscape, this course is regularly ranked in Asia's top 10. Dramatic elevation changes, waterfalls, and conditioning that rivals anywhere in the world.
- Banyan Golf Club — another top-10 regular, with panoramic views from elevated tees and greens.
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand offers cooler temperatures and mountain scenery:
- Chiang Mai Highlands — a stunning mountain course at 600m elevation with views across the valleys.
What makes Thailand special: Every round includes a personal caddie (included in the green fee or for a small additional fee of $10-$15). Thai caddies are experienced, knowledgeable, and make every round more enjoyable. Tipping $15-$20 is customary and appreciated.
Green fees: $40-$120 at top courses. Caddie and buggy typically add $25-$40.
Vietnam
Vietnam's golf scene has exploded in the last decade, and the country now boasts several courses that rival the best in Asia.
Where to Play:
Danang / Central Coast
The hotspot of Vietnamese golf:
- Danang Golf Club — Greg Norman's links-style design along the coast. Genuine links turf, ocean breezes, and stunning views. One of the best courses in Asia.
- BRG Danang Golf Resort — Nicklaus and Norman courses side by side. The Nicklaus course is the pick, with dramatic elevation changes and water features.
- The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip — Greg Norman's clifftop masterpiece south of Ho Chi Minh City. Routed along dramatic sand bluffs above the South China Sea. Increasingly mentioned among Asia's very best.
- Laguna Lang Co — Nick Faldo's design between Danang and Hue, with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other.
Ho Chi Minh City Region
- The Long Thanh Golf Club — a massive complex with 36 holes and outstanding practice facilities.
Hanoi Region
- BRG Kings Island — a Nicklaus design on an island in a reservoir, offering a unique setting.
What makes Vietnam special: The combination of quality and value is extraordinary. Danang's courses rival top courses anywhere, and green fees include a caddie. The food scene is world-class — pho, banh mi, and fresh seafood at local prices.
Green fees: $50-$120 at top courses. Caddie and buggy typically included or add $20-$30.
The Philippines
The Philippines is the least-known golf destination in Southeast Asia, but it has some genuinely outstanding courses.
Where to Play:
- The Farm at San Benito — a wellness resort south of Manila with a beautiful tropical course.
- Anvaya Cove — a dramatic cliff-edge course on the coast north of Manila.
- Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club — four courses south of Manila, with the Aoki course as the standout.
What makes the Philippines special: The hospitality is exceptional. Filipino caddies are among the most enthusiastic and helpful in the world. The country's 7,000+ islands offer incredible non-golf activities — diving, island-hopping, and some of the world's best beaches.
Green fees: $30-$80 at top courses.
Practical Tips for Golf in Southeast Asia
When to go: November to March offers the best weather across the region — dry, warm (28-33°C), and less humid. April and May are hot. June to October brings monsoon rains (though mornings are often clear).
Health and safety:
- Drink bottled water and stay hydrated aggressively — you'll sweat more than you expect
- Apply sunscreen and reapply at the turn
- Mosquito repellent for early morning and late afternoon rounds
- Check vaccination requirements before travel
Getting around: Domestic flights are cheap and frequent in Thailand and Vietnam. Grab (the regional ride-hailing app) works in all major cities. Golf tour operators offer packages with transfers included.
Caddie etiquette:
- Caddies are assigned, usually one per player
- They carry your bag, read greens, find balls, and offer club advice
- Tip $15-$25 per round depending on the country and course
- Be patient and kind — caddies work hard in the heat
Combine golf with culture: Don't spend the entire trip on the course. Visit temples in Chiang Mai, explore Hoi An's old town near Danang, dive in the Philippines, and eat everything you can find at street food stalls.
Southeast Asia offers an experience that no Western golf destination can match: championship golf, personal service, tropical weather, extraordinary food, and all-in costs that are a fraction of what you'd pay in Europe or the US. If you haven't considered it before, start planning now.
