by: LarWest
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One of the world’s choicest tourism destinations, Thailand is a land of secrets and surprises for everyman to enjoy and enjoy. Visitors who love stimulating, courageous outdoor activities will find much to satisfy their desires here; and if golf is high on your list, then it is categorically for you, because the Kingdom is memorable as Asia’s most popular golfing destination. Golf has been played in Thailand for almost a century, with games recorded at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club as early as 1905.

The first recognized 18-hole course, the Royal Hua Hin, was built by a Scottish engineer in 1924. It became known as The Railway because of its proximity to the aristocratic seaside resort’s charming and historic rail station. There are now nearly 200 golf courses scattered throughout the Kingdom, the majority being in and around the popular tourist destinations, Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Many of them were designed by famous players like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones and many others. They have sophisticated modern layouts, a wide diversity of topographical challenges with the finest grass. These are some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes, consistently and painstakingly maintained to keep them in top-class condition. Spacious, well-designed clubhouses with air-conditioned changing facilities, restaurants, bars and rooms for post-tournament functions ensure that golfers begin and end their game in style and comfort. Some courses provide massage and sauna facilities, others have accommodation in landscaped villas and apartments for really keen golfers. Many have practice areas, usually with a pro to tune up your game. You can also rent a golf cart, hire clubs and shoes, and buy souvenir hats and polo shirts at the pro shop.

Most importantly, each course has its caddies, and it is mandatory to employ one. These brightly clad ladies in smart uniforms and straw hats are Thailand’s secret weapon in making golf such good fun. They know lots about the course, smile readily, and can probably read putts far better than you. Greater Bangkok has many excellent courses spread throughout its area, mostly within a 30 to 60 minute drive. The popular seaside courses of Pattaya and Hua Hin are two hours’ drive from the city, and the island of Phuket also has a superb array of layouts with views of the ocean. If you prefer broad, green spaces, jungle terrain and mountains, the courses near the northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, or Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai in the West will surpass your expectations. Apart from golf, Thailand also offers a host of many other great and interesting aspects and activities to discover, to experience and to enjoy. Special programs and activities have also been fi ne-tuned to appeal specifically to honeymooners, families and young travelers, as well as sports and special interest holidays such as health and wellbeing packages. For active visitors, there are lots of water sports on offer on the beautiful inland waterways or along the 3,000 kilometers of coastline.

Thailand’s white beaches and enchanting islands have something for everyone - superb diving, snorkeling, island-hopping, whitewater rafting, sailing, windsurfing, fishing and more. Visitors can also take pleasure in Thailand’s many national parks found in all regions of the country and enjoy hiking or trekking on foot, mountain biking or elephant-back riding, nature walking, bird and butterfly watching and star-gazing. International car rental firms provide a comprehensive range of self-drive or the fly and drive holiday packages tailored to those traveling in groups. Many visitors also love to go trekking and camping in the northern forests, the high plateaus in the Northeast or the rainforest of southern Thailand. And these days, more and more travelers are enjoying the possibilities of touring the country on two wheels. Thailand’s local culture, traditional arts and the diverse ways of life of the people are a fascinating discovery, and you can enhance the experience through personal contact by joining the home-stays in rural huts or on river barges as eco-sensitive alternatives to hotels and guesthouses. Many visitors discover deeper interests on their travels in Thailand, and they can pursue them in many different forms, from Buddhist meditation classes in a forest monastery to lessons in Thai cooking at a five-star hotel.

About the Author

Larry Westfall is a retired expat living in Thailand and loves Khon Kaen Photos and hotels in pattaya

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