Hua Hin, Thailand’s coastal resort town, has steadily made a name for itself as a golf destination. It appeals to local golf enthusiasts and international golfers, as it houses a variety of world-class golf courses that are designed to suit numerous skill levels. These also offer spectacular views and different layouts, so playing in each offers diverse and unique experiences. As it is close to the sea, visitors can hop over to the beaches to unwind as well. Here is a closer look at what makes this designation one which provides not only memorable golfing but a complete holiday experience.
Champion golf courses
“Hua Hin and the adjoining Cha-am district pack more than a dozen golf courses into under an hour’s drive of each other. Plenty of visitors fly in just to play: the courses sit about two and a half hours from Bangkok, the cool season (November to February) is comfortable, and the choice runs from championship layouts that have hosted Asian Tour events to the oldest course in Thailand…Beginners or anyone wanting an easier round can use the forward tees at Springfield, or play the flatter, shorter Royal Hua Hin and Sea Pines. Stronger players after a real test should play Black Mountain, known for its hard design and quick greens, with Banyan next. Almost every course offers multiple tee sets to match your level.” (Thailandaddict)
Source: https://thailandaddict.com/en/golf-courses-hua-hin
Hua Hin and the surrounding Cha-am offer several golf courses close to each other. Therefore, golfers get access to different courses each day. Black Mountain Golf Club has put Hua Hin on the map for international golf, with a championship-calibre golf course and the ability to host major international golf events. Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, which has been functioning since the 1920s, offers golfers a historic insight into Thai golf. The variety on offer means there are championship-standard courses for serious golfers as well as more accessible and relaxed rounds for amateurs. Several of these are set against the mountainous backdrop of the hills west of Hua Hin, providing spectacular and contrasting views to traditional urban golf courses. All these factors together helped Hua Hin to bag the ‘Golf Destination of the Year’ accolade at the 19th annual International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Awards.
Conveniently placed near the capital
“Hua Hin is the most popular city in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Its long beach, fresh seafood restaurants, world-class spas, and night markets only a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok attracts a lot of Bangkokians every weekend and on Thai holidays.” (TAT News)
Source: https://www.tatnews.org/2021/06/a-few-days-in-prachuap-khiri-khan-province/
Located around 3 hours away from Bangkok, Hua Hin is therefore easily accessible to international visitors as well as Bangkok residents. Golfers leave the bustle of the capital behind and are away from their next flight in a short space of time. Golfers may devote more of their holiday to golf when they choose this destination, as less time is spent on the road. It is the perfect destination for a long weekend or a longer holiday as there are plenty of options open to them for a mixed sport and leisure holiday between Hua Hin and Bangkok. Therefore, when considering what the best golf resorts in Hua Hin, Thailand, are, the location should be considered because staying in or near central Hua Hin means golfers can enjoy a number of courses but still be within easy reach of the beach, restaurants and other attractions. In this light, NH Hua Hin is within easy distance of a number of golf courses including Royal Hua Hin, Pineapple Valley and Black Mountain.
Favourable climate for golfing
“Golf in Hua Hin is year-round. Hua Hin is known for it’s relatively mild, dry and less-humid rainy season, which was one of the reasons for the King moving to Hua Hin during this time. There can be short downpours disrupting a round during this time. But the “rainy season” (summer in the Northern hemisphere) is in many ways the best time to travel to Hua Hin and Thailand, as prices are much lower and there are no crowds anywhere. Many times you will (almost) have the golf course to yourself during these months.” (Hua Hin Thailand)
Source: https://www.hua-hin.com/golf
Dry climate prevails in Hua Hin. This characteristic makes it appealing for golf throughout the year. When the monsoon season hits, the Andaman coast of Hua Hin, located on the Gulf of Thailand, is drier. However, November to February is usually considered the ideal time for golfing. Since fewer rainy days can be found, golfers have the opportunity to play golf more often. The sea breeze is especially pleasant for golfers. Since these places open early in the morning, golfers will be able to engage in their favourite pastime before it becomes too warm.
A combination of golfing, beach and local experiences
“The four-kilometre-long Hua Hin Beach offers a more tranquil setting than the likes of Phuket or Pattaya and with plenty of family and couple-friendly activities to enjoy like horse riding, water sports, water theme parks, top-end spa retreats, and world-class golf courses.” (AT News)
Golf isn’t the only reason to visit Hua Hin. Visitors can plan to combine rounds at the country’s excellent golf courses with a traditional beach holiday. The beaches offer an easy opportunity to change pace, where golfers are able to spend a few hours on the fairways before spending the rest of the day relaxing on the coastlines. Grab a bite at a nearby restaurant and chill out while enjoying a dazzling sunset. Hua Hin Night Market, Cicada Market and Tamarind Market are also worth exploring for affordable shopping and cultural immersion. The town’s long association with Thailand’s royal family gives a historical dimension to a golf holiday.
Conclusion
Hua Hin’s appeal as a golf destination is enhanced by the variety of courses available and its accessibility to prime locations such as the airport and capital. The combination of mountainous, coastal and landscaped settings ensures that there are options for golfers throughout their stay. Moreover, with pleasant weather prevailing for much of the year, it is a prime location to plan a holiday around a golfing stay.