Thailand Golf FAQ: Answers for First-Time Visitors (2026–27)

Thailand has roughly 250 to 370 golf courses (estimates vary), five main golf regions and a few customs that surprise first-timers: caddies are effectively compulsory, tips are paid in cash, and the weather differs by coast. The answers below are grouped by topic, with links to our detailed guides. Prices are indicative 2026 figures, and rules change, so confirm before you book.

Key takeaways

• Best time: November to March for most regions. Phuket’s wet season runs May to October, peaking in September, while Hua Hin and Pattaya see their heaviest rain in September and October.

• Caddies: one per player at virtually every course. Budget a caddie fee of about THB 350–500 plus a cash tip of THB 400–600.

• Entry from Australia: since 15 September 2026 the visa-free stay is 30 days (it was 60), and the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory.

• Cost: indicative green fees run about THB 1,500–5,500 (roughly USD 42–160), plus caddie and cart.

• Operators: IAGTO is the global trade body for golf tourism, and its tour operators handle about 90% of international golf holiday sales, according to IAGTO.

Planning and entry

Do I need a visa to play golf in Thailand?

Australians travelling for tourism do not need a visa. Since 15 September 2026, the visa-free stay is 30 days, cut from 60. You can extend once at a Thai immigration office for THB 1,900, up to 60 days in total. Every traveller must also complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within three days before arrival, and your passport should be valid for at least six months. A proposed arrival fee of THB 450 has been reported for 2027 but is not confirmed. Rules differ by nationality and change quickly, so check the Thai embassy or your government’s travel advice before you fly.

How many days do I need for a golf trip to Thailand?

A single region works well in 4–5 days, two regions in 7–9 days and a multi-region circuit in 10–12 days. See The Ultimate Thailand Golf Itinerary →

When to go

What is the best time to play golf in Thailand?

November to March is the peak season for most regions, with cooler and drier conditions. Thailand has two rainy seasons depending on the coast, though, so check your region:

• Phuket (Andaman coast): May to October, peaking in September

• Hua Hin and Pattaya (upper Gulf coast): Heaviest in September and October

• Chiang Mai: About August to September

Rounded long-term averages from Thai weather guides; use them as a guide, not a forecast.

Is it too hot to play in April and May?

These are the hottest months, so book early tee times (typically 7:00–8:30 AM) and drink plenty of water. Most courses stay open and conditions are fine before the heat builds.

Can I play golf in the wet season?

Yes. Rain usually arrives as short, heavy showers rather than all-day downpours, and green fees are often lower. Pick the right coast: Hua Hin and Pattaya are drier than Phuket in the middle of the year.

Courses and regions

How many golf courses are there in Thailand?

Estimates range from about 250 to more than 350, depending on the source and how courses are counted. Wikipedia gives roughly 300 as of 2022. Only a subset suit visiting golfers.

Which region is best for golf?

It depends on the trip you want:

• Hua Hin: Relaxed coastal town (Black Mountain, Banyan, Pineapple Valley)

• Pattaya: A large cluster of courses, social (Siam Country Club, Laem Chabang International, Chee Chan)

• Phuket: Island resorts, golf plus beach (Blue Canyon, Red Mountain)

• Chiang Mai: Cooler mountain setting and culture (Chiang Mai Highlands)

• Bangkok: City base (Alpine Golf Club, Thai Country Club)

Rounded long-term averages from Thai weather guides; use them as a guide, not a forecast.

Is it too hot to play in April and May?

These are the hottest months, so book early tee times (typically 7:00–8:30 AM) and drink plenty of water. Most courses stay open and conditions are fine before the heat builds.

Can I play golf in the wet season?

Yes. Rain usually arrives as short, heavy showers rather than all-day downpours, and green fees are often lower. Pick the right coast: Hua Hin and Pattaya are drier than Phuket in the middle of the year.

Courses and regions

How many golf courses are there in Thailand?

Estimates range from about 250 to more than 350, depending on the source and how courses are counted. Wikipedia gives roughly 300 as of 2022. Only a subset suit visiting golfers.

Caddies and on the course

Are caddies compulsory in Thailand? 

Effectively yes. One caddie per player is standard at virtually every course, and carts are often compulsory too (at Black Mountain, both are). Caddies read greens, give yardages and club advice, and look after your bag.

How much should I tip my caddie? 

The caddie fee (about THB 350–500) goes to the course, and the caddie’s main income is the cash tip. Recent official tour information sheets list minimum tips of THB 300–500, and one guide puts the 2025–26 standard at THB 400–600 a round, with 400 as the acceptable minimum. Pay in cash, in Thai baht, directly to your caddie after the round, so carry small notes. See Tee Times & Caddies in Thailand →.

Should I bring my own clubs? 

Most courses rent clubs (Black Mountain charges THB 1,500 per round), and regular golfers may prefer their own set for fit and consistency. If you fly with clubs, see our International Golf Travel Packing Guide →

Booking and Tour Operation

How far ahead should I book tee times?

Morning tee times at popular courses fill first in peak season (November to March), so booking six to eight weeks ahead is a sensible minimum

How long are transfers?

Black Mountain is about 10–12 km from Hua Hin and around 2.5 hours by car from Bangkok, Pattaya is about 2 hours from Bangkok by road, and Blue Canyon is about 10 minutes from Phuket airport.

About IAGTO and CGE Golf

What is IAGTO?

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators was founded in 1997 and is the global trade organisation for golf tourism. Its members include accredited golf tour operators, resorts, hotels, airlines and tourist boards. IAGTO says its tour operators handle about 90% of international golf holiday sales, and Thailand was named one of five Golf Destinations of the Year at the 2023 IAGTO Awards. IAGTO membership is a trade-body credential, not a payment-protection scheme, so ask any operator about licensing and financial protection separately.

What does a golf tour operator handle for me?

Transfers, tee times, accommodation, caddie and cart arrangements, and local support, so you can focus on the golf. CGE Golf builds tailored itineraries for travellers from Australia and beyond.

Does CGE Golf run escorted tours?

Yes. CGE Golf’s escorted tours suit golfers who enjoy travelling with like-minded people, with everything arranged and supported throughout.

Plan your Thailand golf trip with CGE Golf

🟢 Request a Thailand golf quote → Tell us your dates, group size and must-play courses.

🟢 See CGE Golf escorted tours → Travel with a group, with everything arranged for you.

🟢 Ask the CGE Golf team a question → Not sure which region or month suits you? Ask us.