Chiang Rai is a slightly unlikely place to encounter one of the best golf courses in Thailand. Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club is in immaculate and pristine condition and is a must-play course. The excellent design gives the better golfer a chance to excel whilst offering a safer alternative for the higher handicappers.
Built in 1993, the Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club was once the only course in town and is still regarded as one of the outstanding designs in Asia and remains a firm favourite with local players. Not far from the centre of Chiang Mai, the lush fairways of this course wind their way through the valleys and hills and around the imposing mature trees and lakes giving the course a magical feel.
Although it was originally set up as a championship course the right choice of the four tees on offer will ensure that most amateur players will not be overawed and there are always bail-out areas and easier routes to the lightning quick greens.
Whichever route you take to the green there is no avoiding the numerous sand and grassy bunkers and the many water hazards. You will have to cope with hanging lies as most of the fairways undulate one way or the other which makes avoiding the hazards just a bit more difficult. The best hole is probably the finishing hole, a long par-5 where you have to avoid the water off the tee and with your second negotiate another lake as well as some tricky fairway bunkers.
The clubhouse is also a first class affair where you can grab a beer, a sandwich or more as you discuss your round.
Tee Times Bookings at Santiburi Chiang Rai Country Club
One of the attractions of this wonderful golf courses is that it’s usually pretty empty so you should have no problem securing a tee time.