Thailand
Thailand A tas te for
Peter Ellegard recommends the mountainous northern region of Chiang Mai for intrepid golfers
Sunset at Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai
On course Offering access to a dozen golf courses in the scenic landscape of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the perfect option for golfers who want to include a few rounds of golf on a holiday in the Land of Smiles, away from the mass tourism of its beach resorts and the traffic jams of Bangkok. Chiangmai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort is a
beautiful and exquisitely-manicured Lee Schmidt design, lorded over by a grand, elevated clubhouse. Laid out over rolling hillsides amid forested mountains and with several large lakes lining fairways, golfers also have to navigate a sea of bunkers approaching the green on the par-4, 8th hole. Another nine holes were added in late 2015 to give 27 holes (
chiangmaihighlands.com). Those who want a real taste of northern
Thailand will certainly get that on the fairways of Mae Jo Golf Resort; they’re lined by local fruit-bearing trees, including longan, lychee, pomello and tangerine. The course itself features rolling fairways and large, undulating and challenging greens, as well as plenty of gaping, red-sand bunkers and water hazards to spice up the risk-and-reward layout (
maejogolfclub.com). Opened in 2009, Chiang Mai Inthanon is one of
the newest courses and, at 7,268 yards off the back tees, is the longest. This still-maturing course offers views of Thailand’s highest mountain and its namesake, Doi Inthanon, from wide fairways (
chiangmaiinthanongolfresort.com).
Off course Thailand’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai, is the gateway to the forested and mountainous north of the country. Here, full moon parties and island- hopping are eschewed for a cultural heartland abounding in charm. The moat and some parts of the original wall still encircle the old city, which was the former capital of the powerful Lanna Kingdom. The historic centre is walkable, but a ride in an ubiquitous tuk-tuks is a must. This is the land of temples; there are over 300 of
them in Chiang Mai and its environs — more than 30 within the old city alone. Towering over them all, literally, is the magnificent Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is well worth the strenuous climb. Popular excursions include trips to the Elephant
Nature Park, where visitors are encouraged to interact with rescued creatures, and to craſt centres such as Bo Sang Village, where artisans make and hand-paint parasols. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s most northerly city, is
125 miles to the north-east and just three hours by road. From there, you can visit hill tribes in the fabled Golden Triangle region, go trekking into remote mountain areas or make cross-border visits to Laos and Myanmar. Back in Chiang Mai, its buzzing night market
offers plenty of clothing and jewellery bargains, and the kilometre-long Nimmanhaemin Road not only boasts numerous restaurants, but also has a great café scene to seduce you away from the greens.
ESSENTIALS
WHEN TO GO: November to February is Thailand’s dry, cool season. March-May is the hottest and most rainfall is from June to October. Mountainous Chiang Mai is cooler with less humidity. GREEN FEES: £50-£75. FLIGHT TIME: Around 12h to Bangkok. VISA REQUIREMENTS: None for stays of up to 30 days. GETTING AROUND: Walk, take taxis or tuk-tuks in Chiang Mai. Tour operators organise minibuses to golf courses. CONTACT:
uk.tourismthailand.org
countrybycountry.com | ABTA Magazine 193
IMAGE: GETTY
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